Hello my fellow readers and followers! Good to see you again. Ok so this story is one that i'm writing with my dear friend Katherine. We met when she started reading my other story Becoming One and she loved it. We got to chatting and we decided to write a story together. She is an amazing collaborator and we've had an absolute blast writing this together! This is my first collaborative story i've ever written and honestly, i couldn't be prouder :)
So a little about this fic. It's AU Non-mass pairing ItaSaku. We're both die hard ItaSaku fans. It's a bit Sakura-centric just so you're forewarned. Things in this universe will be different which is why it's AU. Mature content is advised as the later chapters will be adult in content. But i promise you'll love it! At least i hope you will. Hmmmm, is there anything else to say...i can't think of anything. So i guess without further ado here is chapter 1 of Vitality of Sakura!
Oh one final thing, this fic will be posted on my page as well as Katherine's page so if you're browsing and you see two of the same thing...that's why ;) But of course we wouldn't mind if you reviewed on both :D But no pressure ;) ENJOY!
Their steps were muted as they descended slowly into the darkness. Lanterns were mounted to the walls at regular intervals that gave the spiraled walls an eerie glow. Three pairs of eyes repeatedly scanned their surroundings looking for any signs of an ambush. The fourth member, and leader of the group, kept his eyes focused straight ahead as their group followed their silver haired guide. They stopped.
"Haruno-san," the silver haired man turned slightly with a small smile, "Tell your men to keep their chakra in check…or we will see it as a threat."
The tall lavender haired man narrowed his eyes slightly before turning and issuing the silent order. The three men acknowledged their leader's command and suppressed their chakra but their watchful eyes never stopped. Haruno-san turned back and nodded to their guide. The silver haired man smiled, adjusted his glasses, and then continued to lead the group towards their destination.
A large door appeared in front of them with a coiled snake carved into the wooden surface. The door creaked as it opened inward, darkness greeting them once again. As they approached the group entered a large cavernous room with only minimal lighting at the far end. Four shinobi stood in front of a raised platform which sat a throne occupied by a single powerful Sannin.
"Wait here to be addressed," the silver haired guide instructed as he continued forward to stand at his master's right hand.
The leader immediately took in the shinobi guardians…the Sound Four. He had done his research prior to this meeting and he was prepared for anything that might happen. For this reason he selected his clan's three most powerful shinobi to accompany him. Even without their kekkei genkai he liked to believe their clan was still strong. But even with his belief he needed his clan stronger…he needed to restore their kekkei genkai that was taken from them. After all it was the reason he was standing before the Sannin.
"Four Konoha shinobi seek an audience with me," Orochimaru sat up slightly in his chair a malicious smirk crossing his face, "That could be treasonous. What are you doing here?"
The leader straightened his shoulders, "My name is Haruno Arashi, leader of the Haruno clan in the village of Konohagakure. I have come with a proposition."
Orochimaru chuckled, the dark sound echoing easily across the walls, "I see that I have the leader of the infamous Haruno clan here in my presence. A once great clan that was held in such high esteem with the Uchiha and the Hyuuga. Your doujutsu was quite coveted by other villages…almost more so than both the Byakugan and Sharingan. But not anymore and I can only divine it is for one reason…you wish to have your kekkei genkai restored no doubt."
"You assume correctly," Arashi nodded once but felt his spirit darken. He hated being seen as a lesser clan all because their bloodline was stolen from them, "Konoha has done nothing to try and help us. We have been told by our own Hokage that there is nothing that can fix our problem." His eyes narrowed, "I refuse to believe that. I have come to ask for your assistance. I know your brilliance is exactly what we need for us to regain our clan's power. We are prepared to pay whatever price you demand of us."
"Dangerous words Haruno-san," Orochimaru chuckled again, "You're willing to give me anything I want?"
Arashi nodded, "As long as our clan can be restored to its former power we will pay any price…even aid in the destruction of Konoha."
The snake's smile turned wicked as he licked his sinful lips. The possibilities of such an offer were swirling around in his mind, "Such treasonous words Haruno-san. What makes you think that I want to destroy my home village?"
"Rumors spread Orochimaru-san, if you loved your village you would not have left. If the village condoned your research they would not have forced you out. Your own mentor denied making you Hokage in favor of another. He banished you because of your research to improve yourself and others. You are on top of our most wanted list; he's going to hunt you down like a rabid dog. Now, my clan knows what it feels like to be betrayed by the village they love. We want our vengeance. But against the other powerful clans and without our kekkei genkai we cannot hope to succeed alone." Arashi was beginning to feel almost desperate in his speech, but they needed this, he couldn't fail his clan. "I will give you our entire clan inheritance if you could come up with a jutsu to let us regain our power. We will even provide test subjects for you and fund anything you need for this project."
"Hmmm," Orochimaru placed one finger on his mouth while the other tapped slowly on the arm rest of his throne.
Kabuto glanced over at his master's face and watched as the wheels turned in his head. It was obviously an intriguing idea for his master, he was considering this seriously. This clan was visibly desperate; their diplomatic presentation was lacking a certain finesse that would allow both sides to compromise and that left them in a hazardous position with the snake. Orochimaru could demand anything and they would have to deliver.
"Kabuto-kun?"
"Hai Orochimaru-sama."
"What was that new tonic you were currently working on?" he asked nonchalantly while still staring at the four ambassadors.
"A regeneration potion," Kabuto answered with a sly smile, "It's modeled after your teammate Tsunade-hime's Rebirth jutsu."
"Hmmm," he rubbed his chin while his eyes lit up with golden fire, "Does it work?"
"On children it does." He was growing more excited with the direction of the conversation. Kabuto knew his master was only asking these questions out loud for the Haruno's benefit. He knew every detail of this potion and how it worked.
"I see…"
With slow deliberate movements Orochimaru stood from his throne and fixed his robes. He descended slowly walking towards their guests who tensed but otherwise remained unmoving. Kabuto followed after his master.
"Haruno-san it seems we can make a deal," Orochimaru smiled wickedly at him, "I will give you the potion free of charge in return you give me your first born."
Arashi froze while his face remained blank, A child…he wants my child.
"Do you find that to be agreeable?"
Hairs on the back of his neck began to prickle as the Sannin's chakra grew heavier and darker surrounding his entire body. Saying no would only anger the Sannin and he couldn't risk it…they needed his help, "My wife is not yet pregnant."
"Even better," the Snake answered taking another step closer so they were nose to nose, "I want the child she will have." He licked his lips causing Arashi to grimace slightly. That tongue was too close for his liking.
"What if it's female?"
"Doesn't matter, kunoichi can become just as powerful as male shinobi perhaps even more so. You will take this potion and your wife will drink it. Then you will get her pregnant. After she gives birth to your progeny, that child will hopefully be able to use your kekkei genkai. Activate it as soon as you can and let me know immediately." He turned away from the group, his robes flowing majestically as he strode around the room. "If the child has the kekkei genkai I will collect it at an opportune time and I will train it. Then when the timing is right your child will lead your clan and my men in the destruction of Konoha."
"If this potion works for my child, we will need to acquire more," Arashi demanded.
"Tut, tut Haruno-san I was not finished," he turned to stare at the leader once more, "This potion takes a long time to create and as of now we only have enough for one. But that doesn't mean your clan can be allowed to rest. Bed you women, married or not, and reproduce as many as possible for this fight. You will need the numbers when fighting against the large clans such as the Uchiha and the Hyuuga. Purebloods will be best."
"And what if the potion does not work?"
"I still get your first born as payment for the potion I will give you today," Orochimaru smiled easily, "Except I get your child for life. Once you surrender the child to me they no longer belong to you. Any other matters will be dealt with as they come."
Arashi bowed his head in order to school his emotions. He had asked for it. Not giving Orochimaru any boundaries and he had taken whatever he wanted. But what is one child? Surely he will have more children and a shinobi's life is meant to be thrown away anyway. They serve for the greater good and not themselves. This child, kekkei genkai or not, will be a sacrifice for vengeance and for the greater good. With a heavy breath he raised his head, "We have a deal."
Orochimaru licked his lips in anticipation; This is coming together quite beautifully. "Kabuto-kun, get the potion and bring it to these men."
Kabuto left and returned quickly with a medium sized vial and handed it to Arashi, "Don't break it. Have your wife drink it after her cycle finishes. That way she will be at her most fertile."
Arashi nodded and turned to leave when Orochimaru's voice stopped him, "One more thing Haruno-san. After your wife drinks this potion she will become sterile. Meaning the child that you're giving me will be the only one she will be able to conceive. I'd pick another woman to bear the spawn you will be giving me for our arrangement."
Inside one of the Hokage's large open windows sat Konoha's biggest pervert. Humming softly to himself he glanced up took in the detail a tree a few feet away then continued scribbling in his sketch pad. The large oak he was sketching was in full green bloom the large branches draping beautifully in the afternoon sun. The leaves cast an exquisite shadow over the large trunk and grassy floor creating the perfect romantic atmosphere. But his drawing wasn't complete. A voluptuous blonde had her back to the picture as she straddled her dark haired hero. Her head was thrown back in ecstasy with her kimono around her waist. Her skin was flawless porcelain which was in stark contrast to the man's calloused hands that gripped her back. A dark mop of hair peeped over the woman's shoulder as she held him tightly to her chest.
"Don't you ever get tired of looking at that filth?"
Jiraiya looked up and smiled at his sensei, "It occupies my time, besides this filth makes me a very wealthy man."
Sarutobi sighed and joined his student at looking out the window, "When did you get back?"
"Only a few minutes ago. I've been sitting here enjoying the view."
"How are things on the outside?"
Jiraiya shrugged, "A lot more calm than they are here. Any changes?"
Sarutobi turned and sat at his desk taking off his Hokage hat, "No. We still don't know the cause for the Haruno's demise. It angers me and worries me at the same time."
"Even that old grump Danzo doesn't know?"
"He claims ignorance."
Jiraiya snorted, "That man often knows more than me."
"And since we don't know we have no reason to suspect him of hiding information," the Hokage sighed. He stood again and made his way over to his miniature stove where he heated tea and poured a cup.
"Wouldn't sake be a wiser choice?"
"I don't drink Jiraiya, you know this."
He winked, "Figured you might want to try some before you get old."
Sarutobi chuckled at his comment. If there was one thing about Jiraiya that he liked it was his sense of humor. He knew when to be funny and when to be serious…although where Tsunade was involved his tact went completely out the window. His unhealthy obsession with her was the only reason Jiraiya was the biggest pervert around.
"Are the Uchiha's and the Haruno's still at each other's throats?"
Sarutobi sighed, "Arashi feels as if Fugaku has abandoned them since their bloodline was lost. Which I can understand his feelings considering they used to inter-marry. It's been ten years since they lost their doujutsu."
"What was it again exactly?" Jiraiya turned and faced his master, "They had similarities to the sharingan right?"
"Correct," he nodded then sipped his tea, "The Haruno doujutsu was unique in its own way though. It had three levels. The first their eyes turned silver and they could predict movements and the use of jutsus. The second level turned their eyes orange and they could actually read which specific jutsu was being used. The last stage turned their eyes gold where they could actually perform the jutsu being used against them…even kekkei genkai."
"Ahh," Jiraiya acknowledged, "That's why they were so powerful. The sharingan can't copy kekkei genkai but the Haruno's can."
"No that's incorrect. They can only use the kekkei genkai when it's being used on them specifically during a spar or battle. They cannot copy it permanently. But since the clan is also naturally blessed with perfect chakra control they perfect all jutsus easier and faster than other shinobi. But of course they have to be using at least the second stage of their doujutsu to pick up typical elemental jutsus quickly. And they cannot learn kekkei genkai but with their ability to read it, they had provided valuable information on and ins and outs of many jutsus. Did that clear up your questions?"
"So their third stage only mimics kekkei genkai while it's being used on them specifically?"
"That's correct."
"Their chakra reserves must be quite large."
Sarutobi hummed lightly, "Not specifically no. But the more they train themselves to increase their reserves the more powerful they can wield their opponent's kekkei genkai."
He sighed running a hand through his spikey white hair, "Well with the loss of such power I would be anxious to get it back too."
Sarutobi nodded, "Hai…I hate feeling like I've failed them as their leader. I only hope they take my apology to heart and not go seeking for outside help."
Jiraiya nodded thinking of his long lost teammate. Something like this was right up his alley, "Since their bloodline is lost…how bad has it effected our shinobi force?"
"About twenty percent in total power lost."
"That bad huh?"
"They are still competent shinobi with above average chakra control it's their overall battle usage that's changed. They are a bloodthirsty clan even more so than the Uchiha's, which is another reason why they mix so well. But they relied so much on their bloodline that it's almost like they are starting again as Genin. It has been very frustrating for them."
"Yeah I remember some of them being quite suicidal."
"Not so much suicidal but a definite hero complex," Sarutobi corrected then sipped more tea.
They lapsed into silence their thoughts straying. The situation was bad but neither would admit it. Konoha lost a powerful clan and since the cause of their missing kekkei genkai could not be found they could lose a powerful ally. Especially if they went searching for their own answers in other more abominable places.
Who could blame them though, Jiraiya thought went a knock sounded on the Hokage's door.
"Enter."
"Hokage-sama," a page bowed, "They are waiting for you in the council chamber."
Sarutobi nodded and donned his hat, "I'm on my way."
"Hai!"
Smoothing out the white robes the Hokage strode to the door then paused, "You should attend Jiraiya. This might be beneficial for you."
"What meeting is it?"
"Clan council meeting."
He snorted, "I'll pass."
"It will be worth your while. Something strange happened a couple weeks ago. This will be no ordinary meeting."
Jiraiya's interest was instantly peaked, "Well I guess I can postpone my research for now."
Arashi sat in his seat, arms folded, not speaking to anyone. It's not like any of the clan heads would speak to him anyway…to them he and his clan were no better than civilians playing shinobi. It angered him…angered him more than losing his kekkei genkai. They turned their backs on him and his clan. Weren't they supposed to be united in this village not treated like outcasts? Not one of them lifted a finger to try and help. Uchiha Fugaku, supposed close friend to Haruno Arashi, hadn't spoken to him face to face in years. Any correspondence they had was through messages written on scrolls. But even that was limited, once the clans got wind that the Haruno's kekkei genkai had been lost not one single arranged marriage between the two clans was accepted. The only reasoning Arashi could make was that Fugaku was scared their misfortune would taint the Uchiha clan.
Rotten bastard.
Loyalty was something the Haruno's were lacking in recently, as was trust with the other clans. Without them it was hard pretending to be loyal to their village. Who wants to live in a place where they are not valued anymore? The Hokage's sentiments did nothing to ease their pain. Arashi knew what everyone thought, he could see it in their eyes. Pity, sympathy, disgrace…it was disgusting. Those feelings were unwarranted and most definitely unwanted. And now the fate of their clan rested on the heir, his baby girl.
Sakura, he hummed peacefully in his mind.
She had been born a month ago. When he had arrived home from visiting Orochimaru his wife, Ruka, was anxious to hear about the meeting. He explained everything including the potion and the effects it would have on her. But she fearlessly agreed to take it wanting to be the mother of their only child, the heir, and one who would possess the kekkei genkai thereby restoring the clan's honor. It had taken six months after Ruka drank the potion for her to finally get pregnant, but when she was, the entire clan rejoiced privately. The beginning of their salvation was at hand. He had instructed his clansmen to continue to train and to take it seriously. The battles ahead would be more challenging than war so they had to be prepared.
It was a rough pregnancy for his wife. The doctor's put her on bed rest at six months due to her extreme exhaustion and other complications. But she was never without help or supervision. This child had to survive so that their quest for vengeance could begin. She had to survive in order to restore the kekkei genkai with her own children. She had to lead them, she needed to be strong. She was their last hope.
She is already strong. Her chakra reserves are larger than is normal for us…she has been blessed.
Two weeks ago he and his wife were awoken in the middle of the night to their daughter wailing. Her erratic chakra signature told her them of her distress and when they ran to her room they were shocked by what they saw. Bright silver eyes. She had the bloodline…their doujutsu was restored and her chakra output was through the roof. Once they calmed the baby her eyes changed back to her natural emerald green and she promptly fell asleep. It was announced to the clan the next day and another celebration was ordered. Messengers were sent out secretly to Orochimaru demanding for more of the potion. Sakura was a success and they need more of her. It didn't matter that any woman who drank it could only have one child; many of the women were willing to drink it if it restored their clan's place of honor within the village. As it was, marriages outside the clan were scarce as everyone thought the same as the Uchiha did. They didn't want their pure blood tainted with the Haruno's demise. Their clan was undesirable.
But this is going to change. Sooner than they think, the people of this village will hate themselves after we take over Konoha with Orochimaru as our Kage. A righteous vengeance, but we must play our cards right.
Until then the Haruno's were instructed to keep Sakura's power a secret. If the other clans knew about her having the kekkei genkai there would be endless offers of trying to marry her away. For one, Arashi was determined not to marry her into a clan. She was going to breed with a Haruno or a civilian in order to keep the restored bloodline pure. And secondly, she had to leave and go train with Orochimaru. If Sakura was promised to someone in another clan they would never agree to her training. Besides having her promised to an outside clan was against the idea of the coup. All of these men would be under his and Orochimaru's control soon enough. He just had to be patient.
"All rise!" A shinobi called out. The clan heads all stood as the Hokage and Jiraiya entered the council chamber. Sarutobi sat at the head of the table then indicated for the others to sit. Jiraiya sat just to the right of the Hokage.
"Welcome Clan Heads of Konoha. The meeting has now begun who would like to start us off?"
It began with various clans giving updates on their dealings, family numbers, and any businesses that they owned that were doing well or needed help. Arashi held his tongue, he hadn't spoken up at these meetings in years and nobody ever bothered to ask. He only showed up because as a Clan Head he had to be there. If he was absent then questions would be asked. So he resolved to save himself the trouble of the Hokage seeking him out later, and attended the meeting but not speaking. Now that his Sakura was born with the kekkei genkai he could use these meetings to keep tabs on the others clans. This information will be pertinent for the coup. Trade was then discussed as well as the roads going to and from the village. The Hokage had stepped up the security for the merchants to make sure the goods would make it into and out of the village safely. Arashi continued to keep silent; his family owned a small grocery market as well as a two large green houses, one with a large garden for the market and the other filled with flowers that they sold to the Yamanaka Flower Shop. They were very self-sufficient and grew their own vegetables to sell and luckily the civilian population still frequented their stores. Business with the Yamanaka's remained nearly the same except for the fact that now they always paid to have flowers delivered to their shop instead of coming to pick them up. They didn't even want to be near the Haruno Compound.
Arashi took a deep breath. He needed to keep his cool and stay level headed. If his chakra began flaring dangerously he would be questioned and that would not do. Staying under everyone's radar was going to be his and his clan's goal until the coup was put in motion.
"Haruno-san, you have not spoken yet in this meeting. Is there anything you wish or need to share?" the Hokage asked drawing him out of his thoughts.
"I have nothing to say," he stated simply not bothering to even look up at the Hokage or any of the other clan heads.
"Arashi-sama it is polite to look at the Hokage when his is speaking to you."
Taking a deep breath so as not to lose his very short temper Arashi lifted his lavender head and glared at the speaker, "Do not address me with such familiarity Nara-san," he growled, "You have not earned that right."
"Haruno-san, please do not start a confrontation here," the Hokage sighed, "I am only asking because recently you have not voiced any opinion on matters."
"That is because I have nothing to say," Arashi answered still glaring at Shikaku.
"How are things in your clan?" Sarutobi asked trying to draw Arashi's attention away from the Nara head. It worked, now his piercing glare was trained on the Hokage.
"Same as they were ten years ago. Nothing has changed."
"Arashi-san, we're trying. Please continue to be patient with us."
He snorted, "You have done nothing to help us. Not one apprehension of a criminal, not one jutsu to try and restore it, not even a damned tonic that we can drink! Your own medical prodigy won't even come back to the village to assist us!"
"Check your tone Haruno-san," Hiashi scolded.
"Don't patronize me as if I were a child Hyuuga-san. You try living without your precious Byakugan and then you can tell me to check my goddamned tone," Arashi threatened his ice blue eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Enough!" Sarutobi interrupted rubbing the bridge between his nose, "I apologize for bringing up such a sensitive subject. On a lighter note…Haruno-san I heard that your wife recently gave birth."
They all watched as Arashi's countenance softened slightly, "She did. Our daughter was born and we named her Sakura."
"Congratulations," the Hokage smiled.
Arashi nodded his head in an almost reluctant acceptance.
"She will be your heir then?"
"Yes. Due to the strain the pregnancy had on my wife we will not have another child," he had to lie in order to cover up for the potion making his wife sterile.
"Ah, I see, my condolences."
"What for? She's not dead." He turned his head and glared at the table. Sarutobi sighed again…he just couldn't say anything to the man without him becoming angry or offended. But it also didn't help that the other clans didn't bother to try and mend the rift. The two times they spoke to Arashi in this meeting alone was to reprimand his behavior, while it was childish, the Hokage couldn't help but to just accept it. He knew what all the clans thought of them and it wasn't helping the deteriorating situation. But he was reluctant to talk about it with the other heads and he had a feeling that they wouldn't take his advice to fix the ill feelings between the Haruno's and the other clans. This whole situation was just a pain.
"You daughter was born a month ago, was she not?" Fugaku asked not even bothering to look in his direction.
"Why do you care?" Arashi bit back, not bothering to look at him either. The tension in the room increased tenfold now that the two "used to be allies" were speaking to each other.
"One of our sentries detected a large chakra signature coming from your compound."
"What are you trying to say?" Arashi knew where this conversation was going. He could feel it.
"I think you know what I'm asking Haruno-san," Fugaku turned and stared stoically at his once friend.
"I'm not a Yamanaka, Uchiha-san, speak plainly or don't speak to me at all," Arashi bit back.
"I think that what Uchiha-san is trying to ask is whether or not that was your daughter's chakra signature we felt two weeks ago. And if it was, does she possess your kekkei genkai?"
Arashi held his breath and he turned to look at the only other man who he hated more than Uchiha Fugaku…Shimura Danzo. Arashi had a feeling that it was Danzo's fault that they lost their doujutsu. A week prior to the loss of their kekkei genkai Danzo and the Haruno's had a falling out. When the Root Commander approached Arashi he wanted to acquire their assistance when Danzo were to take over Sarutboi's position as Hokage. Arashi scoffed and proclaimed his allegiance to the Hokage of his village and that he would never allow his clan to participate in a coup against the village. The next day Arashi ordered all of his clansmen not to partake in Root operations. Arashi went immediately to the Hokage and relayed all the events and an investigation was underway. After extensive inquisitions on the entire Root department they got off scot free, there was no physical evidence of Danzo planning a coup. And then tragedy struck they all awoke a week later and the entire clan, including those who had married outside of it, were unable to access their power. But physical proof was hard to come by; only his gut instinct was telling him this was Danzo's retaliation because Arashi reported his treason to the Hokage. Danzo predicted Arashi's actions and this is what happened for being loyal to his village. But after a two week investigation no evidence turned up. No files on anything were found, Danzo's second interrogation was clean of any contribution or affiliation and no files stating how the Haruno's lost their power came to light. It was just too fucking perfect in Arashi's mind. He and his clan were good and loyal shinobi of Konoha since its inception, this was unfair.
"I will not answer any of your questions Danzo," Arashi growled and clenched his fists.
"It was not my question Haruno but Uchiha's," Danzo calmly replied.
"I don't give a damn I'm not answering the question anyway," he continued glaring at Danzo.
"Your denying to answer the question only confirms the suspicion," Fugaku pointed out.
"Keep your nose out of my business. Any further conversation about my child is unwarranted."
"So you're not denying the fact that the powerful chakra signature was your daughter's?" Hiashi asked now very interested in the topic of conversation. If his daughter possessed the kekkei genkai after ten years of absence this could be huge.
"She is only two weeks old," Arashi ground out, "She couldn't possibly possess such a strong signature. Perhaps Uchiha-san's sentry was incorrect in his assumption."
"I doubt it for I felt the power myself," Danzo interjected smugly, "It most definitely came from your Compound."
"Any child that possesses that much chakra at such an early age can be nothing short of prodigy," Shikaku mused.
"Answer the question plainly Haruno-san, did that chakra signature belong to Sakura?" Inoichi asked.
Arashi glared at him, he was beginning to lose his temper. These people only cared about whether or not she had their bloodline so they could try to take her away from him. He wasn't going to budge; his daughter only belonged to the clan, "Do not speak her name, Yamanaka-san."
"Just answer the question Haruno-san!" Hiashi demanded.
"I don't have to answer to anyone in this room!"
"Silence!" Jiraiya shouted then slammed his hand down onto the edge table ending the giant yelling match, "Hokage-sama did you have something to say?" For once he had to agree with his master, this meeting was definitely an interesting one, especially since it's obvious that Haruno-san's daughter will be a prodigy with their kekkei genkai. The big question now is: how the hell did she come to get it?
"Haruno-san," Sarutobi sat up straight and fixed him with an unwavering stare, "As your Hokage I'm asking you to answer the question. Did that chakra signature belong to your daughter, and if so, does she have the kekkei genkai?"
Arashi turned his stony face to the Hokage and noticed he wasn't going to budge. If he didn't answer the question now it'd be a direct violation against the Hokage. But if he did then everyone would know about his daughter and he would have to tread extra carefully around the other clans. Now he had to weigh his options: tell the Hokage and fend off numerous clans' interest in his daughter, or lie and probably subject his entire clan to ANBU surveillance thereby adding more distrust on their clan and planning the coup becomes more difficult. In the end he decided that the coup was more important.
"That chakra signature did belong to my daughter. She woke in the middle of the night crying and her signature was very distressed. When my wife and I entered the room the first stage of her doujutsu was activated. She has our kekkei genkai."
Silence filled the room as they all processed what he said. But before anyone else could comment he continued.
"And before any of you even think about approaching me with a marriage or any other contract, know this…my answer is no! Nobody in this room will get me to sign anything concerning my daughter. You all showed me your true colors when you abandoned us ten years ago. I'm not falling for your false sense of security again. She is staying in the clan!"
Unable to contain his anger any longer Arashi stormed out of the room. If he tried to stay it would mean bloodshed. He needed some space to get his mind right before going home and being with his family.
"If his daughter indeed has the kekkei genkai I'm claiming first rights to her," Fugaku spoke up.
"You heard Arashi, Fugaku-sama," Shikaku sighed, "And you know how he feels about you."
"I think the most important thing about this situation is not being said," Danzo spoke up looking directly at Sarutobi, "Why now? Why was this child born with their kekkei genkai?"
"What are you suggesting Danzo-sama?" Hiashi asked.
"I think something happened," he stated simply, "They had to have used a jutsu on her."
"Foolishness," Inoichi interjected, "The girl was born here in Konoha and we would have felt if they used a large scale jutsu on her to activate her doujutsu."
"I felt her chakra output all the way on the other side of the village," Choza stated, "If that was just her then I agree with Inoichi-san we would have felt the large scale jutsu being used."
"That doesn't mean they didn't use it on her that night," Hiashi stated, "He could have been lying."
"No…" Aburame Shibi spoke up, "I think that Haruno-san would never perform such a jutsu on his own daughter. You could see his affection for her. And such a large scale jutsu would definitely put her in danger. Since his wife is not having another child it's reasonable to assume that this child was just…blessed."
"Or lucky," Shikaku added.
"Something about this just doesn't sit right," Danzo pointedly looked at the Hokage.
"Danzo…leave it alone. Perhaps now that his little daughter has the kekkei genkai the Haruno's will be restored to their former glory. Hopefully we can put all of this drama behind us and move on to a brighter future," Sarutobi closed the discussion and ended the meeting.
Danzo knew he would be out voted. Most of the clan heads here would just be glad that the Haruno's would stop being so volatile. Still…something wasn't right and he wasn't going to rest until he figured out exactly how that child was able to be born with the kekkei genkai. He needed to think on this and decide exactly what kinds of counter measures he needed to take. Possibly even infiltration.
She needed to get out of the house. There was only so much she could take and being sick while pregnant…she understood. But now it's been a month and her body was almost at full strength. Her husband just left for the Council Meeting and wouldn't be back for a couple of hours probably. Ruka decided it was time to greet the sun again.
She sat at her vanity brushing her long platinum blonde locks. She was very proud of her hair, always silky to the touch, always glittering in the sun, and she would never let it look any different. Her hair was thick and beautiful with just the perfect amount of natural curl to make it bounce perfectly around her face. A small cry broke her concentration as Ruka stood to answer her daughter's call.
"Sakura-chan," she cooed picking up her crying daughter, "Shhh, Kaa-san is here. What's the matter my baby?"
Big emerald eyes glistened as they gazed into her mother's equally beautiful green eyes. Her crying instantly stopped when her mother picked her up.
"Oh you just wanted some attention didn't you," Ruka kissed her chubby cheeks as Sakura cooed her response, "Let Kaa-san finish brushing her hair then we can go outside."
Holding the child in one arm she finished her brushing then walked downstairs. She easily slipped on some sandals then left her house to begin her walk around the village.
"Are you ready now Ruka-sama?" a tall vibrant redheaded male asked.
"Yes Daichi-san, let us go," she answered with a small smile.
The one thing Ruka loved about her husband was that he was naturally a protective man. He didn't want her to take the potion from Orochimaru knowing that she wanted a large family. But this was for the good of the clan; she would sacrifice her own selfish desire and be the mother of the shinobi that would bring their clan justice. To her this was better than having a large family. As such Arashi was taking extra precautions while she and Sakura were still vulnerable. She was never alone in the house, and when she ventured outside two Haruno clansmen were their guardians. They were to prevent any unwanted attention directed at the two females as well as protect them from any surprise attacks. For the Haruno's it was an honor to protect the Head Family.
"How is the little flower doing today Ruka-sama?" a shorter kunoichi with mint green hair asked.
"She's very needy today Hisako-san. I think she's getting tired of being inside as much as I am."
Hisako giggled, "I brought the camera just like you wanted."
"Thank you, let us go then. I want to get these pictures done before Arashi gets back."
They made their way across the village taking paths mostly used by civilians. Ruka wanted to stay out of the shinobi eye as much as possible. She knew, after that night two weeks ago, there would be questions and they would probably be brought up at the meeting today. They wouldn't be able to hide it or lie, despite what Arashi wanted. The shinobi in this village weren't fools. She just hoped her husband would play it off and not give away anything. He was a smart man, but he definitely had a short temper.
Hisako led the way with Daichi walking behind her. They entered the large gardens of Konoha and headed straight for Sakura's namesake. It was April, and the trees were in full bloom, the perfect time to take pictures.
"Ruka-sama! We should use this tree!" Hisako shouted pointing to the largest and pinkest tree on the row.
"Excellent idea Hisako-san," her pale pink lips smiled at her baby, "What do you think Sakura-chan? Is this tree perfect?"
Sakura smiled at her mother's happy face making Ruka laugh. She loved seeing that big smile on her daughter especially since it was ten times cuter since she didn't have teeth yet. It was almost as if her entire face glowed when she smiled.
"Daichi! Help me gather some blossoms from the ground to put next to the tree!" Hisako shouted at the male. He groaned but complied, this was for their prodigy after all.
The pictures went quickly. Sakura was all smiles and she easily kept the positions that either Ruka or Hisako put her in. Her emerald eyes were alight with joy and her small pink hairs glittered in the sunlight. She was a very beautiful and happy baby.
"Ruka-sama now we need some of both of your together!" Hisako shouted excitedly.
More pictures were taken with mother and daughter, both all smiles and kisses. There was a striking resemblance between the two and Hisako knew that little Sakura would grow up to be just as beautiful as her mother, if not more so.
"It's been almost two hours Ruka-sama," Daichi chimed in, "Arashi-sama will be back soon."
"Hai Daichi-san, let us be going," Ruka tickled her little girl making her giggle.
He smiled at the duo and easily directed the group out of the gardens and back into the city. Taking up their earlier positions they casually walked back through the village towards the compound. Sakura fell asleep in Ruka's arms tired from taking all the pictures with her mother. Ruka smiled at her little face. Her lips made the perfect triangle and she breathed in and out completely at peace in her mother's arms.
She was precious.
It was almost cruel thinking that someday, a day of the Snake's choosing, her daughter would leave for her specialized training with Orochimaru. She didn't want to give her up. Not now. It was painful to think that the powerful Sannin would corrupt their innocent daughter. But Sakura was destined for greatness. The decision was made before she was even conceived. They couldn't go back on their word now or else they would have to suffer the Snake's wrath.
"Ruka-sama," Hisako's voice cut through, "Incoming twelve o'clock."
Her tone of voice brought the Matriarch out of her reverie. Striding directly towards them was the Uchiha Main family. Where was her husband? If Fugaku was with them then the meeting was over. Something must have happened for her husband not to be home yet. They were fifty feet from the entrance of the Haruno compound and from the looks of it the Uchiha's were actually travelling to visit them. Ruka's eyes hardened immediately, Mikoto used to be her friend and fellow kunoichi comrade. But the woman was too meek to contradict her husband's order not to associate with the tainted Haruno's. She had married young, only a Chunin, and to a powerful Uchiha with a large stiff pole up his ass. It was amazing that Arashi and Fugaku could get along at one point. Both were stubborn, bull-headed men but they did see eye to eye on many things. That was…until ten years ago. Their betrayal had cut the Haruno's the worst. For many generations since the founding of Konoha the Uchiha and Haruno's would intermarry. Their bloodlines so similar it seemed that both would benefit from mixing bloods. Of course they never had any concrete proof of this fact it was more superstition. But their betrayal hit so deeply it almost felt like their own clan had turned against them.
But the fact that the Main Family was making their way purposefully to the Haruno Compound meant that Sakura's secret had been revealed. The Uchiha's were coming to stake their claim.
"Over my dead body," Ruka whispered to herself clutching Sakura closer to her, "Daichi, stop them at twenty feet. Hisako stand right in front of me to cover Sakura."
"Hai," they both replied taking up their positions erasing all happiness from their faces.
"That's close enough, Uchiha-san," Daichi ordered holding his hand up.
Fugaku glared at the red head but didn't protest. Mikoto looked slightly downhearted that Ruka wouldn't let them closer. A small whimper drew her attention to her two-year old son, Sasuke, who was clutching to the skirt of her dress, incidentally hiding from the tall and intimidating Haruno. Itachi calmly stood next to his mother directly to his father's right watching everything with rapt attention.
"This is hardly appropriate," Fugaku stated, "We can't have a proper conversation at such a distance."
"What makes you think I actually want to have a conversation with you?" Ruka stated icily.
"Ruka-san please-" Mikoto started.
"I am aware that your daughter has indeed been born with the kekkei genkai. I'm here to discuss a marriage between her and my son."
Ruka's head shot up and she glared hard at Fugaku, "I'm sure you already know exactly where we stand on that regard Uchiha-san. My daughter is not for sale, not now or ever, especially to the likes of you."
"Be reasonable Ruka-san," Fugaku huffed, "We have had these arrangements for decades."
"Yes we did," she stressed, "Until you decided our clan was good for nothing without our kekkei genkai. Your betrayal severed any type of connection we ever had with you and the Uchiha clan! It is unforgiveable! How could you do that to us?!"
Sakura began crying, her mother's yell waking her up. Her doll like face scrunched up as small tears began to form in her eyes. Small hands reached up to grab onto her mother.
"Shh my little one," Ruka tried consoling the small child, "Shh, you're ok. Kaa-san didn't mean to wake you."
"Ruka!" a loud booming voice sounded behind her.
"Arashi," she gasped in relief and turned seeing her husband sprint to her side.
"Are you alright? Is Sakura ok?" he asked worried.
"We're fine, I accidentally woke her up."
He could easily sense his wife's distress but turned his attention to his daughter. Arashi placed his large hand on top of Sakura's soft head then kissed her forehead, "Shh my child, Tou-san will protect you."
His deep baritone instantly soothed little Sakura and she opened her big teary green eyes to stare at her father. Cooing softly she reached a small hand up and wrapped it around her father's pinky.
"That's my girl," he trilled lightly, "Be good for your Kaa-san." He looked up at his wife and gave her a small smile, "Take Sakura inside, I'll be there soon."
"Hai," she accepted his quick kiss, "Hisako come with me."
The two women left leaving only the men behind.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Arashi turned with an angry glare directed at Fugaku, "I made myself quite clear during the meeting that Sakura would not be married into a clan."
"Don't be foolish Arashi."
"Foolish," he growled, "I'm not the one being foolish. You're the one who can't get it through his thick skull that a marriage between your son and my daughter is never going to happen."
"That is because you are not looking at the bigger picture," Fugaku argued back.
"I don't fucking care!" Arashi shouted making Sasuke squeak, "Get out of my sight. I don't want you within ten feet of my family!"
"Your child's chakra output was far superior than should be possible for a child her age. It is an absurd idea to breed her with anyone who cannot at least equal her in strength. If you breed her with a civilian or an average shinobi you will be diluting her superior blood."
"Oh and I bet you have the perfect shinobi in mind for her," Arashi glared at Sasuke. Mikoto put a comforting hand on his shoulder half shielding him, "That little runt won't be able to hold a candle to her so nice try."
"I wasn't going to offer Sasuke," Fugaku stated evenly, "I was going to offer Itachi, the Uchiha prodigy."
Arashi's hard gaze turned to the other son. He had definitely heard of this boy, only seven years old and he had just graduated from the Academy. It would have been a no brainer if Fugaku hadn't betrayed them years ago.
"That boy is too old. I wouldn't pair him with her even if we were still on good terms," Arashi crossed his arms, "Now get out of my sight."
"Just stop and think Arashi!" Fugaku took a step forward only to be warned away by Daichi, "Their children would be a benefit to both of our clans and the village. I'm sure we can negotiate a decent price to make this union happen."
Turning his back on the Uchiha Family he began walking away, "Save your breath Fugaku," he spat, "You're talking to deaf ears. Daichi!"
The redhead walked backwards a few steps before turning and followed his leader back into their compound.
"It was too soon Fugaku," Mikoto whispered stroking Sasuke's raven hair to sooth him. His little form was shaking ever so slightly in reaction to the killer intent the two Haruno's were releasing.
Fugaku grunted as he watched Arashi's back growing smaller, "Doesn't matter. He needed to hear what I had to say."
"Well if you want this to happen, you will have to mend this rift first," she whispered knowing he would hear her easily.
He decided not to answer his wife's last comment and instead turned to his eldest, "Itachi, that girl will be yours. You are not to have another one. Am I understood?"
"Hai Otou-san," he replied simply nodding his head. He would never voice his displeasure, but Itachi was getting rather annoyed at the way his father continually bossed him around. Besides he wasn't interested in girls all he wanted to do was train.
"If Arashi-san is determined to keep her for lower breeding then we will have to win her by other means. Do you understand?"
Knowing that his father would not accept any other answer Itachi nodded again, "You mean I will have to get her to like me on my own."
"Yes, but for now keep training. Befriend her while she's young and after that you start wooing her until she doesn't want another man. If Arashi is as attached to that girl as I think he is, he wouldn't refute her own choice of mate when she's older," Fugaku nodded proud of his plan.
"Hai Otou-san," Itachi replied obediently. The small boy's face remained passive while on the inside he had no intention of befriending that small baby. But at least they could agree that he would be focusing on training for the time being.
Mikoto sighed as they started walking back to their home. This wasn't the right way to win over the Haruno's. They would see right through it. But she should know better than to think Fugaku would be the one to apologize for his past actions. To him what's done is done and nothing can change it. It wasn't a philosophy that Mikoto liked to live by. She believed that past sins should be righted and Ruka was right…their betrayal was unforgivable. But she could not give up hope. Maybe her husband's plan would bring about some good between their two clans. She could only hope.
"Focus Sakura, you cannot afford to lose focus for one second, or you're dead!"
"Hai Tou-san!" A small three year old girl yelled. She was getting tired. Her father had been running her through all ten basic kata and now he was drilling her on the upper levels.
"Once you have all of these katas mastered we will begin training your eyes. Predicting your enemies' movement is crucial to success. The faster you can foresee their actions the faster you can react. This is about speed, this is about survival, and this is ultimately about power!" Arashi kept lecturing while correcting Sakura's stances, "The faster you develop your doujutsu the faster you can gain power. And the more power you have the more honor you will bring to the clan. Do you understand Sakura?"
"Hai Tou-san!" she yelled while trying to hold a particularly difficult position.
"Rest now, my little blossom."
Sakura gave one huge heave before falling straight back onto the floor. Closing her eyes she focused on steadying her rapid breathing. She knew her father pushed her but that was only because he knew she was strong. And she wanted to badly to prove to him that she was. After all her clan's honor was on the line.
"I'm proud of you Sakura," Arashi knelt next to his daughter, wiping her sweaty bangs out of her face, "You know that don't you?"
"Hai Tou-san," Sakura opened her big green eyes and smiled at him.
"Good. I just want you to become strong. Our clan has lost much and Konoha doesn't think too highly of us. We're relying on you to lead us and to put us back on top where we belong."
"I won't…let you down," she promised taking deep breaths, "I'll keep…studying…and training."
Arashi smiled proudly, "That's my girl. Now go get cleaned up your Kaa-san should have dinner ready soon."
Ruka walked into her daughter's room to find her reading in bed. She was pleased her daughter was able to pick up reading at an advanced age, it meant their redemption could come that much sooner. Not to mention the comical factor of seeing her small daughter stubbornly holding a book that was larger than her on her lap. Every time she saw it the platinum blonde had to stifle a laugh.
"What are you reading Sakura-chan?" she asked sitting next to her on the bed.
"Shinobi Rules and Ethics," Sakura answered putting the book down.
Ruka chuckled, of course Arashi would assign her this reading material, "Must be a boring read."
"Hai, but Tou-san said I need to read and understand it."
"And do you?"
"Not all of it."
Ruka pulled her daughter close and started smoothing her hair, "What are you questions?"
"It is hard to not feel anything?" Sakura asked innocently looking up at her mother.
"What do you mean?"
"Shinobi rule number 25: A shinobi must never show emotion. Is that the same thing as not feeling anything?" Her inquisitive green eyes looked up at her mother's.
Ruka kissed her head, "No Sakura, what that rule means is while you may feel plenty you cannot let it show. It's very important for all shinobi to never show their true emotions. If they do then their enemies can use it against them. Emotions are dangerous weapons but they can also be tools."
"It can be a tool if I use emotions against a bad guy?"
"That's right." Ruka smiled at her intelligence. Her daughter definitely grasped tough concepts more quickly than any child her own age. It was both a blessing and a curse.
"But I can show emotion with you and Tou-san right?"
"Yes, but we will also work with you on schooling your emotions."
"Ok," she nodded, "What about my team?"
"What team?"
"I'll be put on a Genin team. Can I show emotion with them?"
Ruka sighed, "It's best if you don't."
"Why not?"
"Sakura-can listen to me," Ruka placed her daughter on her lap so they met eye to eye, "Our clan is not very well liked right now you know this?" Sakura nodded innocently. "Since people don't like us we cannot trust anyone. The only people we can trust are people in our clan. Does that make sense?"
"Uh huh," she nodded again.
"In order to protect yourself do not show any emotion to anyone in the village, ok?"
"Does the whole village hate us?"
"Yes."
Her eyes began to tear up, "Even me?"
Ruka pulled her daughter against her large chest, "The village doesn't like that our clan lost our kekkei genkai my blossom. Do you remember what it's called?"
She nodded, "Isamugan."
"That's right, the Eye of the Brave. They think we are weak now because it disappeared. This is why it's so important for you to be strong. We need you baby, to show this village that we are not weak."
"I promise Kaa-san, I won't be weak," Sakura clutched her mother's neck. She would do anything she could in order to prove to her family, her clan, and her village that the Haruno's were not weak. She will train hard and never complain about anything. She knew she was smart and Sakura resolved to put her brains to good use and learn everything we could. After all people were counting on her and she couldn't let them down. She will become the strongest kunoichi in the world and make her parent's proud.
"Thank you baby girl," Ruka pulled her back and kissed her forehead, "Now wipe those tears, it's time for bed."
And that's the first chapter of our story :) What do you think? Please review!
