If you can spare some time please leave a review, its very helpful on letting me know how I'm doing!
"There you are." A female voice chimed out. "I've been waiting for you Sakura-chan." Sakura opened her eyes and was met with a figure of a woman in white. The woman had long silver hair and piercing white eyes. Her face was stoic, but what stood out the most was the third eyeball situated in the middle of her forehead.
"I've heard a great deal about you. Traveling into the past, tempting fate, trying to save my children." The woman with the third eye mused, her expression unreadable.
"You-You're the rabbit goddess," Sakura croaked out, still unable to move her body. The woman was silent for a few seconds.
"Hm. You are correct, child. I'm here to ask for a favor." She paused again, her piercing gaze never leaving Sakura. "You see, I've been watching you, and I'm impressed. You have the heart of a true shinobi and my children have always needed some guidance." Kaguya snapped her fingers allowing Sakura to move away.
"Your children?" Sakura asked. "You mean the Uchiha?" The woman nodded.
"They have suffered greatly since Indra fell into darkness. However, I think you might be able to stop the cycle. " Kaguya spoke with a sad tone. "I will give you a gift, a mark. With this mark, you will be able to see the threads of fate that bind the Uchiha to their destiny. You will be able to guide them, to show them the path to redemption." She held out her hand, revealing a small black mark in the center of her palm.
Sakura hesitantly reached out and took the mark. It felt warm and alive, like a living thing. As she touched it, the world around her seemed to shift and the woman faded out with a smile. Sakura closed her eyes, only opening them when she felt solid ground beneath her. She was back in Madara's office.
She looked down at her hand, studying the mark. It was small and delicate, almost like a tattoo. But it pulsed with energy, as if it were connected to something larger than herself. Taking a deep breath, she focused on the mark, trying to understand its significance.
As she concentrated, the world around her seemed to shift. Images flashed through her mind, of the Uchiha Clan's history, of their triumphs and tragedies. She saw the faces of the great shinobi who had come before her and felt a strange connection to them. It was as if they were speaking to her, guiding her, showing her the way, begging for her to stop the darkness.
Footsteps sounded outside the door, snapping Sakura back to reality. She held her breath as they slowly disappeared and knew she had outstayed her welcome. She slipped out of the office and headed back to her room.
As she lay in bed, the events of the day swirled through her mind. Did Zetsu know about Kaguya's plans? She wasn't sure, but for now it was time to get some sleep.
As the morning light streamed through the window, Sakura awoke with a start. She glanced around, her heart racing. Something felt off, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. She sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the lingering unease.
She glanced at her hand to see the mark still there, sighing at the realization that last night wasn't a dream. She threw the blankets off and swung her legs over the side of the bed. It was time to face the day, and whatever surprises it had in store for her.
Standing up, she stretched and yawned, quickly slipping on some different clothes. She paused for a moment in front of the mirror, studying her reflection. Could she really do this? Guide the Uchiha back to the path of honor? The feeling of unease never left, and she felt a pulling on her hand, as if the mark was trying to lead her somewhere.
Making her way through the hallways, she noticed that the mood was tense. People were whispering and glancing around nervously. Something was definitely wrong. As she approached the main hallway, she could hear the faint sound of voices arguing. Her heart skipped a beat as she steeled herself for what she was about to face.
Madara, Izuna, and their second in command stood in a circle. Madara's face was grim as Izuna glared. The air was tense, charged with the power of the two Uchiha. The others in the room shifted uncomfortably, knowing that violence was imminent. Sakura's heart raced as she watched them. The mark on her hand pulsed and she stepped out, catching the attention of the 3 men.
Tatsuki gave her a scowl as she stepped forward. "What are you doing here, girl?" he spat. "This is no place for a woman." Sakura tensed.
"Is everything alright?" She asked, ignoring Tatsuki causing him to bristle. "I could help, if you need it." Madara's eyes narrowed at her.
"Izuna, escort Lady Sakura to the infirmary." Madara said. "I will deal with this matter." Izuna glared at Tatsuki but nodded and motioned for Sakura to follow him. As they walked away, Madara's eyes followed them until they were out of sight.
Sakura could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on her. She knew that something big was about to happen, and she wanted to be prepared for it. It was clear that neither Madara nor Izuna were about to offer any information willingly, so she had to find another way. Sakura felt guilty for her plan, but she knew it was for the greater good.
Sakura followed Izuna into the infirmary where Eijiro and his assistants were frantically running around. The place was a mess, with bandages, herbs, and medical instruments scattered everywhere. Eijiro glanced up as they entered and nodded respectfully at Sakura.
"Lady Sakura, thank you for coming. We could really use your help with our new arrivals." Eijiro said, gesturing to the beds lining the infirmary walls. Izuna stood beside her, watching her carefully. The room was filled with injured shinobi, a typical sign that a patrol was ambushed. Was this what Izuna and Madara were arguing about?
Sakura nodded, taking a deep breath. "Of course. How can I help?"
"I need you to work on our most critical cases first." Eijiro replied giving her a knowing look and Sakura knew Madara must have told him she was a medic-nin. Sakura nodded and turned to one of the closest beds, an injured genin barely holding on. Izuna followed her, still watching her carefully.
She knelt down next to the boy, her hands moving with practiced ease as she checked his vitals. Sakura held her hand above him, and a soft green light spread across his wound. He let out a relieved groan, and she smiled down at him reassuringly. "You're doing well, just hold on a little longer. I'll make sure you heal properly," she whispered.
She searched his body for any internal injuries, using her chakra to aid her in her search. Izuna hovered nearby, watching her intently. Once she was certain the boy was stable, she moved on to the next bed, working her way through the infirmary. As she tended to the wounded, she took the opportunity to ask them about the ambush, listening carefully to their stories and comparing them to one another.
One of the patients, a veteran shinobi with a missing eye, took pity on her. "You know, it's funny," he said, leaning in close. "There was this one guy with green hair and yellow eyes. He seemed to be in charge. And his skin was black as moonless night sky. I've never seen anyone like him before."
Sakura's heart skipped a beat. She glanced at Izuna, who was watching her intently. He didn't seem to have heard the man's description and she took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure. "You're certain?"
The veteran nodded. "Yes, I'm positive. He was unlike anyone I've ever seen. And the way he fought... It was almost as if he was toying with us." Sakura had no doubt it was Zetsu, but what benefit would he gain by attacking an Uchiha patrol?
She glanced at Izuna again, who was now helping Eijiro tend to another patient. He seemed to be deep in conversation with the jounin, his voice low and serious. Perhaps she should ask him about this later. For now, she continued to work her way through the infirmary, gathering as much information as she could.
Halfway through the day, Izuna left. Eijiro was visibly tired, but he insisted on staying to oversee the infirmary. The newest patient, a genin girl, was brought in with multiple fractures. She kept mumbling about how she had tried to warn the others, but they didn't listen. Sakura frowned, wondering what she meant.
"Eijiro-sama, please grab a bite to eat and rest a little. I can handle the infirmary from here," Sakura assured him. The elder nodded, his eyes weary, and left to find some food. With Eijiro gone, Sakura knelt beside the genin. "My name is Sakura. What's yours?" she asked softly.
The girl groaned in pain, her eyes unfocused. "Kiri...I need to warn someone..." she murmured. "I saw them... I saw him..." Her voice trailed off, and Sakura leaned in closer.
"Who did you see, Kiri? Who needs to be warned?" she asked gently. The girl's eyes fluttered open, and she stared at Sakura for a moment before speaking again.
"Everyone. I saw him, seen what he wants to do. He wants to destroy us. He wants to destroy the world. You believe me, right?" Kiri's words were urgent. Sakura nodded.
"I believe you, Kiri. I'm here to help you. Tell me what you saw. How do you know this?" Kiri's eyes closed, tears streaming down her face. She took a shaky breath and slowly opened her eyes.
"I'm not sure, it was as if something took over and I could feel the hate. We must warn Lord Madara immediately." Kiri exclaimed. Sakura softly shushed her.
"I will take care of it, please rest for now." Sakura assured Kiri, her voice gentle but firm. She didn't want to alarm the girl further. A thought raced through her mind, what if she just told Madara about her mission? Would he think she was crazy? Or worse, dismiss her warnings?
Sakura leaned back and took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She glanced around the infirmary, noticing how quiet it had become. Sakura found some parchment and ink before writing a pain relief remedy and left it on the front desk for Eijiro.
She made her way back to the main complex, asking a couple of servants if they had seen Madara before growing exasperated. It seemed he was nowhere to be found. She felt a presence behind her and spun around, recognizing the face that had only done so much as scowl at her for existing.
"What are you doing kunoichi?" Tatsuki snapped. Sakura narrowed his eyes at his tone, placing a hand on her hip. This wouldn't be the first person to talk down to her and it wouldn't be the last. She straightened her posture, meeting his gaze without flinching. "I was looking for Lord Madara. There's an urgent matter I need to discuss with him."
Tatsuki scoffed. "And what makes you think I'd help you find him?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest. His muscles bulged beneath his shirt, and he towered over her. Sakura narrowed her eyes, refusing to be intimidated.
"Because I'm an ally and I have information that could protect us all. Now, are you going to help me, or do I have to find him on my own?" she challenged. There was a moment of silence as they faced off, each waiting for the other to back down.
"Why are you here?" He asked searching her eyes. "You're just a woman from a no-name clan, what could you possibly have that would be of importance to the almighty Lord Madara?"
"Information about the recent attack on one of your patrol units. In case you have forgotten, sir, I am a medical ninja. I have done my duty to heal your kinsman as well as garner information for you without you upsetting my patients. Now I'm going to ask one more time. Are you going to help me find him or not?" Her voice was low, dangerous, and full of determination.
Tatsuki hesitated for a moment, his expression shifting from annoyance to resignation. He studied her face, searching for any hint of deception. Finally, he sighed and relented. "Fine. Follow me."
He led her through the winding corridors of the complex, his long strides making it difficult for Sakura to keep up. They stopped at a massive door, carved from a single piece of wood and guarded by two of Tatsuki's underlings. The men addressed his superior, nodding towards her. Tatsuki sighed and turned to Sakura, his eyes narrowing.
He knocked on the door. There was a moment of silence, and then a gruff voice from within bade them enter. Tatsuki opened the door and stepped inside, motioning for her to follow. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from open doors in the far corner. A massive four-poster bed dominated the center of the room, its crimson silk sheets billowing in the breeze from a window.
"What are you doing Tatsuki?" Madara's voice sounded.
Tatsuki bowed his head respectfully, his arms clasped behind his back. "Lord Madara, I have brought the kunoichi who claims to have information about the recent attack." He gestured toward Sakura, who remained at his side.
Madara was silent for a few seconds. "Tatsuki, leave us." Tatsuki stood up straight and hesitated.
"If I may stay my lord, this would be pertinent information for me as well." Tatsuki said, his tone respectful but firm.
"I will brief everyone later, leave us." Madara replied in a tone that brooked no argument. Tatsuki hesitated for a moment longer before finally bowing his head and stepping out of the room, closing the door behind him. The sound of their footsteps faded away, leaving Sakura and Madara alone.
Sakura took a deep breath, forcing herself to remain calm despite the intensity of the situation. She clasped her hands together and bowed deeply, her head lowered respectfully. "Madara-sama, I have spoken to some of the victims about the attack and there are a few things I think you should know."
She paused, gathering her thoughts, before continuing. "There were, of course, some conflicting stories, but I have sorted out the most reliable information. It seems that the attack was carried out by a group of about ten shinobi, all wearing masks. There were multiple accounts of a man with green hair and pitch-black skin who seemed to lead them."
Madara's eyes narrowed, and he leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued. "You know who he is."
Sakura said nothing as the mark on her hand burned. She closed her eyes, focusing on her palm, and when she opened them again, she continued. "He goes by the name Zetsu. He is formidable, but not best suited for the front line. His strength lies in espionage."
"May I ask how you know all of this?" Madara's voice was calm, almost gentle. Sakura took a deep breath, steeling herself before answering.
"I apologize but there are some things that I can't disclose right now." Sakura said, her voice steady despite the weight of her secrets. "What I can tell you is that this attack was not random." She paused, searching for the right words to convey the gravity of the situation.
"I apologize, Madara-sama, but I must be honest. I have my reasons for not revealing everything at once. I assure you that the information I have given you is accurate. The attack was not random, and the man who led them, Zetsu, is a dangerous individual. If you wish to find the truth behind this attack, we must act swiftly."
Madara mused over her words. "What do you suggest we do?" he finally asked. His voice was calm, almost detached, but Sakura could see the wheels turning in his mind.
"I think we need to start gathering allies. His mission is bigger than just us; it will take everyone to stop what he is trying to do." Madara said nothing. Sakura could feel his gaze boring into her, searching for the truth behind her words.
"There may be something I can do, but I need you to trust me." Sakura whispered.
"I understand, but you're going to have to give me more than that. Trust goes both ways. If you want me to trust you, you need to be transparent with your plans." Madara's voice was steady, but there was an unmistakable air of wariness about him.
Sakura took a deep breath, knowing that this was the moment of truth. "I'm going to set up a meeting with the Senju." She waited in an anticipation. "I believe they will be able to help us. They have a long history of fighting against those who threaten the peace." She couldn't read his expression, but she hoped that he was considering her offer.
"And what makes you think that the Senju would trust us?" he asked, his voice steady.
"I don't need to the Senju to trust you. I need the Senju to trust me." Sakura said carefully.
"What do you have to offer the Senju that they would believe you?" Madara asked, his voice still steady, but laced with an undercurrent of skepticism. "What assurances can you give them that we won't simply use their aid to further our own ends?"
"I'm going to offer them the same thing I am offering you. My assistance, and some information that may or may not be of help. Just understand there are things I know, things that I can help prevent if I'm given the chance." It was the closest Sakura had come to just admitting she wasn't everything said she is.
"The Senju are smart. They'll see through the lies. They'll know if I'm telling the truth." Her words were a gamble, but she had to try. "I'm asking you to trust me, and I'm asking the Senju to do the same. If we work together, we can stop him."
Madara considered her words for a moment, his gaze never leaving hers. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. You have my trust, for now. Do what you must." He turned away; his attention seemingly drawn to something outside the window. "But be careful, Sakura. If the rest of the clan finds out that you are consorting with our lifelong enemy, they will want retribution."
"I understand," she whispered, her heart racing in her chest. She didn't dare move, afraid that if she did, he might change his mind. The mark on her hand burned once again, a reminder of the burden she carried. "I will do everything in my power to convince them that we mean no harm. That our goals are the same as theirs." Madara was silent for a few seconds before responding.
"There is a messenger hawk named Tajima in the aviary. Use him as you need." Madara said, his voice. The words seemed innocuous, but Sakura knew there was a weight behind them. Trust. He trusted her enough to send one of his own birds with her message. It was a risk for him, and she wouldn't take it lightly.
She nodded, her heart still racing. "Thank you, Madara-sama," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. Sakura said her goodbyes and made her way to her room. The mark on her hand continued to burn to the point of being painful. She focused her chakra on it, trying to understand what it was trying to tell her.
As she closed her eyes, images began to flash before her. A battlefield, the sky dark with smoke and ash. Blood and death surrounded her, and at the center of it all, a figure. A man with brown hair, his eyes glowing red with unnatural power.
Whispers floated across her mind. She could almost make out voices, distant and indistinct, whispering words of warning and urgency. As she strained to listen, the whispers grew louder, until she could make out individual syllables and words.
"What are you doing kunoichi?" The man's voice was like whiskey, smooth and warm. There was an air of authority in his words, of command. Vertigo gripped her as she turned to face him. She was sure this is Indra Uchiha, the progenitor of the Uchiha clan. His eyes were as sharp as knives, piercing her very soul. She swallowed hard, feeling her heart skip a beat.
"You're Kaguya's grandson?" Sakura blurted out. The man nodded, seeming amused by her surprise.
"My name is Indra Uchiha," he said, his voice firm and commanding, confirming Sakura's thoughts. "And I have come to warn you, Sakura. Your allegiance to the Senju clan will lead to nothing but bloodshed and suffering."
"Why must you think that way?" Sakura asked, feeling a mixture of defiance and fear. She knew who Indra Uchiha was, and she knew the power he wielded. "The Senju clan is no different than the Uchiha."
"Asura took everything from me. I should have been my father's successor, but-" Indra responded, clenching his fist. "I was always stronger."
Sakura's eyes widened in understanding. Was this how the feud had started? She thought back to how Kakashi had always chosen the boys over her, how she had felt like an outsider in her own team. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for Indra, but even she knew it was no excuse.
"I understand how you feel, Uchiha-sama," she said, her voice soft. "But it's time to end this war. Your grandmother gave me this mark, to help me settle this. But...I don't understand what to do with it."
Indra's gaze hardened. "You-"
Sakura's eyes snapped open as Saori stood in front of her.
"Lady Sakura, are you alright?" Saori asked, clearly concerned. Sakura blinked, her thoughts still racing.
"I-I'm fine, Saori. I'm just deep in thought." Sakura smiled weakly, her mind still reeling from the encounter.
"Well, I thought you should know that due to the attack, they were going to cancel the festival until next week, but you were so efficient at healing everyone they're going to hold it in 2 days!" Saori exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. Sakura had completely forgotten about the festival until now.
"Oh, that's wonderful news." Sakura replied politely. While she adored Saori she couldn't find it in her to match the energy.
"C'mon. Master Izuna has chosen a yukata for you. I know it's not my place, but I think he wants to match with you!" Saori said with a wink.
"Oh, that's...that's very kind of him," Sakura stammered, feeling her cheeks heat up. Saori just nodded before leading Sakura back to her room. The two girls walked in where Sakura was met with a teal-colored yukata decorated with large sakura blossoms down one side. An orange obi sat on top reminding Sakura of Naruto's favorite color. Her chest pulsed with longing for her best friend. No matter the situation Naruto had always knew what to do and she couldn't help but wonder what he would do in her situation.
"Master Izuna thinks you'll look beautiful together!" Saori said, clapping her hands together. "I hope you'll wear it. It's his favorite color after all, and the blossoms compliment your features well." She paused, biting her lip. "I'm sorry if I'm gushing too much. I just-"
"No, it's ok Saori, I'm just a little deep in thought right now. Actually, I was hoping you would be able to lead me to the library?" Sakura asked, her mind still swirling with the revelations she'd had. Saori looked surprised, but then nodded understandingly.
"Of course, Lady Sakura! I can take you there right now!" Saori said, hurrying over to open the door. As they made their way through the village, Sakura couldn't help but feel a weight settling in her chest.
Walking into the library, Sakura felt a sense of calm wash over her. The dimly lit room was lined with countless scrolls, each one containing the knowledge of generations past. The librarian stood up and walked over to greet them, her black hair was flowing behind her like a waterfall.
"Welcome. I apologize, Lady Sakura, for not introducing myself the other day. My name is Mitsuki. How can I assist you today?" She asked carefully. Sakura glanced at Saori, who had taken a seat at a nearby table.
"I was hoping to find a book on the origins of the Uchiha clan," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Mitsuki raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
"Unfortunately we don't have a lot of material over that subject, but perhaps I may be able to find a book or two. Can you tell me what specifically you're looking for? Do you have any specific dates or names you're interested in?" Mitsuki asked, leading Sakura to a quiet corner of the library. Sakura hesitated for a moment, not quite sure what to say. What excuse would she have to ask about Indra Uchiha?
"I'm...mostly interested in the time when the Uchiha first gained the Sharingan," she said, her voice barely audible over the soft sounds of rustling paper.
"Well, we don't have any books about the Sharingan for obvious reasons, perhaps there may be something else?" She readjusted her glasses.
Sakura shook her head no. "I'm sorry that was the only information I was hoping to gain." She bit her lip, debating on whether or not she should ask about Indra. "Well, there is one more thing...Do you know anything about Indra Uchiha?" She asked hesitantly. Mitsuki searched her face before responding.
"Not in the main library. There may be some information in the archives, but you would need permission from Lord Madara or Lord Izuna to access them." Mitsuki looked apologetic. "I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help."
"Not that's ok, thank you. I'll talk to Lord Izuna." Sakura reassured her before approaching Saori.
"Unfortunately they don't have what I'm looking for. Do you happen to know where Lord Izuna is?" Sakura asked, her heart sinking. Saori thought for a moment before shaking her head.
"I know he isn't in the main house, but I'm not for sure where he is." Saori said, biting her lip in thought. "He often spends time at the training grounds. Perhaps you could try there?"
Sakura nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope. "Thank you, Saori. I'll go there now." She hurried out of the library, making her way through the village and towards the training grounds. As she approached, she could hear the sounds of shuriken clashing and bodies slamming into the ground.
The training grounds were busy as ever, with Uchiha children honing their skills under the watchful eye of their sensei. Sakura scanned the crowd, searching. She spotted him easily, as he was the only one there without a shuriken in his hand. Instead, he seemed to be lost in thought as he paced back and forth.
She approached cautiously, not wanting to disturb his concentration. "Izuna-san?" she asked softly. He looked up, his eyes meeting hers. There was a brief moment of recognition before he smiled warmly.
"Ah, Sakura-san. It's good to see you again. What can I do for you today?" His voice was deep and calm betraying his previous show of emotion. Sakura took a deep breath, mustering up the courage to ask about Indra.
"I was just wondering; I'm trying to find more information about Indra Uchiha. I asked Mitsuki for any books, but she said they're in the archive. Would you be able to take me there?" Sakura asked cautiously. Izuna raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by her request.
"I don't mean to be intrusive, but can I ask why?" Izuna inquired, his expression growing more serious. "There is little known about Indra Uchiha, even among the Uchiha. Not much was recorded around his time, and much of what is known is shrouded in myth and legend." He paused, studying her face before continuing. "I take it this is of great importance to you?"
Sakura nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed. "It's...personal." She hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. Izuna seemed to sense her discomfort, and gave her a reassuring smile.
"Alright, Sakura-san. I will take you to the archive, but I must warn you, not everything you find there may be what you're hoping for." Izuna paused, considering her request further.
"I'll take any information I can get." Sakura said, feeling a sense of determination well up inside her. Izuna nodded understandingly and led her to the main house. Sakura looked at him in confusion.
"The archives are located in the main house," Izuna explained as they walked through the village. "It's been maintained by the main family for generations. We have a great deal of information on the Uchiha clan's history, as well as records of our ancestors and their deeds." He paused, looking at her with a solemn expression. "You must understand, though, that some of the information you may find there may not be easy to read. There are dark times in our history, and some of those records are... disturbing."
Sakura bristled at his words and felt a little hurt that he thought she wouldn't be able to handle it. "I can handle it," she insisted. "I want to know the truth. I think it's important to understand the past, even the dark parts, so we don't repeat them."
Izuna didn't respond. Instead, he led her into the main house, through a series of ornate halls and up a grand staircase. The air grew thicker as they approached a nondescript looking door. He hesitated for a moment before knocking on it. A voice from within bid them enter, and Izuna opened the door, revealing a large, dimly lit room filled with shelves stacked high with scrolls and books. A single candle flickered on a desk in the center of the room, casting eerie shadows across the walls.
"Ahh, Little Izuna. What can I do for you?" An elderly man called out. His hair was white as snow and his eyes, sharp as a hawk. It was no surprise that he was the one who took care of the archives. "Oh, and you've brought a guest with you? How delightful!" The old man's voice was warm and welcoming, despite the dusty and ancient atmosphere of the room.
Izuna introduced Sakura to the elder under the name Tadaichi. He informed him about her request and the old man's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Hmm, Indra Uchiha, you say? An interesting choice. Well, I must warn you my dear, that much of what you will find here is speculation at best. Still, I will do my best to help you." He gestured for them to follow him deeper into the room.
As they moved through the stacks, the old man explained that most of the information they had on Indra was gathered from oral tradition and secondhand accounts. "He was said to be a joyous, carefree, and loving child, and had a natural talent when it involved the use of chakra. He was credited as the creator of ninjutsu and was highly skilled in taijutsu. Unlike his father he was unable to freely manipulate his chakra, so he created hand signs, a fighting style we still use to this day."
Tadaichi pulled a scroll off of the shelf and opened it. It was an explanation how hand signs could be used for various purposes, such as enhancing physical abilities and manipulating the elements.
"However skilled he was, his views were said to be skewed. He fully believed that force could achieve anything, even peace. He was said to be strict and strived for perfection leaving no exceptions when it came to enforcement. He also had a brother, Asura, but we know less about him than we do Indra." Tadaichi, snatched two large dusty books and handed them to Sakura.
"These should help you learn anything else you may need to know, however these books can't leave this room." Tadaichi informed her.
"Thank you for the help. If I could spend some time and start reading these now I would greatly appreciate it!" Sakura said, eager to begin. Tadaichi looked at Izuna.
"Of course, Little Izuna will be here to assist you. Please make sure you return them to their places once you're finished." Izuna nodded in agreement.
She spent the next few hours, reading through each book. How his brother was chosen over him to take his father's place, how Indra's personality began to change drastically, and how he came to kill his two best friends to further enhance his Sharingan.
The resemblance to Sasuke was heartbreaking, however Madara had also fallen into the same kind of madness. The cycle of hatred could affect any Uchiha, but this...this only seemed to affect specific members, and none that lived during the same lifetime. Her stomach growled, breaking the silence. Izuna glanced at her with a raised brow, and she sighed. This would have to be something researched at a later time.
"I apologize, I haven't eaten anything today." Sakura said as a flush creeped up her neck. Izuna just chuckled in response before pulling the books away from her and setting them back where they belonged.
"Don't worry about it, let's head to the kitchen and grab something." Izuna said, helping Sakura back up. They made their way to the kitchen where servants were busy preparing food for the evening. The atmosphere was tense as everyone seemed to silence when they walked in the room.
"Is there something I should be aware of?" Izuna asked the staff. The servants exchanged nervous glances before one of them stepped forward.
"We-we don't know for sure, milord. But there have been whispers of an unknown man spotted outside the village." The servant explained, looking worried. Izuna and Sakura exchanged a look.
"What else do you know of this man?" Izuna asked, narrowing his eyes. The servant hesitated, glancing at the other servants for support before speaking again.
"I'm sorry but everything I say will be hearsay, milord. However, we have notified Master Madara." The servant explained, bowing low. Izuna nodded before instructing the kitchen staff to conjure up a quick meal.
"Do you think we should go investigate?" Sakura asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Izuna paused for a moment, considering her words. He knew that it would be foolish to go out unprepared, but he also couldn't ignore the feeling of unease that had settled in his stomach.
"If my brother does indeed know, he is probably already looking into it." Izuna said with a frown. "However, it would not hurt to be prepared. Go ahead and finish your meal then we can look for ourselves." Izuna said, nodding for Sakura to sit back down at the table. Sakura wasted no time in eating, she had to see if this was Zetsu, because if it was, he was moving in faster than she had planned.
Once Sakura finished her meal, Izuna led her from the kitchen to outside. Sakura watched in fascination as Izuna activated his Sharingan and began to search the surrounding forest. He moved swiftly and silently with Sakura following close behind. After a few moments, he stopped and held up a hand, signaling for her to be quiet. They both listened intently but couldn't hear anything other than the sounds of the forest.
"Do you see anything?" Sakura whispered, not wanting to disturb the stillness. Izuna shook his head, frustrated. The servant did admit they were all but rumors, or perhaps Madara had already taken care of it?
"We should prob-" Izuna's head snapped up as a black mass fell from the sky. His Sharingan swirled as he lifted Sakura into his arms and jumped back. The black mass landed harshly on the ground, kicking up dust and debris. Izuna sat Sakura back on her feet.
"Quick, head back to the compound and grab reinforcements." Izuna ordered as he studied the figure. Sakura shook her head. If Izuna wanted them to be noticed, she would ensure that would happen.
"There's been something else I've been keeping from you; however, I need your promise not to tell anyone else." Sakura said, her expression serious. Izuna raised an eyebrow but nodded. "I can do more than just medical jutsu. If there's another thing I'm good at, it's destroying things."
Sakura didn't clarify further as she jumped, pulling her fist back and focusing her chakra. The figure jumped back before Sakura's fist could connect. She met the ground, and everything was silent before the ground erupted under her. A small crater formed and the ground in front began to crack upwards.
It was clear the intruder was a man, but he wore a black cloak and a mask concealing his face. His movements were quick and agile, but Sakura was able to keep up with him. It wasn't until he slowly disappeared into the ground that she knew it was Zetsu. The earth around him seemed to ripple and distort as he moved through it effortlessly. She growled in frustration as Izuna jumped down beside her.
"Why did you lie to me?" There was a tint of sadness in his voice, which was not something Sakura had expected. She didn't answer him immediately, her gaze fixed on the distorted ground where he had disappeared. Izuna sighed and followed her gaze, before turning his head to look at her.
"Is there anything else I should know?" Izuna asked, his voice soft and calm. Sakura turned her head to look at him.
"Perhaps you should talk to your brother. There is something I must do." Sakura finally answered. She knew that she could trust Izuna with her secret, but she also knew that if she told him everything, it would only put him in danger as well. She turned back to where Zetsu had disappeared and took a deep breath.
Izuna narrowed his eyes before turning away.
"Izuna..." Sakura called to him. "Just know I would never keep anything from you if I didn't have a good reason too." He said nothing before disappearing. Sakura sighed and turned to where Zetsu had disappeared. It was time to contact the Senju.