Dinner Announcements

While we walked down the streets of the Uchiha compound I made it a point to keep Hei close. Mom and Itachi-sensei may have known where they were going, they may have known their surrounding but I didn't and that meant there was no way in hell that I was going to let my guard down. Hei understood this too, he had been practically attached to my side since the moment we left the house. Mom and Itachi-sensei were walking up ahead, talking amongst themselves when all of a sudden I paused and placed a gravity barrier around me, holding my katana out and ready to slice at whatever it was I had just trapped. When I saw who it was a part of me relaxed while another stayed tense.

"Why are you following Sai-san?" I demanded, causing mom and Itachi-sense to turn around. The akatsuki had been given the night off, Itachi-sensei had assured them that there was no way that I'd be hurt at an event where the entire Uchiha clan would be attending.

"What is it Izakura?" questioned mom while Sakuno suddenly appeared at my side, looking down at her brother. There was a grin on her face, a sort of satisfaction both Hei and I wanted to ask about but couldn't.

"It seems Sasuke-san's blood animal has been following me." I said while they walked over to me.

"Master Itachi, Sakura-san, I was ordered to follow. My master wishes to keep the young heiress safe." Sai spoke, bowing as politely as he could while under so much gravity pressure. Sakuno was staring at him, hell Hei and I were too but in the end it was her who assured me that what he was saying was true. When I let him go he bowed to me, something I hadn't expected. When I had first met Sai he hadn't been the nicest person in the world.

"It's alright Izakura, really." mom called out to me, sensing and seeing just how much I really didn't buy the who I'll protect you thing.

"Sure." was all I said while I continued to walk after them. It was weird not facing, calling out to stop whoever it was that was falling. Hei felt it too but he, unlike I, was getting better at controlling his instincts.

When we got to the hall where we'd be having dinner, the whole clan would be having dinner, I stood amazed. The entrance alone was big enough to fit the entire village comfortably.

'Hei....'

'I know.' I called out only to meet a response just as astonished as my own. Was this really just a dinning hall? What the hell did a ball room look like?

"Izakura, it's time." Itachi-sensei called out, causing me to look up and Sai, Sakuno, and Hei to take my flanks. What the hell?

"Hai Master Itachi-sensei?" I asked, walking over to where he and my mother stood. The plan was that we'd all walk in together, that we'd go in as a family before announcing whether we were or if I would simply be taking, declaring my heritage.

"We will be going in ahead of you, there is an announcement we must provide before announcing you. Sakuno, Sai and Hei of course will be staying with you until you are announced."

"But, I thought.....we were supposed to....all together." I stuttered, trying to get a hold of my self. Hei was instantly wrapping him self around my legs yet again. He was trying to calm me.

"I'm sorry honey, but it seems Lord Madara has requested this of us." mom spoke, her tone of voice and words somewhat comforting of their own. When I looked at her I remembered who's daughter I was, I remembered how strong of a woman my mother was and how strong of a woman I had become because of her. The doubt in my eyes was gone then.

"Hai, its fine." I said, looking down at the animals that now stood protecting me.

"Lord and Master Itachi Uchiha and Sakura Haruno-san." we suddenly heard the announcer and soon mom and Itachi-sensei were walking out arm in arm. They looked whole, they looked perfect and apart of me understood the true debt of how they were made for each other. Slowly and quietly I moved to the edge of where I was to walk out of and listened to what it was that Lord Madara wanted mom and Itachi-sensei to announce.

"Good evening brothers and sisters. Tonight is a night of wonders, of miracles and most of all of happiness. Tonight I present to you Sakura Haruno, soon to be Sakura Haruno Uchiha. I have chosen her to be my wife, my partner for eternity." The instant those words left Itachi-sensei a tear spilled from my eyes and Hei, as well as Sakuno, wrapped their bodies around me and purred in delight. They were as happy as I was, and that only increased the amount of happiness in me. It had also caused me to understand why Lord Madara wanted them to announce this without my standing by them, he wanted me to be in control of my emotions when standing in front of the clan.

"Lord Madara, I only hope that you approve of my wife, of my companion for eternity." Otou-san said, causing me to smile. Of course he'd approve, he had taken a liking to me, to mother as well and so I was positive Lord Madara would want nothing more but to see mom and dad happy again.

"How can I not Itachi, of course I do. May you be blessed with happiness and joy for the rest of eternity." Lord Madara spoke before turning to address his family, his clan. "And may you all take not, bare witness. Sakura Haruno will now and forever shall be our sister, Sakura Haruno Uchiha" as soon as he was done speaking cheers broke out throughout the room. Everyone was happy for mom and dad, they were clapping and accepting. Again a tear fell from my face but quickly I wiped it away.

"Its your turn Izakura-san." Sakuno said, a smile of her own playing her lips before turning to Hie. "As is yours. You do well to guard her Hei." she said, voice serious yet loving.

"Always." he said, just as seriously as Sakuno had spoken herself. Once the dinning room had gone quite and still I took in a deep breath. This was it, it was my turn to shine.

"And now may we present to you our daughter, the heiress to the Uchiha bloodline." Otou-san spoke with so much pride, so much conviction that it was hard not to cry.

"Izakura Haruno Uchiha, heir and Princess of the Uchiha clan." as soon as those words left his lips Sakuno and Sai were no where to be found. Instead it was just Hei and me.

'Ready?' I asked him, half smiling and half nervous.

'Whenever you are my lady.' was all he said before the both of us were walking down the steps. The dinning room was larger than the entrance was, it fit the entire clan comfortably and still had room to set up a dance floor. All eyes were on us, most curious and amazed, though a few were angry.

"Her blood animal Hei, son of Sakuno, blood animal of Lord Master Itachi Uchiha." the announcer went on, causing all eyes to go to Hei. He walked beside me confident, tall and as if no one other than he and me were walking down the steps. When we finally go to the bottom we made our way to the top of the room and bowed at Lord Madara.

"My lord, good evening." I said before standing back and curtsying to my parents. Once done with my greetings I turned to the room full of vampires and bowed. "Good evening to you all as well, my brothers and sisters." I called out. I may have not been a Princess, an heir for long but I had been taught the proper edict a long time ago. It had been part of my basic training when I first started to train as a hunter. When done everyone went into an up roar. There were so many questions coming, being addressed at me all at once that I had no idea where to start. Of course I kept my face calm, empty of emotions before turning to Lord Madara. As soon as I met his gaze his power was released and silence filled the room.

"That is enough, I'm sure that Princess Izakura will answer all of your questions, after we've eaten." and with that everyone settled down and talked among themselves at their tables. I took a seat, my place beside Otou-san and mom. Both were talking too, holding each others hands.

"I had no idea this place was this huge! You can fit a carnival and a circus in here." I said, causing Otou-san and mom to smile. Sakuno and Hei were sitting beside us, they had sat around us so that between the two of them we were all being looked after.

"Hn." was all Otou-san said. Once done eating we sat looking around the room. No one was allowed to approach me, to question me until I had taken to my feet and taken the floor. The only one who seemed to be able to get through was Sai and Sasuke-san.

"Good evening brother, sister." he said, bowing to the two before turning to me. "Niece, may I join you all?" he asked. Mom and dad looked at me then. Confusion took me over but I didn't let it show. Since when had I bee allowed to call the shots?

"Hai, its fine Sasuke-san." I said while moving a chair out for him. He smiled as he took his seat.

"So, how long were you keeping this from nii-san Sakura-san?" Sasuke-san asked, causing a smile to spread across my face. He wanted to talk to his brother, to mother and find new and interesting things to tease Otou-san with, far be it for me to get in there way.

"If you will all excuse me, I think it's just about time for me to walk around." I said, causing Hei to instantly take to his feet. Everyone nodded and then went back to their conversation. As soon as I had hit the center of the floor I was approached by Ino-san. She had a wide grin on her face.

"I was beginning to think that that stubborn mother of yours would never tell you the truth." she said before moving in to hug me. Hei seemed to have known about her and so didn't react, he simply watched and kept watch.

"Ino-san, what are you doing here?" I couldn't help but ask, causing her to smile and laugh.

"I'm not surprised your mother didn't tell you. I'm Sasuke's wife, your aunt." she said with an even bigger grin on her face before moving to retrieve a small box out of her gown. The small box was black, velvet and looked new yet old at the same time.

"What is that?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Open it, its for you." she said. When I opened the box I found the ring I had seen when I had first seen Ino-san. It was the same one that I had been drawn toward but hadn't bought.

"The ring....this is.."

"The one that you wanted." she said with a grin.

"But how?" I asked, while retrieving it and placing it on my finger.

"Before marrying into the Uchiha clan I was apart of my own clan. Our blood gives us the unique ability to read others minds, though now that you've fully awaken I'm having the same trouble I have with all Uchiha's." she said, her tone of voice light.

"And what is that?"

"I can't read any mind with Uchiha blood in it. There's just something in that blood of yours that keeps me out, oh well." she said while shrugging before finally finding where Sasuke-san was. "Well I'm sure there's others your dying to talk to so I'll see you around, play nice niece of mine." were her last words before she was gone. A smile spread across my face then, this was sure interesting.

"Well Hei looks like there's one here for you too, an earring to match my ring." I said while moving down to place it on him. Once done she looked up to find a young man in front of her. He looked as if he wasn't sure what to think of me, and although I wanted nothing but to walk away from him I knew that would be dumb.

"Good evening Princess." he spoke first, causing me to nod, to bow. I may had gotten a title but didn't mean I wouldn't show respect when needed. Of course I'd just as instantly withdraw it when disrespected.

"Good evening brother, may I ask for your name?" I asked, making sure that I did nothing to offend him in any way. Damn there were too many rules to follow.

"My name is Shisui Uchiha, may I be so bold as to ask the young Princess a question." he said, standing up as tall as he possibly could and looking me over like one would observe their opponent. Instantly Hei was alert, ready to strike.

'Easy.'

'I do not like the way he looks at you my lady.' he said, causing me to nod my head. Shisui took that as a yes and spoke.

"Can a half breed truly be an heiress to this clan. You have weaknesses do you not, Princess?" as soon as the words left his mouth those who had been closing up on us to wait their turn stopped, anyone who had listened, caught wind of his words froze. My eyes hardened then while Hei held in a growl.

"I don't see how that is any of your business Shisui-san." I spoke, keeping my temper and not allowing my self to lose control.

"Oh but it is, if you are to lead us one day how am I to trust someone who has limits none of us have." he went on, building up his power and activating his sharigang. Instantly Hei moved to stand in front of me as a tiger appeared in front of him. Enough was enough.

"I see,..." were the first words to come out of my mouth before I sighed. Mom and dad weren't going to like what I was about to do but to hell if I was going to allow him, or anyone else for that matter, consider me unfit to lead. Of course I may self wasn't sure if I wanted to lead some day but I did know that I didn't like being considered a weakling, I had trained too damn long and too damn hard to let anyone tell me other wise. "And is there anyone else who thinks like Shisui-san?" I asked, letting the wind carry my voice around to everyone who had gathered around. A couple of other vampires stepped forward, all of them taking their place by Shisui.

"We do as well Princess." they said, in total they were three. Including Shisui that is, and with their blood animals six. I had trained to fight against more than three opponents at a time when mom and me were back in the city but this was the first time I'd have to fight this many opponents.

"I see, well then, come at me then and see for your selves just how weak I am." I said, voice calm, and steady. Shisui watched as I bound and held his friends down on their knees. His eyes held anger and annoyance. It had taken fairly little effort on my part.

"I see, you take well after our blood Princess, however you know nothing about the true power of our eyes." he challenge. As soon as he activated his sharigang and tried to manipulate me a loud hiss escaped my lips. The room went silent then, still and before Shisui could attack he too was bound. My eyes were glowing then, Hei's growl could be heard throughout the entire dinning room hall.

"This goes to show you just how weak I am does it not Shisui-san? I am heiress to the Uchiha clan, the am Princess not only by birth right but by power." I growled out, annoyed that he had actually thought I had not awakened properly yet, that I had not developed my eyes as well as my abilities. Hei circled the mans fallen form, snarling out at him. Then, taking the opportunity that everyone had gone silent I allowed the wind to carry my voice, to make it as loud as Hei's growls. "This goes to show everyone. I am not only a Princess by birth right but power as well, so if anyone else has any problems with my heritage, vampiric or hunter, I dare you. Come stand before me and test my strength for your self!" I called out, but no one stood. Instead the entire room, except for Lord Madara, Saya, Otou-san, Sakuno-san and mom that is, took to their knees and bowed, showing the up most respect for me. I wanted so much to smile then, to show how satisfied I was then but didn't. It wasn't Princess like to gloat after all. When no one stood I turned to Hei and shook my head, calling him over while releasing everyone I had held down. My thirst was back, it wasn't as bad as it normally was when using my full power but it was enough to get me to stop and sigh.

'My lady, shall I go and ready a cup for you?'

'No need, not yet Hei. Thank you.' I said only to turn my attention back to Shisui who was now bowing before me, head hung low.

"My pardons Princess, I meant no disrespect when questioning your power. I was simply curious." he said. I was about to answer him, to lecture him when all of a sudden Otou-san spoke, he had appeared behind me.

"Curiosity killed the Shisui, you know that." father taunted, causing me to step back slightly and to take my place beside him.

"And satisfaction brought it back Itachi." he said, standing and addressing him as if they were the best of friends? What the hell?

"In deed, however when concerning my daughter I'm sure that you've learned that isn't the case." he taunted again, causing I, Hei and those around us to laugh yet again.

"Otou-san, who is this?" I asked, causing the two to stop and look at me. Shisui smiled then.

"She takes after you Itachi, eager to learn more about her surroundings and those around her." he taunted before turning to me and taking my hand. "I truly am sorry about offending you Princess." he said while placing a gentle kiss on my hand. As soon as it happened Hei had pushed him away from me and growled, earning a laugh from Sakuno and Itachi.

"Seems Hei doesn't approve of your actions Shisui." Otou-san taunted while looking to me. "Izakura, please."

"Hai," I sighed out before turning to Hei. "Hei, enough, lets go. There are others to greet." and with that he and I walked off, meeting and greeting the rest of our family. Most of the Uchiha's had summoned their blood animals, allowing them to not only meet me but Hei as well. We were to be protected, we were the pups of the pack and as much as I disliked being seen as a child I knew there wasn't much I could do until I became a full master. And so went the night, meeting and greeting my fellow clan members.