A/N:

Hello, sorry for my absence my lovely readers.

Truth be told, I am dealing with too many things on my plate right now - the life of a university student (too many term projects)

That said, I am unfortunately suffering with writer's block, which is why I haven't had the time to update this story since January.

Important: I am not giving up on any of my stories. They will be finished. All of them. (This story is supposed to be around 40ish chapters so, we are in the middle right now! Woot!)

I will try to update when I can.

If you guys enjoy my stories, please leave me a review. I read them all and I truly appreciate each and every one of you that take the time and let me know your thoughts on the story. Perhaps they will spark my creative writing cells to do some writing - they have done so in the past. To those who have left me reviews previously: I am happy that my story brings you joy. Hopefully, it will continue to do so as we go further into the thickening plot.

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

Chapter 20. The Uchiha Matriarch

In the middle of the night.

She was back. The abhorrent sight of battle before her, taunting her as she relived the horrors of the Niwamachi council hall. She saw it again, like every night since — the blood-curdling screams, the sound of a pierced flesh, the loud cracks of fractures upon impact. And she tossed and turned — she was gasping as she saw a sword coming straight at her, its blade advancing so closely that she could see her own terrified expression reflected on it.

She sits up suddenly, her breath racy as she slowly realizes that she was indeed in the safety of her home. Her eyes blinked in the darkness, adjusting to see certain shapes in the dark. Sakura laid back down, her eyes now on the ceiling as she concentrated on the currently wild beating of her heart — she felt as if she was just running a marathon. Then, out of nowhere came a familiar voice, one that promised safety and calmness with each word spoken. And she knew she was safe.

"Sakura? Hey, it's me. It's alright. Sakura, it's a dream. Hey," he soothed.

Itachi was leaning over her, his hand gently caressing her face. His fingers gently pushed the pink locks of hair out of the way as he pressed a gentle kiss onto her forehead.

"Itachi," she whispered.

"It's alright. I'm here. You're safe," Itachi says as he wraps his arms securely around her.

The rosette settles against his chest, seeking the comforting warmth of her husband's chest. As she feels his arms all around her, cradling her against his chest as they lie together on their futon, she exhales — finally letting go of the nightmare that seemed to grasp firmly onto her.

"Sakura, what's wrong?" Itachi asked, breaking their silence as he continued to hold her close.

"The bloodshed... I keep seeing it before my eyes... and when I close my eyes, I'm back there, against the wall, experiencing the whole thing again. I... I," Sakura managed to explain.

"It's alright. It is understandable," he comforted.

Sakura looked up at her husband's face, meeting his gentle gaze. Itachi loosened one arm only to bring his hand to her face giving her a soft caress once more. As if by instinct, she leans into it more, enjoying his soothing touch. And for a moment, she smiles.

"Do you think me foolish? I have no reaction to a traumatic injury as a physician, but as a spectator of men carving up each other... that's where I cross the line. It sounds almost foolish," she said.

Itachi shook his head.

"I don't think you are foolish. You were traumatized. It is a perfectly normal reaction. You have never seen battle, and suddenly you were a witness to people fighting to the death viciously in a small space, almost like caged animals. It was brutal," Itachi answered.

Sakura nodded and she snuggled once more against his chest. Itachi pressed a soft kiss on top of her head, still happily cradling his wife against him, just being there for her in a moment of need.

"I have nightmares too," he added.

With her interest piqued, Sakura glances back up at Itachi's face.

"You do?"

"Of course. The time I spent on a battlefield, it leaves a mark. It is one of the many reasons I have struggled with sleep in the past. You know, I do not like taking another's life. I abhor it. But I do it to protect the ones I love. That is all. And I guess, that is the only thing that truly helps me to sleep at night," Itachi explained, his fingers doing senseless patterns on Sakura's back.

"You're a good man Itachi," Sakura said.

"Am I?"

The doubt that escaped his lips made Sakura truly wonder, just what was on his mind — that he would doubt himself, that he would think to condemn himself as a bad man. And as if she needed to reassure him, she gently touched his chin, making sure he would meet her gaze.

"Yes, absolutely. You are. You avoid bloodshed. You do not start needless and thoughtless slaughter. You protect the people you feel responsible for. You ensure that your clan survives. You do the best that you can. You give it all. And... I'm proud to be your wife," Sakura stated.

Although he seemed thankful for her words, Itachi pulled her closer to him just so he could plant another gentle kiss to her. Sakura obliged him and after a gentle peck onto his lips, she laid back down on his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.

"If anything, I'm proud to be your husband," Itachi said.

"You are?"

"Absolutely. My wife is the smartest, most kind and compassionate woman I've ever encountered. And she can throw a mean punch," he chuckled at the end.

"That guard had it coming. At least, our evening training sessions came in handy," Sakura mumbled as she thought back to the moment.

"He did," Itachi agreed.

As their merriment washed away, Itachi turned to another topic as they enjoyed their pillow talk — not only to make Sakura forget her nightmare, but also to share their moments, be on the same page, learn more from one another. Then again, their marriage was a sudden affair but a necessary one — not just because they could not keep their hands off one another and so to prevent a scandal they married. But also, because with her position as his wife, and therefore the matriarch of the Uchiha clan, she was protected from harm.

"What do you think of Tobirama?" Itachi asked suddenly.

Sakura let out a soft exhale as she thought back to her biological father. And she was unsure of how to even approach the subject, let alone voice her own opinion on it. Tobirama was still only a stranger. She might be his child but for her, the only man she ever called father passed away several years ago and she wasn't eager on replacing him. Certainly, not with a man who was responsible for so much death within the compound that she resided in — that she was a crucial part of as the matriarch. To her, Tobirama was a stranger and perhaps he would always remain just that. However, she knew herself that if there was an opportunity in the future then perhaps, she would indulge a moment to know her origins better.

"To be honest, I don't know what to think of him. I'm angry with him for one... and I don't think I can ever forgive him for the death of your mother. I feel shame knowing that I was born into that clan… and I don't think I will every understand the Senju for all they've done," Sakura answered.

"I don't feel like a Senju anyway," she added quickly.

"You're an Uchiha now," Itachi countered.

Sakura smiled softly at that.

"I guess I am. Uchiha Sakura, it does have a nice ring to it," she said.

"It most certainly does," Itachi hummed in agreement.

As Sakura cuddled more into his chest, Itachi simply basked in their closeness, enjoying their sweet moments.

"Feel better?" Itachi asked.

"With you? Always," Sakura answered.

"We should try to get some sleep. I'm sure your day will be as busy as mine," Itachi commented, already thinking of what tasks he would have to deal with come sunrise.

"I am sure it will be. I would not be surprised to see Kagami back in the infirmary in the morning with another broken limb," Sakura chuckled.

"That man breaks more limbs than anyone else I've ever met. I'm starting to think he is doing it on purpose to get out of guard duty," Itachi said playfully.

"I would not be surprised. He seems far too happy to rest on the futon all day and all night while in the infirmary, focusing on his healing," Sakura nodded.

"Perhaps I will have Nagao or Tomaru shape him once more into an Uchiha warrior," Itachi said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Whatever you do, stay out of my infirmary," Sakura chuckled.

The following day.

Sakura smiled as she exited the infirmary nearly at noon. She was dressed in a blue kimono decorated with intricate gold patterns, befitting her new station. Her soft pink tresses were carefully braided into a singular lengthy braid that descended down her back. She was kneeling near one of the futons, collecting the rest of the bandages and medications into a wicker basket — items that were used in an earlier treatment of an elder man. Next to her was Satsuki, her always eager apprentice, doing just the same. And then there, standing mere metres away from her was Aoi, dressed in her usual attire and with her sword at the ready in case any dared to inflict harm onto the matriarch.

"I miss wearing my scrubs," Sakura said suddenly as she struggled to move the sleeves of her kimono out of the way.

"Here, let me do it," Satsuki offered as she took the basket of medicinal herbs.

"You sure?"

"Yes, of course. I prefer spending time here anyway. So, let me do it and you go do the training Aoi promised. I will wait until Kazuo and Hikari return from the hunting camp and then I'll catch up with you guys once everything is complete," Satsuki said as she carried off the basket towards the storage.

"Alright, let's go Aoi. I need a change of clothing before we do any training," Sakura said as she rose to her feet and headed out of the infirmary with the towering Uchiha woman next to her.

As they descended onto the street, Sakura noticed the busy streets of the compound — its inhabitants moving from point A to point B, going about their busy lives. As they walked towards the main house, Sakura seemed immersed in observing others, occasionally nodding in respect as they acknowledged her presence and authority.

"Sakura-san," Izumi began, hoping to catch the pinkette's attention.

"That's Sakura-sama to you Izumi-san. She is the matriarch of the Uchiha clan and as such you should be addressing her with the proper title," Aoi stepped in.

"Right, my apologies ... Sakura-sama. I was just hoping to say that kimono… it suits you," Izumi commented.

"Thank you, Izumi-san. I hope your day fairs well," Sakura offered.

Izumi bowed slightly, and then the young clan woman disappeared among the people on the street. Sakura turned to Aoi; her eyebrows raised.

"That was unnecessary Aoi."

"Trust me it was not. You cannot let them treat you as less than you are. You are the matriarch, the same level as Itachi. You must act like it. Especially before women like old Madatachi's granddaughter," Aoi stated as they walked on ahead.

"Do I want to know about Madatachi? You said he was one of the elders, right?" Sakura asked, remembering their previous conversations while enjoying okonomiyaki at the eatery, what seemed like months and months ago.

"Yeah, and he is not happy with you being in what he saw as his granddaughter's place. But he's old and probably senile, so I wouldn't put much thought to him. Just avoid him, like you have so far, and all will be fine," Aoi suggested as they entered the main house.

"I guess you're right. I think I'll leave the elders to Itachi for as long as I can. There's too much on my plate already as is," Sakura said.

As Sakura slid open the door to her now home, she noticed Masako waiting for her command juts outside the kitchen. The delicious smell of oden permeated into the hallway, already beckoning her to just go and sit and dive right in — she did not even realize until that moment, when her stomach decided to rumble desperately, that she was in need of sustenance.

"Uchiha-sama, the lunch is ready if you wish," Masako said with a timid voice.

Sakura smiled at the diligent housekeeper and nodded," Thank you for taking such good care of us Masako. I think Aoi will join me for lunch today, if that is alright?"

"Of course, I will set the table right away Uchiha-sama," Masako answered happily, and she quickly excused herself, disappearing into the kitchen behind her.

Sakura turned to Aoi," Now, explain to me, how you are going to train me to defend myself should the need arise?"

The two women settled down to sit behind the low table in the main room, waiting for Masako to bring out their meal.

"I will teach you hand-to-hand combat and we will begin archery lessons later today."

Sakura nodded," I think that's a good place to start."

In the evening.

Sakura stepped outside of main house, taking advantage of Aoi's lack of presence and taking in the moment of her own company. It had been quite the day for her — getting accustomed to her duties, taking care of the infirmary, figuring out what type of self-defence techniques Aoi would put her through, and she already dreaded her choice of having Aoi as a teacher. Sakura believed that Aoi would take it easy on her, but she was sorely mistaken. The wild huntress of the Uchiha clan was going to train her from sunup till sundown three to four times a week. It was moments like these when Sakura thought back to the simple and more peaceful time in the future — but each time she thought back to her second home, her heart ached. She missed her mother terribly — being separated by three hundred years was cruel and although she knew she made the right choice by returning to her correct time, she could not help but miss the woman loved her as her own unconditionally.

Sakura stepped down the steps and onto the gravelled path. She made her way out of the main house and onto the street. It was not her intention to go wander — she merely needed a moment alone away from the house. And so, she walked down the street, making her way through the small market within the compound and her eyes fell onto the familiar male sitting casually at Uruchi's eatery. There was Sasuke busy yapping away with a non-Uchiha — a blond-haired man, dressed in a black an orange attire. She was most definitely intrigued. As she took a few more steps towards them, she felt Sasuke's eyes on her.

"Sakura! Come here," Sasuke motioned for his now sister to join him with the young blond man.

Once she reached the pair, she noticed that they were halfway through their dinner of okonomiyaki and noodles. Sasuke was nursing a cup of sake in his hand, relaxed in the presence of the blond and the rosette.

"Staying out of trouble Sasuke?" she commented and then she looked over at the cheeky blond and asked," You look familiar. Are you a relative of the Namikaze clan head?"

The blond-haired man set down his cup of sake.

"Yeah, he's my old man. I'm his pride and joy. Namikaze Naruto at your service," the blond replied, doing an elaborate bow while he remained sitting.

"Ah, the famous best friend of Uchiha Sasuke. Nice to finally put a face to the name," Sakura commented.

"And you are the famous Senju. It's good to finally meet you. You know, blame this guy for not introducing us earlier. He has the worst social skills," Naruto said.

"Quit it," Sasuke growled.

"So sensitive. I don't know what we'll do with you. You are too serious to be around, isn't that right Sakura?"

"I'd say leave him be Naruto-san. Sasuke's temper is not something I wish to witness today," Sakura commented.

"Fair enough. I hope we will see more of each other. And Sakura-san?" Naruto asked.

"Yes?"

"Thank you… you know for saving my dad when all that hell broke loose. I heard of his injuries and I'm just glad I still have him you know. I'm not ready to take over for him… anyway… thank you," Naruto

"You're welcome," Sakura nodded with a smile.

"You should go find Itachi at the gate. A big thing is happening. You don't wanna miss it," Naruto commented.

"Alright, I'll take your word for it. I'll talk to you later. It was nice to finally meet you Naruto," Sakura replied.

"Likewise, doctor," the young blond grinned happily.

Then, Sakura turned and made her way towards the main gate.

Itachi was standing at the front gate, awaiting the arrival of the Namikaze clan head. His brother's words — mere hours ago — brought him a sense of comfort, as he knew that finally luck was on their side. And that the Uchiha were finally going to be a part of something meaningful. He watched as the Namikaze clan head trotted towards the stables, escorted by two men and his fiery spouse Kushina. Itachi glanced over to see Aoi — who was leaning against the fence, pretending to be uninterested in the situation. And then he noticed Sakura, who walked towards him with haste. He smiled as Sakura took her spot on his left side, just as the Namikaze came to a halt only meters away from them.

"Namikaze-san, it is good to see you have recovered well from your wounds. Tell me, what brings you to the Uchiha compound?" Itachi greeted as the elder blond man disembarked from his horse and his party followed.

"Uchiha-san, I have spoken to your brother on several occasions and after the unnecessary bloodshed we were forced to partake in, I have come to a decision," Minato said.

"Which is?" Itachi asked, unsure of what to expect from the Namikaze clan head.

Minato took his wife's hand and gave her a simply nod. Then, the blond clan leader and his wife did something unexpected. They both tilted slightly to offer a respectful bow to the Uchiha patriarch. Then they both straightened themselves before Minato spoke once more.

"As of today, the Namikaze clan has severed its ties to the Adachi clan and hereby I officially declare my intent to join your compound," Minato explained.

"I am honoured to welcome you among us Minato. The Uchiha will assist you in expanding the compound and creating your new homes. Until then, you and your family are welcome to stay with us," Itachi offered.

"Thank you for opening your home to us," Minato said.

"You are most welcome," Sakura added, feeling a wave of happiness wash over her.

She glanced at her husband as a large smile began to form on her lips. They were changed history. The Uchiha were forging alliances and no longer fading into the pages of ancient tomes.

Elsewhere.

Within the confines of Niwamachi, there was a small cluster of buildings at the eastern end. It was not a large clan compound like the former Uchiha compound or the Senju. It was a home to merely twenty people, a very small clan that cultivated healing herbs and other medicinal concoctions for the Senju healers — its clan head, Yamanaka. For Shisui, this small tucked away place in the town meant the world. For here resided the woman he intended to marry — Yamanaka Ino. His eyes fell onto the Yamanaka heiress, taking in her distressed features, wishing to ease her worries. Ino was dressed in a simple white kimono — her beautiful flaxen hair was tied back with a loose ribbon in a low ponytail.

"I'm deeply sorry for your loss," Shisui said softly.

He stood with the Yamanaka heiress on the engawa of the main house, keeping a respectful distance from his intended.

"Ah, Shisui. What am I going to do?"

Shisui took a step forward, finding himself at need to comfort her, to ease her mind or to simply listen.

"I wish my words were able to bring you the comfort you seek," Shisui said softly, his hand reaching for hers.

Ino hesitated for a moment, as if the subtle display of affection could be witnessed by someone and they would both be shamed. But then, she pushed her worries aside and she took his hand, seeking the comfort he offered. Shisui brought her closer to him, his hand still holding hers. With his other hand he gently lift it upwards — his calloused fingers wiping away her falling tears as gently as he could. Ino leaned into his touch

"My father, he did not have a male heir. And our courting has yet to flourish into a deeper bond. The elder is arranging for me to marry the Shimura heir, completely disregarding the fact that I am already courting another. What am I to do?" Ino asked, the stress from the situation apparent on her features — she has not been sleeping well, as Shisui noted the darkened skin around her eyes.

"My cousin will back me up in front of your elder. Our courtship cannot be invalidated when it was approved by the Yamanaka clan head prior to his death. We will figure this out," Shisui said, hoping to calm down his intended's nerves.

Ino took a deep breath, her hands still shaking as she tried to process the situation.

"I met him. Shimura's son. He's cruel, and conniving. He threatened to lay his hands on me, if I did not choose him willingly. Shisui, I am torn on what to do," Ino said.

Unsure of what to do, Shisui did the only thing he could think of. He wrapped his arms around her, bringing her closer, as if he was displaying his ability to protect her, to shield her from any harm that may befall her. For a moment she seemed to hesitate, but it only took a moment, and she lifted her arms, wrapping just as tightly around him. Shisui pressed a soft kiss against her temple.

"Ino, do you love me?" Shisui asked.

Ino pulled away slightly, only to look at his face.

"How could you ask me that? You know I love you. That hasn't changed," she stated firmly.

"And I love you. And I promise, we will marry at the earliest convenience. I will ensure my clan's support. Give me a day. That's all I ask," Shisui said softly.

"Alright, I will wait for you," Ino agreed.

"I will see you in a day," Shisui said softly, and he pressed his forehead against hers, stealing one more moment before parting.

At the former Senju Estate.

As soon as they entered the Senju farmlands, Madatachi and Saizō took in the destruction and complete desolation caused by the Uchiha. The vast area that once sprouted acres of wheat and barley was still recovering from the Uchiha fire. However, it would seem that the burnt fields were not the primary concern for the Senju right now. They were busy at work repairing and rebuilding the destroyed estate — expanding their living quarters by several dozens of buildings and more.

"It seems that they are expanding their territory," Saizō commented.

"No, it is merely a new home for the Senju. It would seem that Tobirama is making everyone work quickly to build new homes for the clan. At least, Senju will be further away from the Uchiha now," Madatachi answered.

As the two elderly men reached the guard post they fell into silence once more. The guard took note of their attire, recognizing the Uchiha haori and hakama almost immediately. His hand grasped the hilt of his sword and he readied to dispatch the two men on the spot.

"An Uchiha dares to enter the Senju compound! Tell me, do you have a death wish?" the Senju guard questioned as he towered over the two elders.

"I am here to speak with your clan head Tobirama. It pertains to his only daughter and the current matriarch of the Uchiha clan. I am sure he will wish to hear me out," Madatachi answered calmly.

The guard glanced over his shoulder, taking a note of another guard and he called out," Hey Oshima! Get Tōka. There is someone here who wants to meet Tobirama-sama."

"On it," the guard responded, and he turned and made his way deeper into the compound.

Tobirama was sitting casually behind a low table — a bottle of opened sake, one half-filled cup, and his wakizashi blade rested before him. In his hands was an unraveled scroll which he seemed to study quite intently. It was a detailed report of the construction material for the stables and archery range — the next project on his list.

"How goes the infirmary building Tōka? Do they have all the materials now?" Tobirama asked as he did not bother looking up from the scroll.

"They do, but that's not why I'm here," Tōka said as she stepped inside Tobirama's tent.

"Then, why are you here?"

"You have a visitor," she paused for a moment," two Uchiha men who say they have something to tell you about your daughter's life being in danger."

At the mere thought of his daughter's life being endangered by someone, made Tobirama's fiery blood boil. He rose to his feet swiftly and he reached for his discarded sheathed blade.

"Take me to them. NOW!" Tobirama commanded.

As soon as Tobirama's eyes fell onto the pair of Uchiha — currently guarded by the trusty Senju guard men — the anger in him burned hotter. He clutched the sheathed blade in his hand, and he hurried over, trying his hardest to channel his later elder brother's calm demeanor. When he reached the unwelcome visitors, he took a moment to assess them before he would speak. Both men were Uchiha, but one seemed elderly — in his seventies or later no doubt — while the other seemed to be at least a decade younger. Overall, the pair seemed harmless, but these two were Uchiha — and over the years, Tobirama knew not to underestimate his enemy. Appearance can be misleading.

"The only reason you are still breathing Uchiha, is the fact that you mentioned my daughter's life is in danger. Speak," Tobirama instructed firmly.

Madatachi cleared his throat and carefully chose his words.

"My name is Uchiha Madatachi. I came here to speak as a father to another father. I am sure you already know that your daughter is the new Uchiha matriarch. However, her position is an unfavourable one. There are many within the Uchiha clan who are still bitter over what your clan had done to us over the years. For her, it is a dangerous situation for many have learned of her true identity. By many, I mean all. Everyone knows that she is the missing Senju child, and many want revenge against your clan. Simply said, your daughter has fallen into a lion's den."

Tobirama took a good look at the elder man. He admitted that this Madatachi was quite skillful in the art of conversation — his carefully selected words piqued his interest and rose further worry over his daughter. Then, his eyes flashed to the other — he seemed uninterested, and not really willing to be there in the first place. His eyes traveled back to Madatachi and he wondered what this man's true intention was.

"And you've come to inform me of this matter purely out of the goodness of your heart? I see right through you," Tobirama replied icily.

"I do not deny that I have my own interest in this matter. However, those do not concern you as they pertain strictly to the Uchiha clan. Your responsibility is your daughter. That is all. I have taken the time to travel to your compound in the city only to find out you have left. I could have chosen to return home. Instead, I sought you out because I am concerned. It would not be good for the Uchiha to lose another matriarch so quickly. That is why I am here. Heed my words Tobirama-san, if you do not act, your daughter will die," Madatachi answered.

Tobirama stepped forward and he grasped the front of Madatachi's haori firmly. He pushed the elder man away, causing him to fall.

"You dare threaten me with Sakura's life?" Tobirama growled.

Saizō stepped forward, offering his hand to Madatachi so the elder man could rise.

"Tobirama-san, surely you would understand a simple warning when you hear one. We are merely here to ensure the correct return of your stolen child. A child who is in danger the longer she stays in the Uchiha compound," Saizō replied as he helped Madatachi stand.

"Sakura is no longer a child. She is a married woman and as much as I would want her back where she belongs, I respect her decision albeit reluctantly. However, the matter of her safety is concerning. I shall handle the situation," Tobirama answered and then he turned to his second-in-command.

"Tôka?"

The female Senju warrior stood firm and then bowed as the clan head called out her name.

"Yes zokuchô-sama," she said.

"Escort the Uchiha off our grounds," Tobirama ordered.

"As you command."

A/N: Until next time. Don't forget to review.