A small family hastily made their way through the marketplace in the Uchiha Estate, just at the base of the newly built palace. The small was Sakura Haruno, a pinkette with a huge curiosity but a reserved demeanor. She looked around to see many dark haired people, some with face painting in specific designs or others with deep scars visible. Her mother constantly pulling her along as she began to fall behind, curious at the new environment around them. They suddenly abandoned their home without her parents giving a reason and now they were running to a demon palace from what she was told. She still wasn't even sure what a demon was or why they were considered dangerous.

They stopped at the front gate where Kizashi, her father, stood talking with a couple of men clad in armor with red eyes and three tomoe around the pupil. She looked back to her mother, Mebuki, afraid of the men. She held close to Mebuki, peeking around to look at the palace. The gates were silver and the two columns on the side were white with the Uchiha symbol etched on the top going all the way around consistently to match the giant white and red symbol in the middle of the gate. The cylinder blocks were built high and the same color as the bars of the gate. The palace on the outside was made of stone and had a beautiful marble colored mixture, the windows were open and made with beautiful colored glass. Through the palace there were many balconies to be seen. The eight year old stared in awe; it was like a dream. Before she knew it the gates were opened by the two dark haired men and the three Haruno walked along the beautiful white stone pathway. She looked around at the tall trees that offered a heap of shade all over the front of the palace. The sunset made it look even more delightful.

They walked over a lovely bridge that had pure white rails that looked as if they grew up from the ground and curved, giving off a vine look. Once they crossed the bridge Sakura looked back at the small river that flowed underneath it. She let out a whimper, wanting to go back and explore. As they climbed the stairs, Sakura noticed how elegant the two men's clothing were. It made the tattered and tore clothing her family wore seem out of place. Her mother's tan dress was ripped up badly, it came to her mid thigh and it was unnoticeable that it originally came down to her ankles. Her father's white pants were stained with dirt and his sleeves were torn completely off. Sakura herself had a short tan dress with stains on the bottom and worn out sandals. Her parents were fighters so having messy clothes was something they were accustom too but being here made them seem like they were homeless.

They walked through the giant wooden door and opened inward. It was already pulled all the way back to allow guests in. She noticed her mother perk up a bit and looked around her to see why. There stood a man with dark hair and eyes, wearing a fine white shirt and trousers with a dark long coat over it and boots. He had a very serious look on his face as they got closer. Next to him was a woman with long dark hair and eyes to match, wearing a beautiful dark blue gown that flared just below the waist with a sash tied around her waist standing below a long and wide staircase. They walked over to them and stopped, the two men standing next to the Haruno bowed to them.

"Lord Fugaku, thank you for taking our request." Kizashi bowed slightly before looking back up to the man.

"It is the least we can do. You two are some of our finest in the Kingdom," he replied.

"Mebuki, are you sure you do not want her to stay with someone back home?" The woman walked up to them and grabbing Mebuki's hands, holding them.

"We came here to help with your forces. You promised to take in family of those who join your elite so please take care of her," Mebuki said looking down with sad eyes.

Sakura looked between her mother and the lady. She began to panic inside, remembering what some of the other children had gone through. Their parents were called to the army of the region they lived in and had to move. Sakura was told they needed to move as well, but she began to get a bad feeling. It sounded like both of her parents were going to battle and leave her behind. They were great warriors and she was proud to have strong parents, but now she was scared that they may not come back for her if she was left here because of their reputation.

"To serve in the palace is a great honor only for prestigious families. You may be a smaller family, but I do hold your abilities to a high standard Kizashi. I hope you understand what we are doing for you." Fugaku crossed his arms with his head held high.

"We understand greatly, your lordship."

"Mama." Sakura tugged on her mothers arm and held tightly to her. "Why do you have to go?"

"Sweetie, we have some important tasks only your father and I can do. We will be back to get you one day, so you can stay here and live a comfortable life." Mebuki knelt down and kissed her forehead.

"Sakura, would you like to explore the palace?" Mikoto leaned down with her hands on her knees, giving her a friendly smile. Sakura nodded slowly. "Alright then. Sasuke, could you come here a moment?" she called as she stood up.

"Do I have to?" A voice answered from atop the stairs.

"Yes, now get down here!" she shouted.

A young boy about her age came down the stairs, dressed in a short sleeved blue shirt and dark pants. His bangs were short in front and got longer towards the sides, much like Mikoto, and the rest of his hair was combed awkwardly back. He looked like Mikoto to some degree. He put his hands in his pockets as he stopped next to the woman, looking at the Haruno family. He seemed uninterested and glanced up at the railings. Sakura could see someone hiding around the corner but could not figure out what they were doing.

"This is Sakura. She is going to be staying with us. Would you show her around the palace?" she asked with a smile.

"Yes, mother." He did not sound very enthusiastic at the request.

"Sakura," Mikoto called. She let go of her mother and stood with her hands in front of herself, looking up at the Uchiha. "This is my son, Sasuke. He will show you around."

"Stop it," he said trying to swat his mothers hand from his head. Sakura giggled at the interaction.

"Sakura, remember we love you," Mebuki said bending down to hug her, kissing her forehead.

"I love you my dear girl. You give them a little bit of hell." He whispered to her with a grin as he repeated his wifes action.

Sakura nodded as her parents turned their attention to Fugaku was once. Sasuke began to lead her up the stairs; as she walked up the staircase, Sakura looked back at her parents. Lord Fugaku began to walk out of the palace with the two soliders behind him, followed by her parents. Kizashi looked back and gave her quick smile and wave goodbye. She waved back before they were fully out of sight. After they reached the top of the stairs, Sasuke stopped and turned to her.

"Where are you from?" She did not reply, only avoiding eye contact while folding her arms in front of herself. "You shouldn't be so down. You're going to like it here," he said tilting his head to try to look at her face.

"I don't want to be here without them." She clenched her jaw to prevent herself from crying.

"Hey, what interests you?" he asked trying to change the subject.

"Uh, well..." she said unsure.

"Do you like cooking? Swimming?" She shook her head while avoiding eye contact. "What about drawing... or reading?" He noticed her perk up at the last suggestion. "You want to see the library? No one really uses it much,"

"Y-yes," she said, nodding with interest.

Sasuke showed her the way down long hallways and towards the back of the palace. They passed the windows that she couldn't help but stop and look out, getting a great view of the town. She had never been in a place with such big windows before. Then again, she had never really been anywhere other than her home. She was usually inside these days reading and helping her mother because every other kid picked on her. It was strange being in such a nice place with nice people and not being teased. As they walked along, Sasuke would give a brief description of things as they passed. He was nice enough to make sure she understood what was going on and answered her unspoken questions. They finally stopped at a giant door that had two slender demonic looking dragons carved into the sides, moving up and meeting near the top. He pushed both doors open much to her surprise, considering he was as small as she was and led her in. She was still a bit reluctant but followed him regardless.

The walls themselves were bookshelves and filled the entire room. It was bigger than the entrance into the palace and was almost twice as tall. She ran ahead of him and began to look through the selections. Most children her age would choose interesting fairytales or something like that but she was fascinated by the books that were of history or geography. She grabbed a couple and made her way to a table in the room to sit down and flip through the pages of the first book she grabbed. Sasuke grabbed a book from the shelf and sat back with his legs on the table as he read.

Sakura tried to concentrate but after a few pages, got bored and put it down. It was stuff she already knew or read before so she grabbed another only to repeat the same thing. She stopped and sat there, picking at her fingernails from nervousness. She lost interest with her thoughts being overwhelmed. It was making it hard to keep her concentration even on her favorite hobby. Ever since her mother taught her to read, she loved books and was always fascinated with information she could learn. But now she had no motivation to read, all she wanted was to go back to her parents. She looked over to see Sasuke, wanting to ask questions.

"Sasuke! I can't believe you left me with that idiot!" A sudden shout from the door made them both jump a bit.

"Ugh," Sasuke groaned.

"If he gets me in trouble I am putting all the blame on you," a short haired blonde girl said grabbing his chair and pulling back so she could look down on him. She wore a short sleeved orange shirt and dark blue capri pants. Part of her hair was pulled back with a cute purple flower clip.

"Ino, I don't have time for your yammering." He adjusted the chair from her grip. "Besides my mother is the one who summoned me so I had to leave."

"That is no excuse," she said with her hands on her hips. She looked over to Sakura, taking notice that she was there for the first time. "Who are you?"

"Sakura," she answered timidly, her hands in front of her.

"Hm, pink hair. Interesting." She smiled and walked over to her. "You look like a sheep dog." Ino giggled as she moved her hair from her face.

"You sure do have a way with making people feel at home," Sasuke said sarcastically.

"Wow you have such a wide forehead!" Ino exclaimed with laughter.

Sakura swatted her hand away, jolting out of the library. She hated being teased, it seemed like it would never stop. As she turned the corner she ran into someone, almost falling over. Fortunately for her the person had caught her before she hit the ground. Sakura looked up to see a man with long dark and messy black hair with dark eyes. He was frightening and she froze from fear. Someone came from around him, laughing as he looked down at her. He had long brown hair, dark eyes and tan skin. She took notice of their formal attire before he held out his hand to help her up. She reluctantly took it. The brown haired one had a reddish brown formal vest with dark pants with a white cloak and sandals. He was simple and plain, which seemed to match his carefree attitude. This man didn't look like one to enjoy formality. The dark haired one had a dark long sleeved top with matching trousers, and dark reddish armor. He looked more like an evil warlord. Though both of them were tall, and intimating.

"Are you alright little one? Sorry if my friend scared you, his face can do that." He grinned while speaking, making her giggle from his comment.

"Shut up, Hashirama!" The dark haired one crossed his arms and looked offended at the comment.

"You shouldn't be afraid of him, he looks scary but he was just born that way," Hashirama smiled, leaning down and putting a hand to the side of his face and whispering. "Imagine a baby, making a pouting face."

"I heard that!" He shouted with shock as Hashirama laughed. Sakura covered him mouth to try to hide her laughter.

"Sakura! Oh... My Lords," Sasuke said as he turned the corner, bowing as quickly as he could. As soon as Ino caught up she immediately copied his action. Sakura felt like she was in an awkward situation, not sure if she should repeat the action as well.

"We have many things to do, so we will be off. Keep out of trouble. And be a little more careful." Sakura nodded at Hashirama's comment and took the chance at their departure to bow just in case.

"I am sorry for running into you," she said quickly to the other man in her bow.

"It seemed a simple accident. Be careful where you are going next time."

With that the two men continue down the hall. After they were out of sight, Sasuke sighed and turned to Ino with an angry expression. Ino seemed extremely uncomfortable and as if she was in big trouble. Sakura was unsure what to do, as the other two began to whisper to each other. Although Sasuke's whisper seemed more of a quieted shout. After a few moments he pushed Ino towards Sakura and crossed his arms. Ino sighed and looked at Sakura.

"Apologize!" Sasuke demanded.

"Sorry for being insulting. I was not trying to sound that way." Ino looekd back. "There, happy?" She groaned at Sasuke.

"I-it's okay," Sakura replied. Ino titled her head trying to get a good view of her face.

"Your hair is driving me insane though, you need to get it out of your face so we can see you better."

"Ino." Sasuke shook his head in disapproval.

"I am not being mean I swear, she just needs a headband or something. I have some hair accessories I can give you. If you want you can come to my room and I can do your hair up for you." Ino gave a big smile at her own idea. Ino did seem pretty nice enough, just very blunt. Sakura liked her outgoing personality a bit, she was very different from people back home. Sakura nodded in agreement, hoping maybe she could make a real friend.

"Ino, you have chores to finish."

"Ugh you sound like your parents."

"You seem to forget my position often." Sasuke crossed his arms with a stern look even for a child their age. Sakura giggled, seeing Ino blush heavily.

"Sorry Your highness," she mumbled. "I'll get my chores done." She stuck her tongue out before quickly running away.

Sasuke then gestured for Sakura to follow him. She kept up as much as possible behind him, questioning the interaction. Then she remembered how her parents addressed the two at the front and realized that if they were a Lord and Lady then Sasuke was of such importance as well. It made her feel a bit small suddenly, though she kept wondering why the two seemed so casual until he used his position, as he said, to get her to go away. After some time they made their way back to the front and the lady Mikoto was already approaching them. She looked lost in thought until she saw the two and then put on a quick smile. They stopped when she was close and Sakura felt the need to bow, so she did so quickly but unsure if she did it right.

"Sakura, would you like to see your new room?" she asked, kneeling down to look at her.

"My... room?"

"I am sure you know by now," Mikoto said with a sad look on her face. "You are the only one who can stay here. Your mother and father have already left."

Sakura looked away and nodded. She knew that as soon as they left the front door. Mikoto took Sakura's hand and began to lead her down the the halls. Sakura started to panic inside. She wanted to go back with her mother and father so badly, this was all happening so fast that it made it hard to believe. Even knowing they left her she looked back at the doors hoping to see them come through to see her again. For a minute, she contemplated running back to the entrance and trying to follow them. Unfortunately, she was taught to do as adults say and told this was what had to happen. If she had to live in the palace then she wouldn't want to give a bad impression. Especially since Mikoto was being so nice to her.

They arrived down a hallways with many doors. Mikoto led her to one with silver vines and flowers carved up the sides, opening it and letting Sakura go in. The floor had gray tile with cream colored walls. There was a small bed in the corner with a small window over it and a desk with a white chair across from it. There were shelves built into the side of the desk as well. Next to the bed was a nightstand with a lantern on it, candle already inside. The bed had white pillows, red sheets, and a blanket that had pink flowers on it. Next to the door was a dresser with a huge mirror. Sakura walked in slowly, taking it all in.

"I fixed it up before you arrived. Your mother didn't really mention much about you so I do hope you like it," Mikoto said walking in and looking around. "The desk was brought in especially for you. I heard how much you love reading. This dresser and mirror belonged to a friend of mine but she had no use for it." She place a hand on it and looked to Sakura.

"It's... nice." she replied, unsure what else to say.

"Oh and if you ever want to paint and customize you room, feel free. Just let me know."

"Thank you. Why do I get all this if I am going to be a servant?" Sakura asked confused. Mikoto suddenly had a smile and look of pride.

"Uchiha make sure everything they have is proper. How are things to be proper here if we do not take care of those who do what we have no time for?" she replied. "Most of us have our own jobs and the men mostly attend to battlefronts, as well as our King. You all are going to help take care of other things so that we do not have to worry and in return you get a bit of the luxury we own."

Sakura thought about it, not fully understanding why things wouldn't be proper. She was also a smart girl and knew that adults lived hard lives, her parents definitely did. She knew from watching her parents, who worked so hard but got so little but made due with what they had and made sure she was happy. If they had been taken care of then her mother probably wouldn't have cried in the middle of the night and her father would never have come home as furious as he was half the time. That was probably what Mikoto meant. Things are bound to be better if you are happier. She didn't really know what kind of skills she had that could be useful but she promised herself to try to earn what she has for her parents' sake.

"Thank you, Lady Mikoto," Sakura bowed.

"I will let you have your time, it must have been a stressful journey. When I return you will be getting a bath and new clothes," Mikoto said before turning to the door. "Welcome to your new home."

Author's Note: Okay so the prologue is just to set up how she got there and what happened on her first day since I will probably reference a bit of it later. Starting next chapter we are fast forwarding. Hope you enjoyed the beginning though!