Prologue: 威信 (Ishin)
Prestige (noun) -reputation or influence arising from success, achievement, rank, or other favorable attributes.
Sitting behind the desk of a rather well furnished office was a man with dull pink hair reading through stacks of written reports, statistics and documents that have been accumulated throughout the day.
"Haruno-sama, your shipments have arrived."
The busy clan head turned businessman looked up from the file that he was reading and nodded his approval at the statement.
"How are the exports in Kusagakure?" Haruno Kizashi asked his trading supervisor, his gruff tone resonating in a commanding manner.
"They are due to arrive there tomorrow, Haruno-sama," replied the informant.
"And our shipments in Wave country?"
"They are already accounted for, Haruno-sama."
"Good."
A brief moment passed and seeing that the lingering informant was still there, Kizashi raised a brow and voiced out his inquiry.
"Is there something that you wish to tell me?"
The supervisor inclined his head as a sign of confirmation. "A chunin has been sent here to inform you of a message from the Hokage, sir."
Kizashi paused in his skimming and put down his document.
"Send him in."
With a bow, the supervisor left the room and ushered in the chunin. The brunette ninja walked inside, his eyes swiftly darting around the room in an unconscious manner (as a result of past experiences) and watched as the civilian observed him, the light glinting off the leaf insignia engraved on the forehead protector he wore on his arm. A slightly ominous aura surrounded the room and Kizashi gulped nervously at the sight of the hitai-ite.
"Haruno-san," he greeted with a tone of politeness.
"Shinobi-san," Kizashi returned as he warily eyed the multiple weapon pouches upon the ninja's person.
"Hokage-sama has sent me to inform you that the Haruno clan was chosen to represent the civilian section of the council due to your well-known reputation towards the citizens," he paused briefly, giving time for the information to sink in. "Do you, Haruno Kizashi, accept the proposition given to you and your clan to have a voice in the council?"
A few silent moments passed as the Haruno patriarch slowly reigned in his surprise. Regaining his senses, he gave the expected reply.
"I, Haruno Kizashi, accept the proposition and all that was implied in my agreement."
The chunin smiled patronizingly at the civilian lord's prolonged reply.
"As the head of your clan, Haruno-san, you are to attend the council meeting today."
"Of course, Shinobi-san. When shall the meeting start?"
"In two hours, Haruno-san."
-0-
Haruno Household
"Mebuki," Kizashi began softly, not wanting to wake the sleeping child in his wife's arms.
"Kizashi," she responded and smiled at him. "Look, it's almost been a year. Little Sakura-chan's growing bigger already."
Kizashi smiled back, indicating that he had heard her.
"Our clan has been recognized. We have been offered a voice in the village council."
Surprise shone brightly in Mebuki's jade eyes.
"How?"
Her husband smirked proudly. "It seems that we are well-known in the village. Our reputation precedes us."
Instead of the pleased satisfaction that he was hoping to see, an expression of consternation appeared on his wife's face.
"Are you sure that we could handle the burden of it?" she asked, laying a hand on his arm.
Leveling his gaze on his doubtful spouse, he frowned. "Do you not see the advantages this would bring to us?"
Mebuki blinked. "Of course, but what about dear Sakura-chan?"
"The girl would be raised with the honor of our family. This would be beneficial for her as well. As an heiress, she would have to be prepared for her role undoubtedly so."
Mebuki stared at her husband disbelievingly and sighed at his political schemes. She should have known what she was getting into when she married into a clan of rising prestige. As she had joined a well-known clan involved with an abundance of wealth and successful businesses, she should have predicted its growing reputation and popularity.
Mentally shaking her head, she now understood her father's sentiments in arranging her a marriage into this clan. It didn't make her dislike it any less though.
"Perhaps we should give ourselves more time to consider this, Kizashi-kun?" she tried, softening her voice.
Kizashi's azure eyes hardened. "The proposition has already been accepted. You should be grateful for this opportunity, Mebuki."
"It doesn't mean that you should use our own daughter as a pawn for your political games!" She vehemently protested.
Kizashi narrowed his eyes at the tone. His angered gaze darted to the little pink-haired baby who his wife held carefully.
As his eyes shifted to the direction of the mother, the child cried, having been woken up.
Scrutinizing his anxious wife and the crying child, he shook his head in disappointment and quietly left the room.
Mebuki stared after her husband, visibly shaken by his decision. A sharp noise then reminded of the child bawling in her arms.
In gentle whispers and caresses, she soothed, "I'm sorry Sakura-chan. Kaa-san didn't mean to wake you."
Eventually little Sakura quieted down and stared curiously at her mother, huge expressive emerald eyes blinking.
Stay strong, dear Sakura-chan. You are going to have a very difficult future with what your Tou-san is planning. But I believe that you could do it. And don't worry, Kaa-san will be here guiding you along the way.
Haruno Sakura.
One day, you'll become great, Sakura-chan.
Mebuki indulged herself with a small smile at the sight of her now sleeping daughter. Maybe she should just have a little faith. Maybe her husband could be right. Sakura could very well lead the clan into prestige. For now though, she thought, Enjoy your life while you still can, Sakura-chan.
Mebuki sadly smiled and gave a tearful whisper at the thought of her daughter's future.
"Kaa-san and Tou-san love you very much, Sakura-chan. Very much."
Words that you may or may not know:
-Kusagakure (Village Hidden in the Grass)
-Shinobi (ninja)
-Kaa-san (Mother)
-Tou-san (Father)