Chapter Fifteen: Sakura's new Housemate, Sasuke meets otherworldly entity

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Summer was long past, fall had turned the leaves crimson and golden. The air grew chill, because winter was just around the corner and Sakura was heavy in her third trimester with Sasuke's sons. Twice, she'd been surprised by a bouquet at work with Sasuke's neat print. The messages were short and sweet. He only had one day in Konoha before he left, so she didn't know how he managed to arranged flower delivery with personal notes on them.

It was nice sleeping in her own bed again, even if it felt too big without Sasuke. Midnight and Starlight wasted no time in trying to claim Sasuke's spot, but Sakura was firm and set up little cat beds on the floor of the bedroom as a compromise. She could just imagine the annoyance that would cross Sasuke's face if he showed up one evening and found cat fur on his pillow.

Sakura had the day off and was due for her medical evaluation by Shizune. The older medic had nominated herself the one in charge of Sakura's prenatal care. Ino was working with the Intel department almost extensively these days. Shizune had been apprehensive about Sakura's current work load and any day now, would determine it medically necessary for her to stop working until after the delivery.

"Wake up, Sarada." Sakura gently shook her daughter's shoulder. Bleary dark eyes gazed up at her. It caused a warming of the heart every time she saw Sasuke's eyes in their daughter's onyx irises.

"Mama?" Sarada asked, blinking. She sat up and sniffed the air and a big grin spread across her chubby cheeks. "Pancakes?"

Sakura nodded. "With blueberries," she added.

The toddler eagerly flung back her covers and raced for the kitchen, excited to have her favorite breakfast.

"Believe it or not, Sasuke used to be the same way about mother's pancakes," Itachi said, materializing. "You'd think the only thing he likes these days are tomatoes, but he was a glutton for pancakes when we were young."

Sakura smiled at the idea and followed her daughter. "After breakfast, we'll go visit Daddy's parents. We can tell them about how much you like pancakes."

"And see flowers," Sarada added. She looked over at Itachi's astral projection. "Uncle Itachi come too?"

"Wouldn't miss it," Itachi said, folding his arms over his chest and appearing to lean against a wall in the kitchen.

It had become the new normal, talking with Sarada and Itachi as if there was nothing odd about talking to a ghost. They were careful to only do so in the privacy of their home. With Anbu guards nearby, it was challenging to not get caught. Itachi's presence and Sakura's acknowledgement of it had helped with Sarada coping with Sasuke's absence. It had helped Sakura too, but honestly, the random flowers with little notes are what really soothed the ache in her belly.

It was more challenging whenever Kakashi, Yugao, or Shizune spent the night. Luckily, they generally left for work early in the morning and the Anbu guards did the majority of the surveillance.

Sakura took out the journal she started upon her return to Konoha. It was bound in dark blue leather and had purple and red dragon flies embossed upon the cover. She used black ink to carefully write Sasuke at least once a week. Sometimes, it was stupid non-sense about her day or breakthrough medical treatments. Other times, it was documenting Sarada's milestones or the progress of the pregnancy. Sometimes, it was things she'd learned about the Uchiha clan from Itachi and how she'd started to try and incorporate some of the old traditions.

Itachi was suddenly behind her, bending over and reading her latest entry. "Speaking of traditions — the best one I think we should start is the celebration of the New Year in January. Our clan used to light lanterns and set them on the lake. You'd write a wish or a goal on a piece of paper, place it inside and eventually the lantern and the paper will go up in flames. I'm not even sure if Sasuke remembers that, but it was my favorite tradition."

"That does sound nice. I'll want to invite the Konoha twelve," Sakura added. "At least, those that remain from our class. And of course Master Tsunade, Master Kakashi, Shizune-sempai."

"In this Neo-Uchiha clan, I think the addition of family and not just blood relatives is important. Family is more than those you share DNA with," Itachi agreed. "It's important not to make the same mistakes."

"Those that don't know their history are doomed to repeat it," Sakura agreed.

"Speaking of history, we need to collect the journals I mentioned. Some are in father's office, but there is one that Shisui's family guarded that will be of interest to you. That one was entrusted to his grandfather — the guard of Tobirama Senju. If there is any mention of your ancestor, it will be in there."

Sakura rubbed her belly, her twins were feisty that morning. They seemed to appreciate blueberry pancakes too. "These guys will make snooping in old libraries too hard, so sooner is better than later."

Shortly later, Sakura walked hand in hand with her daughter towards the family cemetery. There were fresh flowers on the former clan leaders' grave. Sakura smiled. Her husband really was a sweet and sentimental guy — arranging for fresh flowers to be delivered on his mother's grave too.

Sarada took off at a run for the nearby field. There were no more summer flowers blanketing the landscape, but red and gold leaves — perfect for children to flop around in and toss into the air. With a smile, Sakura followed her daughter.

"Come back for a moment, Sarada. We need to say hello to Grandmother Mikoto and Grandfather Fugaku." Sakura knelt carefully in front of the grave of her mother-in-law. The stone was a dark black granite with a clear shine that reflected her visage back to her.

Sarada scrambled next to Sakura and placed her chubby hand over Mikoto's name. "Good morning, Sobo — we had blueberry pancakes! Good morning, Sofu!" She looked over at Sakura, dark eyes pleading. "Can I play with Uncle Itachi in the leaves now?"

"Okay, go ahead," Sakura said watching Sarada take off again a few meters away, close to Itachi's side. He had learned to create small bursts of wind and was able to shift the leaves some. It had been a miraculous discovery. He'd joked — master of ninjutsu reduced to shifting around a few leaves— and grateful for it.

The sounds of the of them laughing eased some of the tension in Sakura's neck and she made her self comfortable sitting by Mikoto and Fugaku's grave. She traced her fingertips on the fresh vase of flowers — white daisies and yellow sunflowers — bright and cheery.

"Sasuke did good. He's made sure you have fresh flowers. I know he was a little lost for a few years, but he's good now. He's a great dad and a caring husband. I cannot say I remember you from when we were young, but the stories Itachi tells make me sad that I couldn't know you. I heard you wanted to adopt Naruto as a baby — you'll be happy to know that he and Sasuke are as close to brothers as is possible. They love each other as much as they can't stand each other — both are so special to me."

She stared after Sarada and Itachi's play and allowed herself time to enjoy the peace. Her sons were awake and felt like they were turning summersaults. "Our Neo-Uchiha clan is about to expand by two more. Itachi is sharing some of the old traditions as well as stories about the two of you so you won't be strangers to your grandchildren — or to Sasuke. I hope that you're able to look down from the Purelands and see the life Sasuke is building."

She didn't notice that Sarada and Itachi had rejoined her until Sarada's hand rested upon her shoulder.

"I'm teaching her to mask her chakra. It looks like it worked," Itachi said, a smirk on his lips.

"These are definitely the skills I wasn't taught until the academy when all the other kids from the shinobi clans had a grasp of the basics before they were even school aged," Sakura said.

"I'll do my best to teach them the things Sasuke would if he were here," Itachi promised. "Though, I would like to suggest you take some lessons in Genjutsu. You have a natural ability in the field and yet you've never honed the skill. In a house full of Sharingan users, I highly recommend you improve."

"Honestly, I think it's just that I have a firm grip on reality. So I'm able to see through the illusion," Sakura said. "It's generally been pretty obvious whenever I've been trapped inside one — until I'm able to break free."

"I also think you should ask for private lessons from Kakashi and Lee for the children," Itachi said.

Sakura braced her hands on her thighs and stood, her knees creaking from the loose ligaments caused by the pregnancy hormones. "Oh, I plan to call in favors on all my friends. I'm sure I'll be returning the favor teaching what I can of medical and chakra control."

"Let's get going, Sakura. If we linger here all morning you'll miss your appointment with the poison specialist," Itachi said.

"Her name is Shizune," Sakura pointed out.

Itachi seemed to sigh in annoyance. "Very well, Shizune —the poison specialist— is waiting."

"Come, Sarada. Boruto is waiting for your playdate with Auntie Hinata and Uncle Naruto!" She held out her hand towards her daughter.

Sarada clasped her mother's hand and gazed up at her with an eager light in her eyes. "Okay, Mama! Uncle Itachi come too?"

"Yes, Uncle Itachi will come too," he answered. "But remember, you have to keep me a secret. Only talk to me when Mama or Daddy are nearby."

Sarada nodded her head in understanding.

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OoO

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The ultrasound showed two healthy boys, both head down in Sakura's womb. Shizune clucked her tongue and added a surge of chakra to evaluate the boys more closely. "These new machines seem to be accurate, but I don't quite trust them," she murmured.

"I mean, that's probably why Ino originally only saw one child," Sakura reasoned.

"It's the way of the future though and Hokage Hatake is strongly invested in Konoha's prosperity through the economy and allowing an expansion in both science and technology," Shizune commented. She pulled away the wand and cleaned the jelly. Then handed Sakura a cloth to clean the jelly from her belly. "I do appreciate that about him. He's a great Hokage."

"Agreed," Sakura said. "Definitely in my top two Hokages." She pulled down her shirt and sat up. "So, what do you think? Are they still on time for the fifteenth?"

"I am not sure. They are healthy enough to be delivered any day now. There is something odd about their chakra, but I can't quite place it and it is interacting with your own," Shizune mused. "Do you feel more tired than usual? And I don't mean from the normal anemia. Is it different than how you felt with Sarada?"

"I mean, there's two of them. So yes." Sakura had felt an increase in chakra coming from the boys. It reminded her of the feeling when she visited the beach and the full moon affected the ebb and flow of the tide.

"I'm recommending you start your maternity leave now," Shizune said. "Their chakra is unusually high and honestly if it wasn't for your own precise chakra control, I think you'd be in a coma right now. It's not safe for you to continue working."

"But they aren't due for three more weeks," Sakura protested.

"They are draining your chakra at an intense rate. I don't want you to perform any ninjutsu or medical jutsu of any sort until after they are born. I don't know if it's because they are half-Uchiha or if its something else. I've never had these kinds of readings on a pregnancy before. I've examined pregnant jinchurikis a few times and this is different."

Shizune pointed towards the blood pressure reading and the glucose levels on the monitor. "These numbers are fluctuating beyond what I'm comfortable seeing. Your Byakuygou seal is dormant— it seems a natural protective mechanism so that your body doesn't see the pregnancy as a medical condition it needs to fix. It may have contributed to your second trimester miscarriages earlier, or something else. I just don't understand enough."

Sakura bit the inside of her cheek. She respected Shizune's opinion. She'd worked for and with the older kunoichi for years. And she trusted her. "I had a DNA test done by one of Gaara's scientists before Master Kakashi fetched me and made me return home. It turns out, I'm descended from Tobirama Senju. The running theory is that the Senju and Uchiha bloodlines don't match very well."

"Hm." Shizune tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Everything went fine with Sarada's pregnancy. It's possible that your body created an immune reaction and attacked the future pregnancies — much like if the blood type of the mother is Rh negative and the father is Rh positive — the first pregnancy is unaffected, but the subsequent ones would naturally be rejected by the mother's immune system. Are you still wanting to do a home delivery?"

Sakura nodded. "If possible. Sarada was born in Orochimaru's lab and delivered by Sasuke's old teammate Karin. I will feel much better to have you deliver and Kakashi and Naruto will both be there for support."

"Is it really necessary to include both Kakashi and Naruto?" Shizune asked.

Sakura narrowed her eyes. "Well, Sasuke asked Kakashi - and while I would love to have Master Kakashi's support, that feels like it could be awkward. I mean, there was a time I had a huge crush on him."

Shizune arched a dark eyebrow. "Really? I never knew that. But then, about ninety percent of the female and some of the male population of Konoha have crushed on the Sixth Hokage at some point — I think it's why he wears that mask."

"Well, Sasuke had been out of the picture for a few years and was very clear on his lack of romantic feelings for me. I spent a lot of time with Naruto, Sai, and Kakashi on missions after my training with Master Tsunade and I just kind of noticed him. He was just this old guy that was my teacher when I was a kid. But then, he was this amazing warrior that saved my life countless times and —" she shrugged. "I love him and Naruto equally. As much as I love my husband, but different."

"So that's why you want Naruto? So it's not awkward that the man you used to have a crush on sees you in that state?" Shizune asked, skeptical.

"It's more that Sasuke assumed Kakashi should be the one at my side and honestly, it should probably be Naruto, but since there are two boys, it makes sense to have them both. Don't you think?" Sakura asked.

"Your attachment to your teammates is weird," Itachi said. "I was never as close to any of my teammates. But since that closeness allowed you to defeat a supernatural deity, I won't complain."

"And you don't want your parents there for the birth?" Shizune asked. "I'd think you'd want to include them."

Sakura shook her head. "Dad's fear of blood makes Master Tsunade's seem trivial. And Mom is not very supportive when I need encouragement. She'd probably nag that I got myself into this mess so what am I complaining about? You know?"

"I've never been pregnant," Shizune said. "So I don't know if you're feeling extra judgmental about your parents, or if you're worried about the fact that your children are inheriting more power than you thought they would. Finding out about your ancestor is huge, Sakura. And that's why I'm agreeing to the home birth. If there's something unusual about these children, I don't want an audience." She frowned. "It might be a matter of national security, so having the future and current Hokages present might be more practical than sentimental."

"Okay, great, then I suppose I'm okay with taking my maternity leave early. I'm not happy about it, but I won't argue," Sakura agreed. "I kind of wanted time to explore the Uchiha district, figure out what would be good to raze and sell and what should be renovated."

"Good, you can do that without using any chakra and you'll also make sure the guest room is set up for me," Shizune said. "And not for an overnight stay — think more long term."

"What?" Sakura asked. "Weren't you going to move in with Anko?"

Shizune shook her head. "I told you I was selling my place, you assumed it was to move in with Anko. I still assist the Hokage often. We decided rather than musical houseguests between your closest allies, that I'll go ahead and move in."

"Really? But, don't you like to travel with Master Tsunade?"

"You really think she wants to travel when her favorite student is having a house full of babies? She's ready to be the doting godmother she always dreamed about," Shizune said. "And I like children. You're just like Master Tsunade sometimes. You need someone to look out for you. Since I won't have any children of my own, I'd love to spend time with yours."

"That would be pretty amazing, Shizune," Sakura said.

"Besides, if I'm having a house renovated in the old Uchiha district, I'd like to make sure I like the area first — not just the company," Shizune teased. "So, expect me to be your housemate for at least two years. Rent-free of course."

"You know, she's going to suspect you're mental when she overhears you talking to me," Itachi pointed out.

Shizune braced her hands on either side of her hips. "I also enjoy having someone cook for me. Anko burns everything and Master Tsunade never learned how. Trust me, you'll be the best housemate I've ever had. My Uncle Dan was an amazing cook. I can teach you a few of his dishes."

"That would be nice," Sakura admitted.

"And, I prefer cats to pigs and you know how much I put up with Master Tsunade's pet." She reached up and pulled her hair out of her ponytail and let the dark shoulder length hair fall. "I don't know if you being related to Tobirama is pertinent or not. It does perhaps explain why you learned the Byakugou seal and why I never could. It would be good to look into that. Perhaps one of your children will also be able to master the technique."

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Sakura was home in the Uchiha district with her two year old, Anbu guard, cats and the ghost of her brother-in-law. Sai was on the perimeter, keeping a watch over her while she strolled along some of the old Uchiha residences with Itachi giving a running commentary about the former occupants and the history.

Sarada enjoyed chasing after cats, but kept generally close to her mother's side. They were currently exploring Shisui Uchiha's family home.

"Shisui was my best friend. He was a few years older than me and while many in the Uchiha clan have the curse of hatred after their Sharingan awakens, he had the Will of Fire. His grandfather, Kagami Uchiha, died at twenty five, and was part of the Second Hokage's trusted guard. Shisui also summoned crows like me," Itachi explained. He gestured towards a recess in the wall. "If you push this lever, you'll see stairs leading into the earth. Tobirama entrusted his journal to Kagami whom passed it to his son, whom passed it to Shisui for safe keepings. There may be some interesting reading material."

Sakura followed Itachi's translucent form and pushed the lever. She picked up Sarada and soon felt her daughter's body relax as she fell asleep. While balancing her toddler, Sakura carefully made her way down the stairs, struggling to see her feet with her swollen belly. There were several little treasures within the alcove. Tobirama's journal was leather bound red with a blood seal keeping it closed unless opened by a blood relation.

"There's also a book about the various treatments for various eye conditions that commonly afflicted our clan," Itachi pointed out. "I actually had to use a special eye drop— I'll tell you about it later. Hopefully, you and the poison—er—-Shizune can concoct something better."

Sakura stuffed that book in the satchel strung across her torso. "I feel like I"m sneaking around."

"Not sneaking," Itachi assured her. "You are a part of this clan and your children are part of this clan. This knowledge is your right." He paused, near a futon in the corner of the room. "Lay Sarada down. You are carrying two children already, you don't need to carry all three, Sakura." He held up his hands helplessly. "I can only observe and converse."

Sakura felt her eye twitch at being told what to do, but she had to admit he had a good point. Without her usual access to monstrous strength from her chakra, she was overworking and it wasn't smart. The futon was surprisingly clean.

A couple of yellow cats strolled down the staircase and made themselves comfortable in the room.

"These cats really are everywhere," Itachi said with a sigh. He tried to shoo the cats out of the room, but they glared up at him, flipping their tails from side to side. "I used to like cats."

She opened the red journal and read the neat script of her great great grandfather, Tobirama Senju.

The lines of his script had faded with time, but his penmanship was still legible. The journal started with the death of his younger brother.

Itama at just seven years old has died, slain by Uchiha hands. His half blond half brown hair will never be seen again. He wanted peace. The death of Kawarama was something he never recovered from. Will I ever recover from the loss of so much family? I do not hate the Uchiha — they are a rival clan. I'm sure I've killed plenty of their loves ones. But I tire of this strife. The two sides will never rest until we become one side. Hashirama and his old friend Madara will likely create that bridge. I will make sure it doesn't burn to the ground. Our father started the process of ending the strife in the region when he married our mother from the prominent Hatake clan. Hashirama has also made moves to secure a marriage for himself with a woman from the Uzumaki clan. Should I try to marry an Uchiha? That seems too bitter an idea for me at the moment.

There were several entries about different battles, discovery of different jutsus - the invention of Shadow Clone technique. Some of Hashirama's terrible jokes. The quest to gather all the tailed beasts. Dozens and dozens of pages about the founding of Konoha, the first and second wars.

It was towards the end of the journal that she found the entry she wanted. She would have to go back to read the rest in greater detail in the future.

Today, I found out I have a daughter.

She's beautiful. She has her mother's green eyes and my light hair— the Hatake clan silver hair. They are far from the wars of this region. I met Jules after I retreated from a battle severely injured — she nursed me back to health, healed my physical wounds and my heart. We must have spent three weeks in each other's company.

I would've married her, brought her home, but she was betrothed to another in her clan. He was raising my beautiful daughter as his own. Jules did not want her daughter involved in my violent life — a quiet life as a fisher man's wife was all she wanted. I respect her wishes, but I already know that I shall sire no more children. Hashirama has achieved his dream and founded Konoha alongside Madara Uchiha — I shall not have my descendants rival those of Hashirama's for a place in Kononha's ruling class.

He wrote about founding the Ninja academy with the hopes to not allow any young children to fight no matter whether Konoha was at war. The shinobi were to protect the children — the future.

Jules has passed from this world and so has her husband. My daughter has married a merchant and has a daughter of her own. I want to introduce myself, but I cannot. I will not disrupt her peaceful life. Hashirama and Madara have killed each other. I am now the Second Hokage.

The Uchiha have created a song about Spring. It is supposedly a reference to the downfall of my line. They have no idea that I have a family. My family doesn't even know. I will entrust Kagami Uchiha with the truth. He will know when Spring comes. If they think this is something that will distress me, it offers me hope. Maybe one day, my daughter's descendants will become part of Konoha.

Some days, hope is all I have.

He wrote of an upcoming battle where he and his guard would be facing difficult odds. He was willing to sacrifice himself. His time had come. He didn't think Danzo had the Will of Fire — he would make a terrible leader. Kagami would make a good leader, but had no interest in the role. The future of the Leaf would fall to Hiruzen Sarutobi — he could only hope he chose wisely.

Sakura shut the book and looked over at Itachi. "Tobirama did have a daughter with green eyes. Her mother's name was Jules. I'll see if I can find out any history from mom."

"Should be fascinating," Itachi agreed. He gestured towards Sarada. "She's starting to wake up. You should head back home now."

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The winter solstice arrived and Sasuke felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise in his unease as the portal began to open. It was the darkest night of the year, but the place he sensed beyond the portal was darker and colder than anything he'd experienced. He had the nagging memory of the time Kaguya had stranded him on a wasteland and only Sakura's determination and working with Obito — the man that had murdered Naruto's parents and helped Itachi kill the Uchiha clan— had found him against the odds and brought him out of a death sentence.

That terrible experience where he was crippled by fear and true despair coupled with the dawning realization that Sakura— the love of his life— had shown up and saved him created the juxtaposition of his existence. Just a few months before, they'd tried to kill each other. They were like a moth to flame —- he was the flame and she kept fluttering her beautiful pale wings towards being ultimately consumed by him.

"Great Lord Otsutsuki," the daimyo bowed deeply. "I present to you— Uchiha Sasuke — descendant of Lady Kaguya's eldest grandson."

The pale figure that stepped through the portal was otherworldly tall with horns upon his head and a pair of Byukugan eyes with a Sharingan centered in his forehead. He raised his left hand, a Rinnegan in his palm. "Uchiha," he said, his voice deep and resonate. "You have brought a gift?"

"Yes," Sasuke said. He pulled out his flute. "If I may, I would like to play a song for you— it is one my mother taught me when I was young."

The Otsutsuki gave a curt nod of permission.

Without preamble, Sasuke began the song he'd practiced over the last few months. It was a somber melody, relaxing and soft. At the music's conclusion he knelt and offered the flute.

"The song was unique enough. Save the flute for your children, Uchiha Sasuke," the Otsutsuki said. "Come, follow me. The Lord of Nakayama has told me you seek knowledge. I will grant it to you."

Sasuke kept his Rinnegan activated, hoping he'd be able to find his way home if something went wrong and followed the strange being into the abyss of the unknown. Before he allowed himself to be transported he sent one last surge of chakra through his wedding band to Sakura.

The world he found himself on was distant from his own, cold beyond any place he'd ever visited, huge mountains of ice shot up into the dark, purple skies. Three moons aligned to light up the night sky.

The Otsutsuki waved his hand at Sasuke and a thick, dark cloak materialized. "Your fragile human body won't last long here without that. You have met my clan members, Kaguya. She is your ancestor. It is through her bloodline that I have granted you an audience, though your song was pleasant. My people are planet devourers. Unlike my lesser brethren, I have already reached enlightenment — as penance for my destruction of countless planets, I now am willing to warn other civilizations — though there is unlikely anything you can do to prevent the inevitable."

He began with a tour of the area. "This is our home world." It was a desolate frozen wasteland with poor light from a dying sun. "We are an ancient people. We gain enlightenment by consuming the experiences of entire worlds. Many of our kind have already passed from existence already having reached Nirvana — I will soon join my ancestors."

"Okay," Sasuke said, when it became obvious the alien wanted him to respond.

"A real conversationalist in every version I see," the Otsutsuki said with a chuckle. "There is a small faction that remains within the family that prepare vessels on their planets of choice — they find a worthy sacrifice for the Ten-Tails, grow a divine tree, and then harvest that tree and all the memories of that planet."

"So they kill everything. There is no infinite dream state," Sasuke stated. Madara had been a fool.

The Otsutsuki shrugged. "Perhaps infinite dream is all that lays beyond this life." He looked into the distance towards a fountain with flowing water. "Step this way, Uchiha, Sasuke. I will show you another life from a parallel reality— one that ultimately didn't prepare you for my people and led to the end of your world."

He looked down upon Sasuke, his pale eyes eerie in the darkness. "Use your ocular abilities that you acquired through your bloodline from my people so you may remember." He led Sasuke towards what appeared a water fountain. The pale, horned alien narrowed his eyes and the fountain's falling waters froze. Sasuke captured the action with his Sharingan and was amazed at the complexity of a simple maneuver —it would come in handy for him against future foes.

He gestured for Sasuke to look within the still waters and Sasuke felt himself falling within the memories of another version of himself.

It was Konoha, but not the one he remembered. Naruto's father, the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze and his mother Kushina Uzumaki both perished same as their world. But the Third did not resume the mantle of Hokage — he also died at the hands of Orochimaru during the same skirmish. Sasuke's father, Fugaku Uchiha, the rival and friend of Minato, was named the Fifth Hokage. Mikoto had been allowed to adopt Naruto and he was raised as Sasuke's little brother.

Throughout the academy, Sasuke's mother often invited Sakura to their house for dinner. Mikoto Uchiha recognized the difficulty a child of civilians would have amongst classmates from shinobi clans. So, the shyness he remembered feeling around Sakura as a child was quickly overcome with his mother's intervention. And it became a known thing that Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno were a couple since the ripe age of nine years old. He was still the most talented ninja at the academy for their class and had a bit of a fan club, but the girls that used to pick on Sakura in their world quickly stopped when Sasuke himself stood up for her.

There had been no massacre of the Uchiha clan. Danzo and his nefarious deeds were exposed and Yahiko Uzumaki was never killed and the Akatsuki remained a peaceful organization — never a terrorist group. Itachi took over the mantle of Police Chief. Kakashi Hatake had served the role of top Anbu officer until Sasuke and Naruto were of the appropriate age to become Genin and needed the best teacher.

Fugaku called an adolescent Sasuke into his office.

"Father," an eleven year old Sasuke said, bowing formally before the Hokage. "You have requested my presence. Is this about the graduation next week?"

"Congratulations on top marks in the ninjutsu at the school," Fugaku said. His dark eyes serious. "Though, Itachi had both top ninjutsu scores and academic scores."

Sasuke shrugged. "Sakura is the better academic."

"Hm. So you say. While your mother is a big fan of your little girlfriend, I am not so sure. I am assigning genin teams. I plan to ask Kakashi Hatake to be the sensei for you, Naruto, and the Hyuga girl — the three strongest clans represented in one team."

"I see," young Sasuke said, eyes narrowed. "And what of my little girlfriend as you call her?"

"Iruka has said she is good with genjutsu, so I shall place her under Kurenai — a newly appointed Jonin whom has some expertise in the area. She'll be balanced with the Inuzaki and Aburame clansmen."

"I disagree."

Fugaku sighed heavily. "Your mother said you would take the news hard."

"She'll die with those two looking out for her," Sasuke stated. "And while I don't doubt Kurenai will teach her genjutsu, the other two are poor matches for her. If you want her to hone her genjutsu, then ask Itachi to train her — he's the best."

"I disagree that it's a poor match. And Itachi is busy with the police, he doesn't have time to be a teacher. But, tell me what you think I should do?" Fugaku folded his hands under his chin. "I promised your mother I would hear you out."

"I could benefit from the genjutsu specialist and if I'm on the same team as Sakura, there would be a powerhouse. You don't need two powerhouses like Naruto and me on the same team."

"Don't you think you'd spend all your time worried about her? Instead of growing stronger?" Fugaku argued. "And I can have teams separated into powerhouse, reconnaissance, or I can have people that excel in each area on each team."

"Hinata is a nervous mess around Naruto — I think it's dangerous to put her on the same team as him as well," Sasuke added. "I would be worried less about Sakura if she was on the same team as me rather than on a different team."

"Well I cannot break up Ino-Shika-Cho," Fugaku pointed out. "Those clans are particularly sensitive about their match up."

"And you shouldn't break them up. You could offer to let the different senseis' help to teach the other students," Sasuke reasoned. " If you want Kakashi in charge of the strongest team — it should be me, Naruto, and Sakura. But I agree, genjutsu would be a good talent to nurture. And you said you won't let Itachi work with students, though he would be the best teacher if you permitted it. Though, I think that should be his choice."

"Why are you so loyal to her?" Fugaku asked. "She's not that pretty. And you often call her annoying."

Sasuke's fists clenched at his sides. "She's the only one that truly understands me. And she has more potential than you realize. I can't say what it is, but the fact that her parents are civilians and she has the highest grades in the academy without the benefit of any familiar teachings — don't you think that speaks high of her potential?'

So Kakashi Hatake finally passed a round of students on the Bell test and Team Seven was formed- a team of the strongest two boys of the Uchiha clan and the smartest girl in their class— Fugaku Uchiha wanted to ensure his youngest sons were on the strongest team possible. And while his preference had been for Hinata Hyuga, he'd acquiesced to his son's request. He arranged for them to train under the Sannin, but without any threats their skills were never expanded to the levels they were in Sasuke's real world. Training didn't hone skills like war did. So while they were talented, they lacked the experience and desperate determination of their counterparts.

At an early age, Sasuke was calm and collected, never angry unless someone spoke poorly about Naruto or Sakura. No one dared to speak ill of his brother or parents. So the rage that had identified most of Sasuke's life was absent. And he was most definitely a mama's boy.

When he was seventeen, Sasuke had joined the police and was the best detective on the force. Mostly, because he had to work twice as hard, because Itachi was extra hard on him — the challenge was something Sasuke enjoyed. His fiancé — Sakura — in this world was an amazing doctor at the village hospital. Naruto continued to work with the military forces, but Fugaku limited him like Kushina was limited, keeping him within the village where Kurama's seals were reinforced. He was the Hokage's personal guard, though the Hokage also worked to protect his adopted son.

This world's Naruto didn't have the same relationship with Kurama and was never exposed to the other jinchuriki. There was no alliance amongst the Five Hidden Ninja villages.

Sasuke was documenting a case he'd solved of a missing child— thankfully, the child had been returned to their family and the culprit was caught before any harm came. Itachi stood over his desk and Sasuke glanced up at his brother, the Police Chief.

"Well done, little brother," Itachi murmured, his deep voice familiar and calm. "With you on the force, everyone else is becoming bored. You're not leaving any cases for them to work."

"That sounds like a good thing." Sasuke finished his report in his neat print handwriting and signed his name at the end. He held the finished paper towards his brother. "Chief."

Itachi took the document, scanned it and then tucked it away. "You want to practice taijutsu later?"

"Why? We know each other's moves too well already," Sasuke reasoned. Years ago, Sasuke had asked Itachi to help him and Sakura master genjutsu — his brother refused, citing not enough time and that their father disapproved. Now, it was often Itachi asking to spend time with Sasuke and he was the one constantly let down. "Besides, I've got a date."

Itachi sighed and folded his arms over his chest. "At this rate, you'll be working on the next Uchiha generation before I even get married."

Sasuke smirked. "It's not my fault you're emotionally constipated." The rumbling sound of a pair of motorcycles outside the station interrupted before he could tease Itachi anymore. "Another time," he said, gathering his stuff and heading out. In this reality, he was the one too busy for Itachi.

Just outside the station, his best friends waited on motorcycles. Naruto had Hinata behind him on his bike, both wearing their protective helmets. She'd finally overcome her shy nature around him in the last few months. Sakura was alone on hers and patted the space behind her.

For a long moment, Sasuke just stared at his fiancé appreciating her looks — long pink braid down her back, green flak jacket of a jonin serving as protective armor and zip up boots that went up beyond her knees.

"Shouldn't you wear a helmet?" Sasuke asked, frowning. While he appreciated seeing her face, he didn't appreciate unnecessary risks..

With a roll of her eyes, Sakura pulled out her dark blue helmet and placed it over her head. She held out the second helmet to him. "I only took it off after we parked, Detective."

"Hurry up, slowpoke," Naruto chided. "The hot springs are likely to cool off at this rate." Without a care in the world, the four of them were planning to visit the hot springs for a long weekend getaway, unaware that elsewhere in the world the jinchuriki of the other villages had been collected.

The Otsutsuki appeared before Sasuke. "I'll end the memories here. This is when Kaguya appeared and nurtured the ten-tails and then I sacrificed her and consumed the planet and all the memories within."

Sasuke blinked and was back on the desolate icy planet. Memories of a parallel life flooded his mind, but it all ended on the back of a motorcycle. It was a perfect life— little strife, his family and friends were all alive and well, he was successful and happy. And it had all ended when he was seventeen.

"So you're saying all the suffering that I and my friends went through made us stronger?" Sasuke asked. "So that we weren't consumed?"

"So far, you're the only target planet that hasn't been devoured. The first escape was ten thousand years ago when Kaguya decided to live amongst your kind and then again five years ago when her descendants — you— interfered."

"So what you're saying is—-," Sasuke trailed off when the alien glared at him with unfathomable eyes, the universe reflected back at him.

"What I'm saying is that only an Otsutsuki can stop an Otsutsuki — or at least their descendants. The four of you in the vision — inherited the Will of Fire. Your children— a union of blood lines sundered over the centuries — will either be your planet's salvation or destruction when my kind come again — for they will. Your planet is rich in vital resources."

"But you won't attempt to consume the planet?"

"I have attained enlightenment. I am done." The creature smiled at Sasuke and its eyes were once again a reflection of the universe. "I suggest you return now. Time passes different here and I am about to rest."

"What do you mean rest?" Sasuke asked. "Are there other realities I should see? Other parallel realities?"

"The constant insatiable thirst that haunted me for my whole existence has been quenched. There are countless parallel planets, you can spend many lifetimes exploring them, but then you will lose your connections to your own world. The parallel planet that I showed you was my last meal. It was satisfying and now I am done. I will cease to exist. I will become another universe— new with life and opportunity. I am no longer a planet devourer but a life giver, for that is the cycle of life and death."

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