Hello, everyone!
This is release of Uchiha Faker. I hope you enjoy it. Please tell me if it is good, bad or meh.
Chapter Two "Sakura Nara"
"You can relax, Minato. No can harm your wife or newborn child. Not with me and so many of our comrades here." Hiruzen said in a comforting tone as Konoha ninjas scoured the entire area for any possible threats.
"Thank god, Hiruzen-sama." Minato sighed in relief as he looked at the Third Hokage gratefully.
Hiruzen quickly turned his attention elsewhere and he started to command the Konoha ninjas.
The Fourth Hokage slowly walked towards his wife and asked, "How are you feeling, Kushina?"
"What do you think?" Kushina growled in exhausted tone as she glared at her husband before her eyes softened while glancing at Shirou. "If the Uchiha hadn't helped out…" She suddenly shivered as all sorts of terrible scenarios popped into her mind. "Who knows what could have happened…to us…"
"You are right," Minato nodded. "What confuses me is that I don't ever recall any Uchiha that possesses the same abilities as our savior."
"Maybe he was a hidden trump card of the Uchiha that they had never shown before? Who knows, there is a chance that the Uchiha themselves might not have known that they had such a powerful clansman amongst their ranks, given how we cannot recognize him." Kushina shrugged and she frowned as her newborn baby moved in her embrace. "Who cares about that now!? You should be more worried about me and our newborn child!" She growled as she pinched and pulled on her husband's ear.
"Aw! Stop, no need to pull my ears!" Minato screamed.
Kushina continued to pull on her husband's ear for several more moments before she letting go. "Let Hiruzen-sama take care of the duties of Hokage tonight. I just gave birth to our son, and we haven't even named him." She replied.
- O -
Shirou Emiya cautious watched his surroundings as the Konoha ninjas secured and scoured the battlefield for any surviving enemies. He was rather shocked by the number of such highly trained and experienced fighters gathered in a single place. It would be hard for the Mage's Association and Church of his homeworld to muster such strength without calling upon a large part of their total military strength spread over Earth.
His mind would have continued analyzing the Konoha ninjas if it wasn't for the scent of someone that he recalled fondly. He sniffed the air to confirm that he hadn't mistaken the smell. Shirou to his mixed feelings of relief and confusion hadn't mistaken.
"Shirou! Is that you?" A familiar voice shouted, confirming the scent Shirou had smelled with an audio cue.
"Sakura, I am not hearing things, right?" Shirou asked with hesitation, looking in the direction of where the familiar scent and voice came originated.
"No. You are not, Senpai!" Sakura respond happily as she jumped at Shirou and wrapped her arms his torso. "I never thought I would meet you again after you know…" She glanced around and whispered into Shirou's ear, "death…"
"Let's not talk about that right now," Shirou replied as he comfortingly hugged Sakura back. "You better think of something because people are staring at me, especially the Third Hokage."
"Sakura-san, do you know this young man?" Hiruzen asked as he walked by two the reunited friends, carefully eyeing Shirou.
"Yes, I do, Hiruzen-sama," Sakura responded as she released her hug of Shirou. "This is Shirou, a dear friend of mine. He is someone I met during one of my ANBU missions. Shirou is one of the many distantly related family members of the Uchiha that never settled in Konoha. I guarantee that he is a trustworthy person, and someone worth recruiting. He is a Kage-level ninja!"
"Kage-level ninja you, say. That is very impressive young man. Very few people are able to achieve that kind of strength at your age." Hiruzen praised Shirou while scrutinized the same individual. "Would you willingly to join Konoha, son? It is rare for one of my finest Jonin to recommend anyone."
Shirou glanced at Sakura curiously. He wondered what Sakura was planning, but he did have some idea. He wasn't completely clueless about the new world he found himself in. Upon his summoning, Shirou had received knowledge that allowed him to have a general understanding of this world. In fact, Sakura had unknowingly helped him. An official identity would make it easier for him in so many ways.
"I would be honored to join the renowned Konoha ninjas." Shirou replied with a friendly smile.
"Hiruzen-sama," said a ninja as he walked over to Hiruzen. "We were able to confirm that one of Minato-sama's attackers was a S-rank missing-nin from Takigakure, Kakuzu."
"That old fossil really was still alive?" Hiruzen responded in shock. "I thought it was someone pretending to him, taking advantage of Kakuzu's infamy."
"From the preliminary results, the data matches of Kakuzu. The estimated age of Kakuzu's corpse plays him at the age of his late seventies."
"May I ask that receive the corpse of Kakuzu as a reward for my assistance in preventing the assassination of Minato and his family, your wife and many Konoha ANBU?" Shirou asked as he chimed in.
"Shirou don't me so disrespectful to Hiruzen-sama." Sakura growled in a low voice as she elbowed Shirou in the ribs.
"Now, now. There is no need to get angry at your friend, Sakura-san." Hiruzen said with a smile. "It is rather strange to expect that Shirou-san would not ask for rewards for saving Minato, his family, my wife and several ANBU. Even if he was a Konoha ninja, he would be expected to be rewarded handsomely for his part in preventing the assassination of the Fourth Hokage, which would be rated as a S-rank mission." He turned to Shirou and continued, "I have no problem handing over Kakuzu's corpse over to you, but I must warn you that Takigakure may target you in order to protect their village secrets contained within Kakuzu's corpse."
"Thank you for the warning and the reward." Shirou bowed gratefully. "Can Sakura be excused for her duties tonight? I have a lot to discuss with her."
"No problem," Hiruzen nodded. "There are more than enough qualified personnel to handle the current situation. Why don't you take the next few days off Sakura to catch up with your friend?"
"Thank you, Hiruzen-sama. I promise to work harder after I return." Sakura bowed gratefully. "Let's go, Shirou."
"It was an honor meeting you, Hiruzen-sama." Shirou said to the Third Hokage before chasing after Sakura.
Shirou and Sakura continued running and jumping through the forest until they were far away from any prying eyes.
"So, what is your story, Sakura?" Shirou asked as the first to open his mouth.
"I reincarnated as a member of the Nara clan and lived my childhood here in Konoha. Several years of loyal service got me the position as an elite Jonin. That is my life story cut short." Sakura replied. "What about you? I never heard a thing about you. Someone of your power and skill would have ranked you a S-rank/kage-level ninja and made you world famous."
"I haven't been in this world more than several hours now. I was summoned by the Alaya and Sasuke Uchiha is my Demi-Master." Shirou replied.
"Demi-Master? Where have I heard of that term before…" Sakura spoke in a confuse tone.
"It was a concept inspired me, given my unique case of being able to display Servant-level power, despite being a Master. A Master that is capable of defending themselves and assisting Servants on the frontlines when needed, eliminating the traditional vulnerability that Masters normally possess." Shirou explained.
"Oh, now I understand." Sakura nodded. "So, what are your plans for the future?"
"Unless they are more 'nudges' by Counter Force, I will be protecting Sasuke to the best of my abilities." Shirou replied. "Why do you ask? Is there something specific you have mind?"
"Sasuke Uchiha will not need your protection at least until he starts his ninja training. The Uchiha Clan is amongst the most powerful ninja clans in Konoha. It will take an incredible amount of planning, patience and will to ever think about assassinating the second son of the current Uchiha clan leader. So, you have several years of free time until then." Sakura explained. "What are you going to do in that free time?" She asked, looking expectantly at Shirou.
"Hmphm…" Shirou hummed as he paused to think. "If what you say is true then… I might as well do something to contribute to my new hometown. With my skillset, being a ninja is the best suited profession for me in this world."
"That's great!" Sakura cheered as she embraced Shirou. She quickly released her hug and pulled Shirou's arm. "There are somethings we need to do right away!"
- O -
"What brings you here, Sakura-san?" Fugaku Uchiha asked while staring at the sitting Sakura and Shirou before him.
"I came here to introduce, Shirou." Sakura replied with a smile.
"I know that this is a fellow clansman of mine given his active Sharingan," said Fugaku as he eyed Shirou. "Are you asking me for a favor to help Shirou?"
"You might not know this, but Shirou was the one that prevented the assassination/kidnapping attempt of Minato and his family." Sakura reported with a proud smile.
"Really?" Fugaku inquired as he scrutinized Shirou. "I don't recall any clansmen that match your appearance with the Kage-level abilities amongst our ranks."
"Of course, you wouldn't. Shirou is a Uchiha descendant from outside Konoha. He has recently learned about his Uchiha heritage with the awakening of his Sharingan." Sakura responded. "Isn't that right, Shirou?"
I don't know what you're planning, Sakura, but I will go with it. Shirou thought to himself. He bowed his head to Fugaku. "I would like to request permission to join the clan and learn the skills of my Uchiha heritage."
"Please raise your head! Only a fool would turn down an Kage-level ninja asking to join their clan." Fugaku shouted in an astonishment as he helped Shirou up. He turned his head to Sakura and said, "I must thank you for bringing lost kin of ours back, Sakura-san."
"Anyone would have done the same." Sakura wavered her hand before her face. "Actually, the real reason I came was to ask for your blessings. I would like to marry Shirou."
Shirou's eyes widened in disbelief at Sakura's words. Thanks to others telling him, Shirou had learned that Sakura was dearly in love with him. In fact, her love was so great that she had buried her feelings for his sake when she had learned of his affections for Rin. He had never expected her feelings for him still endured after his marriage with Rin.
The Uchiha clan leader was similarly shocked as Shirou, but for different reasons.
"I would be honored to accept you into my clan, Sakura-san." Fugaku replied after regaining his composure. He glanced at Shirou and smiled in amusement. "I think you should have warned your boyfriend before asking such a shocking request."
"My boyfriend knows my feelings for him. It was just that he was not expecting my request so soon." Sakura beamed happily.
"Please excuse me, Fugaku-san." Said Shirou as he grabbed Sakura's arm and dragged her away into the doorway not too far away. "What are you thinking, Sakura? Did you forget that I am married? Your own older sister of all people!"
"Rin-nee can be considered dead given that we are in another world that is not Earth. So, you are now fair game. I don't need to hide my feelings for you anymore." Sakura snapped, which was very unusual of her.
Shirou was left speechless by Sakura's response. He wanted to refute Sakura, but there was truth to her words. Rin might still be alive on Earth, but he had died. Being summoned as a Servant meant to some Servants that their connection to their past didn't matter anymore. That could notion could also apply to him.
"Will you reject my request of marriage?" Sakura pleaded emotionally as tears ran down her cheeks.
"Sakura-san, are you alright?" A feminine voice called out.
"I'm okay, Mikoto-san." Sakura replied as she quickly wiped away her tears and removing any trace she had been crying before turning to face Mikoto Uchiha. "How is Sasuke?" She asked as she glanced down to the sleeping baby in Mikoto's arms. "It's been a while since I got to see your second child."
"Oh, he has been acting unusually the last few hours. I don't know why?" Mikoto blurted out in a concerned tone.
The two women soon launched into a conversation that only females could possibly understand regarding children.
Shirou walked up next to the woman and stared at the befuddled baby Sasuke. The baby's confused look made Shirou think that Sasuke's current behavior and past few hours Mikoto talked about with concern had likely have to do something with him. His unusual Servant Summoning might have had an unknown effect on Sasuke's mind, which he hoped wasn't detrimental to the baby's mind.
If Mikoto's fears were to manifest then Shirou didn't have any problems bringing out the exotic Mystic Codes and Noble Phantasms he had that could affect the mind to help out. Regardless of the consequences of revealing such powerful or exotic weapons.
"Don't worry too much. There is likely no problem with Sasuke. I will introduce you to a Yamanaka, who specializes in treating children, if you're still concerned." Sakura assured the distressed mother.
"Thank you, Sakura-san for the offer. It is a relief to hear that I can seek out the best mental healers if Sasuke has any problems." Mikoto sighed in comfort.
"I told you, Mikoto, that you're worrying too much about Sasuke. Both our parents and the elders said the same thing." Fugaku groaned in frustration as he joined his wife's side.
"They could all be wrong! A mother knows her child the best!" Mikoto responded vehemently.
"Argh," Shirou coughed. "Should I and Sakura leave?"
"What do you mean leave!? I didn't get Fugaku's help in setting up our marriage date!" Sakura shouted in Shirou's mind.
"Can we talk about the issue of marriage in another time when we are alone." Shirou sighed. "I need some time to think on the matter. You are asking me to consider Rin dead for one of your reasons for accepting your hand in marriage."
Sakura remained silenced after hearing her crush's response.
"I apologize for the embarrassing scene we made," said Fugaku awkwardly. "Mikoto, I just remembered how we had been talking on the matter on godparents not too long ago. I think we have great godparents before us."
Shirou felt conflicting being offered a position of godfather. If it had been the time before he had learned about the ugly and dark side of life, he would have accepted without hesitation. The role of godfather was a significant one, especially when it meant that the godfather could shape the personality of a growing child. Fugaku was placing a great deal of trust in him.
Yet, the cynical side of Shirou made him question the Uchiha clan leader's decision. It reminded Shirou of his personal experience and those of history where humans were used as chess pieces in politics. The notion that Sasuke was being used as chess piece to bind him to the Uchiha clan coming to mind.
"We would be more than happy to~! Isn't that right, Sasuke-kun!" Sakura beamed as she playfully poked the baby Sasuke's forehead.
I must be overthinking it. Shirou shook his head.
Sakura of all people would be more sensitive and careful about people then he would, given her traumatic and dark childhood. If Sakura was okay with it then it likely meant that he had overcomplicated matters by questioning Fugaku's intentions.
"I would be honored to take the position of being Sasuke's godfather." Shirou beamed. "If you're okay with that."
Fugaku and Mikoto looked at one another before replying, "We would be happy to make you Sasuke's godparents."
The next hour became a blur for Shirou as many of the Uchiha clan gathered together to celebrate Shirou and Sakura becoming Sasuke's godparents. At the same time, Shirou was introduced to a great deal of the Uchiha clan, especially the powerful and influential ones.
"Finally, some alone time," Shirou sighed in relief as he managed to somehow persuade Mikoto to trust him with Sasuke and alone him to carry his Master to a private room to interact with each other for the first time without others around.
"Not alone," Sakura chimed in as she entered the room. "It is hard to believe that a baby of all things had been able to summon you."
"It wasn't a Sasuke. There is no way a baby could do such a thing, no matter how talented. Also given that there is no Holy Grail or similar device to have facilitated my summoning, only one party can be responsible." Shirou replied as carefully carried the sleeping Sasuke.
"Alaya," Sakura stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I can understand why Alaya might have allowed Sasuke to summon you. Your role in protecting Sasuke might prevent the possible extinction of mankind in this world, but why did you save Minato, Kushina or their newborn baby? Counter Force would have created coincidences where someone else to protect the Fourth Hokage and his family."
"Counter Force only nudges humans. So, in the case of the Fourth Hokage and his family, someone might have felt the urge to go somewhere that might happen to lead them to Minato and his family, but that person could have ignored the nudge. If that was to happen then something terrible might have befallen on them. I couldn't risk that relying on someone showing up on coincidence to prevent the disaster, which could possibly result in the extinction of mankind. Hence I acted." Shirou explained.
"You are not the only hero in the world. There are plenty others out there capable of preventing disasters. Look at Konoha. They are already several ninjas comparable to Servants living here like the Third Hokage or other kage-level ninjas. Minato would have been able to hold out long enough for a while for others to come help out. The arrival of the Hiruzen-sama, myself and other ninjas are one such example." Sakura berated her love.
"Okay, I will keep that in mind." Shirou quickly responded with a smile. "Do you want to carry Sasuke?"
"Of course, I want to carry cute Sasuke-kun!" Sakura cheered quietly, not to wake the sleeping Sasuke. Her concerns for Shirou seemed to immediately evaporate as she received Sasuke and hugged the waking baby. "Oh, no. Sorry Sasuke-kun. I didn't mean to wake you up. Let's play a game!"
Shirou watched for the side in amusement as Sakura played with the baby Sasuke. As he watched he thought about his plans for the future.
- O -
"Danzo, I wish you wouldn't antagonize our newest Kage-level comrade." Hiruzen groaned as he looked at his old comrade and friend.
"I didn't do anything extreme like you suggest." Danzo grumbled in displeasure. "All I did was to have observers watch from a distance to collect what passive intel they could without arousing suspicion or anger by Shirou Uchiha. Nothing out of the normal for any high-profile individual visiting Konoha."
"If we were to go by normal standards that may be true." Hiruzen conceded grudgingly. "Yet, Shirou is a special case. It is not like we are recruiting a kage-level ninja whose intentions are unknown. Sakura Nara is vouching for him. Someone I might add has served our village faithfully for nearly two decades without so much of a hint of being a traitor."
Danzo reminded silent on the matter. In fact, personally he would have not wanted to keep Shirou under surveillance. That was how much Danzo himself trusted Sakura, but it went against everything that his teacher had taught him; trust but verify.
"What has been done cannot be changed." Hiruzen sighed. "So, what have you ninjas discovered so far? Anything noteworthy I should know about?"
"There may incredibly low chance that Sakura Nara has been compromised." Danzo replied calmly.
"Compromised? In what manner? Has Sakura been blackmailed or manipulated without knowing it?" The Third Hokage inquired as he frowned.
"From what my ninjas have been able to gather so far, suggests that Shirou and Sakura are not just friends. She behaved in a manner closely associated with lovers."
Hiruzen started coughing and glared at Danzo. "I hope that was a joke, Danzo. Sakura has never shown any history of being romantically involved with someone. That was why she had been sent in several highly classified missions where falling in love cannot be allowed."
"I have the intelligence report detailing what evidence that my ninjas had gathered here with me." Danzo retorted as he produced a large paper envelop for Hiruzen. "Take a look for yourself. It has several pictures and video recordings that may convince you."
The Third Hokage took the offered paper envelop and took out the large stack of paper inside. He quickly scanned through the writing. His expression darkened as he went through the intelligence report.
"Your accusation is not without proof." The Third Hokage admitted hesitantly. "So, what are you suggesting? To put more ninjas on watching Shirou and Sakura?"
"Placing more ninjas on watching the two will likely be counterproductive as if they haven't noticed already, the odds of Shirou and Sakura noticing being watched goes up." Danzo said as he shook his head. "I suggest instead that we sent the two on a mission with ninjas we can trust to observe them. Not only will this test Shirou's abilities on the field, but we can collect information on whether or not Sakura has become compromised."
"Hmphm," Hiruzen mumbled as he took out a smoking pipe and lit it. "That sounds like a good idea. What mission should I send Shirou and Sakura on…?"
"I suggest an S-rank mission. There is no way someone of Shirou Uchiha and Sakura Nara, both of whom are kage-level ninjas, will qualify for any mission below that." Danzo offered his advice.
"S-rank might be too sudden." Said Hiruzen as he took the list of A and S rank missions currently available. "Shirou had already completed what could considered an S-rank mission by preventing the assassination of Minato and Kushina. Normally, a ninja would get several weeks rest at the minimum given how physically and mentally exhausting a S-rank mission is. I think it would be best if Shirou and Sakura were given an A-rank mission instead."
"Your reasoning is sound." Danzo conceded. "An A-rank mission after a S-rank mission does seem reasonable. If we use that logic then I would give the two an infiltration or bodyguarding mission."
"I found just the right mission!" Hiruzen beamed as he had a paper in his hand. "In fact, I would feel much more secure knowing Shirou and Sakura are on the job."
Was this god, bad or meh? Please tell me what you think. I accept all criticism as long as it is no flaming.
