I do not own Naruto. Enjoy!

Konoha Infirmary

Sasuke sits next to his father watching him take his last breaths of life. His face is void of emotion but his eyes show the real turmoil inside. His father bids him to come closer and he obliges.

"Son, I don't have much time left." Sasuke looks down but his father continues.

" But before my time is up, I need to tell you something."

Sasuke looks up.

Fugaku coughs. "The bird of black will fly back." He says.

Sasuke looks at him confused. "What do you mean?" Fugaku coughs violently, with blood splattering from his mouth. "Father!" Sasuke panics.

He calms down. Cupping his son's cheek, he speaks softly, "I will always love you my son. Please do what is right for the kingdom." And with that, Fugaku coughed some more and fell limply against the bed.

"Father!" Sasuke shrieks. Tears are pouring down his cheeks as he continuously calls his father's name.

A hand rests on his shoulder, and the soft voice of his mother soothes him. "Son, we must make preparations for the funeral." She says. He follows her, not sparing another glance at the lifeless body of his father.

Meanwhile, in the Land of Snow

A pale king stands among several canvasses, all of which have paintings of flowers on them. He struggles to remember all the flowers he saw that night he was in Konoha. "You seem stressed my lord." His advisor, Tenzo, says behind him.

Sai lets out a breath, and says, "I can't remember the flowers anymore." To anyone else, a king's fixation with flowers would be odd. But Tenzo has practically raised Sai, and knows he will go to any length for his inspiration. He places a hand on the king's shoulders. "Would it be better to see them up close in the castle?" He asks.

Sai looks thoughtfully. Tenzo continues. "If you would agree, I can send correspondence to Konoha and arrange an importing agreement."

Sai looks at his advisor thoughtfully, and smiles. He passed him and says "I have an idea." He continues to walk to his study.

Throne Room, Konoha Castle

"King Fugaku is dead, my lord." Tsunade reports to the king. The royal audience gasps. Hiruzen looks at Mikoto, and she nods her head. He announces to everyone. "These are dark times the Sound Kingdom, let us be gracious hosts and welcome the Uchiha's in this time of sorrow. Mikoto, you and your family are welcome to stay longer and host the funeral in Konoha."

"There is no need. I intend to host the funeral back in Sound with his people. They will be devastated to not attend the funeral of their beloved king." Mikoto responds.

"Very well. And in lieu of these tragic events, myself and Mikoto-sama have discussed this, and we have decided the wedding will be delayed until further notice." Gasps erupted through the audience.

Karin, who sits beside the king, pleads him. "I understand the recent tragedy but there is no need to delay the wedding."

A voice speaks from the audience. "There is no need for a wedding." The audience gasps again as Karin looks to the voice. Sasuke stands up and looks at the king and his mother. "In lieu of recent events, I am more needed in my kingdom. Therefore, I declare the engagement off." And with that, he turned and walked out of the throne room. The audience chatters, and Karin mouth drops. Mikoto looks to her in pity.

"So be it. The engagement will be broken. There will be no wedding." Hiruzen announces. Mikoto looks to him unsure and responds. "And may our kingdoms remain allies nonetheless."

Hiruzen holds her gaze and says, "Agreed."

Karin excuses herself from the rest of the meeting and runs to her room.

Hiruzen speaks to the royal audience again. "It has come to my attention that there were intruders within the castle around the time of the attack and we have them detained. I will be holding a trial for these offenders in a week's time." He looks to Mikoto, "I trust you will come back for the trial?" She nods and says, "Don't forget about the council meeting either."

He nods and dismisses the audience.

Later

The Uchiha's stand at the royal gate in preparation for their departure. A carriage is attached to one horse that holds the deceased king's body. Shisui mounts his horse and calls out to the rest, "We need to leave now to beat sundown!" The Uchiha's mount their horses and wait for their Queen and the prince.

Mikoto is finishing discussing plans for the council meeting as Sasuke trudges to the gate. He is both angry and focused, thoughtful and spacey. His mind is in turmoil after he has turned over his father's final words in his head.

Karin waits for him at the gate but he takes no notice of her. She touches his shoulder and says, "I hope to see you soon." He grunts at her. "I know we are not engaged anymore but can I get just one kiss?" She pleads with eyes ever-hopeful.

He doesn't spare her a glance and mounts his horse. Her face falls in sadness, and she walks away, passing Mikoto. Mikoto gives her a nod and Karin remembers her words from the other day. She feels slightly better.

That's all for now. I hope you enjoyed. Bye!