Thank you again for everyone who has supported me so far. It really means a lot to me.

Chapter 15

Although Sasuke said that he felt as if he was almost lying…not only to Sakura, but also to himself. He was still thinking about what his father said, he also thought about what he said that night he exploded. His brother always told him its good to speak up and get things off their chest, but its quite hard to speak about it to anyone, outside of the situation itself. He knows how smart Sakura is, and know getting her advise would help, but he would have to think carefully before speaking.

"Hey Sakura"

"Yes, Sasuke-san"

"Do you want to maybe, hangout tomorrow. There is something I would like your advice on." Sasuke asked, after going through the words mentally.

Sakura thought for a few seconds, that Sasuke was able to read her mind. Calming her mind, she relaxed and said she would love to. They planned to meet at the park at 9 tomorrow. Sakura told him of a secret part of the forest she discovered that she wanted to show to her friends. Sasuke agreed knowing it would be better they weren't overheard by anyone, and the news reaching back to his father, or any of the clan elders.

So, the next day Sasuke finds himself following his pink haired friend through the forest, heading to her secret alcove. Sasuke began to wonder when, Sakura found this spot, and long she's been coming here. As the young ones continued their walk, Sasuke began to admire the beauty of what looks like the start of some hidden meadow, almost as if it were separated from the woods…but still connected in other ways. The main part was a large tree in the center area with a hollowed-out hole at its trunk. Sasuke, from far could imagine that was a main spot for his future teammate. The young ones sat, leaning against the tree enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Sasuke felt his body immediately falling into a calming state.

Seeing the calm appearance of her friend, Sakura decided to wait until he was ready to speak on his own. Sasuke was grateful to his friend for giving him time to gather his chaotic thoughts. Taking a deep breath, he eased his body and slowly began with his most basic thoughts.

"My father and I haven't been seeing eye to eye recently. I don't really agree with a lot of his actions and plans for our clan. I spoke out against it in a harsh way, and now I think he might hate me for it." Sasuke said with a low steady voice. Even so, Sakura could hear the emotions in it.

"Do you think he hates you, just based on his actions towards you? Or did he say something to you?" Asked Sakura, trying to paint an image within her mind. As Sasuke nodded, Sakura's thoughts began connecting to each other, until she was ready to speak.

"I don't think your father hates you, I think that he's maybe more upset, that you disagree so strongly with him. My parents taught me, that when you have a argument, or even disagree with something doesn't mean the person would think any less of you, or hate you."

"My parents once told me this story about an argument that they back when they were dating. They didn't say what the argument was about in detail, but it ended in a disagreement. Afterwards they didn't speak for a while. Mom got upset with dad's way of thinking, and at the time, he couldn't figure out what made her so angry. Both thought the incident would drive a wedge between them. So, after about a week, they sat down and had a conversation, about how they really felt. They were open and honest with each other, and it helped them in strengthening their bond and relationship. You mentioned that it was decisions and plans that your father had for your clan, so I could imagine its more than a simple disagreement. Maybe if you two talk it over peacefully, and he understands your point of view, it may be easier on your relationship."

Sasuke thought long and hard about Sakura's words. He knew she was right and that they should talk it out, but also knows how difficult it would be with out reveling his secret. But then again, so far, his father hasn't drilled him on how he knew about the clan's plans. He then remembered what Itachi and Shisui said about the clan's reaction when he walked into the meeting that night. If some of the members are already taking his words seriously, then hopefully his father would soon as well.

His thoughts began to run in different directions, and he mentally thanked his friend for giving him the time alone with them.

Sakura hoped her advice was helpful to her friend. Her parents taught her how sharing your experiences with others can help in different ways. She was also happy that he was open with her about something this concerning. She knew the influence his clan had on the village, and hoped whatever disagreement happened between the two, they are able to resolve it peacefully. But, since it would involve the clan, she realized it may not be as simple as she hoped. Sakura wondered if Sasuke spoke to his brother about this.

'Then again maybe he did bring it up with his brother but wanted a different perspective.'

The calming breeze washed over the young ones, as if trying to comfort them and the thoughts that ran through their minds.

Within the main home of the Uchiha district, the clan head Fugaku was doing paperwork on his office. Or at least that was idea. His mind was still trying to come up with ways to connect with his younger child. He figured that since he left to meet with a friend this morning, he thought maybe they would have time this afternoon. Seeing the time, he decided that maybe a lunch outing would be nice for them. And so, he left to inform his wife of the idea and get himself prepared.

For Sasuke, seeing is father standing outside the main gate wasn't all that surprising. But said father Waiting for him to take him out to lunch with him, has him mentally Scratching his head. He began to wonder What his father was thinking, and what he would want to Talk about. He knows since they would be in public, it wouldn't be anything too confidential, for fear of being overheard by others. He also realized that it would be trickily have the kind of talk he would want to have with him, with others around. 'Maybe when we're heading back home, we could talk a walk somewhere and have a chat' He thought, as the two walked into a familiar restaurant, close the center of town.

The meal so far has been quiet, each of lost in their own thoughts. But, the quiet didn't last for long, as it was slowly lifted, starting the following conversations, with a simple question.

"So, is school going so far Sasuke?"

"It's been good so far"

"Have you made friends or acquaintances with your schoolmates?"

"Yes father, I've made friends with some of my classmates. And we've also trained together as well."

Fugaku was happy his son seemed to be doing well in his first year of the Academy. He secretly hopes that his youngest will be able to enjoy the full years at the academy, and not have to graduate Too early like his eldest. Even though Itachi is his heir; and many may think he's blind to it, he's seen what happens who are forced to grow up too early. Even though Itachi is seen as a genius, he's still a young boy. The pressures of the clan, and the ANBU Black Ops aren't easy to deal with.

A comfortable silence filled the air as the two finished up their lunch.

As they left the restaurant, Sasuke suggested they take quiet walk in the park. Nodding at the idea, he let his son lead the way. The two soon stopped and sat under a tree, relaxing in the cool breeze that blew through the area. Fugaku could tell his son seemed nervous for some reason, and hoped whatever it was he would be of some help to him.

The young one took a deep breathe before relaxing his shoulders. Remembering the conversation he had with Sakura, and the advice She gave him, he decided to start small. Turning to face his father, he started.

"Father, I wanted to apologise about what happened before. I realized that even though I don't agree with the decisions that the Clan might make, that I cant come to you And talk about it."

At some point during his speech Sasuke looked to the ground instead of his dad. He has worried about his expression. So, he stayed like that, waiting for his father to speak.

Fugaku himself also had to take a deep breathe before relaxing as well. The Clan leader peaked his hand gently onto the young boy's head.