So I have recently regained my obsession over Naruto, and I pieced together many plotlines I had brainstormed in the past to create this story. I hope you will find it to your enjoyment! This is my first Naruto fanfic! But with all honesty, I don't own Naruto, only my writing. THIS IS ONLY THE FIRST PART OF THE PROLOGUE TO EVERYTHING THAT'LL HAPPEN!
o (◡‿◡✿) Enjoy!
X.x.X
Haruno Masako paced around the room anxiously, she reacted keenly to every passing footstep outside the chamber. Even Masako, a kunoichi known for her almost unlimited patience, could not help but feel anxious to receive the news that would make her a mother again. After all, she was only a woman.
Maybe I'm just not in my right mind right now, she thought to herself grimly. Placing her hand over her heart, Masako let out a small sigh, Maybe I just need a cup of tea...
The kunoichi was so preoccupied in her thoughts of which kind of tea to drink, she hadn't noticed the heavy footsteps coming closer by the second. So when the sliding door was swung open, Masako nearly threw a kunai at the intruder.
A young boy with flowing brown hair and pale eyes flew through the door, "Okaa-san!" Masako nearly tripped over her kimono, it was her son, Neji. She quickly hid the kunai behind her, no way would she want her son to know that she had almost chucked a dangerously sharp object at him.
She lips twitched and she gently smiled as her son ran towards her. He is such a good boy, Masako thought contently as she stroked his chocolate brown hair which he had inherited from his father.
Neji looked up, he tugged on the folds of her red kimono, "Okaa-saaaaan."
"Hai, hai, what is it my dear?" Masako spoke gently like a mother would. She gently stroked his soft cheeks, he stared up at her curiously with those wide milky eyes which marked him as a Hyuuga. But unlike the others from his clan, they were slightly tinted green. Neji had inherited that green tint from her. Masako Haruno was not from the Hyuuga clan, which explained why her eyes were such a clear and vivid green.
He lifted up his hands to touch her stomach carefully, "Is it true? You're going to give me a younger sibiling?" Masako laughed, so he had finally heard.
He stared earnestly at her, waiting for an answer. She bent down and cupped his face in her hands, "Neji, I really do hope that there is." Although she loved being a kunoichi, there was something about being a mother that no amount of S-class missions could bring. Maybe it is that certain tenderness and beauty that exists in every woman which is brought out once she becomes a mother.
Her son stared at her stomach with wonder, and then held her hands together, surprising Masako.
"If there is a baby," Neji said excitedly, "Then I hope it will be a baby imouto."
"Imouto? A baby sister?" Masako wondered why, most boys would want a brother, "Why so?"
Neji smiled, and looked into his mother's eyes, "Because she'd be as pretty as okaa-san."
Masako was silent, then hugged her son tightly. SO CUTE! Masako squealed to herself, she was so lucky to have a son like him. But of course, her husband was Hizashi so it was no doubt her son would be wonderful just like her husband.
"Haruno-sama," a black haired servant girl bowed at the entrance of her chambers. She looked as if she were maybe 14 or 15. The servant lifted her head. Her eyes were shining like the stars.
"Congratulations Haruno-sama, congratulations," her voice brimmed with happiness. Masako could only stare as the girl bowed again, this time. It couldn't be, so it was confirmed...?
"You are bearing a child, my lady. The doctor has confirmed it," the young girl was on her knees with her forehead touching the ground, performing a saikeirei, the most respectful form of bowing.
Masako's hand unconsciously traveled to her stomach. Even though she had hoped that she was with child, the moment still stunned her. She smiled softly, her eyes closing as she patted her abdomen. This trivial life of hers was no longer trivial, nor was it just her's anymore.
"Okaa-san..." breathed Neji, and performed a saikeirei himself, "Congratulations."
Masako shook her head, "Please lift your heads, this kind of event deserves a celebration," she bent down and lifted her almost-two-year old son up from the ground. She held held his small hand in hers, she was so fortunate to have two children. She directed her gaze towards the servant girl, whose head was still touching the ground.
"You... what is your name little girl?" Masako inquired as she walked over to her side.
The servant girl finally lifted her head from the ground, but did not meet Masako's eyes, "My name is Amu."
Masako lifted the girl up from the ground as well, "Thank you for delivering this wonderful news. You may be dismissed now."
Amu just dipped her head as a reply, "It is simply my duty" she hesitated before speaking again, "But please allow me to comb your hair now, before his Lord comes home." Masako laughed awkwardly, her hair had become quite messy from her panicky state from earlier. She sat down and allowed Amu to comb through her long hair that flowed down to her waist. She held her son in her lap.
Amu let out a sigh of envy as she straightened Masako's parted bangs, rearranging it so her hairline was back to the center like it usually was, "Your hair is so beautiful my lady. It is the same color as those of the sakura flowers that bloom in the spring."
Masako let out a laugh, "You think so? I have always admired people with dark hair like yours. It gives off a rich and mature feeling."
Before Amu could reply, Neji tugged at his mother's sleeves, begging for her attention.
The pink haired kunoichi looked down at her son, "Yes Neji?"
The toddler did not loosen his hold on his mother's sleeves, "I also heard that Chitose-sama is also going to have a baby. Does that mean I will get two imoutos?"
Masako felt herself freeze for a second, Hyuuga Chitose... Then she let herself relax, "Is that so...?" her voice sounded more tightened and uncomfortable now, "Well we should go pay her a visit and offer our sincerities, shall we?"
Amu set the brush down, and she shifted out of the way, "Please lead the way Haruno-sama."
Masako got to her feet and walked hand-in-hand with her son, with Amu behind her, toward the quarters of Hyuuga Chitose. She listened to the sounds of the footsteps that echoed around them. Hyuuga Chitose... is also bearing Hizashi-sama's child now... it seems... Masako thought, not knowing what to make of it. She did not feel bitter nor sad that a different woman also bared her husband's child, but it was not like she was happy about it. It just... bothered her. She let out a small sigh, and looked toward the blue sky, But that is what makes us all human. These different and complex emotions.
Because she was not from the Hyuuga clan, the elders and almost everyone else had strongly opposed the marriage between her and Hiashi. After, the Hyuuga Clan was especially proud of their untainted blood. It was not until Hizashi threatened to break all relationships with the Hyuuga clan that Lord Hiashi finally relented and managed to convince the elders. However...
However, Masako's heart tightened a bit, They would not let him take a woman with no kekkai-genkai become Hizashi's, Lord Hisashi's younger brother, wife.
They made an exception, if Hizashi agreed to take the hand of Hyuuga Chitose (the eldest daughtor of a high-ranking elder who had been infatuated with Hizashi since he was a child) as his first wife, then they would let him take Haruno Masako as his second wife. Hizashi could only reluctantly agree.
Masako's hand tightened around Neji, who looked up at his mother in confusement.
But for five years, Hizashi had ignored Hyuuga Chitose. Other than a bit a small talk, he would not touch her, and the result of that was Masako having Neji, a son, before the Chitose did. Chitose was furious, which is understandable, and that aroused action among the elders.
To prevent any further complications, the elders had threatened to break apart the marriage between Hizashi and Masako if Chitose did not bear Hizashi's child by the end of the year.
But the fact remains that Neji is from the branch family of the Hyuuga clan. It did not change the inevitable reality in which Neji would receive the cursed seal that those from the branch family would receive. Her precious son could not avoid his fate of becoming a servant of the main branch. He could not be respected as the eldest son by the other Hyuuga members also because his blood was not "pure". Masako's heart ached from the abuse her son may soon have to suffer.
Masako stopped walking, now facing the doors of Chitose-san's quarters. I guess this was the only way to protect ourselves... she cleared her throat and prepared to announce her presense.
"Chitose-sama, Haruno Masako is awaiting outside your chambers," Masako lowered her head and bent over into a deep and low bow. This was only courtesy of the second wife towards the first wife.
There was silence on the other end, then a voice spoke, "You may enter."
Masako bowed once more, then dismissed Amu from her side. She sat down on her knees, made sure Neji did the same, then opened the sliding door.
Inside revealed a gorgeous woman with flowing violet colored hair. She had side swept bangs are wore a fancy lavender colored kimono decorated with butterfly patterns. One could say her kimono was slightly indecent. It did not cover her shoulders and revealed much of her cleavage, and there was a huge slit along her thigh. Completely different compared to Masako, who chose to dress conservatively and elegantly. Most people would say that Hizashi's wives, although both famous beauties of Konoha, were beautiful in very different ways. Chitose's had a more seductive beauty whereas Masako had a more graceful beauty.
Masako bowed, so did Neji. Although she did not possess the byakugan, even Masako could tell the sharp glare Chitose gave to her son. They stayed in these positions for a while, a heavy silence filled the air. Neji began to twitch uncomfortably for staying still for so long. Although Masako was forgiving and kind, she wasn't oblivious to maliciousness. Chitose, she just wanted to see them in these lowly positions, performing a saikeirei towards her.
Apparently satisfied after seeing Neji trembling, Chitose waved her hand dismissively, "You may lift your head. Come closer if you must."
Masako and Neji got up to their feet, lowered their heads slightly to show respect. She led her son closer to Chitose. They settled themselves down across the kotatsu from where Chitose was sitting. Masako turned to her "older sister". The most common term for Masako to refer to Chitose was onee-sama because they are both wives of the same man, making them sisters of a sort.
Masako placed her hands neatly on her lap. She looked straight into the eyes of her "sister", they were a pearly white like Neji's except for a violet tint they had.
"I just wanted to ask onee-sama," Masako chose her words carefully, "Are you indeed bearing our Lord's child?"
The corners of Chitose's lips twitched into a smug smile, "I suppose news travels fast. If you are that concerned about it, then yes, it is true." Chitose lifted a hand to her cheek, "Why, Masako-san? Envious?" she questioned daringly.
Masako looked at Chitose, and let out a small smile, "No, I have just come to offer my blessings. It is only proper."
Chitose's finger twitched, se smirked, "Yes, it is only proper for the second wife to offer her blessings to the first wife." She reached across the table. Masako tried not to flinch as Chitose placed her hand on Neji's head. Chitose patted her son's head softly.
Neji looked at Chitose quite innocently, a bit confused. The dark haired woman stared at Neji.
"My my, hasn't your son grown," Chitose's voice dripped with distaste. Masako looked at her blankly.
"What a pity, he might have made a wonderful heir if only he weren't born with this mixed blood," Masako clenched her fists at Chitose's spiteful words.
Masako turned to face Chitose with a fake smile, "I'm afraid we don't quite care over who is officially named heir." Masako slapped Chitose's hand away. She put her arm around Neji's shoulder and brought him closer to her side.
Neji was quite shocked by his mother's actions, "Kaa-san…"
Masako's gaze hardened as her usual gentle gaze turned into a glare. She could tolerate being insulted, but anyone who dared to abuse her son in front of her would not be easily forgiven, even if it meant going against her husband's first wife.
Chitose twirled a strand of her hair with her finger, sneering, "My, my, getting feisty aren't we?" She spoke as if to taunt Masako, "You dared slap my hand and look at me in such a manner." Chitose' face turned deadly, as if to kill. Her voice came out low and dangerous, "Do you know what I could do to you?"
Masako was silent, but wasn't backing down either. The atmosphere turned bitter between the two women. Neji was too shocked to speak. His mother, who was always so gentle, spoke to Chitose-sama in such a tone.
As quickly as it had started, Chitose interrupted the growing tension with a mocking smile. "Oh, excuse me, it would not be fit for me to be agitated by a member from the branch family."
Masako tore her glare away from that wretched woman. She gently took Neji's frozen hand and stood up, "It seems that I must go now." Before she could turn away, Chitose stood up from the ground. She walked toward Masako until they were mere centimeters apart.
Masako narrowed her eyes, Chitose's footsteps were barely audible. As a kunoichi, she never trusted silent footsteps because they always meant inevitable danger.
Chitose had a fake smile plastered on her face, she turned toward Neji, "Neji, your mother and I have a something important to talk about. Can you please wait outside, it'll only take a moment."
Neji smiled sweetly back, "Okay." He turned to his mother for approval, Masako only gave a brisk nod. Seconds later, only the two women were in the room.
Chitose slightly lowered her head for a second, "I almost forgot about my own blessings. I've heard you too, are also bearing a child."
Masako also lowered head, except it was lower and longer held than Chitose's, "Yes, I am . Thank you one-sama."
While Masako's face was lowered toward the ground, Chitose's face momentarily turned bitter, but quickly became reverted back to normal. She let out a giggle, "How interesting Masako-chan, for two wives to bear their husband's child at the exact same time…"
Her voice hardened, "It is just too shocking to just be a coincidence isn't it?"
Masako met Chitose's gaze calmly, "I have no idea what you are talking about one-sama."
Chitose brought her hand to her cheek, smirking, "Playing innocent are we now? Fine, I will be blunt about this if I must." She took strand of Masako's hair and played with it, the rosy haired kunoichi remained unresponsive.
Chitoses held the sakura colored hair in her hand, "It means that the heavens are giving us our final showdown." Masako's hand twitched, Chitose smiled, "Because I am from the main branch, the clan will give my child a special exception and allow themto be part of the main branch."
Chitose leaned closer to Masako's ear and whispered, "But neither you nor I are safe at this point, for a daughter would surely bring destruction."
Masako furrowed her brows, what was Chitose talking about?
Chitose feigned surprise, she back away immediately, "Oh dear, that should not have slipped my lips!"
Masako struggled to find the words, "What do you mean? A daughter… what?"
Chitose walked back to kotatsu, her voice now quiet, "I think a longer conversation would do, no?"
Masako was feeling frantic by now, she was almost trembling. She quickly sat down without bothering to smooth out her kimono, "Onee-sama, please explain this."
Chitose leaned slightly closer, her voice more soft now, "The high priest has prophesized of our children, 'Two moons cannot exist in the same sky'". She glanced at Masako, "Do you know the meaning of this?"
Shaking her head, Masako didn't want to know, but wanted to know at the same time.
Chitose plucked a petal from a rose that was sitting in a vase, then watched it fall onto the table, "The two moons stand girls. So bluntly, it means that if either of us happen to have daughtors…"—Chitose plucked another petal and ripped it apart slowly—"… Then they would immediately be killed." Chitose dropped the last remaining shred of the rose petal onto the table.
Masako felt blood run cold, she opened her mouth but no sound came out. She clutched the sides of her dress and stayed there frozen. Of course, the high priest's command was final. Even Lord Hiashi had to bow to his prophecies.
Chitose reverted back to being smug, "But I'm going to have a son."
That comment snapped Masako back into reality, she stared at the woman in front of her, "Are you saying my child is destined to die?"
Flipping her hair back, Chitose raised an eyebrow, "No, I'm just saying my child is going to live."
She couldn't feel her hands or her feet anymore, it was clear that Masako was trembling now. A thousand different thoughts were going through her head now. No no… Masako desperately tried to reassure herself, Chitose is probably lying.
"You're, you're lying," Masako said weakly, she looked like she was ready to faint. She felt exactly like she was about to faint. She started to see black spots and began to feel very light-headed.
Chitose looked at Masako's weakening self, her voice flared to take advantage of her weakness, "You DARE accuse me of lying?" she snapped.
Masako said nothing, she felt sick to her stomach. Her heart had quickened and then dropped as if it had been thrown against rock. Without bidding Chitose a proper good-bye, she got up and ran out the chamber.
Chitose said nothing, she only rubbed her own stomach. Smirking, she knew she had nothing to worry about.
After all, this child within me is destined to be a son, I just know it, Chitose thought smugly. But sometimes, she even admired her own confidence.
ヽ（゜ロ゜；）ノ
Masako's body convulsed for the umpteenth time. She couldn't tell whether it was the side-effects of pregnancy or if it were because of Chitose's upsetting words. That was by far the most heated conversation they had with each other so far.
She was left panting, Damn it, I need to calm down. Neji handed her a cup of water, she shakily took it and rinsed her mouth, It's going to be okay… After cleaning up, Neji approached his mother with a worried look on his face.
Masako held her hand up, tired, "I'm okay Neji, let's just go back to our chambers."
Her son bit his lip, as if he had something to say, but he only nodded obediently. Masako sighed and prepared to walk slowly back. She had some thinking to do.
What is with this prophecy? The last one we had was years ago… her memories flooded back to her. She remembered an old man with a hunched back and a raspy voice, realization hit her. That was him, he was the one who determined my fate.
Because last time, he prophesized that my marriage into the Hyuuga clan was inevitable.
Now that she remembers it, that previous prophecy was a huge step into convincing the elders to allow her to marry Hizashi. Masako clutched the cloth above her heart, she could still remember the feeling of relief when the high priest had told the clan about the prophecy. But now all she could feel was dread. She took a deep breath, the very man who had saved her is now a threat to the unborn child that lies within her womb.
"From the looks of things, you have heard the news."
Masako nearly jumped from surprise, that voice… She spun around to face a man dressed in a simple yukata. He had pale eyes like any other Hyuuga and long, dark hair. The relief that flooded through her was overwhelming. It felt like she could now share the burden of this with her beloved instead of bearing it alone, that kind of relief.
Plus, she hadn't seen him for the past two days.
"Otou-san!" Neji cried in delight. Laughing, he ran towards his father. Hizashi chuckled and lifted his son up into the air. Neji could cried out in delight.
It was all Masako could do to refrain herself from running forward and embracing him like her son. Children were so lucky sometimes…
She stared in awe at the peaceful before her. This was what a family should be like, happy and smiling. But all of this… her heart squeezed, All of this could disappear in an instant.
She wanted to protect this family of hers with all of her heart, before it all dsappeared. Hizashi now held his son in his arms, and walked towards his wife. He had a grave but gentle look on his face. Masako gazed into his eyes of the man she loved, he stroked her cheek tenderly. She lowered her eyes toward her stomach, not quite big yet. She wanted to protect this life so badly, even if it meant sacrificing her own.
Hizashi took her hand, and kissed the top of her forehead.
"Let's talk inside."
(╯︵╰,)
Hizashi and Masako sat on their porch, her head laid on his broad shoulder. She had her arms wrapped around his arm. Neji was already asleep in the room behind them.
"Masako?"
"Hmm?"
Hizashi looked at the dawning sky, his eyes suddenly looking very distant, "Do you remember our youthful days?"
Masako looked at her husband, a bit bewildered. Then she giggled and nestled closer to him, "That makes you sound like an old man," she teased.
He tilted his head so it was resting on his wife's, "Well I'm no longer young."
Masako laughed, "You're not yet thirty."
"I'm 29."
She could feel the warmth emit from him as the weather slowly grew cooler. She gazed at the moon which was beginning to appear.
"Ne Ne, Hizashi."
"Hmm?"
Masako looked at her husband straight in the eyes, her bangs covering the edges of her big eyes, "I remember them, those days. Those were extremely… extremely…" she intertwined her fingers with his, "… extremely happy days."
Hizashi brushed away a loose strand of hair that had fallen in front of his wife's eyes, "Yes, I remember."
How nostalgic, Masako thought. It made her heart squeeze from longing, yet warmed it from the memory. She had first met Hizashi in 15 years ago.
Her husband laughed, "I still remember the first words you said to me."
"What were they?" Masako asked it fondly, but she remembered.
"'Quit pitying yourself like a bird with a broken wing and learn to fly again."
Masako smiled, she had been so annoyed with her Hizashi when she had first met him. He was so sullen and dark, he had so much darkness in his heart back then. They had never really talked until they were both assigned to the same team.
Hizashi sighed, "I think I fell in love with you at that time."
Masako stared at her husband in disbelief, "You hated me after I said that."
Hizashi poked her forehead, she winced, "Idiot," he spoke softly, "You were so clueless… I guess you still are."
Masako rubbed the spot where Hizashi had poked her, "Huh?"
Hizashi clucked his tongue, and smirked, "Have you ever seen THE Hizashi Hyuuga blow the calm cover he usually had? God, I was arguing with you all the time. Have you seen me act like that with anyone else?"
Masako thought about it for a second, remembering a moment in their childhood.
*Flashback*
"Damn you Haruno, we're on a mission here!"
"HIzashi-san", she chided gently, "If you don't eat, you'll run out of energy."
A fourteen year old Hizashi glared at her, "I don't need food."
"I suppose you don't need your byakugan either then."
"..."
"Good, now eat."
"No."
And then, she shoved the food down his throat.
*End of Flashback*
"No," she admitted, "But I thought that was because you hated me…"
He smiled mischievously, a smile he only reserved for her, and then lifted her up by the waist. Masako yelped, as she was suddenly lifted into the air. He placed her between his legs, so he could wrap his arms around her from behind.
"If so," he breathed into her ear, "Then when did you think I fell for you?"
Masako leaned back, onto her husband's chest, "I thought it was during that one mission after you broke down and cried on my shoulder…" Her voice rose playfully, "Honestly, I was so surprised to see YOU crying."
*Flashback*
The enemy shinobi had a fun time playing around with Hizashi, who was badly injured even before the fight with him.
Hizashi, now 16 years old, was covered with wounds. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth. There was a severe wound on his side which was interfering with his combat skills.
"You're a Hyuuga clan brat aren't cha?" the shinobi questioned. Not waiting for Hizashi to reply, he continued, "But you're just from the branch family huh? Got that cursed mark on your forehead."
Hizashi cursed, how was the guy so informed?
The shinobi twirled a kunai around his fingers, then threw it at him. Hizashi barely dodged it, he hated that the guy was just taunting him.
"You branch family members are really pitiful," stated the shinobi. He smirked when Hizashi weakly tried to throw three senbon at him. They landed a foot away from him.
"Isn't it pathetic to be born a servant? Oh yeah, almost forgot. If you had just been born a few seconds earlier—"
HIzashi couldn't take it anymore, "SHUT UP!"
"—You could have been born into the main branch," finished the enemy. He now looked at the struggling Hizashi with contempt.
"Think of me…" the shinobi took out his poison coated kunais, "As doing you a favor from relieving you of your duties."
Hizashi knew he was done for, he couldn't move. He had lost too much blood for that. He laughed bitterly, he never thought he would be dying like this, with some guy he didn't even know taunting him.
He closed his eyes, waiting for the end.
But it never came.
After a few moments, he heard the sound a his teammate's voice, "The only favor you'll be doing him is going to the afterlife."
HIzashi's eyes snapped open and he stared at his pink haired teammate. She had already killed him with her katana, most likely dipped in some poison she concocted. Hizashi was taken aback by this scene before him. It really was Masako. To Hizashi, she had never looked more beautiful.
Masako quickly went to HIzashi's side, "Sorry I'm late." She immediately began to treat his wounds.
HIzashi was stunned, he had thought nobody would find him. He thought that no one would pick up on the trail he left with his blood. He smiled, this person… she was amazing. She had promised to never leave him alone, and she fulfilled that promise.
His head dropped onto her shoulder. Masako seemed surprised, "Hizashi-san?"
And the tears began to fall.
*End of Flashback*
Hizashi raised an eyebrow, "I don't remember that."
Masako let out a laugh, a real one, "Of course you don't. If I recall, I acted quite naturally didn't I?"
Hizashi held her closer and more tightly, "You weren't even fazed. You just held me in your arms."
"I thought you said you didn't remember."
"I lied."
Masako smiled blissfully, the atmosphere in the Hyuuga compound was always so heavy. But whenever Hizashi was here, she felt at ease.
"But I was an idiot and never noticed, not that you ever helped me," she pouted.
Hizashi spoke wistfully, "We were both idiots back then. Honestly, it took us five years to finally realized."
Masako nodded in agreement, "I became jealous about Chitose-chan and you became jealous of Minato-kun." Actually, the difference here was that Chitose had really loved Hizashi. Minato was just Masako's good friend, nothing more, but she spent a lot of time with him and Kushina.
Hizashi breathed into her ear, "Are you still jealous?" he teased his wife, expecting a pout.
Masako froze, then sighed, "Yes," she answered truthfully.
Hizashi was a bit surprised, she sounded almost upset. But he understood that she had great reason to. Upon realized his mistake, he frowned, "Masako… You…"
Masako's ears turned pink, she felt so embarrassed, "D-Do you have a problem with it? Of course your wife would be jealous that you were also with Chitose-chan."
The two of them became very quiet. Hizashi finally broke the silence, "I have no excuse."
"You two-timer…" Masako muttered, but then relaxed, "Don't worry, I understand. The clan would have broken us apart if you didn't bear a child with Chitose."
Hizashi rested his chin on her head, "You do realize I have never spent a full night with any other woman other than you right?"
Masako took her husband's hands and placed them on her stomach, "Yes…"
Hizashi felt his wife's abdomen, his spoke sincerely, "I really want to protect this child."
"So do I… but what if, just what if—"
Hizashi interrupted Masako calmly, "If it is a daughter?" His wife nodded numbly, "I know that even Lord Hizashi cannot disobey the orders of the high priest."
Hizashi stared at the now dark sky, the moon was so bright, "How about we run away?"
Masako slapped her husband's hand, her voice a bit more frantic, "You baka, they'll activate your seal."
Her husband heaved a sigh, "Why is it that I am bound to my clan like this? Is it too much to ask the gods just for enough strength to protect my family?"
Masako squeezed his hand, "Hizashi… you forgot that I'm a kunoichi. I can protect myself just fine."
HIzashi snorted, this woman was so stubborn, "Let me be a man sometimes, Masako."
She lifted her hand to the moon, she peered at the rays of moonlight that shone through her fingers, "I…" she began, "I trust the high priest."
She could tell that Hizashi was shocked at her words, so she explained, "The high priest speaks nothing but the truth, he takes no sides."
Hizashi stared at his wife, "Masako, what are you talking about?"
Masako ignored her husband, "If he didn't like me, he would have never announced to the clan about the prophecy he received of my acceptance. He just simply spoke the truth."
She continued, her voice trembling, "If he really did receive such a prophecy, it would mean that this child I am carrying will bring… bring… misfortune."
Hizashi was too astonished to speak. His wife turned her head back to him, there were tears streaming from her face.
"I cannot allow you to betray the only family you have for me. I do not have any family left, so I can only treasure yours. I cannot allow something so precious to be taken away from you," she spoke with such honesty and sadness, Hizashi was at a lost for words.
She closed her eyes, then opened them again. She stared earnestly into his eyes, she struggled to speak the next words, "I… Because if by chance… By the slightest of chances, it is… a daughter…" her voice was shaking uncontrollably now, "Please grant me this request."
She breathed, her voice came out more calmly yet it still shook, "I would like to be the one who sends her away because I was the one who brought her into this cruel world."
Hizashi's heart broke when Masako smiled sadly after saying that. Masako never cried, and yet here she was in front of him, with tears streaming down her face.
"Masako…" he whispered. Then he stroked her cheek with his thumb, brushing away some tears in the process. He gently pressed his lips against hers. Masako closed her eyes.
Please allow us to protect this child.
o(T﹏T)o
. . . . . . . . 7 months later. . . . . . . .
Masako's P.O.V.
Panting, Masako, let out another heave. Please, allow me to protect this precious child of mine. Masako was sent another set of cries during this laborious birth.
The midwife looked at Masako desperately, "Lady Haruno, please, just a little more."
Masako gasped for air, "I cannot… I must keep this child inside my womb…"
The midwife was growing more and more frantic, "Lady Haruno! That would only put you and your child in danger!"
Masako was no longer listening, bead of sweat trickled down her face. She knew, she just knew that her baby was to be a girl. If she were to allow this child to come into this world, she would be allowing her to die. As a mother, she could not do that.
Masako could faintly hear the yells of Chitose. Oh right… she thought, Isn't it funny that Chitose and I are giving birth at the exact same time? It was followed by cries of a baby, so Chitose had finally given birth to her child.
"Lady Haruno!"
Masako's body convulsed, and she opened her eyes. She smiled faintly, "I'm sorry my dear…" she whispered, "I can no longer protect you."
She finally gave one last heave and finally, her child had now become part of this world.
The baby cried out its first sobs. That's right my child, cry for yourself. Please forgive this cruel mother of yours… a tear escaped from her eyes.
The midwife was silent, confirming what Masako already knew. Two of the servants lifted her up. Masako's eyes were empty as she stared at the child in the midwife's arms. She could see that this child clearly resembled her. She had inherited Masako's cherry blossom colored hair.
She couldn't help but smile, "Please let me hold her, even for a moment."
The servants quietly walked away from the room, to tell the elders that Masako Haruno had given birth to a girl.
The midwife nodded and handed her the baby which was now wrapped in a colorful silks.
"Please forgive this pathetic mother of yours… my child," she whispered.
She looked at her daughtor's face, she was so beautiful… Her daughter slowly opened her eyes, they were just like Neji's, Pearly white with an obvious emerald green tint. What a cruel fate this child had. Masako's heart broke when her daughter let out a huge smile.
You're so beautiful, Masako stroked her daughtor's hair, it was as soft as silk.
And yet your beauty is short-lived. She looked at the cherry blossom trees outside the room. Some of the flowers were already falling off the branches.
Just like that of those sakura blossoms…
ヽ（゜ロ゜；）ノ
X.x.X
This is just the introduction to my series. Yesh, I know, I am completely twisting up everything Naruto is, but that's the point of fanfiction isn't it? What do you think about Neji being Sakura's older brother? Yeah, I didn't expect that either… . Just kinda flowed along I guess.
Please review! There is a second part to the prologue before the plot really set sets in place!