Days turned to weeks. And weeks turned into months. And the wedded bliss that the couple felt didn't last long. As the couple cannot ignore Itachi's duty as ANBU captain.

Sakura is often left alone at the huge Uchiha mansion with her in-laws. At first, Sakura didn't mind, as Mikoto is very welcoming to her. But everything changed when she got home late one night, as she had to attend to an emergency surgery.

She heard her in-laws talking at the dining area, she was about to greet them when she heard her father in-law mentioned her name. Curious, she leaned at the door to listen.

"I don't really know what Itachi saw in Sakura." Fugaku said.

"Sakura is a very able shinobi. She's special. And she makes Itachi smile."

Fugaku scoffed. "Special? The only special thing about her, is that she's the first woman that has been kind to Itachi. He's obsessed with her."

Mikoto's expression hardened. "Fugaku, don't speak about Sakura that way. She genuinely cares for Itachi, and he cares for her. I've seen it in their eyes. It's not just about kindness or obsession; it's love."

Fugaku shook his head. "Love? It's a distraction. Itachi should be focused on his duties as an ANBU captain, not entangled in a romantic affair. Love makes a ninja weak."

Mikoto's eyes flashed with a mixture of frustration and defiance. "Love doesn't make someone weak. It gives them strength, a reason to fight, to protect. And Sakura is not a distraction; she's a source of support for Itachi."

Sakura felt a pang in her chest, hearing these words. She had always known that Itachi's duties were demanding, but she never thought that their marriage would be seen as a hindrance by his own family.

"Sakura is a skilled medic, and she understands the sacrifices of a shinobi's life. She's not a hindrance but a partner who shares the burden with Itachi," Mikoto continued.

Fugaku remained unconvinced. "I don't want Itachi's legacy tainted by a frivolous romantic attachment. He should be focused on the Uchiha clan's future." he insisted. "And who is Sakura anyway? A woman without family, without a clan. What purpose can she give to the clan? Birth to a new generation of Uchiha? I can't imagine that Itachi's successor will be one born out of this nonsense marriage. It's the first marriage outside the clan, Mikoto. Izumi is more deserving of my first born."

Sakura felt her eyes welling up with tears, hurt by the harsh words from her father-in-law. She stepped back, not wanting to hear any more.

As she retreated, Mikoto noticed her standing there. Their eyes met, and Mikoto's gaze softened with sympathy. She excused herself from the conversation and followed Sakura.

"Sakura, I'm sorry you had to hear that," Mikoto said gently.

Sakura wiped away a tear, offering a weak smile. "It's okay. I understand that Itachi has responsibilities, and I don't want to be a burden to him or the Uchiha clan."

Mikoto placed a comforting hand on Sakura's shoulder. "You're not a burden, Sakura. Itachi loves you, and that's what matters. Fugaku is just... traditional. He'll come around eventually.

Despite Mikoto's reassuring words, Sakura couldn't shake off the doubt that had crept into her heart. She loved Itachi deeply, but the conflicting expectations weighed heavily on her.

The following days were strained. Itachi sensed the tension but couldn't pinpoint its source. Sakura tried to act normal, but the words she overheard echoed in her mind. The Uchiha mansion, once a place of warmth, felt colder with each passing day.

One evening, as Sakura prepared dinner alone, Itachi entered the kitchen. His usually calm expression softened when he saw her.

"Sakura, is everything okay?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

She forced a smile. "Everything's fine, Itachi. Just a bit tired from work, that's all."

Itachi studied her for a moment, sensing something amiss. "You can talk to me, you know. We're partners in everything."

Sakura hesitated, then decided to open up. "It's just... your father, Itachi. I overheard a conversation, and he doesn't seem to approve of our marriage. Thinks it's a distraction for you."

Itachi sighed, realizing the weight of the situation. "I'll talk to him, Sakura. Convince him that our love doesn't weaken me but strengthens me. I won't let anything come between us."

Sakura caught Itachi's hand when he turns his back from her. She didn't want to start a fight. And Itachi speaking to his father about her is only going to instigate that.

"Itachi, please no." Sakura said. "He hates me as it is. If you talk to him, its not gonna change his opinion. Just let him be."

Itachi's eyes softened at Sakura. He pulled her close and envelop her in his arms. He kissed her head, giving her all the love that he can give.

"I don't want you to bear the burden of his disapproval, Sakura. You shouldn't have to. I married you because I love you, and I won't let anyone tarnish that."

Sakura clung to him, finding solace in his embrace. "But Itachi, I don't want to be the reason for any strain between you and your family. I know how important they are to you."

Itachi pulled back, cupping Sakura's face in his hands. "You are important to me, Sakura. And I won't let anyone undermine that. I'll find a way to make my father understand, but I won't let it affect us. Our love is stronger than any tradition or expectation."

Sakura looked into Itachi's eyes, seeing the determination and sincerity within. "I love you, Itachi. I just... I want your family to accept me, but I don't want you to be torn between us."

Itachi pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "We'll find a way, Sakura. Together. I won't let anything come between us, not even family expectations."

Sakura buried her head at Itachi's chest at what he said.