A/N: (Updated: March 10th 2021)
Hello my lovely readers, as promised here's chapter 19. I'm also hoping to update Catching Fire (my other ItaSaku story) at some point this week so hopefully, everything go as planned. Thank you for your reviews! Chapter 20 will be delayed.
This story is rated R for a reason - you have been warned.
Happy Reading ^^
Chapter 19. A Thorn Within
Three days later.
The sun was barely rising when Itachi rose from his peaceful slumber. He glanced down to the pinkette who remained tucked in the sheets, sleeping on the soft pillows. His eyes hovered for a moment, taking in her soft features and he thought himself to be extraordinarily lucky — lucky that she came into his life when she did, not only because of her heritage or knowledge, but also because for the first time in his life he felt comfortable enough to share a life with another. He was lucky that he found a woman he was willing to surrender his heart to. He was lucky. Itachi leaned down and pressed a soft kiss onto her forehead. Then, although unwillingly, he rose to his feet and made his way towards his discarded clothes and redressed himself quickly.
Today would be the day he would assume his full duties as the clan leader — a zokuchō. And there were many things that required his presence and his utmost attention. The various members of the Uchiha clan were busy bees, hovering around the main house of the clan and the meeting hall day in and day out. But for Itachi, the primary concern were the elders. He had been made aware —thanks to Shisui's and Aoi's stealthy skills — that the elders were already plotting to subject him to another omiai — there were rumors present in the compound that the Uchiha clan required an heir to ensure that the noble bloodline persevered, and there were rumors in the compound that the Uchiha clan head has already married in secret. A rumor that seemed to be not that far from the truth. He smiled as he thought back to his rosette.
Itachi made his way out of Sakura's home and he headed towards the main residence. He was determined to clear the rumors, for one thing Sakura did not deserve to be pulled into any sorts of stories bored people may concoct with their imaginary scenarios. Yes, he had been reckless, staying with her at any given opportunity, indulging his needs and hers, although behind closed doors. He had asked her to marry him, and that would have to be completed at the earliest possible time. The time to grieve their losses had to pass. The Uchiha clan had to move on. He was a clan head now. Things had to change.
As soon as he entered the main house, he was greeted by one of the maids. She bowed deeply in respect, ensuring a certain distance between them. Her arms were outstretched in front of her and upon them she had a lacquered kimono box, with a simple scroll resting atop it.
"Uchiha-sama, forgive me, but Aoi-sama instructed me to bring this to you," Usagi said with a timid voice.
"Thank you," Itachi replied.
He took the items from the young maid, his eyes intrigued by the partly unraveled scroll.
"Is there anything you require of me Uchiha-sama?" Usagi asked.
"Yes, I have a task for you. I know you are accustomed to Haruno-san's home, correct?" Itachi inquired as he set down the items on the nearby table.
"Yes, of course. Mikoto-sama made sure that I would be of assist to Sakura-sama should she need me," Usagi answered.
"Very well. I need you to discreetly of course collect Haruno-san's belongings from her house and bring them here," Itachi ordered.
"Here?"
"Correct, my quarters. As of today, Sakura will become my wife. Please ensure that she becomes comfortable in her new home," Itachi explained further.
"Of course, Uchiha-sama. I will do as you wish right away," Usagi replied.
As soon as Usagi disappeared, Itachi turned his attention the scroll and with quick hands he unraveled it. His eyes fell on the quickly drawn words.
Wear it with pride.
Aoi-
Itachi put the scroll aside, then his hands opened the lacquered box and dove into the golden treasure hidden within it. A soft smile appeared on his lips as he felt the familiar fabric decorated with intricate golden designs — Madara's regal kachō haori. It would seem that Aoi saw him fit to wear what came to be known as the cloth of an Uchiha zokuchō — a cloth his own father dared not to wear. Itachi was not like his father, and he was certainly not like Madara. However, adorned in such finery would make the elders think twice before attempting to implement any type of control over the new clan leader. With that in mind, Itachi removed his formal navy haori and replaced it with the golden gift.
He glided across the tatami floor, oozing every bit of confidence with his regal stature. On his right, walking alongside him was Shisui — with his hand at the ready of the wakizashi blade that rested against his hip. As Itachi reached his designated seat in the middle of the Uchiha meeting hall, his gaze finally turned to face the three elders.
"Uchiha-sama," Hirosuke greeted with a curt bow while Saizō and Madatachi simply curved their neck, as if to offer a semblance of respect towards the head of the clan. Itachi remained unbothered by their lack of a proper bow. There were more important things that required his immediate attention.
"Elders," Itachi greeted in return as he sat down. Shisui remained silent as he stood next to Itachi, continuing to act as the zokucho's personal guard.
"There is a matter that requires your immediate attention," Saizō began.
"And what is it that requires my attention?" Itachi asked calmly.
"The matter of your marriage Itachi-sama," Madatachi stated firmly.
"There are rumors around the compound that are not befitting of a clan leader Itachi-sama. Especially when the rumours not only besmirch your name by entangling you with the Senju doctor who dares to live among us. Our concern is that you put those vicious rumours to rest immediately. You must provide the Uchiha clan with a legitimate heir. The nakodō has already been summoned to prepare an omiai at once," Saizō added.
Itachi took a moment to process Saizō's words carefully. This situation could evolve in so many different ways. He could simply tell them to proceed with the omiai and let them find out for themselves that he would have no intention to marry whoever they chose for him. Certainly, it would appease the elders for it would give them a false sense of security or even false hope that they could eventually control Itachi and therefore control the entire Uchiha clan. However, his priority was Sakura, and the elders meddling could potentially harm her. He could simply slaughter the three men, end their prolonged existence. However, their support within the Uchiha clan ran deep, and he could be facing inner conflicts; Nagao was Madatachi's grandson and one of the strongest warriors of the clan. Hirosuke's sons were the primary farmers that employed many within the clan: a source of food for the clan. And Saizō's family held power over their swords as the great masters of sword-smithing that forged the best blades able to handle the fiery chakra of the Uchiha clan. Death was not a solution in this situation. Itachi took a deep breath and smiled, already anticipating the elders' reaction to his answer.
"There will be no omiai, for I have already married. Your concerns are not necessary."
Madatachi rose to his feet in a quick fashion, trying his hardest to rein in his anger over this outrage.
"The rumors are true then? You've married a … a SENJU?!" Madatachi exclaimed.
"The daughter for which the Uchiha clan has suffered for over two decades?!" Saizō added in disbelief.
"YOU SHAMED US! YOU DARED TO MARRY OUTSIDE OF THE CLAN?!" Madatachi nearly screamed.
"ENOUGH!" Itachi bellowed, his hand slamming the edge of his seat.
As the three elders fell into silence and Madatachi lowered himself down to sit once more, Itachi took a deep breath and continued.
"Uchiha Sakura is my wife and therefore the matriarch of the Uchiha clan. You will treat her with the same respect as any matriarch before her. She will be assuming her full duties now that I have announced our marriage officially. She will be moved into the main residence as of today."
"Itachi-sama, I implore you to reconsider," Saizō began.
"You dare question my decisions?" Itachi asked, his voice firm and cold.
"No Itachi-sama, we are merely questioning your reasoning behind this. You bonded yourself to a Senju. The daughter of our sworn enemy, the murderers of your own parents, your uncles, so many countless deaths. The Uchiha have not forgotten," Hirosuke added.
"I am quite familiar with the death count of this clan Hirosuke! My marriage to Sakura has nothing to do with that. If it had not been for Sakura, many of our clan members, our warriors, me included would have perished an untimely death," Itachi replied.
"No one is questioning her abilities Itachi-sama," Saizō said.
"She is not fit to be a matriarch of the Uchiha clan!" Madatachi suddenly declared.
"I have heard enough from you! Learn your place Madatachi! Sakura is my wife. She is the new matriarch of the Uchiha clan whether you like it or not. This meeting is dismissed. I will speak to you next week over the matter with the hunting parties," Itachi replied, and he stood and made his way from the lions' den unscathed.
It was past midnight when they stood in front of the Shinto priest in front of the old Inari shrine that stood guard over the whole compound. A little bit away from them was Sasuke who stood at guard, watching over his family as if to make sure that no one would spot this small private and secret ceremony.
The smell of burning incense that resembled fresh cedar wood filled the air as the priest made sure the smell wafted around the pair that faced each other. They were holding hands, gazing at each other while they pretended to listen to the priest's prayer over them. Sakura was dressed in the regal colours of the Uchiha clan — an elegant uchikake kimono that once belonged to the former Uchiha matriarch. It was shades of midnight blue, with intricate designs of gold — matching the elegant navy and gold pattern of Itachi's attire. Her rosy hair was simply sideswept and held just behind her ear by an elegant golden comb. Itachi's long raven hair was pulled back into a tight topknot, decorated with golden hairpin. As soon as the prayer ended, Itachi smiled at his bride.
"I, Uchiha Itachi, the patriarch of the noble Uchiha clan, take you Senju Sakura into my clan as my wife," Itachi stated.
His eyes remained fixated upon his pink-haired bride. His words carried a deeper meaning as he recited the words the priest gave him. Here he was, willingly standing before the gods, surrendering himself completely to the woman standing next to him. His hand clasped over hers, and with a gentle squeeze — as if to reassure not only her but also himself that this moment was real.
"I, Senju Sakura, a daughter of the Senju clan, accept my place by your side as a lifelong companion and hereby promise to honor the noble Uchiha clan," Sakura recited the words that were given to her flawlessly, her eyes never leaving his as they made their vows.
Elsewhere.
In the deep of the night, two hooded men were riding on horseback, venturing further and further away from the Uchiha compound.
"Do you think the Senju will help us?" Madatachi inquired.
"Of course, they will. Tobirama hates the Uchiha with passion, and he would want nothing more than to have his child returned. I'm sure he'll help us come with a decent plan," Saizō said.
"If he does not, I will send a hefty bounty contract to the land of Grass. Their mercenaries would jump at the opportunity," Madatachi suggested.
"You're willing to drop a sack of gold over this issue? You want the Uchiha to deal with the death of another matriarch?" Saizō asked as they made their way through the valley.
"She stole the rightful place of my granddaughter. Of course, I am willing. Besides, Fugaku's brat has gone far enough. We have to regain control and fast," Madatachi stated.
"Agreed," Saizō nodded and the pair of men continued on towards the Senju farmlands.