a/n: Here it is. This will be a collection of one-shots surrounding the complex yet intriguing father-daughter relationship between Sasuke and Sarada. You will see that the two share more than just their looks. The shots are not connected in plot, but the same themes remain: family, sacrifice, father-daughter bond, and forgiveness. See as Sarada grows to understand her father's duty as a shinobi and accept what he does as a sacrifice.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

"You're leaving?" Sarada's voice held a slight quiver and her eyes darted away from his. Sasuke could tell by her knitting brows and pouting lips she was holding back tears. He hated seeing that face on her and he hated it more that it was there because of him.

His eyes went to Sakura for help, and reflexively she knelt down beside their daughter, a warm smile playing on her lips as she held both of Sarada's hands in hers.

"Sarada," Sakura began, the softness in her tone was enough to ease some of Sarada's stress. "Papa will be back before you know it."

Why couldn't he have said that? He wanted to connect with his daughter, show her he was the man she envisioned him to be, but even now he had to rely on Sakura's uncanny ability to absolve tension, he couldn't even comfort his own daughter.

Sarada nodded at Sakura's words, her eyes no longer glazed. She looked up at Sasuke as if waiting for him to add to Sakura's words.

When all he did was stare back at her with unreadable eyes, her expression flit from disappointment to anger.

"Why do you always leave?" The words stung Sasuke, but he said nothing. He said nothing because he didn't have an answer appropriate enough for her. He couldn't have admitted to her that he left to kill Bingo ranked criminals and to clear the outside perimeters of the village from powerful enemies. That wasn't her burden to know it was his.

"Sarada," he managed. "It isn't any of your concern."

Her eyes went wide for a second before narrowing with resentment. "Of course, it isn't, my well-being isn't any of yours either."

"Sarada," Sakura chided. "That is not true..."

Hatred filled Sarada's eyes and Sasuke couldn't help but notice how the hatred burning through her black eyes resembled his when he was her age.

His eyes hadn't left hers, they were searching for understanding—forgiveness. But the hatred was ever prevalent in the young Uchiha's large onyx eyes framed by thin red glasses. When Sasuke went to kneel beside her, to make better eye contact, Sarada had stepped back creating a wider chasm of space between them.

"Sarada," he started, his voice far less angry than what it should have been. "I know you're angry—"

Sasuke stood straight as he watched his little girl sprinting away, her form disappearing behind a tall building. It's all he could do but run after her and explain to her why he must do what he does. That what he does is for her and Sakura. She wouldn't understand, though. She was too young to understand the reason he wasn't around was not because he didn't love her or care for her, but quite the opposite. He loved them so much that he sacrificed quality time with them to protect them from threats.

That was his atonement. To make up for all the bad he'd done in his youth by casting out the evil in the world. Like Itachi had done. Now, as he stood watching his daughter run off in disappointment he understood the burden his brother had to face.

Sasuke turned to Sakura who was watching him with sad viridian eyes. He shook his head as to ward off her concern. Yes, what Sarada had said before running off had stung him, but it wasn't like he didn't deserve it. Sarada was allowed to be upset with him. How else would he be able to appease his own guilt? Her anger, her resentment, and her hatred were what he believed he deserved.

He turned, his cloak flagging behind him as he prepared to leave. But the soft touch of his wife's hand caught his shoulders, and he halted in his steps. He turned his head and their eyes held, suppressed emotions exchanged between them through their lingering looks. Her brows drew together with worry and her lips parted.

"Sasuke," she began but never finished as Sasuke shook his head to interrupt her consoling words. Anything she'd say would just be wasted breath. He knew all too well that the abandonment Sarada was feeling was valid...him leaving again, missing almost five years of her life was the reason for her anger. This was the price he agreed to pay when he took on the mission.

Sakura lifted her hand from his shoulder before taking a few steps closer to him. With his back still turned to her, she pressed her forehead against his back, her eyes closed. Sakura wanted him to feel he still had her around to believe in him. She knew and understood the reason for him leaving them and did not fault nor resented him for it. Sarada would understand one day and she'll be the one to help her understand.

Sasuke's head went down; Sakura's closeness removed some of the negative energy that surrounded him. Even now, she was there for him like she'd been when they were teenagers. She believed in him, loved and accepted him. He just hoped Sarada would too someday. Maybe Sakura was right, with time and measured space, Sarada would obtain a level of understanding to not feel abandoned. She would see his absence necessary for her safety and the safety of the village. He couldn't lose hope in that. What else would push him out there in the cruel world?

Every day he was out there he was risking his life. There was always a chance of not coming back to them. If he died tomorrow he wouldn't have any regrets because his actions were not selfish. He lived for Sarada and Sakura; he lived to protect them; he lived for their peace, and he lived for Sarada's happiness. And really, he lived to be the father worthy of Sarada's love and admiration. By setting a proud example of what it took to be a formidable shinobi: dedication and sacrifice.

a/n: I hope you guys liked this...

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