A/N: Had a new idea of a story - let me know your thoughts.
The sun cast long shadows across the courtyard of Konoha High, where students swarmed like bees around their chosen activities. However, inside the auditorium, there was a hush of anticipation. Renowned pathologist, Dr. Naruto Uzumaki, was about to present. Flyers had gone around for weeks, and the event was packed with students eager to hear the famous doctor speak.
Sarada Uchiha sat in the middle of the auditorium, a determined glint in her eyes. She wasn't just there as a spectator; she was seeking a path, a direction that could define her future. Coming from the esteemed Uchiha lineage known for its medical prowess, she bore not just the weight of her dreams, but also the expectations of her ancestors.
Naruto stepped onto the stage, her iconic blonde hair pulled into a neat ponytail. Her blue eyes scanned the auditorium filled with eager young minds. She began her lecture by talking about her journey into pathology – the challenges, the discoveries, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Sitting in the eighth row, Sarada Uchiha watched intently. The Uchiha lineage was deeply entwined with medicine. Her father was a surgeon of great repute, and stories of her ancestors being healers had always been a part of family lore. It was similar with her mother, being one of the best orthopedics in the country, but as much as Sarada admired her parents, there was something about Naruto's passion that resonated with her. It wasn't just about continuing a legacy; it was about creating her own path.
As Naruto took the stage, her passionate discourse on pathology was interwoven with personal anecdotes and lessons. Sarada hung onto every word, feeling a resonance with Naruto's journey. Naruto discussed a recent case where she identified a rare disease that had baffled many other professionals. She stressed the importance of perseverance, analytical skills, and the constant quest for learning.
By the time the lecture ended, she knew she had to speak to the accomplished pathologist. There was something about her that was just captivating. She heard her parents speak at different medical conferences, separately of course. Even years after their divorce, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno had a hard time communicating. Every time they did, it somehow always resulted in a screaming match. But this was different, why, Sarada did not know. But Dr. Uzumaki's last words kept ringing in her ears.
"As pathologists, we are detectives of the medical world. Every tissue, every cell has a story to tell. And it's our job to listen."
As the crowd thinned, Sarada approached Naruto, her heart racing. "Dr. Uzumaki," she began, her voice slightly shaky, "Your words today... they spoke to me. I dream of joining the medical field and perhaps even working alongside experts like you. Is there a chance I could intern or volunteer with your team?"
Naruto surveyed the young girl before her.
Before Naruto could speak Sarada continued, "I promise, I'll work really hard. Its my dream to become a doctor. And I know its hard and complex, and requires tremendous effort, but I promise I will work twice as hard."
Naruto recognized that fire, the thirst for knowledge. With a smile, she replied, "I always believe in giving passionate individuals a chance. What's your name?"
Taking a deep breath she replied, "Sarada, Sarada Uchiha."
Naruto's breath hitched as she looked shocked. No wonder this young girl reminded her of someone.
Sarada was quick to notice the change in Naruto's demeanor. "You've heard my name?" She asked, after all, most people had similar reactions to her last name.
Naruto smiled sheepishly as she tucked one her locks behind her year, "More like I've met my fair share of Uchiha's. Knowing your background, you have enough connections to join one of your family's labs, why me?"
Sarada nodded, she expected these questions. "Dr. Uzumaki," Sarada began, "I've always wanted to be a doctor, but hearing you today... I want to be more. I want to dive deep into research, to unravel mysteries, just like you. But more than that, I want to do it on my own without my family. I know I am privileged, but I would like to get started as Sarada, and live up to the Uchiha name, and I cannot do that working under my family."
Naruto nodded. She took a look at Sarada, assessing her. Sarada stood before her a certain grace, a blend of her Uchiha heritage and the weight of her dreams. Her striking raven-black hair cascading down her back, shimmering under the auditorium fluorescents. It was pulled it back into a neat braid, reaching her shoulder blades, not a stand loose of out of place. Her eyes, dark and deep, were perhaps her most defining feature. They carried an intensity and depth that hint at a maturity beyond her seventeen years, a testament to the legacy she carried, much like a certain someone Naruto knew years back. Her features while very distinctive of the Uchiha clan, also held a softness. The moment Sarada told her who she was, Naruto knew without an ounce of doubt, who her father was.
Naruto observed her, taking in her posture to her outfit; it would be a headache to accept Sarada. Having this young woman working under her would mean that she will end up crossing paths with him again.
As Sarada stood in her school uniform, long-sleeved beige blouse and navy skirt which ended below the knee, with her practical navy low heeled shows, suitable for the bustling life of a high schooler, Naruto couldn't bring herself to say no.
Naruto looked thoughtful. "You're still in high school, Sarada. Research requires a lot of time, patience, and dedication."
Sarada's determination didn't waver. "I understand, and I'm willing to give it everything I've got. I want to be a part of the future discoveries, to contribute to the world of medicine."
Naruto nodded, taking out her card from her purse. "Here is my card, with my address. Come by my lab this weekend – my email is on the card. We will set up a time for an interview. Let's see where this journey takes us."
Sarada took the card, a sense of relief and gratefulness washing over her.
"Alright," Naruto said with a grin, "I'll give you a chance for now, depending on where your interview goes. But remember, it's going to be a lot of hard work. Are you ready for that?"
Sarada nodded vigorously, "More than ready."
Over the next few weeks, Sarada's life was transformed. After school, she'd rush to Naruto's lab, immersing herself in the world of pathology. But it wasn't just about learning the intricacies of the field; it was also about the bond she was forming with Naruto. The two began to share more than just academic interests. They shared stories, dreams, and fears.
Having grown up without a motherly figure after her parents' divorce, Sarada felt a void, especially in her turbulent teenage years. Her father was loving and caring but was often clueless about teenage dilemmas, particularly when it came to matters of the heart. The upcoming school dance was a major stress point for Sarada. There was a boy she wanted to ask out, but the whole ordeal was turning into a mess in her mind.
One evening, while they were examining tissue samples, Sarada's thoughts seemed elsewhere. Recognizing her distracted demeanor, Naruto asked, "Something on your mind, Sarada?"
Sarada hesitated but then blurted out, "It's silly. Just school stuff."
Naruto leaned back, giving Sarada a knowing look. "School stuff can be as complex as any pathology case, if not more. Want to talk about it?"
Taking a deep breath, Sarada shared her turmoil about the school dance and the boy she liked. She spoke about her overprotective father and how discussing such matters with him would only lead to more restrictions and awkward conversations.
Naruto listened patiently, her expression understanding. "Teenage years," she began, "are a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. I am only soo grateful that I have passed my own teenage years. And while I am not sure how much I can be of help, know that you can always come to me."
Sarada nodded, it was better than nothing. Her mother while great, was hard to talk to. Since their divorce when Sarada was two years old, she lived full time with her father, only seeing her mother on holidays. As such, she wasn't particularly close to her, and even if she was, Sarada didn't know if she could openly talk to her mother about her teenage angst.
"Thank you Dr. Uzumaki. Any advice is better than none."
Naruto smiled softly, she knew how hard it was to grow up without a mother present. "As for the dance and the boy, trust your instincts. If you want to ask him out, do it confidently. But also, be mindful about it. And regarding your father, give him a chance. Sometimes, parents surprise us."
Sarada looked up, her eyes glistening with gratitude. "Thank you, Dr. Uzumaki. For everything. But how do you know? My dad is kinda scary."
Naruto laughed as she gave Sarada a gentle pat on her head, "its because I'm a mother myself you know. As parents we do our best."
"I didn't know you're married!" Sarada exclaimed.
"Divorced, my son is ten years old." Naruto told her. Not wanting to discuss more on her personal life, Naruto handed Sarada another sample to examine, hoping it would take her mind off her current dilemma.
The next few days at school were a rollercoaster. With Naruto's encouragement ringing in her ears, Sarada mustered the courage to ask the boy, Mitsuki, to the dance. To her elation, he agreed. The looming confrontation with her father was the next challenge.
That evening, after a particularly intense study session, Sarada approached her father, Sasuke. Taking a deep breath, she began, "Dad, there's something I want to talk to you about."
Sasuke looked up; his expression attentive. Sarada looked him into the eyes and could not being herself to say anything.
"Sara," Sasuke questioned as he looked over her, "everything alright?"
Sarada nodded, "Everythings okay. Just girl things. I'll talk to Dr. Uzumaki about it."
Sasuke took a moment, processing everything. He had noticed that Sarada was pulling away from him. Not knowing how to respond he rose and kissed her head. "Okay, just know that I'm here Sara."
Sarada nodded. "I know dad. I'm off to bed, you get some rest too."
Sasuke chucked, "who's the adult here?" he asked, raising her eyebrow.
Smirking, Sarada replied, "Do you really need a respond dad?" and laughed herself out of his office as he playfully smacked her back.
"Insolent child." He replied.
Watching as she walked into her bedroom, Sasuke sunk back into his chair. He sat alone in his study, the dim light from his desk lamp casting shadows over scattered papers. His thoughts, however, were not on the work in front of him but on the growing distance he felt with Sarada. Each passing day brought with it an awareness that his little girl was morphing into a young woman, asserting her independence and making choices that he wasn't necessarily a part of. Like join another doctor and their research team when his family had numerous ones open for her to join.
He ran a hand through his raven-black hair, the weight of frustration and sadness pressing down on him. There were times he'd walk past her room, hearing her soft conversations on the phone or the muted laughter from a video chat, and feel an undeniable pang of loss. He understood, on a logical level, that growing up and seeking independence was a natural progression. But emotionally, he struggled with the reality of it.
Sasuke remembered the days when Sarada would run to him with every little problem, seeking his counsel, wanting to be enveloped in the security of her father's embrace. Those days seemed to be receding into the past, replaced by brief conversations and polite smiles. It was as if an invisible barrier was slowly being constructed between them.
His heart ached at the thought of not being her primary source of comfort or guidance anymore. He yearned to help her navigate through her teenage years, to protect her from the world's cruelties, and to share in her joys and sorrows. But the challenge was figuring out how to do so without smothering her or undermining her journey into adulthood.
A sigh escaped his lips. He wished there were a manual, a guide to being a perfect parent, especially during these turbulent teenage years. He understood that Sarada was no longer a child, but in his heart, she would always be his little girl. He'd like to consult Sakura, and perhaps have her be more present, but for the sake of his mental health, and hers, it was best that she stayed far away from him. Their divorce was messy, and it stayed messy. It was a miracle that Sakura gave up her parental custody to him, realizing that it would be very hard to provide the best life for Sarada and continue her medical career, and it had need Sasuke's stubbornness that kept her away. With Sarada growing into a young woman, he recognized that there needed to be a stronger female presence in her life, and it seemed like Sarada and found one on her one. The journey ahead was unclear, filled with uncharted territories, but Sasuke was determined to bridge the growing gap, to reestablish the bond they once shared, no matter the cost. Even if it meant that he would have to have a talk with this Dr. Uzumaki, the women his daughter seemed to be so taken with.
A/N: Sooo? Leave a review!