A/N: (Updated: March 10th 2021)

Hello everyone!

Firstly, I just want to say thank you to all of you who left me reviews.

The fact that so many people are enjoying this story is just wonderful to see.

Now before we start this story, I'd like to say that I am not in the field of medicine whatsoever. I am trying to create a medical blend between modern medicine and chakra healing as shown in the Naruto series by creating something new.

Reviews are welcome.

This story is rated M for a reason - you have been warned.

Happy Reading! ^^

Chapter 3. A Gift

"First I sterilize my hands in the alcohol solution. Then, I staunch the bleeding by holding the wound. Next, I begin the cauterization process by activating the chakra at its highest point in the palm of my hand. I press against the wound, quickly expanding the size of the chakra into the wound," Sakura recited under her breath as she walked herself through the procedure.

This was just another medical procedure, just another patient in need of medical assistance. Her hands moved quickly and efficiently as she began to staunch the bleeding. The soft green glow of her healing chakra began to cauterize the ruptured flesh. As the wound sealed, she moved her hand away and repositioned it onto the patient's neck. She pressed two fingers against his carotid artery and checked for the pulse. A wave of relief washed over her when she felt the pulse and after a moment of assessment, she concluded that it was steady. Although he was unconscious, his breathing appeared regular and therefore Sakura turned her attention to the wound. After cleaning the wound, she stood up and turned around from the patient now noticing that she was being watched by several eager members of the Uchiha family. At first, her eyes fell onto Mikoto, who tried her hardest to remain calm even though her teary eyes wished to betray her composure. Then, her eyes fell onto the pair of Uchiha men. The long-haired Uchiha — Sakura deduced to be the eldest son, due to his similarities to Sasuke's appearance, had his gazed fixed upon her while his face showed no emotion. Behind was the other short-haired Uchiha, whose face was in awe — as if he was unsure what he just witnessed. Satsuki was there, her head buried in Sasuke's shoulder as he held his sister close. Sakura looked back towards the matriarch.

"Mikoto-san, I have stopped the bleeding and dressed his wound. He is stable, but he needs to be monitored for the next two days at least due to his blood loss. Also, I will be monitoring him throughout this time in case he develops an infection. For now, he should sleep. He can be moved to the futon. When he wakes, he needs to eat food that will provide with him iron, so lentils, beans, red meat, also preferably in liquid form so soups would be ideal. This will help him replenish the blood he lost quicker. I will also prepare an herbal concoction for him to take as well," Sakura informed her.

Mikoto took a step forward towards Sakura, and she wrapped her arms around her, completely ignoring the blood on the physician's hands.

"Thank you, I …. thank you," Mikoto said repeatedly.

"Mikoto-san, your kimono…"

"It doesn't matter. Thank you for everything you've done for us. For Satsuki, and now for my Fugaku," Mikoto continued as she held onto the pinkette a little bit longer before pulling away.

Mikoto looked towards her family.

"I want him moved. Boys please," Mikoto said softly.

"Hai okaasan," the long-haired Uchiha stated, and he looked towards the man next to him.

Sasuke gently sat down Satsuki and made his way over to help. The three men carefully lifted the patriarch and carried him further into the house. Satsuki rushed towards Sakura wrapping her arms around her. Sakura smiled at Satsuki, returning her soft embrace. This little girl had everyone wrapped around her little finger and her charm was already working on the pink-haired physician as well. Sakura slowly calmed down — the adrenaline rush that overwhelmed her body as she was doing her best to save the patriarch's life was leaving her body. Her eyes fell down onto her attire, noticing her dirty bloodied uniform. She was definitely in a desperate need of clean clothes by this point.

"I hope you won't mind if I go to the bathhouse Mikoto-san. If anything should happen, I'll be back as soon as I can," Sakura addressed the matriarch.

"Of course, take Usagi with you if you need anything don't hesitate to ask her. She is to be your assistant from now on," Mikoto replied.

"I'll go with her too mama," Satsuki added.

"Alright Satsu-chan," Mikoto agreed and then she looked back at Sakura," I'll keep an eye on Fugaku. Thank you again."

Once the Uchiha men tucked the patriarch into his quarters, the family settled down to watch the head of the family in the absence of the doctor. They were seated around the patient, watching over him carefully. Mikoto herself, gently placed the covers over her husband, making sure that he was comfortable and warm. Itachi was leaning against the wooden frame, while his younger brother was casually sitting next to his cousin Shisui.

"Where did this healer come from?" Shisui questioned.

"Sasuke, you were there. Tell us," Itachi said.

"I don't know. I heard Satsuki calling for help and when I got there, this woman, this Sakura was already there. At first, I thought she might be hurting Satsu, but I was wrong," Sasuke replied.

"Wherever she came from, we are lucky that she was here. If it weren't for her, Fugaku, even our precious Satsu … I can't even imagine what we would do," Mikoto commented.

"I never thought chakra could be used to heal," Itachi stated.

"Right? I mean we use chakra to enhance our blades and our speed in battle, just seeing it used for good it's something," Shisui commented.

"She is mystery. Perhaps we should investigate," Itachi suggested.

"Satsuki is quite fond of her. She hasn't left the doctor's side since I brought them back here," Sasuke commented.

"As of today, doctor Haruno Sakura is under the protection of the Uchiha clan. I expect you boys to keep an eye on her when needed. Shisui if you wouldn't mind, check on Homura. I have a feeling this was not the last we heard from that useless man," Mikoto said.

"I'm on it oba-sama," Shisui nodded, and he made his way out of the house.

"Thank you for bringing your father home Itachi," Mikoto said warmly as she placed a gentle kiss on top of her eldest child's head.

"Of course, okaasan," Itachi replied.

"I am going to make sure your father has the nutrition his doctor requested prepared as soon as possible. Keep an eye on your father for me for a moment," Mikoto said as she straightened her kimono slightly before turning to leave.

"I'll stay here. Niisan, go clean up. You stink," Sasuke stated as he brought his fingers to his nose, teasing his older brother.

Itachi let out a soft chuckle and teased right back," That's the smell of battle otouto. Perhaps next time you'll be the one riding to battle and I'll be lounging around the compound without a care in the world."

Then he stood and made his way out of the room, planning on cleaning up the smell of battle from his body.

Sakura slowly unraveled her braids, letting her pink locks flow freely. After a much-needed bathing ritual in the bathhouse, Sakura redressed herself in the Mikoto's gift. The kimono was rich navy blue, while its sleeves were decorated with golden thread, as if depicting tree leaves caught in the wind. Sakura stood still as Satsuki tied the matching obi around her waist. She was thankful for Satsuki's and Usagi's assistance for her, wearing a kimono was a new experience. Then again, her preferred choice of clothing for the past few years have been nothing but scrubs and sneakers.

"I will clean your clothes Sakura-sama and have them ready for you by the end of tomorrow," Usagi said as she held onto Sakura's scrubs and sneakers.

"Arigatou Usagi-san but please, no need for the honorifics. Just Sakura will do," Sakura said as she slipped on the geta sandals.

"Of course, forgive me Sakura-san. It is a habit," Usagi replied.

"It's alright. Thank you for your help," Sakura said.

Usagi smiled, and she took the clothes and left Sakura and Satsuki to their business. As they exited the women's bathhouse, Satsuki waved wildly to a man that exited the male bathhouse. Sakura noticed his long raven-haired hair tied in a low ponytail and dark onyx eyes, realizing that it was the man from before. Satsuki's eldest brother.

"Itachi-nii!"

"Satsu-chan, behaving yourself?"

"Hai, I'm assisting Sakura-chan. She's my new friend," Satsuki said happily.

"Hello, my name is Haruno Sakura," Sakura said as she offered a small bow.

"The doctor. Yes, it's nice to meet you officially. My name is Uchiha Itachi. I wanted to say thank you for saving my father and from what I heard also my little sister," the long-haired man replied as he returned the bow in respect.

"I'm just glad I was able to help," Sakura replied.

"Seems like for once our clan is lucky. Well, my apologies, I'd like to stay and speak with you more, but I'm needed to debrief the rest of the clan on what happened," Itachi said.

"Itachi-nii, but you promised that you and I would go get dango," Satsuki pouted.

"I'm sorry Satsu-chan. Next time."

He gently leaned down and placed two fingers against her forehead, gently tapping it before leaving towards the main house. For a moment Satsuki pouted as she rubbed her forehead, already missing her eldest brother's presence. Then she turned to Sakura and smiled.

"Well, I guess that went much better than the meeting with Sasuke-niisan right?" Satsuki beamed.

"Considering there was no katana involved this time? I think you're right," Sakura said with a soft chuckle as they made their way back to her house.

Two days later.

Fugaku was finally awake as he was resting on his futon, laying finally on his back since his battle wound has healed nicely. Physically he was still weak due to the blood loss he sustained, but each day was better. Sakura entered the room with a tray. His eyes snapped to the pinkette, dressed in the colors of his clan.

"Uchiha-sama, you're awake," she stated.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Haruno Sakura. I am your physician Uchiha-sama," she replied.

Mikoto appeared by the fusuma panels that led out of the room and gazed towards her husband.

"Our daughter went gallivanting into the forest by herself. She is just as sneaky as Sasuke was at this age. But I'm guessing that Satsu did not count on encountering a wolf. Thankfully, the good doctor here was sent by the gods to save her. I offered her a place to stay with us, and she has since healed you when Homura declared that there was nothing he could do," Mikoto said.

"Tch! Useless man!" Fugaku replied at the thought of the compound's old doctor.

Then he turned to the pink-haired woman and said," thank you Haruno-san. I am in your debt."

"There's no need for any debts Uchiha-sama. I am a physician, and it is my duty to help when I can. I am thankful for the opportunity to be employed by your clan," Sakura said as she kneeled down next to him, setting the tray on the ground.

"How many days have I slept through?" he asked.

"Two days Uchiha-sama. Please, drink this. It will be very bitter, but it is very effective. It's to help you replenish the blood you lost," Sakura said as she passed him a small cup filled with a dark liquid.

Fugaku took the cup and drank it quickly, wincing slightly at the bitter taste. He gave her back the cup, which she took and set it down on the tray.

"I'll try to sweeten the formula next time. Mikoto-sama will assist you with the meal. I will check on you tomorrow morning," Sakura replied.

"I understand. Thank you, Haruno-san," Fugaku said.

Sakura made her way out of the house, leaving the fusuma panels open. Mikoto took her spot next to Fugaku and dipped the wooden spoon into the bowl of stew. She brought the spoon carefully to his lips, as she assisted him. Fugaku ate in silence. Once the stew was gone, Mikoto set the bowl and the spoon back onto the tray and she gently brought a cloth to his lips, wiping any residue that might have stained his face.

"Mikoto, the clan meeting today, it's imperative that we attend," Fugaku said suddenly.

Mikoto had pulled her hand away and set the cloth onto the tray before she replied.

"You cannot attend this meeting Fugaku. You are still recovering," Mikoto protested.

"Then you will attend it on your own. I know you are more than capable of handling the elders on your own," Fugaku offered instead.

"By myself? You think they will listen to a woman?" Mikoto asked, raising her eyebrow.

"Anyone who dares not listen to the matriarch of the Uchiha should suffer your wrath. But if you feel that you need the support, perhaps have Itachi with you. It is time he starts to take on more responsibilities when it comes to the clan. He is my heir," Fugaku stated.

"I will take Itachi with me then. Now, rest while I make sure Masako is preparing your meal," Mikoto said, and she gently leaned down pressing a soft kiss onto Fugaku's forehead.

Then she stood and made her way out of the room, sliding the fusuma panels behind her.

"I know you are over there, little treasure. Come out," Fugaku said out loud.

"Papa? How did you know it was me?" Satsuki asked as she appeared from the dark corner.

"Don't you know I never reveal my secrets? Now, what is this I hear about you and a wolf?" Fugaku questioned as he watched his daughter sit down next to him.

"I'm sorry I disobeyed papa. I left the compound when no one was looking. I was curious about what was it like outside the walls. I mean the only place I ever visit is Niwamachi and that's only a couple of times in the year. I wasn't thinking. Itachi-nii already reprimanded me for this. So did Sasuke-niisan. He was the one who found me with Sakura-chan. I'm sorry I made mama cry. I didn't mean to. I just wasn't thinking," Satsuki rambled on as she was looking on the floor.

"Satsuki, you were very lucky that Sasuke and that nice doctor found you, do you understand that? Fugaku asked, his voice much firmer than before.

"Hai otousan," Satsuki nodded.

"I want you to promise me that you will never leave the compound without a guard present," Fugaku stated, looking at his youngest child.

"Hai, I promise otousan. I won't disappoint you or mama again," Satsuki agreed.

"Very well," Fugaku concluded as a smile formed on his lips and he raised his arm slightly.

Satsuki smiled wide, realizing that her papa was not angry with her and then she laid down next to her otousan, embracing him gently.

That evening.

The matriarch of the Uchiha clan was not fond of elder clan meetings. She was expected to sit next to her husband, listen to what was spoken among the men and keep silent. It went against her nature. She was an outspoken woman, a force to be reckoned with. She was expected to behave and be silent and approve whatever the three elders would request in Fugaku's absence. Mikoto sat in her designated seat as she watched the main room fill with the prominent men and some women of the Uchiha clan. Her eldest son Itachi stood next to her as the three elders entered the meeting hall.

"Mikoto-sama, there has been a complaint brought up before us from the compound's physician Homura Mitokado. You have chosen a demoness to heal Fugaku-sama when our doctor declared there was nothing to do. What do you have to say for yourself?" one of the elders questioned.

"With all due respect Hirosuke-san, as matriarch of this clan, I allowed Haruno-san to take my husband as her patient. Homura did not attempt to save my husband's life. He simply looked at the state of his wounds and claimed he could not do anything. This woman doctor stepped in, and I watched her every move along with my eldest son and my nephew. From what we witnessed, doctor Haruno utilizes her own chakra and harnesses it to speed healing. With her exceptional skills in healing, my husband is almost completely recovered. She is no more a demoness than you or I. She is a woman skilled in her field and I am thankful to the gods for this gift. Therefore, I am dismissing your absurd questions in regard to this matter," Mikoto replied, firmly standing her ground.

"This woman has been granted a place among our clan and our protection for saving not only our clan leader but also his youngest child," Itachi added.

"Do not speak when your elders are speaking! Learn your place boy!" another of the elders exclaimed suddenly.

"My place is right here, next to my mother as the future leader of this clan, so I will ask of you to watch your tone when you speak with me Saizō-san," Itachi replied coldly.

"Very well. What about Homura Mitokado?" Saizō questioned, his eyes returning to the matriarch.

"As of today, he is no longer welcome in the compound of the Uchiha clan," Mikoto declared.

"There is another matter on hand," Hirosuke began.

"Which is?" Mikoto asked.

"Due to Fugaku-sama's it is time to proceed with the omiai to secure the next heir," the third elder said.

"Madatachi-san, surely you are not suggesting that we do this while we're in the middle of this discourse with Senju and the constant problem with the warriors from Grass Country," Mikoto stated calmly.

"I have no need for a wife at this time," Itachi replied coldly.

"You are not getting any younger boy! Twenty-seven years old, you should have three kids of your own by now. We must proceed with the omiai at the earliest possible time," Saizō commented.

Mikoto looked over at her eldest son and then spoke with a firm voice," Very well, you may notify the nakōdo that she may begin the matchmaking process."

"Excellent, we shall summon the nakōdo at once."

A/N:

Omiai is simply said a meeting of potential marches that may lead to an actual marriage. Sort of like an arranged marriage. The process includes the matchmaking, selection of potential husband/wife, and eventual possible ceremony. Omiai can include a refusal (kotowari), declining the potential match.

Nakōdo is simply a matchmaker in an omiai ceremony, they select possible matches and oversee the whole process of the omiai.

Also, there might be a delay with the next installment due to me leaving for a small trip (just need. to get out of the city for a while and surround myself with Mother Nature, who knows, might bring more inspiration to the story)

Until next time.