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

Surpriseee my lovely readers! Even though my semester has already started and I am knee-deep in assigned readings, I needed a break from all the information gathering and what else to do than my favourite pastime? XD Especially, while I am not overwhelmed with the amount of assignments, essays, etc. Going forward, I am hoping to regularly update once or twice a month during the semester. This story WILL BE FINISHED!

Also, I wanna say, THANK YOU TO ALL THE REVIEWS! You guys, ahh it's just amazing to see so many people enjoy this story and speculate over the possibilities of what will happen or Sakura's identity(Is she a Senju? Is she a reincarnation? Is she ..? STAY TUNED XD) Your reviews are the reason why I have updated so quickly, it definitely sparks my hunger to write and the moment I find time to write I do it. =D For those hungering for some Itachi/Saku moments, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Anyways, without further ado...

This story is rated R for a reason - you have been warned!

HAPPY READING! ^_^

Chapter 7. Nakōdo

A few days later.

She was in the Uchiha Infirmary, going about her daily business. It was her new routine – she needed to plunge herself into headfirst into something she enjoyed so as to not think of the Senju issue.She needed some sort of familiarity to be able to come to terms with her current reality. Most importantly, she was in her element. Although her life in Niwamachi was something she struggled to adjust to, there were many things that she became fond of. She was fond of the peaceful nature, listening to birds chirping in the trees during the day and the crickets chirping in the tall grass during the day. She was fond of her home, which each day became cozier as Satsuki would bring her something to beautify the space. She was fond of the Uchiha. She was fond of each of her patients, who were thankful for her care and compassion as she tended to their injury or illness. She felt needed. She was fond of the ones closest to her. In particular, she was quite fond of her young assistant Satsuki and her mother Mikoto, and even her eldest brother. She was even fond of her two infirmary healers: Kazuo and Hikari. Her life with the Uchiha was good.

The Uchiha Infirmary was a rather large building located towards the center of the compound and nestled among the various Uchiha homes. Inside there were nearly twenty futons laid out and spaced out evenly on the oaken floor — prepared in case they would receive an influx of patients. Currently, the infirmary had two occupants: an Uchiha woman resting after the recent delivery of her newborn son and one of the Uchiha guards, who got a little bit too aggressive during a sparring session with another guard and ended up with a broken leg. There were two separate rooms within the building: one served as space for storing necessary supplies and medicine, while the other housed a small kitchen to prepare meals for the injured.

As Sakura checked over the patients, she looked towards the healers and her ever-present young self-appointed apprentice Satsuki — always eager to learn and eager to help the rosette with any task.

"Kazuo-san, I think everything looks alright so I will leave it in your very capable hands. Just make sure to keep an eye on Misaki-san and her son. If there are no changes to their state then in the evening, they both may go home, but make sure she is escorted by family. And for Kagami, make sure he remains on the futon, if that bone heals incorrectly, I will just have to break it again and start over. If any emergency arises, I will be in my house," Sakura said to one of her healers.

"Hai Sakura-sama," Kazuo answered with a small bow.

Sakura respectfully returned the bow and then looked towards Satsuki.

"You are coming?" Sakura asked with a smile.

"Hai!"

Sakura smiled and she and the young Uchiha made their way out of the infirmary.

As minutes turned to hours, the door to the infirmary slid open once more. There stood a short middle-aged woman dressed in a black kimono with red chrysanthemum flowers decorating her sleeves. Her flaxen hair was pulled back into a tight bun. Her thin lips were painted with red paint. Behind her stood a pair of young black-haired women, dressed in simple navy kimonos. Kazuo looked over to the arrival, greeting the blonde woman.

"Tsubaki-sama, how can I assist you?" Kazuo asked as he looked over to the older woman standing in the entryway.

The woman looked around the infirmary, as if she were searching for something until her eyes fell on the healer and she said, "I'm here to see the head physician. Is she present?"

"She left at noon. If you wish to speak with Sakura-sama, you will be able to find her in her home," Hikari said, as he held fresh bandages in his arms.

"I see. Let's go," Tsubaki said, and she turned on her heels and left the infirmary just as quickly as she arrived, the two young women following closely behind her.

It was late afternoon when Sakura placed the dried willow bark into the mortar and began to grind it into a paste. She was in the comfort of her home, with young Satsuki preparing a warm brew for them as they continued to work on natural pain relief medication. As she mushed the bark with the pestle into fine powder, her thoughts wandered towards Satsuki's eldest brother. She has not spoken with him since their arrival at the castle yesterday and since her return to the compound last night, she kept her distance from both of the Uchiha brothers. And yet, here she was, finding herself wanting to converse with the eldest brother. He knew the truth of where she's from, and even though he said he believed her, after the Senju's claim she found herself doubting him. Did he see her as a Senju or not? She needed to know. Then again, Sasuke found her pretty harmless perhaps Itachi did too.

"Sakura-chan, you have a visitor," Satsuki announced, breaking Sakura out of her train of thoughts.

Sakura glanced over to her front door and noticed a short blonde woman with two young black-haired women occupying entryway.

"You are the new head physician for the Uchiha clan, correct?" the blonde woman asked.

"I am. My name is Haruno Sakura. How can I help you?"

"My name is Kobayashi Tsubaki, and I serve as the nakōdo for the Uchiha clan. I require your service to verify that one of these two ladies is an appropriate choice for the Uchiha heir," Tsubaki introduced as she motioned with her hand towards the two young women that came with her.

"I'm not sure I understand," Sakura said.

"I need you to verify that she has been untouched by a man," Tsubaki clarified as she cleared her throat.

"I see," Sakura said simply, and she reached for the extra patient futon that she kept in her home for emergencies.

"One patient at a time then," Sakura said, and she motioned for one of the ladies to step forward towards the futon.

"Izumi-san, you first," Tsubaki ordered and she grabbed the young woman's arm and pushed her slightly forward.

This was wrong. It made Sakura stomach twist in discomfort. A woman pressuring another woman to prove that she was still a virgin and therefore an excellent choice to marry a clan heir — or that was what the nakōdo seemed to believe. How terrifying would this experience if old Homura was still the head physician of the clan? As the young woman stepped forward slowly, Sakura turned to the nakōdo.

"I'm sorry Kobayashi-san but as a physician I must ask that you give us privacy. My patient has this right. Satsuki will escort you and Kaede-san out of my home and then once I am finished with Izumi-san I will check over Kaede-san," Sakura said as she readied her in-home patient futon.

"Very well. I shall return shortly for the results," the blonde woman replied before she and Kaede were ushered out of the home by young Satsuki.

When they were alone, Sakura made her way towards her kitchen and poured a cup of freshly brewed tea. Then she took it into her hand and walked over to the young woman. Sakura gently smiled as she extended her hands to her, offering her the calming brew.

"A-Arigatou," the young woman said.

"What's your name?" Sakura asked gently.

"Uchiha Izumi," she replied and then she brought the cup to her lips.

"If you are uncomfortable with this Izumi-san, we don't have to proceed," Sakura said calmly.

"Wouldn't we be disrespecting the omiai?" Izumi asked, her eyes wide as if she did not expect these words to come from the pink-haired physician's lips.

"No one else needs to know," Sakura reassured.

"Thank you, Sakura-sama,"

"Of course, Izumi-san."

The sun slowly began its descent behind the Naka forest as Sakura settled down on her engawa with a small tray of freshly made mitarashi dango. She lifted one of the sweet dumplings on the stick and brought it to her lips, savouring the delicious snack. In her other hand she held a small cup of tea, enjoying the blissful moment of peace after a busy day.

"Good evening Sakura," he greeted.

Sakura glanced over at her visitor, recognizing the velvet sound of his deep voice.

"Good evening Itachi," she returned the greeting.

"How has your day been?" he asked politely.

"Eventful. I spent my morning in the infirmary delivering Misaki's child and fixing Kagami's broken leg. Then later I had a visit from the nakōdo who required my services to ensure that the Uchiha heir's wife is an appropriate choice," she replied, then she brought the tea to her lips, taking a small sip.

Itachi brought his hand to his face, letting his fingers gently massage his temples - soothing the growing tension away.

"I apologize that you were involved in this ridiculous arrangement," he said suddenly.

"It was required of me. It does not mean I approve of such practices," she commented.

Itachi let out a sigh and nodded as he removed his hand from his face.

"How has your day been?" she asked in return, and she motioned for him to take a seat next to her as she set down the tray of dango next to her.

Without hesitation, Itachi settled on the engawa beside her — dango between them.

"Eventful like yours. I spent my morning in grand meeting with my father and the elders. Then I went with Shisui and Sasuke to train in the bamboo forest and did not return until a little while ago."

"And you came to see me? Are you injured?" Sakura inquired.

"No, I am not. I simply came to check on how you were faring. The incident at the council must have rattled with you miss time-traveler," Itachi said as a smile appeared on his face.

Sakura smiled right back meeting his onyx eyes. She felt calm and safe in his presence. Then she broke out of her smile – as if she remembered something suddenly. She reached into the folds of her kimono and pulled out a small packet of herbs, tightly wrapped with a cotton cloth to prevent any spill.

Here, before I forget, this is for you," she said as she passed the item to him.

"What is it?" he asked as he gladly took the item, examining it for a moment.

"A tea blend. It helps with sleeping. One cup before bedtime should do the trick," she replied.

"How did you know?"

"Satsu mentioned it, but I also noticed the bags under your eyes," Sakura said simply, and she reached for another stick of the dango. Then she pushed the tray towards him.

"Ah, I see. Thank you," Itachi nodded and he tucked the item into his haori and then grabbed a stick of the sweet dumplings.

After a brief moment of silence and indulgence in the dango, Itachi cleared his throat, "I have a confession. I've been mulling over what to say to you all day."

"About?"

"I believe I may have misjudged you," he said.

"Oh?"

"You are quite the force to be reckoned with. There are very few who have dared to speak to Adachi Shinsuke as you have," he explained as a small smirk appeared on his lips.

"The daimyō was getting on my nerves, just like the Senju man," Sakura said.

"You sound like an Uchiha," he commented.

"Well, I live in their compound, I'm talking to one right now, I guess it was only inevitable before I started to sound like one," Sakura replied with a small grin. After a moment however, the grin faded away.

"To be honest, I was angry with you at first. I thought you turned on me when the Senju declared me as part of their clan," she continued.

"I didn't. I was just observing the situation, especially your reaction to their claim. I sensed no lie in your defense," he said, stealing a glance at her.

"I … see," she replied.

For a moment they fell into silence. Sakura took a deep breath — realizing that he indeed did not turn on her. He believed her. She thought back to the other day in the meadow, when he came to their rescue. He was a fierce warrior, a protector, and a loyal friend. Her eyes gazed at him, noticing his tired appearance. His dark lines, tired eyes — how much must rest on his shoulders as heir that his sleep is taken from him?

"When we were in the city, you mentioned the shrine. You said that that's where you were when you came here. Care to elaborate now?" he asked suddenly.

"You mean how I managed to travel three hundred years into the past?"

"Yes."

"Well let's see. I woke up, got dressed, ate my breakfast, and I left my home to go to work. I was excited but anxious because that morning I was supposed to do my first solo surgery and that was a big deal for me. So, I decided to stop by at the local shrine and pray that I would be successful. Then I heard a voice calling for help, and I began to follow it and a path led me to a clearing where I found your little sister bleeding from a gnarly wound in her leg and crying for help. That's it," Sakura explained in a rather quick summary.

"Interesting."

"Especially when I learn that the shrine, I prayed at belongs to the goddess of mercy," Sakura uttered.

"Gods like to play with us mortals, but I like to think that you were sent here with a purpose, to do good, save people or even change the course of history. We don't know yet but eventually we will learn why you have come. Until that day comes, you'll have me to keep you safe," Itachi stated.

As if by instinct, his hand reached towards her face, gently tucking the rosy strands of her hair behind her ear.

"Thank you Itachi," Sakura said as a faint blush appeared on her cheeks.

"There is something else I wanted to tell you," he continued as he pulled his hand back.

"What is it?" Sakura asked as she met his gaze.

"I have decided that I will teach you to defend yourself," he answered.

"Isn't that an inconvenience to you? I'm sure as the clan heir you are far too busy to be wasting time on an ordinary physician," Sakura asked, her eyes falling once again on his tired facial features.

Even though she enjoyed his company, she did not wish to inconvenience him further. And yet, the idea of spending more time with the Uchiha heir felt comforting — even if it would be to learn how to defend herself.

"I'm sure we both know that you are most certainly not ordinary," Itachi stated.

"I will take that as a compliment then," Sakura said with a smile as her cheeks reddened once more.

Her eyes met with his for a moment. Sakura then became aware of their close proximity — when did the space between them nearly disappeared? The dango tray was pushed back against the wall — when did he push it away? She did not notice. And when did he slide over slightly towards her, their thighs and knees nearly touching. He was looking at her, and she was looking at him.

The moment dissipated with the sudden arrival of Uchiha Satsuki. Aware of her presence, Itachi broke the gaze first and glanced over to the young intruder.

"Satsu. What is it you need?" he asked.

"Niisan! Papa and Mama sent me! The nakōdo is at our house with the final decision," she said excitedly as she plopped right next to him on the engawa.

"That's fine Satsu-chan but I am required elsewhere. Let otousan know that the head physician requires my help at this time," Itachi replied as he glanced over to Sakura once more.

"Really?" Satsuki asked, her gaze also falling towards her mentor.

"H-hai, I require your brother's assistance. We are going to try to locate some night-growing herbs that help replenish blood quicker. I'll teach you about it later," Sakura quickly stepped in, providing a small white-lie to cover for Itachi.

"Oh! That's alright. I will notify papa. Just come back safely," Satsuki said with a smile and she bounced off towards the main house just as quickly as she appeared.

"Thank you," Itachi murmured.

"Of course, that's what friends do right?" Sakura said.

"Friends? Yes, I guess you're right," Itachi nodded.

"Now we should actually get out of here for a little while so the lie sticks. Any ideas?" Sakura said as she stood up.

"I know of a place or two," he offered.

"Alright. Let's go then," she replied, and the pair made their way towards the stables.

"Thank you for not tossing me onto your horse like a sack of potatoes," Sakura commented as they made their way out of the compound on Itachi's trusty black steed Nobu.

"Is that how Sasuke managed to bring you back to the compound?" Itachi asked with a chuckle.

Sakura held onto his waist as they went up the hill, her face pressed into the uchiwa fan painted on his back.

"At first, but then he let me sit up properly but that was not a pleasant experience," Sakura explained, feeling glad that he was not able to currently see her face.

When they arrived at their destination, Itachi offered her his arm, allowing her to disembark first. As Sakura's feet touch the ground, she made her way towards the small shrine atop the hill. Itachi disembarked, allowing Nobu to rest and graze peacefully.

The first thing Sakura noticed at the old shrine was the old moss-covered fox statue at its entrance, signifying that it belonged to the Shinto kami Inari. Her eyes fell from the Inari shrine and towards the breathtaking view right behind it — the Uchiha compound nestled in the green valley below surrounded by the Naka forest from one end and with endless meadows from the other. In the distance, she could see the Niwamachi city, its grand palace shimmered with glittering lights.

"I think I know why you visit this place," Sakura commented as she took in the view.

"Oh?"

"It's peaceful here. It's the perfect place to think while also you remain vigilant in case anything occurs in the compound below," Sakura stated, her gaze still fixated onto the mesmerizing view.

"Very observant of you, doctor Haruno," Itachi commented as he climbed up onto the curved roof.

Sakura glanced over to see what he was doing and when she saw him settle down on the roof, she let out a soft giggle. Itachi raised an eyebrow momentarily but then he lowered his hand to her, offering to lift her up.

"Oh, I can do this on my own. Watch me oh mighty warrior," she said playfully.

He chuckled at her comment but observed her climb, as if to make sure she'd reach the roof safely. Although her climb was not as effortless as he made his seem, she still managed to reach the curved roof and settle down-right next to him.

"Since we've been mostly talking about me, I think it's only fair that I learn about you as well. Friendship is a two-way street," Sakura said suddenly.

"What would you like to know?" he asked looking at her.

"Everything," she said.

"Everything?"

"Well everything that you are comfortable sharing with me," Sakura corrected.

"I see. Well, you already know plenty about me. You know I'm the clan heir, the eldest child of the current leader. You know I have two younger siblings, and you know that I'm being pressured into an arranged marriage because according to our elders I am getting too old," Itachi started as he gazed towards the compound.

"You don't wish to get married," Sakura stated.

"No, I do not," he nodded.

"Any particular reason?" she asked.

"I wish to end this conflict between the Senju and Uchiha. I am tired of fighting, but I know that it will never end and one day soon I will meet my end at the end of another's blade. I do not wish to leave my wife a widow, but it seems inevitable. I wish the situation were different. If I were to ever marry willingly, it would be out of love," he concluded.

"Then why are you willing to go through this omiai?"

"Duty?"

"That is a silly reason. Your happiness matters. And for your information, you are not going to die any time soon. Not if I have a say in it," Sakura added as she crossed her arms across her chest.

"Sakura?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you," he said sincerely.

"For?"

"For being a good friend," he added.

"Of course. I'll always be your friend Itachi," Sakura said with a smile.

"Always? Even when you return to your time?" he questioned; his eyebrow slightly raised.

"You think I will return to my own time one day?" she asked in return.

"As much as I'd like for you to stay with us. I do think you will find your way back home," Itachi nodded.

"I do hope so. I wish to see my mother again. She would definitely love it here. She lives in a small village not too far from Konoha. She has her own house and a large garden with a greenhouse where she grows all her herbs and fungi for her apothecary. I try to visit her when I have free time, but I haven't been able to visit as much before I came here. I was just so focused on the patients at the hospital that I completely lost track of time. I guess, it took me coming here to finally slow down," she said as she reflected on her life.

"Will you tell me about this hate between the Senju and Uchiha?" she asked suddenly.

"I suppose I should, especially now that you've been caught in the middle of it," he said.

"Yeah, I'd rather know what I have gotten myself into," Sakura nodded as she leaned back slightly.

"My father Fugaku was not meant to be the clan head of the Uchiha. He was the youngest brother the official clan head, my late uncle Madara. He never married, even though he had fathered a child, he never named her his heir."

"Her?"

"Yes, my cousin Aoi. Let's see, what to say about my dear cousin. Well, she's older than me by five years and she is not fond of many people. She tolerates most of the clan members but only Sasuke and Satsuki can get along with her easily. She's a hunter and very skilled with a bow and arrow. She prefers to stay outside the compound for long periods of time, but you'll meet her eventually. She always comes home," Itachi explained.

"I feel like Satsu is everyone's favourite. She has a tendency of wrapping people around her fingers," Sakura commented as she listened intently.

Itachi let out a soft chuckle and nodded," Yeah, that's because she is treated as our family's little miracle. I am fifteen years older than her. Sasuke is ten years older than her. Our mother was in her mid-forties when she had Satsu, and she nearly died in childbirth with her. She was born too soon, and the midwife then was saying that she would not survive the night. My father was still reeling from the death of his brother Madara. We were lucky that they both survived. So naturally, all of us are deeply attached to young Satsu."

"I understand. She's precious, I adore her like she was my own sister. But please go on," Sakura said.

"Well, about the Senju problem … Madara intended for Izuna to become clan head my other uncle but he was murdered by Senju Tobirama, the man who claimed you to be his daughter. He said Izuna stole his two-year-old daughter in the middle of the night and was seen escaping with her by several witnesses. When Izuna died, there was no girl present. As far as the rest of the story goes, no one in the Uchiha compound even seen the girl. So, Madara was angry, and he retaliated by burning down Senju farms and attacking the members of the clan. In the end, my uncle's anger was cut down by Senju Hashirama the clan head you met at the council. The council along with the daimyō deemed the Uchiha responsible for the incident and for continuously assaulting the Senju as per Madara's command. So, we were cast out of the city and ordered to pay a hefty sum to the Niwamachi city quarterly. It has been thirteen years since," he concluded.

"What about the girl?"

"The Senju daughter? She was never found," he answered.

"I'm sorry," Sakura replied as she placed her hand on his shoulder.

"For what?"

"For what your clan has gone through. It can't be easy being discarded and regarded as the social pariah of the fire country. I can't imagine how heavy the weight on your shoulders must be. As the clan heir and all that," Sakura commented.

"I would have preferred not to be clan heir," Itachi stated as he glanced over to the compound.

"I bet," Sakura agreed, and she removed her hand from his person.

Itachi's lips curved into a small smile as he shifted his gaze from the compound to the rosette. Then, he simply jumped off the roof, falling firmly onto his feet. As he straightened himself, he looked up to where she was still sitting and extended his hand toward her, the soft genuine smile still present on his face — as if he was saying, jump I will catch you, trust me. Sakura felt her heart began to race suddenly, her emerald eyes not leaving his onyx ones — what was this feeling? Surely, she was not falling for the Uchiha. She couldn't. She jumped, only to be safely caught in the Uchiha's strong arms. She gripped onto his shoulder for a moment, as he gently set her down. As her feet touched the ground, she loosened her grip on him.

"Come," he said breaking their silence and his hold on her.

"Where?"

"I promised I'd teach you to defend yourself, so let's start," he said as he took two steps back from her and then turned to face her, readying his body into a fighting stance.

"Now? I'm wearing a kimono."

"You had no problem climbing the roof in a kimono."

"True, but… fine," Sakura concluded, and she followed suit.

As Sakura recreated the stance, Itachi walked over to her, examining her from every angle. His hand reached to grab her wrist, raising it a bit higher before he stepped back and said, "that's a good stance you have. Plant your feet firmly in the ground… like that… excellent."

"Thanks, I studied martial arts to learn self-defence and discipline when I was six for a couple of years from my uncle who owns a dojo. But I haven't actually sparred in more than a decade so don't expect anything from me," Sakura said as she remained in the hold.

"Let's try," Itachi challenged as he returned to his spot, facing her.

"You said yourself that my hands are soft. Besides you're a warrior and I'm a physician. My punches will probably feel like I am tickling you with a feather," Sakura countered.

Itachi remained firm as he stood before her, ready for her punch.

"Hit me," he commanded.

"No, I don't want to hit you," Sakura said as she shook her head.

"Just do it. Hit me," he repeated.

"Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you," Sakura said.

She extended her fist letting collide with his chest. Immediately she pulled back and began to wiggle her hand in the air as if to ease its current state of discomfort.

"Ahh! What are you sculpted out of marble?" Sakura winced as Itachi broke out into a loud chuckle.

"No, you just haven't used these muscles in a long time, but they remember. That's good, we can work with this," he commented and then continued," Channel your chakra into your fist and hit me again."

Sakura felt her glowing green chakra envelop itself around her fist. She thrust the fist forward, colliding once more with the Uchiha's chest. The green chakra dispersed at contact, forcing the Uchiha to topple backwards. He was impressed. He did not expect her to knock the air out of his lungs with a single chakra-channeled punch. As he composed himself, he sat up and glanced at the worried pinkette.

"Not bad. Not bad at all," Itachi commented.

"Are you alright?" Sakura asked, worried that perhaps her chakra-infused punch might have caused him internal injuries.

"I'm fine," Itachi said as he began to stand up.

"Maybe we should call it for now, or my new sensei might end up in the infirmary," Sakura teased.

"I'm sure if that were the case, a lovely doctor would fix me right up," he teased right back.

"Oh yes, I'm sure Kazuo would have no problem assisting you," she teased right back.

Itachi let out a chuckle as he glanced over at the pinkette, and his chuckle burst into a laughter leaving Sakura to join in. She smiled wide as her laughter ceased and she met his eyes once more.

"I'm growing fond of your company," Sakura added.

"Likewise. I'm starting to prefer your company to that of my cousin," he said with a playful tone.

"Shisui right?"

"Yeah," he confirmed.

They both turned towards the compound, as suddenly, there was a large horn sounding through the valley.

"There are riders approaching the compound," Sakura said as they noticed a group of horsemen exiting from the Naka forest and making their way towards the compound.

"They're our hunting party. Let's head back. You might be needed," he said, and he took a hold of Nobu's reigns and climbed atop the equine.

Then he offered his hand to the pinkette, allowing her to mount her horse once more. Sakura wrapped her arms around Itachi's mid-section once more as he ushered the equine towards the compound with a quick click of the heel.