but in this universe they are happy
Chapter 5
A brisk autumn chill finally blankets the sleepy village as the dawn of the entrance exams finally arrives. Sasuke pulls on his brand new nin-sandals in the foyer when he hears his father's feet creak in the hall.
"Make sure she makes it to the exams." Fugaku says sternly.
"Yes, Otou-san." Sasuke slides the door open.
"Walk her, if you have to." Sasuke grits his teeth and nods as he steps out the door. He doesn't need to clarify to whom his father is referring to. The fact that the Uchiha patriarch is initiating conversation concerning someone else is what unsettles him.
Why does everyone in his life fuss over Sakura? First Itachi at the mochi shop, then his mother at the banquet. He can still recall her barely suppressed squeal as she insisted upon dressing her up. Oh, it's like I have a daughter! He remembers his mother doting on her, plying her with sweets and practically demanding that Sasuke bring her over as often as possible. He recalls Uncle Obito's irritating jibes, although he could expect Naruto's audacity considering how much of a buffoon he is. But the one person who surprises him is his father.
It irks him that Otou-san, in all his hard edges and withering frowns, softens just a shade in her presence. His father may not even notice himself, but the young Uchiha does. It's only a slight, almost imperceptible shift, but it's more than what Sasuke receives. The last time his father gave him that kind of attention was when he mastered the katon.
Yet the most puzzling of all, is this newfound irritation he feels when everyone flocks to Sakura. As if people were encroaching on his territory, infringing on his personal space every time anyone approaches her. It's a feeling that bubbles up inside of him, as though he doesn't want to share. It's a recent development, and he can't explain it, he isn't ready to.
So for the time being, he is content to reason that he is envious of Sakura's position as the Uchiha family's impromptu daughter. The simmering emotional mess inside of him manifests in the way he tugs at her wrist as they wind down the path towards the Academy.
"Good luck, you two!" Mebuki calls after them.
"Knock'em dead!" Kizashi yells and is subsequently smacked on his arm by his wife.
"Sasuke-kun, you're hurting me!" Sakura whines as he drags her forward. He frowns in silence as they trudge along.
"I promise I won't run away," Sakura looks down at her feet, "I'm…just nervous."
They walk on as their breath condenses in the November air. The Konoha river babbles beside them.
"You'll be fine." Sasuke says, and his grip slackens. He expects her to pull away, and she does, but just so she can wrap her fingers around his.
They walk like this all the way to the Academy.
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Sakura moves through her taijutsu kata with textbook accuracy, each move executed in a methodical fashion. Her application in the practical portion of the exam is where her form suffers. Each aspiring student must spar with an instructor, being awarded points for how they assess battle situations and thus apply the appropriate kata. It is not expected that a child wins these matches, and Sakura does not. But although there is a disparity between her quality form while stationary versus her poor form during combat, her score evens out so that she is just barely passing.
There are only two children who win their sparring matches: Uchiha Sasuke and Namikaze Naruto. The former being a shoo-in for the exams, his movements swift and fluid through all phases of the taijutsu portion; while the latter being a complete wildcard.
Naruto performs his kata with flourish, but the instructors find his added flair unnecessary and cumbersome. He insists that this Uzushio technique (from where his mother hails) is the basis of his move set, but they dock his points nonetheless. His practical however, showcases his improvisation, creativity, and sheer grit that the Academy faculty cannot ignore. The traces of his natural wind affinity and his victory place him in a slot closer to Sasuke in terms of hand-to-hand combat.
But even with Naruto trailing behind him in one category, Sasuke excels in all of them. His ninjutsu, especially, is the highlight of the entrance exams amongst the the applicants. It's the expectation children will know a handful of hand seals, Sakura being versed in more than the average amount due to her time with the Uchiha brothers. Naruto knows a few as well, but is hopeless at forming them. Sasuke is the only one who creates hand seals in the blink of an eye, then channels his chakra into the signature Uchiha katon.
The end of the exams turns out to be more of an observation, and is not something the instructors score. The Academy faculty cast a harmless visual genjutsu, just to see who may have an affinity for it. During early childhood, most children are not ready to master this shinobi art. Typically, only those with ocular bloodline limits can identify the illusion, but even then the children have to be especially skilled. Sasuke is able to notice the distortion, but it is Sakura who dispels it with a gentle flutter of cherry blossoms. The instructors are shocked at her ability to find the discrepancies in their doctored reality, all the more impressed at her chakra control to override the genjutsu with her own technique.
A man with a scar across the ridge of his nose, his badge reading Iruka Umino, jots down notes on his clipboard.
Namikaze Naruto – Taijutsu
Uchiha Sasuke – Ninjutsu
Haruno Sakura – Genjutsu
These three children scored some of the highest marks in their cohort for these three areas of shinobi skill. Three components that fit together like puzzle pieces.
He scans his notes one more time, and glances at the trio. They will be an interesting bunch to watch.
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November comes and goes, and December brings with it frost and the promise of snowfall. The trees are bare and the skies are gray, but the village is bright and buzzing with the arrival of the Rinne Festival. While the holiday is meant to honor and pray for the deceased, it's become tradition to share and exchange gifts with loved ones. It serves as a reminder to remember those who have passed, while appreciating those precious to an individual while they still have the chance.
The Uchiha clan, at the behest of the Fire Daimyo himself, has arranged for another banquet to celebrate the holiday. The Daimyo practically demands that Haruno's Confectionary provide the dessert, as his wife is partial to their sweet treats. The banquet is even more grand than before and is held at the village square in the heart of Konoha. Large tents help shield the guests from the elements, while Uchiha clansman use their katon to fire up warming stations around the venue.
White fabric drapes from the top of the tent, billowing whimsically from the center, while lights are strung across the perimeter casting a soft glow. They've somehow managed to hang a large chandelier, with several smaller ones placed pleasingly throughout. Adorning the guest tables: white peonies and greenery encircle gilded lanterns with lit candles.
But the Daimyo's seat at the front of the tent is the most intricate of them all, with tall centerpieces dotting the long table. Clear vases glowing with twinkling lights and a full bouquet of white peonies, persian buttercups, orchids, and baby's breath decorate the tops of the vases. White painted branches stem from the bouquet, draped in delicate crystals.
And while today is an exhilarating day on its own, it is also the day the results of the Ninja Academy entrance exams are revealed. Sakura dips through the throng of elegantly dressed guests, clutching a paper to her chest with a wide grin. She reaches the corner of a tent when she hears a familiar voice.
"I don't get it, why don't you have to sit at the kid's table?"
Sakura hears Sasuke, but he is blocked by Itachi whose back is turned to her.
"Itachi-nii! Sasuke-kun!"
Itachi is the first to turn around, and he is blindingly handsome. He is wearing a black tuxedo, looking sleek and mature. But it's when he steps aside to give way for his little brother, that something new and confusing overtakes Sakura.
Sasuke wears his signature scowl, but outfitted this time in a midnight blue tuxedo with a contrasting black bowtie, black lapel and a white peony with eucalyptus pinned to it. Sakura's fingertips tingle and her face grows hot as she stands under his dark gaze. Sakura's tongue swells as she tries to remember what she came here for.
"What?" Sasuke asks, growing impatient at her tongue-tied silence.
"I—the...pass!" Sakura manages, but her fluster confuses the brothers further.
"Are you feeling well Sakura-chan? You look a little flushed." Itachi says.
What Sasuke does next nearly causes her to faint. He places the back of his hand against her forehead, and Sakura swats him away.
"What was that for?" He glares at her, but she just thrusts the piece of paper into his hands. He shoots her a questioning look but reads the paper regardless. Itachi leans over his brother's shoulder to catch a glimpse.
Itachi smiles and nods towards Sakura, "Congratulations."
Sakura squeals, "I-I passed the Academy exams!"
Sasuke is still reading her results. "Of course you did," He says as though it is the most obvious thing in the world, then adds, "Your taijutsu and ninjutsu are going to need some serious work."
Anyone else would deflate at his remarks, but Sakura knows that this is high praise from the young Uchiha. He hands back her paper and she tucks it away in the pocket of her dress. At that moment, the master of ceremonies welcomes the crowd and urges them to return to their seats as they serve the first course of the night.
"Wait." Sasuke rummages through the inside of his suit jacket. As Sakura takes her seat next to him, he pulls out a corsage similar to the one pinned to his lapel. Sakura blushes while he takes her wrist.
"Okaa-san said you have to wear it." As he busies himself with securing the corsage with a ribbon, a group of elderly guests in traditional, formal attire pass by. An uchiwa is sewn into their robes. They eye the two warily as they pause before Sasuke, chins upturned and shoulders pulled back.
"Good evening, Sasuke." A regal woman at the head of their pack approaches the table, her silver hair artfully coiled in a bun and adorned with an ornate hairpin.
Sasuke withdraws his hand from Sakura and bows.
"I hear you've passed the Academy entrance exams with the highest marks."
Sasuke nods and the woman continues, "As expected of the main house. It is your duty to uphold and bring honor to the Uchiha Clan."
The woman shoots a haughty and disdainful look towards Sakura, "You."
Sakura tenses under her stare.
"What is your name?" The woman asks.
"M-my name is Sakura…"
The woman's eyebrows furrow, "Your clan name." Her words are laced with a tinge of vitriol, and Sakura suddenly feels very foolish at her former response.
"Haruno." She shrinks into her chair. The woman's eyes narrow, an elderly man in their group murmurs into her ear.
"A civilian?" She says aloud. Sakura winces at her voice, and somehow, she can't shake the feeling that maybe she doesn't belong here.
The woman glares at Sakura and then turns to Sasuke, "Be wise about the company you keep." And with that, the group takes their leave.
Sakura breathes a sigh of relief and wipes her brow, "Who were those people, Sasuke-kun? They were scary!"
"The Uchiha Council," Sasuke clenches his fists and Sakura senses that he's angry about something. Yet right when she's about to ask what's wrong, someone crashes into the seat next to her.
"Sakura-chan!" Naruto's voice rattles her eardrums as he excitedly scoots close to her, "Am I glad to see you!"
Sasuke mutters something under his breath.
"Oi! What did you say?!" Naruto hovers over Sakura to glower at the Uchiha, despite her protests.
"I said you're an idiot." Sasuke raises his voice.
"Yeah, well could an idiot make it into the Ninja Academy?" Naruto smirks and brandishes his results. "Read it and weep!"
Sasuke glances at the paper and back to Naruto, "I guess they're just letting anyone in, these days."
Naruto growls as Sasuke gestures aggressively to the paper (all the while sandwiching Sakura further between the two boys), "Can't you read? Your scores are probably the worst of all the applicants!"
Naruto pouts. "I can read," He points to the characters at the top of the page, "That's my name."
Sakura reads the paper rustling before her, "Your taijutsu scores look good."
"Thanks Sakura-chan!" Naruto grins and places his hands on his hips.
"Whose side are you on?" Sasuke hisses at Sakura, low enough for her to hear.
Sakura's jaw drops as a wordless sound escapes her throat, in utter disbelief at the ridiculous situation she's been dropped in. But before it escalates any further, a plate is placed before them by the wait staff, a welcome reprieve from the boy's bickering.
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The evening finally settles down by the third course, and Sasuke begins to take account of the other occupants at his table. Four Uchiha children deemed principled enough to attend the banquet quietly pick at their food. Daisuke, a distant cousin, wears the dour expression typical of their clan. He is Itachi's age and bitter about being several steps behind in skill and intellect. Flanking him are a pair of Uchiha twins, Akihito and Akimitsu. And although they are only a few months younger than Daisuke, Sasuke recalls spotting the trio around the compound, the twins tagging along like lackeys.
The fourth Uchiha is Marin, Sasuke's senior by four or five years. She has long eyelashes, and is never without lacquered finger tips. She yawns and inspects her nails while twirling her silky, raven hair. She has the hallmarks of growing into a classic Uchiha beauty.
The remainder of the occupants are Hyuuga: two heiresses from the main house. The smaller of the two has a larger-than-life presence, her face set in a rigid scowl. She stabs a cherry tomato with such swift fluidity, that even without her tell-tale white irises Sasuke could surmise her clan origin. The older Hyuuga is a different story entirely. She is mousy and quiet, with the misfortune of sitting next to Naruto.
At least he assumes she's having a terrible time, the poor girl's pale skin goes bright red as Naruto carries on a one-sided conversation with her. Sasuke imagines it must be a nightmare to sit next to someone who just won't. shut. up.
Sakura seems to sense the Hyuuga's distress, and she cuts into their conversation. She asks some questions about the girl, and Sasuke doesn't quite care about the subject matter so he tunes it out. But he observes as Sakura grins, laughs easily, and the Hyuuga girl returns her mirth with a small smile of her own. It's evident to him that Sakura has a talent for putting people at ease.
It seems out of the entire table, Naruto and Sakura are not only visually but also figuratively the brightest; a burst of yellows, oranges, and pinks. But where Naruto burns with heat and intensity, Sakura is a soft glow of warmth.
"Wouldn't that be great, Sasuke-kun?" He blinks at Sakura's question. She watches him expectantly, and he realizes he's been gaping at her.
"Yes." He lies.
"Then it's settled!" Wait, what had he just agreed to?
Sakura claps her hands together, "We'll have a playdate! Me, Sasuke-kun, Naruto, and Hinata-chan— we can talk to our parents about it!"
Sasuke inwardly groans but is too proud to admit what (or who) distracted him from rejecting the idea in the first place.
As the last course of the banquet rolls out, Sakura takes a bite of daifuku then whispers to Sasuke, "I saw my parents talking to the Daimyo. What do you think it was about?"
He nibbles at a pink piece of mochi and shrugs, she frowns in return. She finishes off the daifuku and wipes her hands on a cloth napkin, "Well, I guess they'll tell me later. Oh! And Papa said we'll still have time for the Rinne Festival after the banquet! Do you think your family can make it?"
He shakes his head, "My parents must entertain the Daimyo. Nii-san says he has a mission after this."
Sakura pouts, then sighs, "That's okay. I'm happy I'll still be able to spend time with you." He doesn't know why, but the way she tilts her head towards him just so, makes it hard to maintain eye contact. He looks away, giving a short hum in response.
At the end of the event, Sakura and Sasuke manage to peel themselves away from Naruto. They decide to stop by Itachi's table on their way to see the Harunos.
Sasuke first spots his Uncle Obito standing near the table. He's fidgeting with his bow tie, running his hands through his hair, and adjusting his badges and cords as he carries on in conversation with a woman. When they draw closer, he sees that his Uncle's pits are stained with sweat even through the dark fabric of his suit, and a bead of sweat rolls down his neck.
Sasuke studies the woman before Obito. She has short brown hair, brown eyes, and purple face markings. He doesn't understand how she frazzles his Uncle to this extent. The woman says something too quiet to be heard in the merriment of the tent, but Obito laughs uproariously and for a touch too long. It startles her and other guests surrounding them.
Glares drill into his oblivious Uncle, so Sasuke and Sakura steer clear of him. They find Itachi is still sitting at the table, speaking with a silver-haired man who is reading a small orange book.
"Itachi-nii!" Sakura wraps her arms around his neck, and he lightly pats her elbow in return.
"Sakura-chan. Sasuke." Itachi says, and Sasuke scolds Sakura as he grips her forearm.
She pulls back with a blush, Sasuke's hand still in place. She twiddles her thumbs, "W-we're going to the Rinne Festival now!"
"That sounds lovely, I hope you enjoy it." His smile crinkles his eyes, and he pats her head, careful not to muss her formal hair style. Then Itachi turns to his little brother.
"You've just missed Shisui."
"Good." Sasuke lets go of Sakura and crosses his arms.
Itachi chuckles, "He went off to socialize...privately- with some guests, and then he's going to rendezvous for the mission." He tilts his head towards Sakura, "Though, it's too bad, he seemed eager to meet you."
Curiosity colors her features, but Sasuke scoffs, "Never gonna happen." Her brows furrow in confusion, who's Shisui? Why did he want to meet her?
Itachi gestures to his seat mate, "We're just waiting for Uncle Obito, and then we'll be heading out too. You remember Kakashi-sempai?"
Kakashi's face is obscured by his hitai-ate and mask, but his exposed eye twinkles all the same, "It's good to see you, Sasuke. I haven't seen you since you and Naruto were in diapers."
Sasuke wrinkles his nose in distaste. Hatake Kakashi the Copy Ninja: his Uncle's former teammate, a formidable soldier, and a disgrace to the Uchiha. Obito and Kakashi had found themselves in a precarious situation during the height of the Third Shinobi World War. The Uchiha, assuming he was at death's door, gave his Sharingan to his best friend. They survived the ordeal, but were not spared from drawing The Uchiha Council's ire. But they couldn't openly disparage a decorated clansman and war hero, and the two young men had more pressing matters to attend to rather than worry about the council's opinions.
"And this is Sakura-chan." Itachi nods and motions with his hand, drawing Kakashi's attention to the little pink-haired pixie.
He leans forward. His probing eye scans her from head to toe, Sasuke moves instinctively, placing himself between the two.
The silver-haired shinobi raises a brow, "Ah, so this is your famous-"
"We'll be heading out, Nii-san. Take care on your mission." And Sasuke hastily ushers Sakura away before Kakashi can finish his thought. He can guess exactly what he'll say, and the young Uchiha is growing tired of the incessant teasing. Lately, more people are testing their limits, and Sasuke is losing his patience.
They soon reunite with Sakura's parents and Mebuki clasps her hands at the sight of them, "Oh you both look so adorable! Sasuke-kun is so dashing!"
Kizashi grins, "You two make quite the perfect pair!" He winks and elbows Sasuke, who scowls in response. The two young children glance at each other. Sasuke notices how her white and red ensemble complements his blue tones, like the colors of the uchiwa.
Red blooms across Sakura's cheeks, and she pushes her father along, "Let's get going papa, before the festival ends!"
As they stroll around the village, Sasuke continues to watch Sakura. Her green eyes glimmer in awe of the string lights zigzagging between lamp posts and floating lanterns that speckle the waterway of the Konoha river. Tantalizing and delicious fragrances waft through the air as vendors beckon patrons over. The lively crowds of villagers flock to the many booths. Sakura and Mebuki goggle at ice sculptures, while Sasuke and Kizashi preoccupy themselves with the shooting gallery.
Before the commencement of the fireworks display, in line with holiday tradition, Kizashi and Mebuki gift Sakura with a red ribbon imprinted with cherry blossoms.
"It's beautiful," Sakura whispers as she gingerly holds the ribbon in her hands. She smooths her hand over the fine silk with such gentle reverence, that Sasuke almost smiles. But he stops himself when Mebuki turns to address him.
"Your parents wanted to give something to you, even though they are busy with the Daimyo." She beams, "Congratulations on your performance at the Ninja Academy, Sasuke-kun."
Sakura takes this as her cue. She hops forward, excitedly pulling a small white box from her pocket and gives it to Sasuke. His eyes widen as he lifts the lid to find the Uchiha clan crest, the size of a small coin, hanging as a pendant on a sterling silver chain. He is speechless, he does not expect gifts much less be recognized for his achievements. And maybe his mother is the mastermind behind the gift, his father a passive participant, but the act is touching nonetheless. He admires the necklace, shining in the soft glow of the festival lanterns, when Sakura blurts out.
"I'll put it on for you!" Despite her bubbly demeanor and jittery movements, she handles the necklace with care and places it around the nape of his neck. With some fumbling (and refusing help from her parents), she is able to clasp the necklace together. A soft giggle escapes her lips as she watches Sasuke marvel at the pendant.
"Well, I suppose this is as good a time as any." Kizashi scratches the back of his head, and Mebuki rests her hand on his shoulder.
"The Daimyo and his wife love our confections so much, they invited us to the Fire Country capital to open several confectionaries!"
Sakura gasps and embraces her parents "That's great!" But despite the good news, Sasuke can't help the sinking feeling at the pit of his stomach.
"It is! And well..." Kizashi nervously glances at Mebuki who nods solemnly, "Sakura-chan, to help expand the art of our mochitsuki, we'll be leaving Konohagakure."
Bright lights blossom and crackle in the sky, but Sasuke isn't sure if the ringing in his ears has occurred before or after the bursting fireworks.
Author's Note:
The most unrealistic aspect of this entire chapter, maybe this whole fic thus far, is that Sakura's formal dress has pockets. But you'll just have to suspend your disbelief there!
For Naruto's taijutsu bit, I was inspired by The Girl From Whirlpool by Silvershine. It wasn't intentional, it just kind of sprang to life as I typed it out. It's an amazing Minato/Kushina prequel fic but unfortunately has not been completed (and was last updated 12 years ago). And we all know how canon Minato/Kushina turned out, but I'd like to think my fic serves as one of the many branch realities for the NarutoVerse.