Note:
This is sequel to "Dreamt". And since during "Dreamt" things managed to diverge from the canon quite a bit, I suggest starting reading from there...
"I have a mission for you."
"A mission? I'm afraid whatever this mission is, I will fail it miserably in my current state." Sakura laughed patting her protruding belly. She was seventh month pregnant. The twins were year-and-a-half now and except for very first months, went easy on her so far. She hoped it would stay like that when the new baby is born. Older children can be very jealous, but she had a feeling that it would not be the case. Gen and Yume were so close with each other, interconnected almost, that she had impression that adults were not so important for them. Even when they were babies it was enough to lay them down together and they were as good as gone. "What is your mission, then?"
"Finding brides for Obito."
Sakura opened her mouth. "Why all of the sudden? Did Obito asked you for it?"
"Obito? No, of course not."
"Then why?"
"The clan is virtually non-existent. That needs to change. So Obito needs to take wives. I think three will be a good number." Said Madara rather nonchalantly.
Sakura couldn't believe her own ears. "Three? Are you kidding?!"
"Not at all. Uchiha clan is almost extinct and the only way to rebuild it.."
"I know, is through children… You want the employ the old way of doing it. But times have changed, no girl will want to go along with it."
"Have they changed so much? There was a war just two years ago. How many women were left alone?"
"Yeah, war started BY Obito. Do you think any will want to marry him?"
"Well, you will need to find some that will."
Sakura wrung hands in her hair. "This is mission impossible!"
"I have faith in you." Madara didn't sound mocking for a change. She was usually forgetting that whatever hurdles and obstacles he was throwing at her, was not out of malice. It was a genuine expression of trust in her capabilities. He would never complement her, he would just have her do things. It was the same with Konoha negotiations – he had burdened her with it because he believed in her.
"And what does Obito says to it? Especially to the three wives part?"
"He will obey."
"It's not about obeying! It is supposed to be his marriage! Or marriages…" It even sounded strange.
"It is for the clan. For the future of us all. If we are not strong enough we will be destroyed. Not now, not tomorrow, maybe not in our lifetimes. But sooner or later someone will make war on Uchiha again. Don't get me wrong, I don't think we're fated; I've grown out of such megalomaniac illusions. But we are objectively dangerous and at some point someone will think it's better to dispose of us. It is for you, for the children you bore and will bear."
He sounded strange, softer than usual, especially with such a topic. Sakura narrowed her eyes. "There is something you're not telling me."
"Hn."
"So, what is it that you're not telling?"
Madara sighted. "You're starting to know me too well to be convenient. That, or I'm getting slack."
Sakura wrung hands around his waist. "You're not getting slack. You were always easy to read for me. That's why I could start liking you on the first place. What is it then?"
"I was approached by the council with a certain… suggestion." There was a hint of irritation in Madara's voice. "They pointed out the scarcity of Uchiha and offered me a Hyuga girl to marry."
Sakura's eyes went huge. Was it real? Just like this? She felt as if her heart was about to stop beating any moment. Madara looked at her and laughed.
"Do you think I would ever do it? I should be offended that you think so low of me… How could I do it? You are the sole reason I am even here."
Sakura nudged her nose into Madara's arm. Obvious, things were always obvious for him. He always knew where he's going and how to get there. She didn't, she wasn't directing this show.
"And I am sure that it wasn't the concern about Uchiha clan behind this proposal." He continued. "They wanted to have a trusted person in my household. That, or someone has a unhealthy interest in Kekkei Genkai genetics. But, whatever their motives, they had a point, and the topic will be returning as long as something changes. So, that's where your mission comes from."
"If you're so bound on expanding the clan why not have Sasuke marry, then? Instead of that crack-pot idea of multiple marriages?"
"Ha. Because Sasuke will not obey. And I don't want to make a display out of him refusing my orders."
Sakura gave him a strange look. Very insightful. Indeed Sasuke would never obey, so it was better not to call "check". But it surprised her that Madara knew it and still seemed to be accepting it.
"There is no gain for me, nor for the clan to antagonize him. He follows my orders on other things and that suffices. With the marriage – he's still a boy, there is time. And now, do you even imagine it working? Pity on a woman that would end up with him."
"You're mean! Sasuke is… is just…"
"Socially inapt? Completely messed up?"
Sakura only sighted. She would have phrased it differently, but it was more less what Sasuke was. He had fulfilled his threats and left Konoha as soon as he was freed from probation. It was clear that he cannot sit in one place. Sakura knew that he appreciated having home again, but it was visible that it was also overwhelming for him. And their makeshift family even worked only because they knew him so well, kept forgiving his coldness and callousness.
"So… Any suggestions for the brides?" Sakura sounded defeated.
"I would advice against younger girls… And don't get any from a renowned clan – they are troublesome. Otherwise, it's up to you, I'm sure you can handle it much better than any of us."
"Oh, one more thing…" Madara stopped in the door. "If possible, chose women with… ehem… less controversial colouring… Each time you're pregnant I'm dreading a pink-haired Uchiha."
Sakura threw her cup at him. But of course he managed to disappear into the corridor. Cup flew all the way to the yard and harmlessly rolled on the sand.
Note:
My beta-reader was of the opinion that the beginning of this story is less interesting, and I understand - there is not so much drama... Nevertheless she insisted on keeping it. So, as a compromise, I will just post couple of first chapters quickly I guess...
Also, in much less serious tone: any bets for the wives?
