To 'herseybarrules': Thank you so much for the support and as for your omake request, I actually have a similar scene in mind at least on the next chapters. Do tell if you have other scenes in mind you'd like to see and I might consider it. Ciao~!
A little pink nose twitched as it caught a faint scent of dog. Its yellow eyes followed the source of the trail to one of the canopies closer to the three children sitting by the stream. The cat's amplified sharper eyes caught a glimpse of a silver-haired masked jounin and he recognized the man as the last Hatake. Toko scoffed. He did not have a particularly ill intent with the man but his pact with ninken made him less in his eyes. The white tabby turns his head back on the task at hand, watching over his mistress' youngest son. It had been far too long since his milady summoned him, not since she retired from her kunoichi career to focus being the clan matriarch.
"Oi teme! Stop brooding! You're scaring the fish away!" said the blonde boy from his perch on top of a boulder with a fishing rod in hand.
Sasuke's eye twitched. "If you weren't so loud then we would've caught one already!"
Meanwhile, Sakura sighed from her position under a tree not far from them before sticking her nose back in her book.
"Let's just continue" she opted. "Naruto-kun, what is the Nara clan's symbol and explain their meaning"
Naruto hummed for a while before beaming, turning his head towards the pinkette. "Their clan's symbol is a circle with wavy lines across it. It represents the river and it has three pillars over them symbolizing the trees. When cut in half, it almost looks like a mirror image representing their uhh… bloodline limit to control… con…trol… shadows! That's it, shadows! Plus, their clan's symbol could also mean because of their connection with the deer in their clan forest"
"That's correct, Naruto-kun! Great job!" she clapped and Naruto scratched his cheek followed by a smug grin directed towards the Uchiha sitting on a flat rock below him. Sasuke grunted, rolling his eyes.
"Show off" he muttered to which Naruto stuck his tongue out.
"Okay, your turn Sasuke-kun" the raven nodded "What is the Sarutobi clan and give at least two of their most influential members"
The corner of his mouth twitched up, "That's easy. The Sarutobi clan is one of the oldest clans in Konoha. They were one of the first clans to swear allegiance in the village's founding along with the Shimura clan, Yamanaka clan, Nara clan, and Akimichi clan. They have no particular bloodline limit but they have a strong affinity with Fire Release Transformation Jutsu and they increased strength. Two of the most notable members of their clan is the current Lord Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and his father Sarutobi Sasuke"
"Ehh?! You're named after someone else, teme?!" Naruto balked.
"Yeah" Sasuke flushed a bit. "It was mom's idea"
"Sarutobi Sasuke is a legendary ninja who had exceptional aptitude with ninjutsu. He was a member of the Sanada Ten Braves, a group of ninja that served under the samurai- Yukimura Sanada during the Warring States period" Sakura informed.
"Ohhh" the blonde tilted his head, "He sure sounds amazing. Think you can live up to that name, teme?"
He teased, but the young Uchiha only answered him with a quick glare followed by a smirk (with a little more practice he could already use the Uchiha trademark smirk). "I'm not gonna live up to it, dobe, 'cause I'm gonna become someone greater"
Instead of replying with a snarky remark, Naruto's grin only widened whereas Sakura let out a small smile. Pride reflected in their eyes as they felt their chests swell with determination for their friend and for their future ambitions. They can't wait to start at the academy!
"That's awesome, Sasuke-kun" Sakura broke the stupor. "Anyway, your answer was complete and perfect, great job!"
Their proud faces were placed with Sasuke delivering his own 'top that, dobe' look towards Naruto while the blonde huffed, flaring his nostrils as he stuck his tongue out, followed by a non-discreet "Show-off" comment.
From his perch, Toko swished his tail with pride for his mistress' son. It wasn't long until he saw a shift in the shadows of the tree he's sitting on that he was immediately on all fours. The shadow danced unnaturally on the bark and the white tabby was ready to pounce until it chuckled.
"I haven't seen you in duty in a while, Toko" the imminent voice chuckled softly as the shadow formed the visage of the cat boss of the ninneko underworld.
After the mysterious disappearance of the sand cats from the Land of Wind and snow cats from Snow Country many, many years ago, ninneko kept themselves scarce for fear of the wellbeing of their remaining brothers and sisters across the world. Making shinobi have difficulty if they wish to make a pact with cat summons. Forest cats like Toko, who had stemmed from the special bond with the Uchiha clan, remained in their service while others served in selling tools for shinobi with Nekobaa. The boss cat of the ninneko underworld kept tabs with other animal summons and commanded cats who could be hired in gathering Intel and as temporary summons.
"Nekomata-sama" the cat bowed in respect. "I was assigned by my mistress to watch over her son due to her incapability to tend to him because of the clan"
"Ahh yes" he hummed, "Shisui and Itachi's crows had also expressed their concern for their masters. Human politics have always been so complicated"
Laughter caught their attentions and they turned their heads to the three children merrily giggling at each other. The pink-haired child joined the two boys as she situated herself beside the youngest Uchiha. She pointed at the river and said something to the raven boy, making him blush and her to giggle. Toko's eyes narrowed at that.
"You have sensed it too, haven't you?" the shadow inquired.
"Yes. There is something about that child. What irks me is that I cannot say whether it is of something good or evil"
"You are not alone in your suspicions, but I suggest- no, I order you to leave the girl be. I will not tolerate any of my brothers and sisters baring their fangs towards that child" Toko swiveled his head at the ancient cat in question. "She intrigues me, to put it simply. Normal cats have an affinity for her, and she is a human child who knows respect. The girl leaves me offerings in my shrine every week"
The shadow broke into an ear-splitting grin, revealing sharp rows of fangs.
.
"Woow! This looks good! Thanks for the food!"
Naruto cheered, giving a quick prayer in thanks before snatching a fish on a stick. He blew over it enthusiastically followed by Sakura and Sasuke who held their fish more delicately.
"Dishh tashhes fshhreat!" he exclaimed with a stuffed mouth, chewing excitedly while being careful of the fishbone.
"It's really good!" Sakura hummed, turning to the ravenhead who wore a smug grin as he chewed on his fish. "How'd you learn how to prepare and season fish, Sasuke-kun?"
The Uchiha turned to her, a faint pink dusting over his cheeks. "I-I always help out with my mom with it… the Uchiha clan has a special contract with ninneko and mom always feed her cat summon and some of the strays at the compound"
"This tastes really awesome, teme!" Naruto proclaimed, chomping another bite. "Thanks a lot!"
"It really is, thank you Sasuke-kun" Sakura smiled and Sasuke let out a small smile in return.
"Glad you guys liked it"
"Of course, it tasted better because I caught the best ones" the blonde huffed proudly.
"Dobe, we're eating the ones I caught" Sasuke pointed.
"No way! These ones are mine!"
And thus another bout of bickering ensued. Sakura decided to break them up later after she finishes with her meal.
.
"Well! I'm off to see baa-chan, see ya guys later!" Naruto grinned, waving goodbye as he picked up his fishing rod and run towards the hospital for his check-up. "Thanks for the food, teme! Bye Sakura-chan!"
"See you later, Naruto-kun!" Sakura waved back while Sasuke gave a small wave of his own. When the blonde jinchuuriki was out of sight, she turned to the ravenhead and asked, "Do you feel better now, Sasuke-kun?"
He looked at her with a small appreciative smile. Remembering how his two friends snuck up to his room through the window so that they could take him out to go fishing. How they were able to sneak into the compound, much less get in his backyard, was mystery yet to be solved. Still, he's glad that they did. When he woke up the other day, he knew that something felt immediately wrong.
His father and brother were gone and he doubted that they were on a mission. Even if he's asleep, Itachi would wake him up just to say that he'll be off on a mission before poking his forehead. But the turning point for him was his mother's sudden… weirdness. His mother wouldn't tell, but he can feel the anxiety reeking off of her. Besides, she's being called off into clan meetings more often than before…
Nonetheless, he was grateful for Sakura and Naruto. It took his mind off of it.
"But you're still worried" Sakura surmised, brows knitting slightly in concern.
Sasuke pressed his lips before looking down on his feet. He nodded, "I've just… never seen my mom like that before… she's always happy and smiling, and I know my father and big brother can handle themselves but… I can't help but feel worried about them. I haven't seen my cousin Shisui much either"
Sakura hummed, nodding her head slowly in understanding before moving in front of him. Without pretense, she took his hand in hers and raised it over his chest. The sudden contact making him blush a bit.
"Sakura?"
She smiled, "Put your hand over your heart like this"
She let go and placed her hand over hers. Sasuke followed, flattening his palm and fingers over his beating heart.
"Then do as I do. Tell yourself 'All is well, all is well'" she said, lightly tapping her chest.
"Huh?"
"All is well, all is well" she repeated, giving him an encouraging look.
Sasuke swallowed, "All is well… all is well…"
"You got it!" the pinkette cheered.
"But… why?"
Sakura kept smiling. "You see, Sasuke-kun. A lot of things are gonna happen in the future that we don't know. Some are good, some are bad. Because of that, our heart gets scared easily. When that happens, what do we do?"
"We ignore it" he answered immediately. "Shinobi shouldn't ever get scared"
"That's true, but sometimes shinobi get scared too. We're only humans after all, and we can't always ignore what we feel all the time. So when you're scared, do what shinobi do best! We trick the enemy! No matter how scary or how big the problem is, you just tell your heart that everything is gonna be fine"
The raven blinked, getting the idea but not fully understanding. He frowned, "But will that solve the problem?"
"Nope!" Sakura chirped, giggling. "But you gain the courage to face it"
Though he didn't fully understood it then, his heart then realized that he found the people who would forever be beside him. The first and only people who never cared that his family name was Uchiha.
"I'll carry your rod for you, Sakura"
"STOP!"
The panicked scream caught the attention of mostly everyone in the park, including the family of the head of the Aburame clan. Shibi blinked behind his tinted goggles at the sight of a little pink-haired child, arms wide open, flailing them as she led a couple of civilians to keep moving forward. After which she suddenly crouched down. Shibi moved forward until they were a few ways behind the hunched over girl.
"That was a close one" he heard her say, until his eyes widened when the girl lifted her hands to see a newly hatched stag beetle. Its pale exterior proved it to have just broken from its pupal stage. "Here you go"
Shibi blinked again as he watched the girl help the insect perch itself on a stable leaf on a nearby bush. She giggled happily once it found a steady roost. Then she suddenly dropped down again as she peered through the grass, her smile broking into a wide grin.
"Ah! I know you! You're a… a… uhmm… Cam-Camponotus… oohh! I know I read it somewhere before!" the head Aburame couldn't help but smile as she struggled to wrack her brain for the name of the big ant crawling by her knee.
"It's a Camponotus Gigas" heads turned sharply towards his son. Feeling the stares directed at him, young Shino immediately grew shy and hid partially behind his mother's cloak as he answered the girl. "That's a Camponotus Gigas…"
The pinkette beamed brightly at him, "I remember now! Thank you!"
Shibi heard his wife giggle at the back of her hand as Shino hid further behind her, while he shook his head. What amazed him was the girl's natural affinity for insects. Granted, the Aburame clan wasn't the most appealing clan in terms of their manner of combat. So it surprised him greatly to find a child outside of the clan who was willing to touch the so-called 'creepy crawlies', not even little girls from the clan are immediately fond of bugs. Young boys maybe but girls? Usually they'd be running and screaming over the next hill by then.
"Well isn't she a curious little thing, don't you think so, dear?" his wife whispered to him.
"Ahh, she is" he nodded and they watched the rumored pink-haired oddity disappear into the forest but not before witnessing a white butterfly flutter around her and then land on her shoulder. In the Aburame clan's belief, it was a symbol of a good omen, especially since it didn't fly away immediately.
His attention was suddenly diverted when an ANBU suddenly appeared before him with a summons from the Hokage. Shibi immediately complied, knowing that it was for the meeting with all the other clan heads about the Uchiha clan's fate.
.
The spider-like symbol emblazoned at the gates of the head family of the Aburame clan felt big, and looming dreadfully over him the longer he stared at it. Torune had to turn his head as if the sight blinded him despite wearing his eye-gear.
He felt like a traitor. He wouldn't be surprised if they considered him as one. But it was for Shino's sake. Even if his sacrifice was for the benefit of the boy he treated like a brother, still, suddenly leaving to join ROOT (it wasn't even long when he joined that organization) and not leave a word- not even an apology or a thank you- to the family that took him in and treated him as their own after his father's death, was unacceptable. But even so, when ROOT got disbanded, this house was the first thing that popped into his mind.
They probably wouldn't welcome him back anyway.
Pain as powerful and as quick as a lightning strike shot through his arm that he had to open up his sleeve to see his skin turning violet in color. He had yet to master the nano-sized rinkaichū he possessed and the microscopic insects sensed his anxiety that called for them to attack their host. He learned that these type of rinkaichū wouldn't tolerate a weak-willed host.
But the added fear of rejection only amplified his emotions as he started to panic. The purple miasma started to spread across his skin at a rapid rate. If this keeps up, and without an experienced master like Shiba- Torune's eyes widened when a small hand suddenly shot up from nowhere and touch his bare arm.
He didn't even feel their presence at all.
He followed the tiny arm and met the concerned eyes of a pink-haired girl.
"You… no- don't…" he tried to warn her but the pain was excruciating. Sakura only smiled up to him as the pain suddenly began to fade as quickly as it came. Before he knew it, the color of his arm returned and the rinkaichū had calmed themselves back in his pores. When he looked up, the girl was still smiling at him before casually adjusting her bag over her back. There was a white butterfly perched on her shoulder.
"They miss you too, you know" was what she only said before running off to the main road.
She wasn't affected by the rinkaichū at all.
"This place doesn't suit you at all, my love"
Fugaku's head turned sharply behind him, eyes widening a fraction at the sight of his wife standing outside his cell with a worried frown plastered on her beautiful face. Two ANBU guards flanking her two steps back.
He frowned, "Mikoto, how did you get in here?"
"I used to be assigned in ANBU squads as a temporary member whenever they needed an extra hand. You know how much I excel in stealth missions and gathering Intel with Toko" she reminded him, walking towards her sitting husband and crouching down to meet his gaze. "I wouldn't mind pulling on a few strings just to see my husband"
"You foolish woman" his snorted, but she could see the way his eyes softened, making her smile.
"I missed you too, dear"
He wanted to reach out, touch her face, and feel her fingers intertwine with his. But he had to hold himself back, knowing that if he so much as push out a finger, the seals that secured his cell would emit an instantly paralyzing shock to both of them. He wouldn't risk that.
"I've heard that you presented a plea with the Hokage"
She didn't deny it, "I submitted a case to them, to help you and the boys. They told me you confessed to them about everything"
Fugaku crossed his arms, "It was time they realize the wrong they have committed to our clan. They had no right in judging us for a suspicion we would never do. They needed to learn the ostracism and injustice they caused us. We love this village, it is our home. We would never destroy the place our forefathers helped create"
The Uchiha matriarch nodded, letting out a soft smile as she admired her husband's devotion. "The Hokage was kind enough to hear us out, Fugaku. He was the one who rebuked the council and let us present our plea"
He nodded, "At least this shows that without Danzo's influence, the Sandaime has a clearer vision in his duties. I never trusted the old coot anyway. Have you seen Itachi and Shisui yet?"
"No, I will meet them after you, my love" the ravenette dropped her head, biting her buccals in reluctance. "The clan… are convinced that Shisui had betrayed us. They were thinking of having him disowned from the family"
The Uchiha clan head frowned, "They cannot do that unless they have the majority of his immediate family's consent, and now- after my brother and his wife's noble death in the previous war- as sons of Uchiha Kagami, we are his immediate family. I admit my fault when I accused him as a traitor, but Shisui and Itachi confessed during the previous trial that they have both been informing the Hokage of our actions"
Her dark eyes widened at that, mouth agape. "Itachi?"
Fugaku nodded, "Our son's loyalty to the village is far stronger than to his own family, Mikoto. I cannot say I totally agree, but I am proud. Danzo had confessed that he ordered Itachi to… annihilate us for, in his quote, 'the betterment of the village'. I do not know what they have planned for him though. And Itachi would have carried out his mission if not for… that child. Do you know her, Mikoto?"
"I have heard of her between gossips from other women whenever I am in the market. I never met the girl personally except one time when I bought her a bag of apples- the poor girl looked starving!" she defended, cupping her own cheek at the memory. "But aside from that, there was nothing else. People called her many names like 'The Crazy One', 'The Cursed Child', 'The Little Witch', and most often- a mentally retarded child who talks to air and ramble nonsense"
"But?" he encouraged, sensing his wife's drawl.
"In my eyes, she's just a sweet, innocent, misunderstood, poor, orphaned, lonely little girl" she voiced. "I even saw her help Lady Tsukimi in harvesting her fruits. She told me the girl would come to her orchard for labor in exchange for a few of the harvests for food"
Fugaku sighed, shaking his head. The girl was almost the same age as his youngest, and he would guess that she was orphaned during the time of the Kyuubi's attack… or she was simply abandoned by her family…
"How is Sasuke?" he asked, trying to divert her attention.
She hung her head guiltily, "Our son is doing fine, I believe. I know he can feel that something's wrong, but I cannot find the heart to tell him- it'll be too much for a child. I have assigned Toko to watch over him. He said Sasuke's been… playing… with his friends"
"Friends?" he quirked a brow, "He never mentioned he made friends"
Mikoto shook her head, "Neither to me. But I am happy though. Whoever they were, Toko confirmed that they were good people. At least I know our son is not alone, even though at this time of need, I should be the one beside him the most…"
"Mikoto" he called, and he spoke firmly, "It had to be done. As matriarch, your duty is to the clan. You had to become the pillar and keep our family from collapsing when I am not available. As a mother, you did more than enough than just sit and pray for our eldest, and you have ensured our youngest's safety. The boys and I will pull through, and do not worry about Sasuke. As you said, he is in good hands. Do not forget that he is an Uchiha, he is our son, he is strong, and he will understand"
Mikoto couldn't help the blush creeping to her cheeks as she smiled sweetly and put a hand over her rapidly beating heart.
"You always had a way of comforting me, my love"
Fugaku smiled.
.
Mikoto would come home later in the evening to find the table already set with freshly cooked fishes seasoned with lemon and an embarrassed looking Sasuke guiltily defending himself that he made a campfire in the backyard instead of using the stove because he didn't get permission.
Sasuke would then whine and struggle to break free from his mother's grip as she held him tightly and shower him with kisses and gush over how adorable he was.
Danzo was livid.
He's ran out of time.
His feet were practically marching at death's doorstep and he can't do anything about it. Homura, Koharu, and most specially Hiruzen, doesn't listen to him anymore! They injected him with truth serum, and he was forced to confess everything… everything. From Hanzo, to Orochimaru, to his assassination attempt on Hiruzen, and even his machinations in ROOT.
'Damn, damn, damn!' he cursed. Just what is this sudden turn of events?!
On the night that was supposed to be the biggest orchestrated tragedy of all time, Shisui would have reported to him and if the Uchiha refused- which he was sure he would do- he would have stolen the boy's eye for his own. But did Kagami's grandchild even arrive? No! And why? Because he helped a sorry child harvest apples!
Then after that, Itachi would have carried out his mission and he would label him as a traitor to the village and to his own clan. Without the Uchiha clan and their Police Force, Orochimaru could easily conduct his experiments to for both of their benefits and manipulating the village and make him Hokage would be a breeze. But did Itachi obey his order? No! And again, why was that? Because he realized that he cannot bear the pent up pain and suffering he bore on his shoulders any longer. And who was there to comfort him? That child! That abomination!
She was never included in the formula, was never even considered. Then suddenly she thwarted all of his plans and completely dominated the stage without even trying. No, her connection, no matter how innocent her place may be in all of this, the coincidence was all too good to be true. Yes, that's it, there's something wrong with that girl. Absolutely wrong. He felt it the moment he saw her, choked when her green eyes stared into his, and feared it when the world trembled with the roar of the tailed beasts that he swore was meant for him. Before he knew it he was in one of the lowest cells of the ANBU department, his arm decapitated, his eye sealed, and all of his chakra points sealed by a Hyuuga and constantly drained by seals.
He never felt so humiliated.
So aggravated…
So…
Scared.
And it's all the snot-nosed kid's fault!
.
With one last desperate attempt, Danzo summoned the emergency snake summon procured to him by Orochimaru by bleeding on the invisible seal on his right arm. The seal fell from his skin like a slimy substance before it morphed into a small, slithering white snake.
"Haruno Sakura"
The reptile hissed and with the simple message, it melted into the shadows. The seals in his prison cell was ringing and no doubt ANBU would come flocking to investigate the disturbance in his cell. But he would be damned before he stayed any longer and face utter humiliation.
He activated the seal hidden underneath his tongue and released the false second molar of his teeth for good measure. The toxin spread throughout his body in seconds in his paralyzed state, and with a final curse towards Konoha, he took to his grave the secrets he stole from the Uchiha and Uzumaki clan.
But before he took his last breath, his vision was entrapped by a figure of full emerald eyes, and a small body bathed in ethereal white.
By the time the ANBU arrived at his cell, Danzo's face was frozen with utter horror and the snake had slithered away unnoticed.
.
Nearing the south gate of Konoha, a small white snake slithered soundlessly between the grasses. That was until a sandaled foot blocked its path. The snake looked up to see a small girl of pink hair and full, glowing green eyes- green was even her sclera and pupil.
The snake trembled at the immense power.
"A literal snake in the grass" two sets of voices echoed and without pretense, a small shock of chakra completely obliterated the helpless summon into a merciless heap of nothing as if it never existed, before setting her glowing green eyes up towards the full moon.
Hyuuga, Aburame, Inuzuka, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Nara, Hōki, Sarutobi, Lee, Kohaku, Senju, Shimura, and even the last Hatake, are all present in the large room that would deliver the final verdict for the Uchiha clan. All eyes were on them, the pressure immense, but the three Uchihas facing trial- especially the head of the clan, kept their heads high with pride.
Present in their support was the Uchiha clan council and the Uchiha matriarch, standing firm and ready to defend her beloved family.
.
"I never thought I'd see you here, Hatake" Tsunade snickered at the silver-haired young man sitting very uncomfortably on his seat, shifting now and again for a better position. His visible eye blazing and ready to take off the robe hanging over his shoulders.
"It was an official order" he answered, grunting as he pulled on his gloves. Not since his father's death, Kakashi never wore his family's crest again.
The blonde Senju huffed, downing her cup of complimentary sake as she stared down at the Uchihas below them. She already knew the verdict, Hiruzen had an in-depth consultation with her about it. She's just here to show face. The Hokage's mind has already been made and he will not take no for an answer.
"If I may, Princess Tsunade" she turns to the head of the Nara clan "Correct me if I'm wrong but you are the guardian of a little girl of very… odd coloring, are you not?"
That caught Kakashi's attention, making him stop and listen to the topic. She snorted, "I am. What of it?"
"She is in adequate mental condition, right?" Inoichi blinked at their direction.
"I never pegged you to listen with minstrel's fancies, Shikaku-sama" she downed another cup. "May I ask what brought this on?"
"It appeared that this… Sakura of yours, has found her way in our clan's forest a few days ago"
"I didn't know that the Nara Clan Forest had forbid outsiders"
"We didn't. We just kept the forest off limits until the Great Prince has finally calmed himself. He has been livid since the war and had become hostile even to us for the last few years" Shikaku supplied. Leaving out the part that a few days ago, he had scoured the forest in frantic worry because his son had apparently wandered into the forest. Only to find Shikamaru at the heart- in the grotto- lying on his back as he watched the clouds above go by, saying goodbye with a lazy hand at a pink-haired girl riding on the massive deer's back. When he asked Shikamaru what he was doing, he only told him that Sakura taught him how to cloud watch.
"Thank you for your concern, Shikaku-sama" Tsunade bowed lightly in genuine thanks, "But I assure you, my ward is of perfect mental health. The rumors about her are nothing but false stories made up because of her, as you say 'odd coloring'. In fact, she is a very bright girl. She ties with your son in the academy and sticks her nose into any book or scroll she can lay her hands on"
"She seems to also have a fancy on insects" Shibi interjected "I saw her not too long ago tending on a beetle and even recognizing an ant species normal children wouldn't bother learning"
The blonde sighed, muttering, "I told Shizune to stop indulging her about poisons. That girl has a very scary curiosity"
.
The tension grew tenfold when the Hokage finally stepped in the room. The silence only added to the looming pressure until they finally seated and Hiruzen spoke.
"Danzo's death was… inevitable" he turns to the new head of the Shimura clan "The law can no longer overlook his crimes, and I would've had no choice but to order his execution"
The new head- Danzo's nephew and rightful heir- bowed his head, "You have shown him mercy and he has taken advantage of it, Lord Hokage. His motives were of good will but my uncle's methods were always… unethical. The clan will accept whatever punishment you will give upon his name, and we will not bear any grudge against your decision"
The other members nodded and there were murmurs of agreement between the clans.
Hiruzen nodded, "Despite his overzealous actions, we cannot just turn a blind eye on his sacrifices and services during the second and third wars, and to Konoha itself. Therefore an autopsy will be conducted by the T&I" he turns to Inoichi and Ibiki who nodded, "and Shimura Danzo will be buried with his fallen comrades under the seal of the Will of Fire in the Konoha Cemetery"
.
"Do you swear to tell the truth and accept the consequences of your actions under the gaze of our forefathers and the blaze of the Will of Fire?"
"I swear" the three Uchihas professed as several T&I shinobi positioned themselves at the borders of the defendant circle, ready to surmise any hint of body language that would pose a lie. ANBU guards have already placed themselves around, hidden in plain view while jounin laid themselves bare, ready to pounce and defend in case of any attack.
"Uchiha Shisui" Hiruzen called.
"Yes" he straightened his back.
"How do you plea?"
"Innocent" there were murmurs of disagreement amongst the other Uchihas in attendance. "My actions were for the benefit of the village. I did what I thought best for my family by allowing myself to act as a spy to the Lord Hokage himself. It may appear as if I am betraying my clan, but I believed that the Sandaime would be merciful if he hears the true story behind the coup d'état and help Itachi and I put a stop to them before the start of any unnecessary bloodshed"
Shisui kept his head up high, undeterred by the burst of outrage from the clan and murmurs from the others. He hears his aunt silencing them and he made a mental note to thank the woman afterwards.
"Uchiha Itachi"
"Yes" he blinked.
"How do you plea?"
Itachi pursed his lips at that, taking a deep breath, "Innocent. Like my cousin, I allowed myself to act as a spy for the council, and report to them about my clan's impending coup. Loyalty to the village is the first law, and I value that law as I swore my oath"
Hesitant whispers circulated the room.
"And according to you and based on Shimura Danzo's confession, you were ordered to assassinate your entire clan- including women and children- as, and I quote 'the only way to stop the Uchiha'. Do you deny it?"
"No, I do not. On that same night, I went to the compound to exact my mission"
The room fell into a stunned silence. Itachi didn't lower his head but he did close his eyes, feeling the disappointment directed towards him.
"But you didn't" It was Homura who surmised. "Why is that? In general view, you have disobeyed an order"
"In his defense, it was an unofficial order" Tsunade interjected, earning their attentions. "Whether the former councilman gave the order with the consent of the other council members or not, it should have been Lord Hokage who should have given such a high class order himself. Danzo acted out of context, which was an act definable as treason"
The Shimura clan immediately agreed, and the Hokage let the clan heads talk to themselves to find reason in what Tsunade said. Though there were still voices of outrage coming from the Uchiha clan, he observed that there were others who had sympathized with the two young Uchihas.
Koharu asked, "What exactly happened, Uchiha Itachi? Your records state that you never left a mission uncompleted. I am curious as to what have made you shake your will"
Kakashi straightened in his seat, Shisui inwardly tensed, and Itachi could feel his father's gaze on him. No, Sakura has got nothing to do with this.
"My heart couldn't bear the thought of destroying my family, and killing the people I love" that seemed to have satisfied the old woman and Shisui sighed quietly in relief, trying to be as subtle as possible.
"Did you know that Danzo was going to present that you massacred your own clan out of your own accord? That he planned to take no claim of his order to you and label you as Konoha's traitor?" the Third informed and shocked gazes turned towards him.
"No" Itachi frowned, he could hear his cousin practically seething beside him while his parents flushed with anger at the thought. His clansmen followed the sentiment.
Hiruzen nodded, turning to Fugaku, "Uchiha Fugaku"
"Yes"
"Do you deny that you and your clan were formulating a coup d'état against Konoha?"
"No" he stood his ground.
"Were you aware that your actions would have caused a civil war and give other villages the opportunity to infiltrate the village?"
"Yes"
"Why? What were your motives?"
Fugaku answered immediately, "Konoha had shunned us. The village, who we swore to love and protect with our lives, turned their backs on us by suspecting us over an act we never and will never commit. Former councilman Shimura Danzo suspected us of treason, that the Uchiha were behind the Nine-Tails attack that took the lives of hundreds, the council conceded, and the Hokage did nothing about it.
"For nearly six years, our clan was isolated at the borders of Konoha. The Military Police could not function accordingly and we were always at constant surveillance. We, the Uchiha clan, who helped build this very village, could no longer stand the ostracism delivered upon us. This in an injustice we had full intention to end"
Mikoto added, "The coup d'état's main goal was not to take over Konoha- that was only if they persisted against us. No, the true purpose was for the sake of our children. We have foreseen what might become and we will not sit idly and let our next generation suffer and suffocate over an unfair accusation. Our means are justified"
More whispers, more murmurs, until it became one noisy debate. The only ones who didn't participate were the three Uchihas, Tsunade- who continued to sip on her tea with a secret smirk behind her cup, Kakashi, and surprisingly- the Hyuuga, who remained silent as he studied the ravenheads.
Three strikes of the Hokage's gavel sucked the room back into silence. All eyes turned on Hiruzen as he stood up from his seat.
"We have forgotten something very important" he started, "Our bonds"
Confused buzzes ensued before Hiruzen continued, making his way slowly from his position and towards the three Uchihas.
"Konoha is still young. If we compare ourselves with the neighboring Sunagakure, whose ancestors stemmed from a single tribe that survived the harsh desert, our Land of Fire has always been at a state of warfare" the fact caught everyone's attentions. "Unlike the ancestral sand tribe, who worked together and lived side by side at a much harsher environment than us, the ties between our forefathers was nothing but divided"
"Why are you comparing us with the Sand people?" Homura asked.
"To make a point" he looks over his shoulder. "Long before the establishment of villages, our clans were once divided, always at war with each other over every little territory the Land of Fire could provide. We were all once enemies. But that all changed when the founding fathers had set aside their differences and forged a pact that took the form of our village. Then our clans had followed in their footsteps; however in that time, our bonds were tested.
"War ensued around us one after another, and when the foreign invaders threatened to take over our beloved home, we joined together to defend our lands! We fought beside each other, for each other, and risked everything for each other.
"In three wars we fought, and in three wars we continued to stand strong. Helping each other, taking the other's hands, and comfort and mourn each other's fallen comrades and loved ones. Our clans all once came from all walks of life, but we set aside our differences and dispelled our past grudges all for the sake of peace, for the future! The alliance our forefathers made was a bond forged in bravery and friendship, and it lives to this day!"
Loud cheers of agreement erupted and each person, all who fought and contributed in the war, felt their chests swell with pride.
"And now there is the matter of the Uchiha clan's coup" there was a tense silence as the Third Hokage stood before Fugaku. "No one anticipated the attack of the tailed beast. We all lost comrades and loved ones in that attack. It was a tragedy no one will ever forget. And in that time of fear, we lost reason and blamed our brothers in suspicion of their misuse of power. We were blinded by fear, and it caused a drift in our bonds.
"It is a fact we cannot deny, and it is a decision we- I strongly regret. I never gave you the opportunity to defend yourselves and I had to have someone…" Hiruzen let out a small chuckle "someone unexpected, to tell me to stop and just listen.
"On behalf of Konoha I ask for the Uchiha clan's forgiveness of the injustice we made them suffer and for my incompetence" gasps and shock met the people in the room the Hokage knelt before the Uchiha clan head and bow in sincere forgiveness. "I understand if the Uchiha clan will not forgive us easily, but it would give me and the village great peace if our old brothers would continue to carry the Will of Fire beside us"
It felt like an eternity in that moment of stunned silence. It was the first time in all history to have the Hokage bow down and ask forgiveness of a mistake they willingly admit. Their stupor only broke at the sound of a chair scratching on the surface of the floor as all eyes turned towards the head of the Hyuuga clan. He stood up from his chair and with his eyes closed, bowed waist deep towards the Uchihas. Tsunade stood and bowed, and it didn't take long for the other clan heads and attending shinobi to do the same. The last of which were the two remaining council elders who released their schooled faces and bowed in forgiveness.
Itachi would never forget the day when the Hokage and all the other clan heads had humbled themselves before them. He turns to Shisui who only shrugged as he let out a laugh and a wide grin. His mother was in tears and his father still carried a look of shock.
At that time, a white butterfly managed to enter the room and flutter around the three Uchihas. Fugaku blinked at the beautiful creature before it perched itself onto his shoulder. No one but the Aburame clan head had recognized the same butterfly that was on a little pink-haired girl's shoulder not too long ago.
"Show meeee, how the world looks through your eyes… tell me about the sunrise, and let me see the stars shine"
Itachi approached the singing girl as she swung herself on the swing attached to the tree. When Sakura saw him, she giggled and slowly decreased the swing's momentum before hopping off and stop before him. The Uchiha heir crouched down to meet her level as she smiled widely at him, eyes closed.
"I told you everything will be fine" she giggled, hands on her back.
"But… how did you know?"
"I don't!" she chirped, "I just do"
Itachi blinked, wanting to ask more but stopped himself when he felt small hands cup his face. Her green eyes reflected a shine of relief and happiness, it felt like a lie that he saw them in despair. Without pretense, she leaned over and placed a lingering kiss on both of his closed eyelids.
She slowly let go as she continued to smile widely at him. He didn't get the chance to say something again when she suddenly held up her two fingers and lightly tapped his forehead.
Sakura giggled happily, "My name is Haruno Sakura, by the way"
He reached up and felt the warmth on his forehead as if it left a mark on his skin.
"I'm Uchiha Itachi"
He smiled.
Well, this is the longest chapter so far. Thank you for the continued support!
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But nevertheless, thank you so much again!
I'll be making the next chapter immediately after this one~
I'll be making a poll in the future in case you guys still want a pairing for Sakura.
You all have a wonderful day or night wherever you are~
Ciao~!