Hello all, this has been in my head for the better part of one year when I watched a couple of episodes of Boruto then had a dream which evolved into this. This is mainly focused on family dynamics and the bonds they share with each other.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Naruto. Just my cute little OCShirahime.
"Jushiro, slow down!" Shunsui yelled at his best friend who literally sprinted through the tunnel that connected the Soul Society to the Shinobi World.
"I can't Shunsui! I've waited long enough!" Jushiro yelled back without looking behind him. There was desperation in his voice. The normally patient Captain of Squad 13 couldn't sit still anymore after nearly eight decades of waiting.
Shunsui sighed in exasperation as he chased after his friend. The light at the end of the tunnel became brighter, urging the sickly Captain to run faster as he left Shunsui in the dust. Finally, he burst through the exit as the world became much clearer. Jushiro stood on the air overlooking the city that remined him of the World of the Living, but the spiritual energy was more concentrated.
The sound of panting appeared beside him as the man held his straw hat. "Man, you run really fast."
"Sorry." Jushiro said absentmindedly as he looked down at the citizens going about their business. The wind blew his shocking white hair and Haori behind him.
"She's here, I can sense her." Jushiro said as he closed his eyes. After a moment he opened his eyes and descended towards the town.
"Oh, brother." Shunsui sighed as he followed his friend.
'80 years have passed for us. But time moves differently here.' Shunsui thought to himself as they landed on the roof of one of the buildings. From the reports gathered by the souls sent from the Shinobi World, time passes slower than it did in the Soul Society.
"I found her." Jushiro's voice cut through the air as hope began to fill him. "I found my daughter." With that declaration, he Shunpo-ed towards the direction he pinpointed his child's spirt energy.
"Wait for me." Shunsui drawled out as he chased after his friend again.
Little sandal-covered feet padded along the dirt road as she dodged passersby who greeted her with warm smiles upon recognizing her. Her midback pink hair pulled back in a ponytail and green eyes shone brightly with concentration. She looked up at the sky and could've sworn she saw two people up there, but they were already gone when she blinked. Naturally, her four-year-old brain chocked it up to her imagination.
She found herself at a park and got closer to the fountain. Sitting on the edge, she peered over to stared at her reflection before fishing into her dress pocket to pull out a coin. Holding it between her palms she closed her eyes and thought of her wish before dropping it into the water with a quiet 'plunk'.
"Sakura!"
The little girl turned around to see a man with long white hair flowing down his back. His eyes were wide with worry and shock at the sight of her before a relieved smile overtook his face as he slowly approached her and knelt before her until they were eye level. Tears swam in the man's green eyes as he took in her precious innocent face.
"You haven't changed at all." Jushiro said with relief as her eyes blinked in confusion. She never seen this man before in her life, but that name, only one person in this entire village has that name. Her parents and older sister always told her not to speak to strangers no matter how nice they may seem. But this man's eyes, they were filled affection, joy and sorrow. The aura around him felt gentle, compassionate and nurturing, very similar to her mother's.
She raised a hand up to touch the nice man's face and felt a very strong flow of chakra beneath his skin. It's very strong but doesn't smother, like her parents and the Hokage.
Jushiro smiled gently as he touched her hand that was on his cheek and held it in his palm, noting the size difference that hasn't changed since the last time he's seen her.
"Jushiro!"
The white-haired man and pink-haired little girl turned to the man dressed similar except with a pink haori over his shoulders and a straw hat. He let out a heavy sigh as he plopped down onto the fountain next to the little girl.
"I know we're supposed to be ageless, but I'm getting too old to play chase." Shunsui groaned then turned to 4-year-old with an easy-going smile and tipped his hat up, "Hey there Sakura. Remember me?" He winked at her.
The little girl tilted her head and raised an eyebrow.
Shunsui had the expression of a boy who was rejected by his crush and sighed miserably, "Okay, I know you never liked talking, but that's just cold."
GROWL!
The pink haired child blushed and held her stomach.
Jushiro laughed softly and patted her head gently, "Why don't we get something to eat?"
Green eyes sparkled at the idea of food.
Jushiro, Shunsui, and 'Sakura' sat in a restaurant eating food, it was family friendly and served the best dumplings.
'Sakura' chewed on pork dumplings, a smile on her face as she reveled in the taste.
Jushiro saw a bit of sauce on her cheek and wiped it with a napkin. The little girl blushed but didn't seem to mind since only parents know how to do that.
Shunsui remembered something before he turned to Jushiro, "I contacted Sakuya earlier and gave her the heads up. She's been waiting anxiously."
Jushiro smiled at the thought of his wife, "Of course, " He turned to the little girl, "Once we're done here, would you like to go see Mama?"
Her green eyes brightened and nodded, she always looked forward to seeing her mom.
The older man smiled as the trio enjoyed their meal, unaware of a pair of eyes onyx eyes watching them suspiciously. Her hand reached into her pocket and dialed her parents' numbers.
'Sakura' yawned as walked hand-in-hand with Jushiro. She felt comfortable around the man and felt no sense of danger whatsoever. Shunsui smells like the Godaime, but he seems cool and laidback, a man who prefers fun over battle.
"Tired?" Jushiro asked as the trio walked through a less populated area. They just need to get to an open area and open the Senkaimon to return to the Soul Society, just a little more and he can reunite his wife with their daughter.
"Hey, Jushiro, you know we're being followed." Shunsui informed his friend. They both felt someone watching them for some time now since they entered the restaurant. But they don't feel the least bit threatening.
Jushiro smiled, "Yes, I'm quite aware. It's a child. I'm sure we can clear things up without it escalating." He loves children and has no desire to fight them. But if they do, he can easily redirect their attacks and just give them some pointers on how to improve their fighting styles. It'll wear them out and he won't even have to hurt them.
They made it to the center of an open field used as a training ground. They stopped as the wind blew through their hair and clothes. Jushiro sighed softly and turned to the tree line, "You may come out now. There's no need to hide yourself."
A moment later, a girl who appeared to be around eleven years old with black hair reaching just below her chin and red-framed oval glasses in front of her onyx-colored eyes. Her outfit consists of a vermilion jacket, under which there is a cream-colored vest and a high-collared white shirt with a red tie. She also wears a red skirt and black open-toed boots. She had a deep distrustful frown as she watched the two men and the small girl holding Jushiro's hand.
Jushiro smiled kindly at her, "Hello there."
"How long?" The girl asked as she directed her gaze to the little girl who waved at her.
Jushiro knew what she's asking, "Since the restaurant."
"You two aren't from this village." She stated as she narrowed her eyes at them.
Shunsui tipped his hat back and got a better look at the girl. Something about her seemed familiar. "No, we just came here to pick her up. She does like to wander." Shunsui stated as he laid his large hand over the little one's pink hair.
The girl glared at the man with the straw hat before a kunai appeared in her right hand. "Unless you want to keep that hand, you better not touch my little sister." She threatened as she looked ready to charge at them.
Jushiro stepped between them and held his hands up in a placating gesture, "Now, now, let's try and calm down." He said as he tried to keep things peaceful between them. "You said she's your little sister, correct?"
"You don't believe me." The young preteen stated as she glared through her glasses.
Jushiro merely smiled, "It's not that, it actually fills me with joy knowing my little Sakura has such a kind older sister looking out for her."
The girl's demeanor changed to confusion, "Wait, what did you just call her?"
Jushiro blinked, "Her name is Sakura, I'm her father." He frowned and sighed before he glanced at his beloved child peeked around his white haori. "I spent a long time looking for her, I just want to bring her back to her mother."
The young preteen's eyes were filled with disbelief and sadness as she lowered her kunai. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I still can't let you take my little sister." She sighed as her onyx gaze met Jushiro's soft brown, "Her name is not 'Sakura.'"
Jushiro was about to open his mouth when Shunsui spoke, "Uh, Jushiro, we got a problem."
Jushiro turned around and was met with the sight of a man with shoulder-length raven hair covering his left eye while his one visible right eye glowed a frightening red with commas swirling around the pupil. In his left hand was a blade touching Shunsui's jugular while holding the 4-year-old securely in his right arm.
The little girl looked between the men with worried green eyes as she tugged on the black cloak around the raven man's shoulders.
"Um, hi, how are you?" Shusui tried to keep the mood light and friendly even with a blade threatening to cut his throat.
The man glared blood red at the men for trying to take the kid.
"Wait, Dad, there's been a misunderstanding." The girl who Jushiro was speaking to protested as she ran to her father's side.
"Oh, and what misunderstanding causes a man to steal someone's daughter?" The newcomer questioned, but he wasn't interested in their answer as his blade inched closer to Shunsui's jugular.
"You, guy with the white hair, what did you say your name was?" The girl asked, trying to remain calm in this precarious situation.
Jushiro never took his eyes off the father and daughter protecting the girl he was certain was Sakura. "Ukitake Jushiro."
The preteen's eyes widened when she recognized that name before she laid a hand on her father's shoulder. "Dad, put the blade down, he didn't mean any harm. He thought she was Sakura."
Her father glanced between his daughters then at the man named Jushiro, "And what business do you have with her?"
Jushiro was about to answer when another spiritual energy approached them. He slowly turned around as the rapid footsteps came closer and broke through the tree line, skidding to a stop at the scene before her.
Jushiro felt like time stopped as he stared at the woman before him, she resembles his wife, accept her hair is a shade lighter and reaches below her chin, and she has some diamond-shaped mark in the middle of her forehead.
The young woman covered her mouth as her green eyes widened at the sight before her. "I can't believe-Oh my God." She struggled to make words as she looked ready to fall to her knees.
"Sakura, do you know this man?" The raven man asked his wife and mother of his children while holding his youngest close.
The second he heard that name confirmed it for Jushiro as his wobbly legs carried him over to the woman.
Sakura soon found the will to move her body as she walked over to the man she remembers as a child. They stopped in front of each other, their gazes locked onto the subject of their attention.
Jushiro's eyes filled with tears as he took in his baby who has now turned into a full-grown woman. His mouth quivered as he opened his mouth, but could not find the right words to speak.
Sakura's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she too was overcome with a wave of emotion. This man used to tie his hair back in a low ponytail, but he hardly changed physically.
With a smile a child gives their parent, Sakura sprung forward and wrapped her arms around him. Though Jushiro was surprised, his arms reflexively wound themselves around the young woman and held her close.
Jushiro let out a shuddering breath as tears streamed down his handsome face. "My baby...please forgive me...for taking so long." He whispered as he shook, overcome with so many emotions, love, sadness, relief, and regret.
Sakura buried her face in his silver hair and wept, "I missed you, Daddy." She inhaled his scent of bonsai leaves and lavender incense. White hair, compassionate smile, a warm voice, and a gentle fatherly embrace. Everything she remembers about her father.
The raven man lowered his blade and sheathed it when his keen senses heard his wife call the man 'father.'
The preteen tearfully watched her mother and newly discovered grandfather embrace.
The youngest child looked happy at the scene before her as she quickly understood why the man called her by her mother's name.
Shunsui smiled and lowered his hat to hide his own misty eyes.
The father and daughter pulled back but didn't separate as Jushiro cupped her face with one hand and brushed away the tears with his thumb. Sakura did the same thing for her father as they smiled at each other.
"I swear...I thought I was seeing your mother in front of me." Jushiro said with an incredulous yet happy smile.
Sakura laughed before she looked behind her father but saw only her Godfather standing with her family.
"Your mother's okay. She had just returned from a battle and is recovering at the Kuchiki manor." Jushiro assured his daughter who sighed in relief.
"Mom," They turned to the preteen who approached them with her father, sister and one Shunsui, "is this really him?"
Jushiro's eyes widened as he blinked multiple times, "'Mom?'" He glanced at the other two then to Sakura, "Is this your family?"
Sakura blushed and smiled sheepishly before she peeled herself away from her father and stood with her family. "Daddy, I'd like you to meet my husband, Uchiha Sasuke." She gestured to the man still holding their youngest.
The earlier rage Sasuke felt vanished completely as he dispelled his Sharingan and turned it back into onyx. "It is good to finally meet you, sir."
Jushiro smiled as he turned to his new son-in-law, "You and I have much acquainting to do." 'And a lot of apologizing.'
Sakura wrapped an arm around her eldest daughter's shoulder, "These are our daughters, Sarada," Sarada pushed up her glasses as she assessed the man while Sakura laid a gentle hand on her youngest, "and Shirahime." Shirahime smiled as she waved at the man.
Jushiro felt a wide range of emotions, shock, surprise and instant overwhelming love. "Sara and Shira... granddaughters." A laugh escaped him as a wide smile stretched across his, "I'm a grandfather. Shunsui, I'm a grandfather!" His laughter echoed across the field as more tears streamed down his face.
"Congratulations buddy." Shunsui gave his friend a lazy grin before he turned to Sakura, "Do I get a hug?"
Sakura laughed as she walked towards her Godfather and embraced him, "It is good to see you again Uncle."
"'Uncle?' Wait, didn't you say this guy was your Godfather?" Sasuke mused as he remembered a certain key detail about the man he almost killed.
"Why? He smells like sake." Sarada deadpanned when she caught the scent coming off of him.
Sakura laughed as she separated from her father's best friend. "Don't let the alcohol fool you, he is just as powerful as my father."
Shunsui grinned, "Now that is the highest compliment a beautiful woman can give me."
Sakura giggled as she glanced between her father and family, "So, how exactly did you meet my husband and daughters?"
Jushiro was silent as he scratched the back of his head and blushed in embarrassment, "Um, well, you see..."
At the Uchiha residence within the living room, Ukitake Jushiro bowed before his daughter and her husband, his hands in front of him and forehead touching the floor.
"Please forgive me, in my haste to reunite with my daughter, I nearly stole my granddaughter from her parents. I am so sorry Sakura and Sasuke." Jushiro apologized profusely after explaining how he came upon his grandchild.
Sakura kept her face straight as she fought to keep her laughter inside. Honestly, this has got to be the funniest thing she's ever heard. "Well, in your defense, time passed differently between the worlds, it was only natural for you to make that mistake." Sakura said, not finding any reason to get angry with her father for nearly kidnapping his grandchild by accident. This will be a good story to retell in the future.
Sasuke crossed his arms and gave him a calm stare. He can't blame the man for this kind of blunder. Being away from his child for that long can make any father desperate. "I'm just glad Shira wasn't hurt. And you did treat her to lunch, so it wasn't all bad."
Jushiro righted himself but still remained on his knees. He glanced outside and saw Shira climbing the jungle gym under the watchful eye of her sister and Shunsui. "She looks so much like and acts the way you used to. I was so sure that she was my little girl." He faced his daughter and son-in-law again, "She's so quiet, just as you were when you were her age."
Sakura looked sad as she glanced at her daughter outside, "She used to be so talkative, but five months ago, she stopped talking."
Jushiro's eyes widened in concern, "You mean to say she's been mute for that long?"
Sasuke sighed as he too stared at his youngest, "She wouldn't tell us what happened, but her teacher told us about how some kids made fun of the way she speaks and..." He looked down with a regretful expression, "...and that she's not a real Uchiha. They've made belittling comments about her lack of our clan's bloodline ability. Others even believe she's not mine, but she is."
Sakura laid a hand on his, making him look up at her compassionate and understanding gaze, letting him know that this wasn't his fault.
Jushiro watched their silent interaction, his heart throbbed painfully at how close they are, and the realization that he wasn't there to give her away at her wedding.
Sakura turned to her father, "We've been patient with her. Even though she doesn't speak, she is still expressive with her emotions. We even taught her sign language to communicate with her hands instead of her voice. It's as far as we can get her to talk with us until she's ready."
Jushiro smiled softly, "Well, as long as she knows she's loved by her family, I believe she will be fine. She's stronger than she looks, her spirit energy is quite remarkable." He said as he glanced outside again and watched Shunsui talk with his granddaughters, telling them wild stories of their academy days.
Sakura laughed lightly, "Yes, we noticed how it has increased lately. It's higher than Sarada's was at that age. I believe that she will use Kido spells one day before she enters the Ninja Academy." She sighed quietly and looked at the ground conflicted, "But her energy can be volatile if she's placed in a stressful and dangerous situation. She's only four, and yet she feels everything around her. I'm trying to teach her how to control it from my own experience with my energy, but that was mostly trial and error on my part. I don't want to seal off her power or stifle the potential she carries. I believe she can be a powerful Shinobi with or without the Sharingan."
Jushiro stared at his daughter for a long time. He had always hoped to reunite with her again, pick up where they left off and be a family again. But seeing her now with her own family, he felt it would be cruel of him to uproot his daughter and take her back to the Soul Society. He can't separate a mother from her children. He's also aware that relationships between Soul Reapers and humans were supposed to be limited to prevent a progeny from ever coming forth. His granddaughters carry immense spiritual energy, Shirahime especially. Unless she receives proper training, she will endanger everyone around her. Only one other person had that kind of Spirit Energy building up.
"I believe I know a certain someone who can help her." Jushiro said as an idea came to him.
Sasuke asked as he stared at his father-in-law, "Who is it?"
Jushiro smiled, "Sakura's mother, Sakuya."
Sakura's eyes lit up at the mention of her mother, "Would it really be alright? You said she's still recovering. As much as I want to see her again, I can't leave my family."
Jushiro nodded, "I understand. Sakuya will be thrilled to learn she has grandchildren. Once I return to the Soul Society, I'll talk with her about creating a residency here for her research. She's been wanting to come to this world and learn about its society and culture firsthand. This will be an alternative to help her see you and your daughters." His smile widened, "You know how she is when she finds something new."
Sakura laughed softly as she fondly remembers her mother and her tendency to delve into discovery. Though she was only thirty when she last saw her, an equivalent to a five-year-old, her memory of her mother is clear and vibrant.
"What exactly does your mother do?" Sasuke asked, curious about his new mother-in-law as they talked about her.
Jushiro answered with a look of pride, "She's what most would refer to as an archeologist at the Department of Research and Development. She likes researching the past and its origins. She is also a well renowned healer out in the field."
Sasuke smiled as he glanced at his wife, "Sounds like someone I know."
Sakura blushed at the praise, a shared trait between mother and daughter, their ability to heal.
The sliding doors opened and a tired Shunsui followed after two little girls. "Man, this girl has more energy than I could have anticipated. I actually threw my back out." Shunsui groaned as he rotated his shoulder.
Jushiro chuckled as little Shira laid her head onto his lap, "I guess we finally found a woman who can wear you out."
"Or maybe it's his age." Sarada tacked on as she sat beside her father.
Shusui laid a hand over his heart in mock hurt, "Everyone is so mean to me." He playfully whined before he plopped down beside his best friend.
Sakura laughed under her breath at her Godfather's antics, he hasn't changed in years.
"So, what's the game plan so far?" Shunsui leaned back on his hands, "I don't suppose our bosses will be pleased when we come back empty handed."
Jushiro ran his fingers through his granddaughter's hair as she nuzzled his lap. "Well, this is a family matter, this should be discussed among us. Once we bring Sakuya here, we'll work out the finer details together."
"But there's more to it than that." Sasuke chimed in, his face stoic as he regarded his father-in-law, "This is also an interdimensional issue. From what Sakura told me before, shinigami and humans are two separate species and contact between the two is normally limited due to the possibility of procreation." Sasuke stated, remembering his wife telling him about the world she came from and how couplings between their species is discouraged out of fear of what kind of child comes forth.
"Under normal circumstances, it is highly discouraged. However, this world has a spiritual energy that is similar to the Soul Society. Your chakra as you call it, is more concentrated and the humans here are able to harness unlike the ones in World of the Living." Jushiro explained then held his chin with a thoughtful expression, "The Shinobi who passed onto the Soul Society were naturally able to harness their spirit energy from their days while they were alive. Even before they entered the academy, they could fight off Hollows singlehandedly."
Shunsui decided to chime in as he glanced at Sakura, "Your mother had theories about this world, one of them being the possibility of a powerful shinigami taking residence here and allowing their spirit energy to accumulate and grow for thousands of years."
"So in other words, the Shinobi World is like a second Soul Society, or at least a byproduct." Sarada mused thoughtfully.
Jushiro nodded at his eldest grandchild, "That's one way of looking at it. But we won't know unless we do more research into this."
"Which is why Sakuya won't want to miss out on learning about this world." Shunsui stated with an easy smile, "Since Sakura can't come back to the Soul Society due to her obligations here, the Soul Society will come visit her instead. A simple and easy solution to stay out of politics."
"Most of them at least." Sakura added, her smile held stress as she thought about that one matter she left behind in her homeland.
Jushiro knew what her concern is about but didn't bring it up since it will only add more unnecessary stress upon his daughter.
"So, um, when can we meet our grandmother?" Sarada asked as she glanced at her little sister who seemed to have dozed off into Jushiro's lap.
Jushiro smiled gently at Sarada, "Hopefully sometime before next month. With all the paperwork and bureaucracy, it will take some time before she is granted a residency here. It took me awhile to get here after the gate was set up." He said with a sigh as he remembered the grueling paperwork he had to go through with Shunsui to come find his daughter.
Sasuke nodded, "We'll also need to take this up with the Hokage. I'm sure he probably noticed the two odd chakra signatures in the village."
Sakura agreed, "This will add more to his work, but I know he'll understand."
Sarada quickly explained to the shinigami, "Mom, Dad and the Hokage grew up together and became a three-man squad when they graduated."
"Oh, that should help speed things along on this end." Shunsui stated in his usual lazy tone.
The family continued their lengthy discussion until late afternoon when it came for the two Captains to leave. However...
Jushiro laughed at the situation he found himself in as he stood in the backyard of the Uchiha house.
Shunsui chuckled under his breath.
Sakura had an amused smile.
Sasuke stared with a frown.
Sarada face palmed.
Shirahime had a look of intense concentration and determination as she sat on the ground and wrapped her arms and legs around her grandfather's leg.
Jushiro laughed, "I fear I've been taken hostage." He couldn't move an inch with the weight around his right leg.
Sakura sighed as she bends at the waist and spoke gently to her daughter, "Shira-chan, please let go of your grandfather's leg."
Shirahime shook her head 'no' as she tightens her hold around the man's leg.
Shunsui laughed out loud, "She likes you."
"You two used to do that to me." Sasuke commented to his daughter who blushed, "Don't remind me."
Jushiro sighed and smiled down at the young child latching onto him and began to pat her head, "Shira-chan, if I don't leave, I won't be able to tell your grandmother all about you." Shira looked up; her chin planted on his hakama. "She's a very nice lady who misses your mother very dearly. It will make her so happy if she learns she has two adorable grandchildren waiting for her down here. But in order to do that, you'll have to let me go for now."
Shira's face became conflicted, she wants her grandfather to stay, she feels calm and happy with his chakra. But she doesn't want her grandmother to feel sad and lonely, and her mother wants to see her just as much.
Slowly, she released her grandfather, but didn't stop pouting.
Jushiro breathed out a small laugh as he knelt down and stood her back on her feet. "This is not goodbye, I will come back. I promise." He assured her as he held her hands in his. He smiled tenderly at the small child, "I hope the next time we meet; I get to hear that beautiful voice of yours."
Shira blushed, he has never heard her speak, yet he believes she has a lovely voice. She gave her grandfather one final hug which he returned with as much strength.
Shira pulled her head back and turned to her older sister and beckoned her forward.
Sarada knew what Shirahime's asking her to do, and felt herself blush. Grandfather or not, she still felt like a stranger to the gentle yet handsome man.
Sasuke laid a hand on her shoulder, "Come on, give your grandfather a hug."
Sarada sighed as he trudged forward as Jushiro rose to his full height with Shira in his arms and opened his other arm out to her. Sarada came closer and hugged the man until she was in her grandfather's embrace. That awkwardness she felt before faded as she immersed herself into the hug. It was nice and reassuring, letting her know that she's safe.
Jushiro smiled as his eldest granddaughter held him tighter before she released him and took a step back. She smiled up at the man with a slight blush, "We'll see you soon."
The man laughed softly as he cupped her cheek with one hand while holding Shira with his other, "You have your mother's smile."
Sarada's smile widened at that compliment before it faded slightly, "Um, listen, about what happened earlier, I'm sorry for pulling a kunai on you. Glad I didn't kill you."
Jushiro wasn't the least bit bothered by that. "It's quite alright, it was all a misunderstanding. It brings me joy knowing what a kind and protective older sister you are. Your parents have raised you well. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you." Sarada laughed a little, happy she got that off her chest and how the whole thing didn't escalate into a fight.
Sarada took her sister from her grandfather and held her close to her front then stepped back to allow her father a moment with the man.
Sasuke held a hand to his father-in-law before the grasped each other's hand in a familial shake.
"Thank you for watching over my daughter." Jushiro said, a look of gratitude in his eyes.
Sasuke smiled softly, "Actually, she's the one who watches over us."
Jushiro laughed, no denying that. His smile held compassion as he whispered to his son-in-law, "Your brother is Itachi, correct?"
Sasuke's eyes widened before he nodded.
"He's 4th Seat in my Squad. He talks about you, says how proud he is of you. Your parents too." Jushiro added, remembering his talks with his squad member and how the young man held fondness in his eyes whenever he speaks of his younger brother.
"My parents...then...my Clan they're-" Sasuke could not finish that sentence.
Jushiro held his shoulder and squeezed it to bring him comfort the way a father does for their child. "The Uchiha Clan are all there within the Seireitei. They are an elite and well-respected family who have devoted their existence to protecting these worlds."
Sasuke's eyes shimmered with unshed tears at the thought of his whole family. They were all together in the world his wife was born.
"Would you like me to pass along a message?" Jushiro asked, knowing the separation from family can be painful.
Sasuke was silent before he swallowed his saliva. "Tell them...I'm doing okay, that I have a family now. They would be happy to know she has grandchildren. Mom especially...she never got to have a daughter before."
Sarada and Shira watched their father quietly express his emotions. It's rare for the girls to see the man talk about his family. Initially, they thought he was ashamed after what happened all those years ago. But now, they see how much he misses them.
Jushiro nodded, "I will tell them that."
Sasuke stepped away from his father-in-law, grateful to him for giving him a hand in communicating with his clan.
Sakura turned to his daughter. "Daddy, before you go back, I wanna give you something." She said before she went back inside the house and pulled something off the bookshelf in the living room. She came back out and presented it to her father, "Here."
Jushiro took what he initially thought was a thick book, until he opened it up and was met with the adorable sight of his two grandchildren when they were younger. He flipped through a couple of pages, most of them consisting of the small family who were happy together.
Sakura smiled at her father's reaction, "I don't know when I'll see mom again, or if it is possible for Sasuke's parents and older brother to come see us, but I hope this will help both our families see who is waiting for them."
Jushiro gently closed the book, "Thank you Sakura."
Sakura embraced her father with all her might and buried her face in his chest. She wants to savor this moment for as long as possible. "I hope you won't take too long, Shirahime's birthday is a month away." She pulled away as she smiled up at her father.
Jushiro's eyes widened, "I better start finding a present then."
Sakura giggled; she knew Jushiro will most likely go overboard with trying to find a gift for his grandchild. She has no doubt in her mind how spoiled her daughters are about to be.
Her smile faded slightly, "When you see Mom, can you tell her I love her, and that I look forward to seeing her again."
"I will." Jushiro responded, already knowing what he will tell his wife once he returns to the Seireitei.
Jushiro turned away and stood beside Shunsui before he unsheathed his sword and literally stabbed the space in front of them. "Now, unlock." Jushiro commanded as shogi doors appeared from where his blade pierced before they opened to reveal a white space as two Hell Butterflies flew fluttered out and hovered beside the shinigami.
The Uchiha family watched in awe as the two shinigami stepped through until they were inside. Jushiro glanced behind him and waved, "I'll see you all very soon." He said as the doors slid shut and disappeared.