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

Hello my lovely readers, here's an update for you.

If you enjoy this story let me know. Reviews are always welcome.

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

HAPPY READING! ^_^

Chapter 8. Aoi

The darkness of night enveloped the land as a group of seven horse riders trotted towards the stables of the Uchiha compound. The night sky was clear, filled with hundreds of stars while a waxing gibbous moon illuminated the land. As the hunting party came to a halt by the stables, Uchiha Fugaku himself made his way towards them. His gaze was focused at the tall woman with long black spiky hair cascading down her back. A bandana of white cloth covered her right eye at an angle. She was dressed in a man's attire — charcoal coloured hakama pants with a white haori top. On her back she carried her large bow and arrows while on her hip rested a sheathed tantō.

"Hello uncle," she greeted as she looked at the patriarch with her one eye.

"Aoi, it's good to have you back. What news do you bring?" Fugaku asked as he approached the hunting party.

"The daimyō of Grass is planning something. He has united three of the major clans in his land, and they seemed to be focused on training warriors. Also, we lost Kenichi and Hiro to a group of Senju at the border," Aoi reported as she painfully disembarked from her horse.

"Senju?"

"Yeah, they were led by old Tobirama. The asshole went straight at me," Aoi said as she lifted her hand from her hip, revealing a bleeding wound.

"You're injured," Fugaku stated.

"Yeah, but don't worry I got him back. He's not gonna be so pretty anymore. I managed to slash my tantō across his face. I didn't kill him, wish I had, though," Aoi replied.

"Get to the infirmary. All of you. Our new doctor Haruno-san will take good care of you," Fugaku replied, and he waved to the rest of the hunting party to follow the path to the infirmary.

Itachi made his way home rather quickly. Sakura had her arms wrapped around his middle, as he galloped down the hilly dirt road. When they approached the gate of the compound, Itachi slowed down, easing Nobu into a trot. She inhaled deeply as she rested her head against his back as they entered the Uchiha compound.

"It seems you will have work to do. They're all at the infirmary," Itachi commented.

"Take me there please," Sakura said.

"Of course," he replied, and he maneuvered Nobu through the graveled street, passing the stables and making his way towards the infirmary.

As they came to a halt outside the infirmary, one of the healers rushed out, noticing the pink-haired woman on the back of the horse. Sakura disembarked from the back of the Uchiha heir's horse and made her way towards the healer.

"What's the situation Kazuo-san?"

"Haruno-sama we have seven riders in need of medical assistance. As per your instruction, we have assessed the injuries and began attending to the worst injuries first. Hikari is trying to stop the bleeding of Uchiha Hōzuki. The rest of the injuries are not life-threatening; however, Uchiha Aoi is showing signs of infection," Kazuo announced.

"An infection can become life-threatening, I shall take a look at her," Sakura said as she made her way inside with Kazuo.

As soon as she entered the infirmary, Sakura looked over the its busy state. There on the futons were seven new patients — in addition to Uchiha Kagami and his broken leg: who remained resting on the futon farthest away from the entrance. There were six men and one woman. Kazuo made his way over to two of the men and began dressing their minor cuts one after another. Hikari was leaned over one of the men, pulsing green chakra through his hands and into the large gash currently present on the man's chest.

"It's not working. I need help here," Hikari declared.

Sakura rushed to his side and kneeled next to the patient facing Hikari. She dipped her hands into the sake solution in the basin next to the patient and began to administer her chakra against the gash.

"Once again Hikari, like I taught you. Step one: sterilize hands in the alcohol solution. Step two: staunch the bleeding by holding the wound. Yes, just like that. Step three: begin the cauterization process by activating the chakra at its highest point in the palm of the hand. Step four: press against the wound and quickly expand the chakra to cover the size of the wound. Excellent," Sakura said as she guided Hikari through the process.

The wound sealed under Hikari's chakra, leaving the patient to fall unconscious.

"We check the pulse of the patient," Sakura directed calmly.

After a moment of assessment, Hikari replied," It's stable."

"Well done. Keep an eye on him and make sure he gets a double dose of the blood replenishment pills we've been working on," Sakura ordered.

"Hai Sakura-sama," Hikari replied.

As the situation was under control, Sakura stood and then made her way towards the wild-haired woman. She was resting on her back on the futon, her bow and quiver resting next to her. Her hand was resting on her hip, and her gaze was fixated onto the wooden ceiling.

"May I take a look at your wound?" Sakura asked as she sat down next to her.

Aoi's gaze shifted from the ceiling and to the pinkette doctor. Sakura had her hand in the air, waiting permission from Aoi to take a look. Aoi simply nodded, allowing Sakura to touch her.

"Sakura is your name correct?"

"Yes Aoi-san," Sakura nodded as she lifted the blood-soaked haori, exposing the small gash on her hip.

"Just Aoi will do," she winced in pain as Sakura pressed her alcohol-soaked hand against the wound.

As the wound sealed, Sakura pulled her hand away. Then she grabbed a clean wet cloth and began to clean the blood residue away from Aoi's now sealed wound.

"Is that better?" Sakura asked.

"Much better. You know, you are probably the best doctor I've ever had the chance to deal with, and I'm not particularly fond of them," Aoi commented.

"It was shallow puncture wound. Lucky it did not hit any of your internal organs or this would have turned out to be a much more complicated procedure," Sakura explained as she then began to assess Aoi's other injuries.

"To be honest, I was stunned, pleasantly I might add to see that the new Uchiha doctor is a woman. Talk about a change," Aoi commented as she watched Sakura's every movement — her hands moving efficiently and elegantly through each assessment.

"I'd like to think that it was a necessary change," Sakura replied as she finished dressing the small wound on Aoi's shoulder and she moved to the cuts on her forearm.

"I think you and I… we are gonna become good friends," Aoi grinned.

"I'd like that," Sakura nodded.

"I'm gonna give you a medicine brew to help prevent infection just in case. I don't want to take any chances," Sakura added as she stood up.

Sakura turned to leave for the medicine room when Aoi sat up for a moment.

"Say doctor, what would you recommend for this?" Aoi asked as she kicked off her tsuranuki — bear-skin shoes.

Sakura kneeled back down as she noticed a hint of discoloured skin on Aoi's right ankle. She lifted the hakama pants higher, exposing a large pus-filled swollen area just above the ankle. The infection was spreading from what looked like a few days-old animal's bite.

"That is infected Aoi. I will have to work on this very quickly, or you might not just lose the limb but also your life," Sakura said seriously.

"I see. Well then, do what you have to do doc," Aoi said as she laid back down on the futon, trusting the pink-haired physician.

A few days later.

For Sakura, the past few days settled her into a new routine. There she was early in the morning attending the sick and injured at the infirmary until early afternoon. The hunting party was released from the infirmary two days after their arrival, letting them slowly return to their day-to-day business. When the infirmary lacked patients — which was a good thing — she focused on teaching her healers and young apprentice about herbs, and chakra healing.

And then there were her evenings — Itachi, training, and a plate of mitarashi dango. Each evening she would spend with Itachi, learning how to defend herself. Their lessons would run till it was dark and focused primarily on hand-to-hand combat and wielding a simple tantō blade to inflict quick damage to a possible attacker. Sakura did not trust herself with a longer blade. Then again, she was struggling to accept the fact that she needed to learn how to fight, if only to preserve her life in this era. She was not a killer, and she was definitely not a warrior. However, if the situation called to it, she knew she would fight tooth and nail to survive.

It was late afternoon. Here she was, relaxing in the hot spring, taking advantage of the nearly empty place, with only young Satsuki to keep her company. They were resting in the women only section of the Uchiha bathhouse — nestled comfortably in the steamy mineral waters of the hot spring. Sakura was sitting against the edge, her back pressing into the black stones that framed the edge of the onsen. Satsuki sat across from her, soaking her black hair as she remained immersed in the soothing waters.

Sakura closed her eyes as she enjoyed the much-needed escape. Her muscles ached from all the beating, well training she was enduring each evening on top of her duties as a doctor. As soon as she closed her eyes, her mind ventured towards her new "family." There was the young Satsuki, who's company she enjoyed immensely — to Sakura she was more like a younger sister than an actual apprentice. Then there was Mikoto-san, who insisted that Sakura be treated as a member of their clan — to Sakura she reminded her of her own mother. Mikoto was fond of Sakura, and she made sure the young physician knew it. She sent her a new kimono with the red uchiwa fan on the back — as if to proclaim that she was one of their own. And then there was the Uchiha heir, who seemed to invade her mind at every given opportunity. She enjoyed his company immensely and at times when he was not around, she found herself craving his presence. She felt comfortable around him — they could speak with one another with ease. And her mind would venture further. She would indulge in her memories of his touch — how he would catch her in his arms or hoist her up on the back of the horse, how her first punch attempt landed on his firm chest.

"Sakura-chan?"

"Yes?" Sakura said suddenly as she straightened up and opened her eyes, blinking rapidly at first as if to bring herself back from her wandering thoughts.

"What do you think of my brother?" Satsuki asked randomly as she squeezed the excess water out of her long black tresses.

"Which one?"

"Either one I suppose," Satsuki replied.

"To be honest I find Sasuke unpredictable. I'm not sure what to expect of him but I think we are capable of becoming friends," Sakura said as she leaned back against the edge of the hot spring.

"And Itachi-nii?"

"What about him?"

"What do you think about him?" Satsuki pressed as she was now looking at her pink-haired teacher.

"Um, I … well, he's a good warrior … trustworthy … honorable … a good friend … easy to talk to … nice person … likes dango," Sakura said — she was thankful that the heat from the hot springs hid the redness that formed on her cheeks.

"If he were to offer kotowari for the omiai, would you marry him instead?"

Sakura slightly sunk in the water, completely taken aback by Satsuki's question. She quickly resurfaced, and her eyes glanced over to the young Uchiha and said," What?"

"Would you marry Itachi-nii?" Satsuki asked more directly.

For a brief moment, Sakura felt as if her heart began to beat louder and louder. Where was this coming from? Yes, she has been spending quite a lot of time with the Uchiha heir but surely that did not mean that they were going to end up together. They couldn't. He probably only saw her as a friend and nothing more. It was not possible. She was a time-traveling doctor, and he was the heir to a prideful clan, and he was getting married to someone else — someone deemed worthy of him.

"Why would you ask me such a question?"

"Well, if you were to marry my brother, we would become sisters for real. And then you would stay here forever," Satsuki stated as her lips curved into a wide smile.

"Satsu," Sakura began.

"I'm scared that you will leave us," Satsuki interrupted.

"I'm not going anywhere," Sakura said.

"So, you will marry my brother?" Satsuki asked again.

"He's getting married to someone else."

"But you're not denying that you would. You like him. You should tell him," Satsu said happily.

"Satsu, I … you don't know what you're talking about. I like your brother as a friend."

"Well, you can always marry Sasuke," Satsuki suggested as a grin appeared on her face.

"Satsu, if I ever marry, it will be out of love," Sakura said, and a small smile appeared on her lips as she echoed Itachi's words.

Sakura smiled as she made her way down the gravel street from the bathhouse and towards her home. She was freshly bathed, dressed in a clean white kimono with flowers scattered on her torso and sleeves. The beautiful kimono was held by an emerald green obi, matching the green of her eyes — another kimono gifted to her by none other than Mikoto herself. Her long rosy hair was loose and simply cascading down her back, nearly reaching her waist. She smiled as she noticed a familiar pair walking towards her - Aoi and Sasuke. The two cousins seemed to be in a lively conversation but the moment Aoi's eyes found Sakura, the Uchiha woman grinned widely.

"Hey doc, come with us. A drink won't hurt you," Aoi said as she waved at the rosette.

"A drink?"

"Yeah to Uruchi's. Aunt Uruchi's eatery. We can get some good sake and food. My treat for you saving my life," Aoi offered.

"Alright then. Lead the way," Sakura agreed.

"Great, just wait for Aunt Uruchi's okonomiyaki. It is the best you will ever eat," Aoi replied and the trio made their way towards the small tavern.

The Uruchi eatery was a lively place. As soon as they entered the small establishment, Sakura glanced around noticing that majority of the tables were taken by members of the Uchiha clan and some non-Uchiha residents —possibly approved visitors by the clan head, or at least that's what Sakura thought. Then again, she was not an Uchiha and she was allowed to reside within the compound, and then there was the nakōdo who was definitely not an Uchiha and also a resident of the compound. Sakura was still a new resident to the compound. Who was to say she was the only one? Then again, it's only been a few weeks since she landed in this era.

Aoi made her way towards an empty low table, and she grinned widely as an older woman noticed her.

"Aoi-chan, you're finally home. Glad you came to visit," the woman waved towards the wild-haired Uchiha warrior-goddess.

"Uruchi-oba, as usual okonomiyaki and two bottles of your best sake," Aoi ordered with a toothy grin as she waved to the older woman.

"I'll get right on Aoi-chan," Uruchi waved and she ushered one her workers to bring over the sake first.

As soon as they settled behind the low table and their sake was brought over, Aoi turned to her young cousin.

"So Sasuke, tell me what I have missed," Aoi started as she poured them all a cup of sake.

"Besides Homura being executed, Sakura here taking his place, also the near slaughter that occurred in the palace a week ago nothing much," Sasuke recalled the events all casually.

"I heard about the Senju altercation from Nagao. Apparently, they believe our doctor here is a secret Senju, huh? How rude, right Sakura?" Aoi said as she looked at the pink-haired woman.

"I was annoyed with that Senju," Sakura replied.

Her eyebrows furrowed at the thought of the Senju clan. Sasuke leaned over to her and poured her another cup of sake.

Next time I'll lend you my sword. Sometimes a blade works better than words," Sasuke said.

"Thanks, but I'm not even sure how to wield a katana, let alone try to hit someone with it," Sakura said as she set down her sake cup.

"You don't hit with a sword. You strike your opponent with it," Sasuke replied as he lifted his cup.

"Artistically you could say you're dancing with a sword," Aoi offered as she downed her sake cup and then smiled happily.

The trio burst into laughter, as they enjoyed each other's presence. It was a lively atmosphere and Sakura felt as if she was one of them — it has been a while since she had a laugh like that. Aoi reached for the bottle of sake and poured them each another cup.

"The wound on your hip, that was from Senju right?" Sasuke asked casually.

"Yeah, Tobirama the asshole who killed our uncle Izuna. Don't worry, though, I got him back. He's going to have a nasty scar on his face to remember me by," Aoi grinned as she motioned the pattern with her finger just how she managed to cut Tobirama.

"What do you make of that?" Aoi suddenly asked as she motioned with her finger towards a table in the far back.

Sasuke and Sakura turned to look where she was pointing. There was the Uchiha heir, sitting with a perfect posture in a dark navy kimono which was intricately decorated with golden patterns along the sleeves of the kimono. His long black hair was pulled up into a tight knot on top of his head. He looked almost regal. Across from him was a young raven-haired woman dressed in a light blue kimono. Her hair was neatly wrapped into a tight bun and secured with an ornamental comb.

"Oh, that? That's Itachi's omiai-chosen fiancée," Sasuke provided.

"Her name is Izumi," Sakura provided as she recognized the girl from the nakōdo's visit.

"No way, so it seems the elders finally got to him. What a shame," Aoi sighed, as if she was disappointed with her cousin's marital fate.

"Sooner or later they will be breathing down my neck too," Sasuke said as they all glanced over at Itachi sipping his cup, while Izumi seemed to be carrying the majority of the conversation.

"He seems to be bored," Aoi observed.

"More likely annoyed," Sasuke added.

"We should let them be," Sakura interrupted as she poured them each another cup of sake.

As they glanced away from the couple, Sasuke enjoyed another cup of sake. Aoi was halfway done with hers when Sakura turned to her.

"What about you Aoi? How come you have not been subjected to omiai?" Sakura asked.

"Oh, they tried, what was it five years ago? Yeah, Saizō got a broken nose and Madatachi nearly keeled over from fear. I am a free woman and always will be," Aoi said proudly as she grabbed her sake cup.

"That's true. Then again, it's probably the fact that you resemble Madara way too much," Sasuke commented.

"Well I am his daughter, and I can't help it that my father was a legend," Aoi shrugged her shoulders.

"Who's Saizō and Madatachi?" Sakura suddenly interrupted.

"Uchiha elders. There's three of them, Saizō, Hirosuke, and Madatachi. They think they own the entire clan. Itachi's chosen wife to be is actually Madatachi's granddaughter and Nagao's sister. You've met him, a few times," Sasuke explained as he looked back to see aunt Uruchi bring over a large okonomiyaki for them to share.

"Eat up my darlings. Oh, and Haruno-san I will be bringing over a plate of dango as well. On the house as a thanks for my Misaki and her little one," Uruchi said with a smile.

"I'm just glad everything went alright but thank you Uruchi-san for your hospitality," Sakura replied.

The delicious aroma from the freshly made okonomiyaki wafted towards them, as if to tease their sense of smell. Unable to resist, all three began to dig in, just as another bottle of sake was brought out for them. Sakura enjoyed each bite and she knew that Aoi was not lying — this was definitely one of the best foods she has ever eaten. As the cabbage pancake slowly began to disappear, Aoi once more looked towards Itachi and his fiancée.

"So, what do you think they are talking about?" Aoi inquired.

"What do you think Sakura?" Sasuke asked as he glanced up from the cabbage pancake and right at the pink-haired companion.

"About?"

"Itachi and his omiai lady," Sasuke said.

"Should I have an opinion?" Sakura raised an eyebrow.

"Well, as far as I know you and my brother have gotten quite close," Sasuke stated.

"We're friends," Sakura quickly replied.

"Just friends?"

"Yes, just friends. What is this? Am I on trial again?" Sakura asked, suddenly feeling uncomfortable with his questioning.

"Don't mind him. Sasuke is just teasing," Aoi offered and she reached over and smacked Sasuke on the back of the head.

Later that night.

She couldn't sleep. Her mind was keeping her awake as she continuously replayed the events of the day. There was Satsuki and her odd line of questioning — or was it that odd? Maybe she was just truly innocently suggesting a marriage as a solution to her staying with the Uchiha forever? Maybe Satsuki saw something happening between them that Sakura didn't? And Sasuke, even he made an odd comment. Why should she care about the omiai? Then again, she knew that Itachi was not thrilled with the omiai. He was her friend and she'd want him to be happy.

There was another thing that was currently torturing her. The sight she saw at the Uruchi's eatery, Itachi in a complete different attire than what she was used to — seeing him dressed up in an ornate kimono, his hair pulled up into a tight knot, how his hands elegantly lifted the teacup from the table to bring to his lips. What was happening to her? This was Itachi, her friend. This was becoming too much — she needed fresh air. Perhaps it would lull her to sleep.

Sakura sat up from the futon, kicking the covers away from her and she hurriedly made her way towards her front door. She slipped on a pair of sandals and slipped out, making her way down the steps. She wrapped her arms around herself, seeking a bit of warmth as she stepped onto the gravel street. The compound was silent, with only a few guards staying alert at their designated posts. She made her way down the street towards the stables. When she reached her destination, she smiled as she noticed the familiar black steed.

"Hello Nobu," Sakura greeted as she reached for the bucket that rested by the edge and grabbed a carrot.

Then she made her way towards the equine, her hand gently caressing Nobu's snout.

"You didn't meet me for training."

Sakura smiled as she recognized the familiar baritone. She brought the carrot to Nobu's mouth, who gladly began to munch on the crunchy vegetable.

"I did not feel like it. Besides, you seemed quite busy today," Sakura replied as she kept her focus on her equine friend.

"Why are you up so late Sakura?" he inquired as he leaned against the wooden fence, letting her tend to his horse.

"I can't sleep," she said simply as she gently began stroking Nobu's neck.

"Neither can I. It seems your tea is not enough to lull me to sleep," Itachi replied as he watched her gently caressing Nobu's neck.

"Rough day?" she asked, glancing at hm.

"Yeah," he nodded.

"I saw you at Uruchi's. That was definitely not the Itachi I'm used to seeing."

"You saw Itachi the Uchiha heir, but this is more me," he said as he motioned to his regular attire — white haori and dark hakama pants, his hair in a low ponytail.

"I think both looks suit you well," Sakura smiled, and she turned away, as if to hide her budding blush away from him.

She took a deep breath. What was wrong with her? Was it all the nonsense talk from Satsu and Sasuke? Why was this happening now?

"I saw you too. That kimono, it suits you," Itachi said softly.

Sakura glanced over at him, noticing him leaning against the wooden post watching her intently. After a moment, he stood and made his over to her, his hand also gently tending to the black steed.

"Could we … could we leave for a little bit? I feel like I just need to clear my head and it seems like you do too," Sakura asked.

"I don't see why not. Come," he said, and he unhooked Nobu's reins from the post.

He grabbed one of the lanterns and hooked it to the saddle. Then, he gently lifted Sakura up onto the saddle before climbing up as well. Sakura wrapped her arms around his middle once more, her hold on him seemingly tighter than before. Itachi smiled softly at her grip as he held Nobu's reins and he ushered the equine towards the compound's gate.