Chapter 17: Parties

Chosume Akimichi certainly understood how important good food was at a party. Sakura looked in awe at the outdoor barbecues that the family had set up, with chairs and tables all around. She'd never seen anything like it before and she immediately thought it was one of the greatest things she'd ever seen. Chosume laughed when she turned to him with shining eyes and told him that, and responded that his clan liked to combine food and a good time, but also to make sure that there was freedom in the way they ate.

Sakura sat at a barbecue table with Chosume, his wife Aika, and two sons, Chojime and Chouma. Chojime was part of the young Ino-Shika-Cho trio with Shikata and Inorou's son, Inoyuki. Chojime was the oldest, and he spoke about the other two fondly, like a big brother would of annoying little siblings. Sakura laughed as he conveyed stories about Shikata as a boy, how Inoyuki had to literally drag him places, and how nowadays he bragged about training with her.

"But I have to thank you," Chojime said with a smile. "His new motivation to be a good shinobi has meant our training have been going smoother, and his increase in taijutsu skills makes him more of a challenge against me."

Sakura grinned.

"Shika's the kind of kid you have to beat sense into."

Everyone laughed. The evening passed happily, and Sakura wasn't flirted with by anyone and she was glad of it. It seemed that the Akimichi's were just happy to meet her and she was happy to meet them too. She'd always liked Choji, and now that she'd met his ancestors, she could see that his family was filled with good people who made good shinobi. At the end of the night, Chosume and Sakura spoke privately together and he expressed his gratitude to Sakura for attending the dinner, even though they both knew that she understood its purposes. She just smiled and shrugged, unsure of how to respond.

Chosume went on to assure her that the members of his clan who were interested in her had decided to back off since she'd been seen spending more and more time with Madara Uchiha. At that, Sakura blushed and Chosume chuckled, wishing her the best of luck and to come again for dinner when she had a chance. Sakura left the party feeling decidedly good. If nothing else, she came away with some stories to tease Shikata about, and that was always a good thing.

Sakura watched over Hikari as she performed her first solo surgery. The shinobi under anesthetic had been injured in a training exercise, several bone fragments were in precarious positions around some major organs and Sakura had deemed her student capable of removal. From what Sakura had been told about the exercise and from the obvious exhaustion of the training he'd been under, she had an inkling that someone was laying the foundations for ANBU. As a counselor, Sakura was annoyed that no one had spoken to her about it, even if it wasn't official - it was this kind of behaviour that led to ROOT's formation. She could only speculate and hope that when the shinobi woke up, he'd tell her or at least tell her who his commander was, so she could wring their neck for how bad a shape their subordinates were in.

With Hikari successfully completing the surgery alone and being congratulated by the other medics, Sakura went back to her office to find it occupied by two babies and a tired looking mother.

"Hello," Sakura greeted Matsuri with a kiss to the cheek.

"Sorry for just coming by," Matsuri said.

Sakura shrugged and shook her head.

"It's not a problem. I was overseeing Hikari's first solo surgery."

"Did she do well?" Matsuri asked.

"Of course she did," Sakura scoffed.

Matsuri laughed.

"Well, I come bearing news from the Uchiha Clan Elders."

She made a face. Sakura raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"Seems like they called Madara in to talk to them a little while ago and it didn't end well," Matsuri said with a sigh. "They're annoyed because Yuri and I have rescinded our position as the clan heirs, so they want Madara to hurry up and get married and have an heir, instead of passing the clan off to the next heir."

Sakura grimaced. She and Madara had kept it a secret that they were officially together now. It had only been a few days, and Sakura was glad to have a little privacy for themselves at least for a while. Since it was already widely assumed they had feelings for each other, or at least that he had feelings for her, they just decided to continue on in public as normal. Sakura felt a bit guilty that she hadn't said anything to Matsuri yet.

"But the biggest problem, apparently, is you." Matsuri looked at her knowingly.

"Why am I being discussed by the Uchiha Elders?" Sakura asked feeling nervous.

"They don't want Madara to have a relationship with you," Matsuri said bluntly.

Sakura winced. Too late, she thought.

"According to Kana, one of the elders and the lady who helped you with Kagami's birth - " Sakura nodded, remembering her. " - They think that since you can't have kids, which you can now anyway, and you don't have a clan, you don't have anything to offer the Uchiha. Madara's already in an important position in the village, Yuri is one of the top shinobi, and several others have important jobs. So they think you'd be a pointless pursuit with nothing to give."

"Thanks for putting it so delicately," Sakura muttered.

She hated clan politics, but knowing that people thought about her like that, had expressed themselves like that, hurt. No matter how thick-skinned she was, they were still insulting everything about her.

"Sorry," Matsuri muttered. "But I thought it would be better than trying to soften the blow."

"So the problem is that I don't have a clan and, as far as they know, I can't produce an heir," Sakura said.

"Basically," Matsuri replied.

Sakura sat back in her chair with a sigh. Madara hadn't said anything about his clan to her whatsoever. Granted, she supposed they hadn't talked that much about their relationship since it was only three days old, and she hadn't told him about the fact she could have children yet either.

"Kana said that Madara was very angry," Matsuri said with a smile. "He told them to reconsider their opinions because the only person he'd ever marry was you."

She was openly grinning now and Sakura rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but smile. Kagami walked around the desk from his mother to Sakura and Sakura lifted him up and put her on his lap. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and then started to play with the papers on the desk. A thought hit Sakura: what if the Elders found out about their relationship, what would they do? She frowned.

"What's wrong?" Matsuri asked, sensing her worry.

Sakura glanced at her.

"What would the Elders do to Madara if he didn't do what they wanted?" She asked.

"Probably nothing," Matsuri shrugged. "Madara's the best clan leader we've ever had, really, and he's the strongest of all of us. He's also very stubborn, so they can whine and try and make his life hard, but it won't work. He's gathered a lot of support from the younger generation since the village formed."

"So he'd be safe then?" Sakura asked.

"Yes." Matsuri looked at her curiously. "Why are you so worried about Madara?"

Sakura shrugged.

"Shouldn't I be?"

"No, but -" Matsuri pursed her lips. "Something is weird."

Sakura laughed.

"Suri, can I ask you something personal?"

"Sure."

"Um, this era," Sakura lowered her voice. "What are the societal norms for dating? With, um, the more intimate side of it?"

She blushed. Matsuri looked at her and Sakura could see her holding in another laugh. She answered her seriously instead.

"Generally, more than kissing is left until the wedding night," she said. "Civilians are more strict about that kind of modesty. But we're shinobi, so intimacy before marriage is fairly common but usually discreet. Our generation doesn't care as much as the previous ones, so people are becoming more open about relationships now, especially since the village formed and there are so many new people."

"Right."

Sakura nodded slowly, absorbing the information.

"Was it different for you?" Matsuri asked interestedly.

Sakura nodded.

"People just did what they wanted, especially shinobi. It just depended on the couple, I suppose."

She looked at Matsuri and bit her lips.

"Did you - before you were married?" She whispered.

Matsuri's cheeks blushed a little and she nodded.

"Yuri and I used to sneak off together all the time," she laughed.

Sakura felt a little more relaxed than she had earlier. Madara had said it wasn't normal that they had slept together so early, and she supposed that they'd almost started dating backward. But it just felt natural, so Sakura was okay with it. Glad of it, even, because memories of that night made her toes curl with how amazing she'd felt. She hid her reddening face in the curve of Kagami's neck, blowing a raspberry on his neck.

Kagami gigged, and in the sling over Matsuri's shoulder, they heard Sakiko gurgled. Matsuri ticked her with her finger and smiled.

"Did you?" Matsuri asked after a moment. "With Itachi?"

Sakura gave a little nod.

"I lived with him in the woods alone and away from everyone," Sakura said, giggling. "Of course we did."

They shared a playful and slightly embarrassed smile.

"Well, at least you know what to do when you do it with someone else," Matsuri teased.

Sakura felt her cheeks heat up.

"Yeah," she replied vaguely.

She had a lot of memories come to the surface at that moment. She averted her eyes. She really wanted to tell Matsuri everything, and it was killing her to keep quiet. She let out a breath and closed her eyes and was aware that Matsuri was watching her, confused and then, with her eyes still closed, Sakura blurted it out.

"Madara and I...already did."

She creaked her eyes open, peeking through the lashes, at Matsuri who was staring at her with big dark eyes and an open mouth. Her lips, first shocked, turned into an enormous smile. Before she could explode, Sakura leaned over the table, holding Kagami, she slapped her hand over Matsuri's mouth.

"It's a secret," Sakura said, whispering. "So be quiet."

Sakura slowly lifted her hand from Matsuri's mouth.

"You love him?" Matsuri asked her.

"Yeah," Sakura said, feeling choked up. "I really do."

Matsuri surprised her by suddenly crying.

"What?" Sakura cried, alarmed. "Why are you crying?"

"I'm just so happy," Matsuri said with a teary grin. "Because you're letting yourself feel love, and because of Madara… he's like my brother, I never thought he'd…" She cut off. "Thank you," she breathed. "For giving him happiness."

Sakura stared at Matsuri in shock, not realising how deeply Matsuri had worried and cared for Madara until that moment. Matsuri sniffed and laughed.

"Sorry," she apologised. "It's great. Why is it secret?"

"Just until we're ready to talk about it, I suppose," Sakura said with a little shrug.

"Well, I can understand, especially from what I said earlier," Matsuri gasped. "Oh my, the Elders. That's why you were so worried. Sakura, I'm so sorry."

"It's not a big deal. We're not going to get married any time soon."

Matsuri looked disappointed.

"Why not?"

Sakura looked at her with some surprise and spluttered out some response about not being ready and why rush and how it wasn't the same in her time and - Matsuri held up a hand to stop her.

"Okay, I get it, you're freaking out." She laughed. "You just want to date for a while I suppose."

Sakura nodded.

"Well, it's only strange because usually shinobi get married quick since, you know, we die a lot," Matsuri shrugged. "But considering your skills, that's not your biggest problem."

Sakura rolled her eyes. Kagami was falling asleep on her lap, and she brushed through his hair with her fingers.

"Want me to walk home with you?" Sakura asked her.

"No, Yuri's here to check on a friend, we can go find him."

Sakura and Matsuri made their way through the hospital to find Yuri at the front desk, speaking with Hikari and Shouta. The little family of four left the hospital. Matsuri and Yuri hand in hand, each of them holding one of their babies, and Sakura watched them leave with a little pang of longing and a little sliver of hope.

Madara walked through his home barefoot in loose black pants and a kimono shirt. He entered the darkened room, and kneeled before the shrine and lit the incense. Usually, he would begin his prayer with a small nod to Itachi and focus more on his brother, but this evening was different. He hadn't come into the room since the night with Sakura, afraid to be before Itachi - he felt guilty. He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, bowing all the way down until his forehead almost touched the floor. He stayed there a moment out of respect and then he sat back on his heels. The position was uncomfortable, so he switched to sitting cross-legged. He wasn't there to honour his brother, he was there to ask Itachi for forgiveness, permission, to speak in general to the man who had loved and taken care of the woman he now loved and had the privilege of her love in return.

"I do not know how to say the things that are in my head and heart."

Madara's voice echoed in the mostly empty room, but his voice as quiet and low.

"I did not know you for a long time, yet there was a bond we shared. Your words resonated with me, helping me to find a new way to think and even act. For that, I thank you."

He took a breath.

"I knew you were there, watching and listening, that day when I told her that I loved her. I don't know what you felt about that, and it is one of my regrets that I was not able to approach you as a man to discuss it."

Madara was quiet for a moment, trying to formulate his next thoughts.

"There is a part of her heart that will always belong to you," he said quietly. "I do not know what it was like where you both came from. I do not know your history together and I don't want to intrude on those memories you share."

He paused.

"I can only promise you that I will love and protect her with my entire being, and give her everything I have."

He bowed his head again.

"Please forgive me," he murmured.

He looked up at the picture of Itachi, remained there in silence for a few minutes longer and then blew the incense out and closed the door as he left.

Shikata sat down for dinner with his father, and Shikaru immediately noticed the thoughtful look, puckered brow, and twist in his lips.

"Something bothering you?" He asked.

Shikata let out a long breath.

"I overheard something bothersome."

"Indeed?" Shikaru asked, interested and amused.

"It seems that the Uchiha Elders consider Sakura as less than worthy," Shikata said scornfully.

"And who did you overhear that from?"

"I dropped by the hospital to ask Sakura when she was coming for shogi," he shrugged. "She left the door to her office open, so I overheard her talking to her friend, some Uchiha lady. She told her."

"Probably Lady Matsuri," Shikaru murmured.

"You should learn the faces of women like her," he said to Shikata. "She's an important member of their clan, and her husband is Yuri, one of the strongest shinobi in the village."

Shikata shrugged uninterestedly.

"Apparently the Uchiha think she doesn't offer them anything and warned Madara off her."

Shikaru chuckled.

"I wish them luck attempting that," he muttered.

"It's because she's clanless," Shikata said. "And she can't have children. But she can now, so why don't they know that?"

"Because, son, Sakura only mentioned it to the people she considers her closest friends," Shikaru said. "Some things shouldn't be gossiped about."

Shikata ate his rice thoughtfully and Shikaru mused over what his son had said. Shikaru knew fully well that Madara wouldn't listen to the Elders, or anyone when it came to Sakura. But he understood at least part of the reason Sakura's lack of clan was a concern to them. She had no allies, blood ones at least.

Shikaru looked at Shikata.

"Why are you concerned about this?"

Shikata frowned.

"I don't like that they're judging her because she had no clan. If it's a matter of strength and skill as a shinobi, she has nothing to prove. If it's vanity, the Uchiha are moronic."

"So you're concerned over her reputation. Have you thought of a solution to help Sakura?"

Shikata looked at him in confusion.

"What do you mean? Sakura doesn't need help, it's as you said, Madara is more than capable of doing as he pleases."

"True enough, yet there is a clear solution you've yet to consider, something that would benefit all sides."

"You can't be serious."

Shikaru smiled.

"Why not? I always wanted a daughter."

Madara walked through the construction of the academy with feelings of immense pride and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. This was a dream that he'd spoken of with Hashirama as a child on the cliff above them, and now, it was becoming a reality.

"We still need the clans to sign off on the curriculum, assign instructors and principal, but the clans have already signed up their children, and we have a few civilians who've shown interest as well," Shikaru said to him.

Madara nodded.

"Do you have a list of proposed instructors?"

"Yes. I can collect them for you to look over. Final approval will need the Hokage's signature, but I don't think he'll make any more changes than you would."

"Bring the list to me when we get back," Madara said. "You said all the clans have signed on for their children to attend?"

"Yes, with little resistance surprisingly," Shikaru muttered. "Sasuke makes a good case, it's hard to say no when he's so likable."

"Indeed," Madara said.

They walked through the site back into the Hokage Tower.

"And the curriculum?" Madara asked. "Taijutsu, ninjutsu, strategy?"

"Among other things," Shikaru said. "If you're interested you can take a look."

"I will,' Madara said firmly.

He was interested. He wanted to be sure that everything was going to be done right. Making certain that the children of the village were in a safe, controlled and effective learning environment was close to his heart, and it had been close to his brother's as well.

"How long do you estimate until opening?"

"A month, six weeks," Shikaru said after a moment.

"Good," Madara replied.

They walked back towards the door to the Tower and were greeted by one of the cypher division.

"Lord Madara, a message from the Hokage."

She handed over the scroll. Madara opened and read it.

"They're returning," he said, frowning. "They worked out a tentative peace."

Shikaru hummed thoughtfully.

"Conditional that there is no more interference on each other's lands without official clearance."

"Sounds like a pain," Shikaru said.

Madara thanked the cypher girl and they returned to the Hokage's office.

"We'll see when they come back," Madara said. "But I think I agree."

Yori Shimura had never, and would never, be Sakura's favourite person. The dinner with his family was the one she had been looking forward to the least. To be fair, despite her dislike of him in general as a person, she had heard that he was doing some good liaising between the shinobi and the civilians. The village couldn't operate without cooperation on both sides, so she had to applaud his effort.

The best thing about dinner with the Shimura's was that Sakura knew Hikari and Hikari was planning to stick to her like glue. She had warned Sakura earlier in the day that Yori was 'highly receptive' to having Sakura and her titles and prestige become a Shimura, and that her mother had heard gossip that at least two Shimura men would be vying for her attention. The two persistent suitors tried to capture her attention, but Sakura soon discovered that she didn't need to bother with having Hikari stick to her in an attempt to ward them off. She had another very unexpected buffer: Danzo.

Six-year-old Danzo Shimura was an inquisitive kid who, unknown to Sakura, had heard wild stories about her and decided she was someone incredible, just like his idol, the Hokage. He had a mess of brown hair that stuck out everywhere, his eyes were wider than she remembered them being as an adult. What was jarring for her was that he smiled and expressed emotion. It was strange and made her uncomfortable in a lot of ways, but when she remembered that he had lived through three wars, it was no wonder her became somewhat cold and twisted.

This child was untouched by war though and he constantly asked her questions: what's the diamond on your forehead? Do you have a clan? Why not? Why are you a medic? Do you like the hospital? Are you going to be a teacher at the academy? How did you get super strong? Did you really fight against the Nine-Tails twice? Sakura answered the questions a little vaguely, not wanting to share too much, especially among shinobi she didn't entirely trust. He seemed to sense her avoidance, and although she could see the little disappointment and confusion in his eyes, he accepted it. His father, however, seemed to file away everything she said for later inspection. She was careful to tread lightly around him.

Nearing the end of the evening, Danzo, not wanting her to go, gripped her hand and dragged her and Hikari over to a couple of the Shimura men who'd gathered to speak together.

"Hey, Biako," he said, getting the attention of the biggest one.

"Hey kid," Biako replied.

He noticed Danzo hanging off Sakura's arm and she shrugged at his questioning look.

"Biako, guess what! Lady Sakura's super strong like you!" Danzo boasted.

Biako grinned at Danzo.

"I heard, kid," he said, ruffling his hair.

He looked at Sakura and she could tell that he was skeptical of the truth. One of those guys, she thought with an internal roll of her eyes. Danzo grimaced at the gesture like he wasn't a little kid and his hair shouldn't be rustled.

"You should arm wrestle!" He commanded with some excitement.

Biako and Sakura stared at each other for a moment, and when Biako started to look reluctant Sakura grinned.

"Scared?" She taunted.

Danzo giggled. He tugged on Sakura's hand excitedly.

"Of a little girl?" Biako let out a laugh and Sakura bristled. "Not a chance, I don't care how strong you supposedly are."

Sakura heard Hikari suck in a breath and she narrowed her eyes at Biako. There was a collective cheer from around the garden when Danzo announced the match. While someone used an earth jutsu to create the stand their arms would battle on, Sakura sized up her opponent. He had turned to talk and laugh with his friends.

"He has no idea what he's getting into," Hikari whispered to her.

"He shouldn't have called me a 'little girl,'" Sakura said with irritation.

He was burly: big and broad. He was clearly a naturally strong man, with large muscles and a 'tough' guy aura. Compared to him, Sakura supposed she did look like a 'little girl,' especially in the dress she was wearing. She was going to enjoying this. Hikari was right. The stand was ready, and Danzo whooped, his eyes alight with excitement as she moved away from him to take her place. Biako stood and put his arm down first. Yori was nominated the judge. Sakura took her position.

"This is your last chance to back out gracefully," Sakura said to Biako.

"You should take your own advice," he scoffed. "Little girls like you can get hurt."

"It's lucky I'm a medic then," she replied. "Since I know exactly how to hurt someone so much bigger than me."

She smiled venomously. Biako looked a little concerned at that smile. Sakura's eyes flickered to Yori.

"Sorry," she said to him.

"For what?" He questioned.

"Just start the match," she sighed. "You'll see."

Across from her, Biako's chakra flared. Sakura didn't bother to flare hers in such a manner. She'd been slowly trickling more and more into her arm since Danzo suggested it. Their hands met.

"Begin."

Less than two seconds later, Sakura was walking way from Biako. The stand was shattered and he was staring at his arm in shock. She went to stand beside Hikari and Danzo again. She brushed off some dirt from her arm and looked up when she heard Biako let out a long and loud groan of pain.

"Something the matter, tough guy?" She asked him. "Need a medic? I'm sure us 'little girls' can help you."

There was a low chuckle, but a tense atmosphere had filled the area. Sakura stared hard at Biako, who was looking at her with conflict in her eyes, his breathing was hard and laboured. She knew exactly how much pain he was in.

"Lady Sakura, I think you made your point," Yori said after a moment.

"Hikari," Sakura said to her student.

Hikari nodded and walked over to Biako to heal the damage Sakura had done. Danzo was staring up at Sakura. She kneeled down and smiled at him.

"Sorry if that scared you," she apologised. "You should never underestimate your opponents by their appearance," she told him.

He nodded, wide-eyed.

"It's a good idea not to insult them either," she whispered loudly, giggling a little and breaking the tension.

She looked over to see that Hikari had healed Biako's broken hand.

"It'll just make them angry."

Danzo finally let out a little smile.

"Hika was right! You are super strong."

Sakura nodded.

"I am."

"Can you teach me?" He pleaded.

Sakura hid how startled she was with a smile.

"Let's see when you're a bit older," she said. "How does that sound?"

"After the academy?"

"Let's talk again then," Sakura said.

Danzo ran over to his father with excitement and Sakura struggled with the conflicting memories of Danzo in her head. It was more difficult and confusing than it had been with Madara.

"I'll accept your apology any time, Biako," Sakura called over to him, her eyes and tone sending a challenge to him.

He clenched his jaw, and she noticed the look on Yori's face. He seemed to be taking Sakura's side, but she had a feeling it was only because she was held in higher esteem in the village and he, with all his personal feelings about her aside, was politically savvy. Biako cleared his throat.

"My apologies, Lady Sakura, for doubting your ability," he grunted out.

"Accepted," Sakura said, standing tall. "Apologies for breaking your hand, wrist, and arm. As I said, it's lucky that I'm a medic so I know exactly how much hurt to inflict and repair it."

She glanced around the group, several people were now looking at her with some uncertainty, fear and even disgust. She took a deep breath. It was time for her to go. She spoke quietly with Hikari for a few moments, apologising if things would be awkward or hard for her. Hikari, ever the sweetheart to Sakura, shook her head an told her not to worry about it. She was tougher than she looked. Sakura smiled and then said good-bye to Yori and Danzo.

"Perhaps we might have dinner together at a restaurant in town," Yori said to her. "So we can talk."

About tonight and what I really want to say, went unsaid. Sakura smiled diplomatically.

"Thank you for dinner."

"Bye Sakura!" Danzo said waving.

"Good-bye, Danzo," she said to him.

She left and went straight to Madara's house, in through the window, stripped off her clothes and crawled naked into the bed. He wasn't there, and she didn't know where he was, but she felt better wrapped in the blankets that smelled like him. Sometime later, she felt him get into bed beside her, kiss her forehead and wrap her in his arms. She was too sleepy to do more than smile a little and smile contentedly in his warmth. She fell back to sleep immediately.

Madara, Sakura, and Shikaru stood at the gates of the village and waited for the Hokage to arrive.

"How long do you think?" Sakura asked Madara.

He shrugged.

"They're close, but they're taking it slow."

She sighed.

"Great. Why do I have to be here? I have to get back to supervise a surgery, and I have a class to teach after that that I need to prepare for."

"Because you are part of the Konoha Council, and it is part of your duty," Shikaru said to her.

Sakura sighed again and tapped her foot impatiently. She glanced up at Madara and saw that he was mirroring her displeasure, he didn't want to be out waiting either. He caught her eye and gave her a secret little smile, which she returned with a bigger one.

"By the way, I have something to discuss with the both of you," Shikaru said casually.

"What exactly might that be?" Madara inquired.

Sakura raised an eyebrow at Shikaru who only shrugged and gave them both a look of amusement and anticipation.

"It will benefit the both of you," he replied cryptically.

Madara huffed in annoyance.

"You're vagueness is irritating."

Shikaru laughed.

"I know," he grinned.

"Come on, Shikaru, just tell us," Sakura said.

"Shikata overheard your discussion with Lady Matsuri in the hospital the other day," Shikaru said to her.

Sakura frowned and then she remembered and gasped, blushing.

"What? And he told you? What did he hear?"

She glanced at Madara and then at Shikaru and wanted to bury her face in her hands.

"I wish he overheard whatever it was that made you so embarrassed," Shikaru teased, "but it involved the Uchiha Elders."

Sakura's mouth formed an 'O' and Madara frowned deeply, looking at Sakura.

"What did she tell you?" He asked her.

Sakura shrugged, looking away. She didn't really want to voice it.

"They assume Sakura is unworthy," Shikaru said for her.

Madara flashed a glare at him.

"I don't assume that," Shikaru said defensively. "As it is, clearly your relationship has progressed to a level of intimacy if you're both reacting in such a way."

He raised his eyebrow at them.

"That is not your business," Madara all but growled.

Sakura put her hand on his arm and he looked at her again.

"It's okay," she said quietly. "I trust him."

Madara clenched his jaw but said nothing. She looked at Shikaru.

"So Shikata overheard. What do you want to talk to us about? How can we benefit from whatever it is?"

Shikaru let out a breath.

"I hope you realise I'm not being indelicate, but there's no point in avoiding the issue. Sakura, the Uchiha Elders think that you since you have no clan and because they still think you are unable to bear children you are not worthy of their clan leader - "

Sakura froze and Shikaru's eyes widened and they share a look of understanding. She hadn't told Madara about that yet.

"Ah." Shikaru said awkwardly.

Madara looked between the two of them his eyes narrowing.

"What are you hiding?" He demanded.

"Sorry, I didn't realise," Shikaru apologised.

Sakura bit her lip.

"It's okay. I just - didn't know how - "

Madara was annoyed they were having a conversation about him without him.

"Sakura."

She took a deep breath.

"I just hadn't found the time to tell you," she said nervously.

"About what?" he asked suspiciously.

"My regeneration ability - it regrows organs and, well, I regrew - " she waved her hand over her stomach. "Everything. Back to normal."

Madara looked down and then back up. A moment later, she saw the understanding in his eyes.

"You can have children?" He breathed.

Sakura gave him a little, nervous smile and nodded. Slowly, a smile spread over Madara's lips and they held each other's gaze for a moment before Shikaru cleared his throat. Sakura shot him a little glare for interrupting the moment.

"Forgive me," he said. "But what I was trying to say is that Sakura doesn't have to be clanless."

He gave Madara a long look while Sakura frowned in confusion.

"I don't understand," Sakura said.

"We are not the only ones who would benefit from that," Madara said.

"No," Shikaru admitted.

"What are you talking about?" Sakura demanded from them.

"You would need permission from Hashirama, and likely the council, all things considered," Madara said after another moment.

Sakura clenched her jaw; she didn't like being ignored.

"She may not agree," he added.

"Indeed," Shikaru said, giving Sakura an amused look.

"Seriously. What are you talking about?"

"I have a proposition for you to think about, Sakura," Shikaru said.

"And that is?" Sakura asked impatiently.

"I'd like to formally adopt you as my daughter."

Sakura was stunned. She stared at Shikaru, uncertain of what he said or meant. She stuttered over a few sounds that might have been words, but she didn't say anything.

"You would become Lady Sakura Nara," Madara said to her. She looked at him with wide-eyes. "As the daughter of the Nara Clan leader, you would have his clans support."

Sakura swallowed.

"Sakura, it's just an option to consider. You don't have to do agree."

Shikaru gave her a kind smile, missing all the usual amusement he normally had. Sakura looked at him and saw the smile lines around his eyes. She saw him as a father, the father of Shikata. Sakura Nara. Could she become that person? What would it entail? Sakura reeled with the possibility of it all.

"The Hokage has arrived," Madara said quietly, breaking her out of her thoughts with a comforting hand on the small of her back.

She swallowed and nodded slowly, her mind a mess, she turned her attention to the road. Madara removed his hand when the group drew closer. Sakura greeted Hashirama with enthusiasm and gave Tobirama a quick hug before she disappeared back to the hospital before they started talking about the meeting. She would meet them the next day to discuss everything. Switching into work mode, her mind cleared for a while. But when the day was done, Sakura went home instead of to Madara's and stared at the picture of Itachi in her living room.

Her whole life she'd been Sakura Haruno. She'd known who she was, she'd had a family, friends, a village. Then she'd suddenly been taken away from that and forced to become 'Lady Sakura,' a somebody from nowhere with all her people dead. She'd slowly been accepting that, and the last few days with Madara had been helping that process. She didn't feel like a nobody with him. She had a choice now. She could never go back to Sakura Haruno, but her future was hers to decide in a way. She could remain just as Lady Sakura, or she could become Lady Sakura Nara, with a clan, with maybe, she imagined, a little family. She felt a deep longing in her heart.

"What should I do?" She whispered to Itachi, who obviously said nothing back.

A terrible thought hit her. What if Madara was right that this was all just to benefit, and was in name only? Could she become this person, take on this identity and not have that little family she was imagining with Shikaru and Shikata? Was that just in her head? She sat on the ground and tucked on knee under her, and brought the other up to rest her hands and chin on it. She couldn't deny the appeal of having 'people.' She had people, in Matsuri and Yuri and their beautiful children. She had Mito and Hashirama and Tobirama. She had Natsuo, Asami, Hikari, and Shouta. She had Shikaru and Shikata, she realised with a start. They were already her people. Shikaru never would have suggested adopting her without Shikata's consent.

She felt tears in her eyes, and she had her answer. She didn't know when or how, but someday soon, people would start calling her Lady Sakura Nara.