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

Edit note: there was a minor issue with this chapter - had to publish it once more.

Hello my lovely readers, Sorry for the delay. I have been dealing with some university issues — in particular, I had one of my profs tell me that I should go back to grade five to better my English after he marked my essay a C-. It's interesting that for another course with another prof. I got an A on a secondary essay. I mean, yes English is not my first language, it is my third so of course I will always have some doubts, but why does an university professor actually put down their students? So much for fostering interest in the subject matter.

Sorry, anyways this kind of put a stump on my writing for a while - I'm not sure when I will be able to update next, hopefully my writing will kick in eventually. Sorry for the rant but ahh, I'm just so frustrated.

Thank you all that leave me reviews continuously. You guys are amazing - truly, so this chapter is for you! I hope you enjoy it.

THAT SAID, LET'S GET TO CHAPTER 15!

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

Happy Reading ^^

Chapter 15. Homeward

They emerged at the outskirts of the familiar greens of the Naka forest and they further descended into the green meadows. They seemed like quite the pair — there was Itachi dressed in his traditional white haori and navy-blue hakama, and then there was Sakura, dressed in her light grey and slightly torn jeans and a plain red hoodie. Her rosy pink hair was tied up in a loose bun. In her right hand she held a small flashlight, lighting it down to the grassy terrain, if only to avoid any possible bumps in the dark. Her left hand was still holding onto Itachi's right hand. As they made their way through the meadows and towards the main gate of the Uchiha compound, Itachi let go of her hand.

"Is something the matter?" Sakura asked, glancing over to him momentarily.

"I told you, in public until marriage we need to keep space from one another, no matter how much we don't want to," Itachi explained as they kept walking.

"Right, I understand. I just-"

"Behind closed doors, I'm yours," Itachi added quickly.

Sakura simply nodded and they continued on in silence. Once they approached the gate, it slowly pushed open, revealing a pair of Uchiha guardsmen at the ready. Sakura flicked off her flashlight and tucked it into the side of her backpack. The men bowed in respect, recognizing the Uchiha heir and the pink haired Uchiha physician.

"Uchiha-sama, you've returned! and with Haruno-san," the guard greeted as he bowed in respect as the pair walked through the gate.

"Seems like a calm night Tomaru," Itachi noted as they came to a stop in front of the main guard Tomaru.

"It is. Don't worry the entire compound is thoroughly protected. Your brother has been delegating duties all day in your absence. He's been checking in at all the guard posts all night," Tomaru replied.

"I see. Well, if you see my brother, tell him I've returned with Haruno-san and that I shall speak with him in the morning," Itachi said.

"As you command Uchiha-sama," Tomaru replied.

Sakura waved to the guardsmen and then made her way further into the compound, heading up the familiar traveled path among the various homes until she reached hers. Itachi walked alongside her, enjoying the peaceful quiet in the compound. Since it was the middle of the night, the place was nearly completely quiet — with the minor exception of guardsmen patrolling the area of the compound.

They walked up to the engawa and then entered Sakura's home. She slipped out of her old sneakers and ventured farther in. She slid the grey backpack off her shoulders, setting it down onto the oaken floor near the kitchen. Deciding to unpack at a later time, Sakura looked around her small house. The place seemed just as she had left it — everything was in its place neatly put away, fresh herbs drying up in clusters above her kitchen table, even the familiar scent of sage and lavender wafting through the space. She made her way over to her sleeping quarters and began to unravel the futon. Itachi followed suit, slipping off his shoes and placing the second backpack onto the floor right next to the grey one.

"Please stay," she said softly, as she glanced over to him.

Itachi took a moment to consider her request — none but the guardsmen saw them, so this would be alright, at least for tonight. Then he met her gaze and simply nodded, slowly making his way over to the sleeping hands reached towards the edge of his haori, letting it come undone. He slipped it off his shoulders and settled it on top of her dresser.

"We should get some rest," Sakura interrupted as she finished setting up the futon and its warm covers.

"Yes, we should," Itachi agreed.

Sakura smiled at him, her eyes slightly hovering over his now half-naked attire. Then she slipped off the red hoodie and shimmied herself out of the blue jeans. Itachi remained still, his eyes focused on the movement of her hands as she collected her clothes and set them down in the corner by the dresser, right next to his haori. He settled down onto the futon she prepared for them, sliding under the covers as his eyes remained fixated upon her as she removed her undergarments in front of him.

"Sakura," he called out to her.

"Yes?" she responded as she opened up the dresser nearly completely bare.

"You need to put some clothes on," he said rather quickly, his eyes drinking her in completely.

"Oh? Am I showing too much skin for you Uchiha-sama?" she teased as she fished out a simple light-blue yukata and closed the drawer.

Then she quickly wrapped herself in the soft fabric before making her way towards the futon. Once she settled down next to him, she let out a soft squeak as Itachi pulled her right to his naked chest. Sakura nearly melted into his warm embrace, loving the feel of his arms wrapped around her, as if to provide endless comfort and security. She rested her head on top of his chest blissfully, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.

"As much as I want to ravish you right now, we need the rest," he murmured softly.

Sakura let out a soft chuckle and she snuggled more, enjoying the warmth of his body against hers, "Good night."

She pressed a soft kiss onto his exposed pectoral and then snuggled once more, letting sleep take her.

Elsewhere.

Within Niwamachi, there was the majestic Senju clan compound, nestled against the tall walls of the Kanon shrine. It was composed of numerous buildings made from the wood of highest quality. There within the main house of the Senju clan, two brothers remained in a heated discussion, a bottle of opened sake and two cups filled to the brim between them on the low table. Hashirama stared down his younger brother, trying his hardest to remain calm. He was tired of this constant conflict with the Uchiha clan. For Hashirama, this conflict should have ended with Madara's death, but fate had other plans. His younger brother insisted on seeing the pink haired woman once again, still adamant about her place among their desperation to reunite with his lost child grew wildly each day — perhaps it was the loss of his wife Ai several years ago, and this was Tobirama's only possible chance of somehow having a little bit of his wife back in the world, in the form of the only child. But he never thought his brother would be capable of going into such extreme lengths. He reached for the cup of sake and downed it quickly, as if he was trying to quench the growing storm within him.

"What are you trying to achieve with this claim brother? Your daughter is long gone. You need to let it go," Hashirama said.

"Don't tell me what to do brother. If it were your daughter, you would do the same. Misaki is the same age as my Hanae. Tell me, if it were her, what would you do?" Tobirama questioned, the sound of his voice rising with each word.

"We have punished the Uchiha enough," Hashirama insisted.

"How can you say that?!"

"We have punished the Uchiha enough," Hashirama repeated, his voice like thunder.

"Not enough," Tobirama growled as he slammed his hand against the table.

"In this never-ending conflict we have lost far too much. We lost Kawarama and Itama. You lost Ai to the grief over your missing daughter. We almost lost Tōka!" Hashirama had taken a deep breath before he continued, "and now, I lost my son and heir because you had to provoke the Uchiha once again!"

Hashirama exhaled, taking a moment to calm his nerves before he spoke with a firm voice.

"Why did you have Mikoto killed?"

Tobirama stayed silent for a moment, taking a deep breath, as if to reassess his thoughts before he chose to answer.

"That was not the plan. I paid the Grass mercenary to dispatch Fugaku," Tobirama admitted.

"It was completely foolish and unnecessary! You continue to stir the pot with the Uchiha when this conflict should have ended over a decade ago. It is your fault that the Uchiha retaliated by setting our estate and our crops on fire. We lost too many fighters! Far too many good men!" Hashirama exclaimed, his anger flaring like wildfire.

"You're blaming me for Hakura's death?" Tobirama questioned.

"I guess I am."

"The Uchiha needed to be punished!" Tobirama exclaimed.

Hashirama brought his hand against his face, massaging his temples in a circular motion, as if to erase the throbbing headache that irked him. Suddenly the weight of being the head of a prominent clan began to pull him down — as if to drown him in the bloody conflict. There had to be another way. This needless trial, that was to occur in less than two days, would only bring more problems.

"What are we going to do with the council? Have we any allies to support our claim?"

"We have managed to secure the support of the Nara clan. The Yamanaka and the Namikaze will support the Uchiha. Hyūga and Shimura decided not to side with either clan. They're opting to stay neutral," Tobirama said.

"It's time we end this conflict brother. There's no need for more bloodshed," Hashirama stated, and he rose to his feet, leaving his brother to wallow in his anger by himself.

The following morning.

The sound of thunder roared in the distance as Satsuki descended down the steps from the main house. The pitter-patter of rain hitting the roof of the house, brought out a smile on her face. She enjoyed this type of weather. Satsuki lifted a thick straw hat above her head as she decided to return to the physician house once again. This was her routine, just like Sakura-chan taught her — every morning, she would attend to the herbs and begin creating the potent salves within Sakura's home and then she would make her way towards the infirmary and check on the patients that were currently under care. She even had her hands full with difficult patients — Kagami was complaining about his broken arm healing too slowly, insisting on quicker fix so that he could return to his duty. Only that man could have ended up with a healed broken leg, only to break his arm the next day.

She quickly walked up the steps into the physician's house, hiding under the engawa from the rain. She slid open the doors and noticed two pairs of footwear by the entrance. She slipped out of hers and she quickly made her way farther inside, only to see a familiar pair sharing a futon in a warm embrace. She stepped forward, recognizing the pink-haired physician currently using her brother's chest as a pillow.

"Itachi-nii? Sakura-chan?"

Itachi awakened at the call of his name, his eyes venturing towards the young Uchiha standing in between the opened fusuma panels. Sakura stirred awake, her hand gliding across Itachi's chest as she pulled away from his warmth. She sat up and stretched slightly, when she noticed her young apprentice, standing in shock to see her once again.

"Satsu?" Sakura called out.

"You're back…and with…. Itachi-nii… does this mean…"

"Hai, Satsu. Sakura is to be my wife," Itachi confirmed as he also sat up.

Itachi stood and collected his discarded haori, slipping it on once more. Satsuki clapped her hands together happily.

"I knew it!" Satsu exclaimed.

Sakura rose to her feet and smiled as the young Uchiha surged forward towards her, enveloping her small hands around her. She gently returned the warm embrace.

"Finally, you will be my sister for real," Satsuki declared happily.

"That's right," Sakura nodded.

Later.

Sakura looked around — her eyes traveling from Itachi, to Shisui, to Aoi, and to Sasuke. They were sitting around the old low table that resided in Sakura's kitchen. The three Uchiha members were currently digesting the news from their travels to the future, staying in silence as their eyes focused on different places around the kitchen. There on the table was the neatly folded golden-blue haori that once belonged to Madara. Aoi's eyes remained glued to it — her hand reaching over to touch the familiar fabric. The feel of the high-quality material beneath her fingers caused her to shut her eyes quickly, trying her hardest to stop herself from showing too much emotion. This item of clothing belonged to her late father — here now serving almost as a reminder of the fearless leader the Uchiha clan lost a decade ago.

"How?" she barely voiced out.

"We don't know how. I was found with torn and bloodied clothing with only this haori keeping me warm," Sakura replied softly.

Aoi nodded, and she gently let go of the fabric, choosing to lean back against the sturdy wall instead. Sasuke let out a soft sigh as he ran his hand through his messy black hair. He proceeded to rest his head against the palm of his hand while Shisui glanced over to Itachi.

"So, Sakura is really the lost Senju child and you two are going to get married? Just like that?" he asked, his eyes moving from Itachi to Sakura.

"Yes," Itachi replied simply.

"What are we going to do about the fact that there is a Senju, no offense Sakura, sitting in the middle of the Uchiha compound? She's in danger," Aoi chimed in.

"I am aware of that. Right now, no one else knows but you three and for now it needs to remain this way," Itachi answered.

"Agreed," Shisui said while Sasuke and Aoi simply nodded in approval.

For a moment, silence fell upon them, as if to allow them more time to process their situation. For Aoi, this was something unexpected. She had never thought that she would see this haori again. Although her father had more than one set, this haori has not been worn by Fugaku not even once since he overtook the clan leadership from Madara. She was in disbelief that it was her father involved in the missing Senju affair from twenty years ago. Is this why her father was so adamantly defending Izuna-ojisan? That her father would be capable of kidnapping a two-year-old child in the middle of the night, hurt her by tearing her clothes and leaving bloody marks on her, and then regret his actions and using his own haori to cover up the crime? She shook her head — her father would have never done such a thing. He might have been a lot of things but dishonourable was not one of them. If anyone knew Madara, it would be his daughter and his brothers. And if anyone remembered the life of the Uchiha in the Niwamachi compound prior to their expulsion, it would be glanced up at the group before, her eyes falling onto the pinkette once more.

"If you were found at the Kanon shrine, it would make sense. The old Uchiha compound was separated by the shrine's grounds from the Senju compound. I mean, it is much easier to navigate through the shrine's gardens and prayer buildings than risk being spotted out on the streets of Niwamachi. The markets were always busy even at night. The shrine is a logical choice. There would be no one present during the night. Whoever took you in the middle of the night most likely tried to go through the shrine to get into the Uchiha compound. But back then, my father was adamant about keeping the Uchiha compound under strict thumb day in and night. I was twelve, Satsu's age when this happened. I remember that my father himself would wander at odd times during the night. I woke up a few times in the middle of the night, only to find him missing. So, I'd often go look for him. I would find him in high perches around the compound, once on a tree branch, once on a rooftop and once atop the wall all gazing up at the moon," Aoi explained as she looked back on her memories, long hidden away under lock and key.

"I don't have many memories of that compound," Itachi added.

"Itachi you were seven years old when it happened. Shisui was not much older than you. Sasuke was not even two years old. And we were all pretty much cloistered in the compound all the time since my father was distrustful of outsiders. Shortly after the girl's well Sakura's disappearance we were kicked out of that compound," Aoi explained.

"I used to try to climb the wall over to shrine. Izuna caught me once and I fell, broke my hand on impact. He took me to get treated," Shisui chimed in.

"You speak of your father kindly. It's much different than what I read in books," Sakura commented.

Aoi glanced over to rosette and nodded firmly, "Don't trust the books Sakura. Yes, my father was a great man, a great warrior capable of great and terrible things. On the outside he was a fearless leader, an excellent strategist, extraordinarily skilled in battle, always ready to spill the blood of his enemies to protect the clan. But on the inside, he was a loving, caring man, who would give his life for his family. His brothers Izuna and Fugaku meant the world to him. He used to call me hotaru, a firefly just like his mother used to call him. He taught me how to defend myself, how to hunt, how to use a bow."

"And yet he did not name you his heir," Sasuke commented.

"My mother died in childbirth. I was his child born out of wedlock and yet he still gave me his name, raised me by himself. He went against the clan elders to accept me as his child and even threatened them with bodily harm if they refused him. And becoming clan heiress? I never wanted the clan leadership anyway. I think it's cursed — no offense Itachi," Aoi declared.

"Well how was I supposed to know that? You never talk about him," Sasuke retorted.

Sakura reaches over and slapped Sasuke on the hand," you're being insensitive."

She then glanced over to Aoi and said," thank you for that explanation Aoi-chan."

"Well, that definitely gives us a different perspective on Madara. Thanks for that Aoi," Shisui said.

"It still doesn't answer how Sakura came to be wrapped in Madara's haori," Itachi stated.

"And we will never know, unless Sakura suddenly remembers something that happened when she was two years old or someone else comes forth," Shisui added.

For a moment it seemed they fell back into their silence, only for Sasuke to suddenly speak up, trying to lighten the mood.

"I'm not one to change the subject and not that it matters, but you two have my support," he said as he glanced over to Itachi and Sakura.

"Mine too," Aoi joined in.

"And mine. You seem happy cousin and I support your happiness," Shisui added.

Itachi smiled, and he reached for Sakura's hand, giving her a gentle squeeze. She knew that to Itachi the support of his family meant the world — just like her mother's approval of Itachi meant the world to her. She smiled back at her husband-to-be, squeezing his hand in return.

"Thank you. Your support has immense value, to both of us," Sakura said.

"Agreed," Itachi nodded.

Sasuke cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention.

But I have one condition. I wanna be there when you notify the elders. Old Madatachi is still fuming over the fact that you broke the omiai with his granddaughter and I can't wait to see their faces once you tell them that you are marrying a Senju," Sasuke changed the topic all of sudden.

"Hey, don't talk about those old greybeards or these two might just run off on us," Shisui commented.

"Don't worry. It will take more than just some old senile men to scare us off. Besides, there's the trial," Sakura said.

Shisui and Sasuke nodded.

"We need to prepare. Tomorrow we head for Niwamachi and clear our family name," Itachi began.

He finished his tea, set down the cup onto the table, and then he continued.

"Aoi? Sasuke? The three of us will have to keep our eyes on father and the Senju. Shisui, you will stay behind in the compound and ensure its safety in our absence. We will only take fifteen men with us the rest are to your disposal."

"As you command cousin," Shisui agreed.

The next day.

She was back. She was in a real relationship with Itachi. She was a Senju. And now she has returned to Niwamachi. For Sakura, coming to terms with her new identity was not an easy task. For as long as she could remember, she was the daughter of Sugihara Mebuki — an eccentric woman with a vast knowledge of herbs, spices, and it's various concoctions to aid one's health — and the late Haruno Kizashi — a trauma surgeon, a man always eager to help anyone who needed it, whose love of medicine and care he passed onto his only child. She was Haruno Sakura — a surgical resident, a protege of Senju Tsunade herself, one of the most renowned medical prodigies of her time. And yet she was also Senju Hanae. It almost felt like she was two very different people. A physician from the future and a clan daughter of the past.

She thought back to her mother Mebuki. Their goodbye was brief, for she did not wish to stay for too long — she knew if she did, she would struggle to leave her mother behind. The only comfort to her was the fact that her mother was not alone. Kakashi was always there, always ready to help and assist with whatever project her mother was working on. She would not be alone and for that Sakura was thankful. Mebuki would always be her mother, no matter the distance. She only hoped that one day, the shrine would be merciful and allow her to visit her mother and uncle once more.

Her thoughts ventured to her biological parents. As she thought back to the text on the missing Senju, she remembered their names. Senju Tobirama and Adachi Ai. Now, her real father she already had met. The first time she attended the council meeting — where she insisted that she was not a Senju. She was not sure what to think of Tobirama Senju. Frankly, she did not like him — his deep-seeded hatred for the Uchiha clan was one of the reasons, second was his obvious temper. She only hoped that their "family" reunion would lack any possible outbursts. One could only hope.

She thought back to her unpacking the two overstuffed backpacks yesterday. She spent a large portion of yesterday's afternoon introducing Satsuki and her infirmary staff Kazuo and Hikari to the various medications and tools she brought back with her — and that's not counting all the herbal remedies which they could easily learn to replicate here, and the various medical books on various ailments to aid them at every turn. But there was one item among all of those packed necessities that was deemed most important. An old photograph of Sakura and her parents. She smiled as she pressed her hand against her chest — right where the photo was currently neatly tucked in under her kimono. For now, she kept them close to her heart, for her own protection, and for courage.

And now here they were.

They entered Niwamachi on horseback. Sakura was sitting behind Itachi, her hands confidently wrapped around his middle securely as they followed in formation, behind Fugaku and Aoi. Sasuke was trotting along beside them. They were followed by fifteen Uchiha warriors. For Sakura, today was different. She was dressed in the traditional Uchiha garb — the crisp white haori with the red uchiwa fan on her back and navy blue hakama. Her rosy locks were tucked behind her ears, letting them rest against her back. Itachi was dressed in his formal clothes — the elaborate golden-blue attire with his hair scooped up into a tight knot. Once they reached the castle's courtyard, the group of Uchiha disembarked from their horses.

"Father, what do you intend to say?" Itachi inquired.

"I already told you. This is my conflict to settle," Fugaku exclaimed and then he stepped ahead into the castle.

Sakura observed Fugaku's behaviour. This was not the patriarch she treated months ago. This is a man so far gone in his grief and hatred, that he no longer wished to resurface. He was not stable, and this could end up being a disastrous situation. She reached for Itachi, wanting to say something. But Itachi quickly followed after his father, as if to try and ease the situation or keep his sights on him. Sasuke followed right after.

"Come on, let's go doc," Aoi ushered and the pair of women headed in while the Uchiha warriors remained with the horses in the courtyard.

As Sakura walked towards the meeting hall through the familiar hallway, her anxiety skyrocketed. That familiar hallway felt oh-so-much-longer than before. She did not know what to expect of this meeting or trial. Would the Uchiha clan be punished for all of their supposed crimes? She would not allow it. By blood, she was a Senju, and she would protect the Uchiha from her supposed clan, no matter the cost.

The door slid open, revealing a filled room. There were the council members, sitting in their usual spots along with the daimyo taking his place on the higher level in the central position. For Sakura, there were many new faces. She recognized the silver-haired man standing near the Senju clan head with three of their guardsmen — that was her real father Tobirama Senju. His glared at the Uchiha with an unforgiving cold gaze, his arms crossed across his chest. On the other side of the room, there was the Shimura clan head surrounded by three of his guardsmen — same with the Hyūga clan head, guarded with three of his guardsmen. There were several Adachi guardsmen placed around the room.

Sakura stood next to Aoi, while Sasuke and Itachi kept their eyes on their father. Fugaku made a step forward to take his place among the council, only for his path to be blocked by Adachi guardsmen.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Fugaku spat out, his anger at the tipping point as he glared from one council member to the other.

When his eyes fell onto the clan head of Senju, he snarled, his hand twitching to grasp the hilt of his blade.

Adachi Shinsuke, the daimyo of Niwamachi and the land of Fire stood from his seat, his cold penetrative gaze traveling from one Uchiha to the other. He waved his hand ever-so-gently in the direction of the Nara clan head — taking his cue, Nara Shikaku looked down onto the scroll before him and he began to read out loud for all to hear.

"The head family of the Uchiha clan. You have been summoned to answer for the following charges: destruction of the Senju estate and farms, assault on Senju warriors, attempted murder of Senju Tobirama, and the thievery of Senju Hanae. What say you to these charges?"

A/N:

I know Hashirama technically had three children(sons) in the series (Hakura, Hanaku, Raikuro) but I decided to change that in this story. Hence, Hashirama has two kids: the late Hakura, and daughter Misaki.

Stay safe. Until next time. Don't forget to review.