Chapter 4
Chapter 4: The hiding heiress
Satsuki Uchiha didn’t disappear, because she legally couldn’t.
Probation ensured that. A favoritism act from Lord Fourth, keeping her out of the dirty dungeon but still leaving the Hokage’s office keeping a close eye on her every single movement. ANBU still occasionally trailed Satsuki, from the market to across the street, on the roof of the neighbors. Satsuki is never really by herself, and Tsunade made sure of that. If Satsuki every even think about trying anything, not just the ANBU but Tsunade will be dragging her back to the corner of Konoha where the sun doesn’t shine herself.
So, Satsuki couldn’t disappear. But to be seen less? That, she could.
She stopped adventuring unnecessary outside. She stopped showing up to training ground, to the tea shop downtown that she sometimes visits with Sakura, even the market. She stuck to the Uchiha estate, only leaving the house when on the verge of starvation (even though dying of starvation is still better than the media circus that is right outside her door). She told herself that this was in fact an act of self-care as she is protecting her peace…independency…solitude. Lonely.
And then she unwisely picked up the newspaper one day.
“HAS THE UCHIHA HEIRESS WENT INTO HIDING?”
A bold, blocky, black headline stretched across the front page of Konoha daily. Following it up was a lengthy, in depth article detailing how Satsuki has become a rare sight, even more than before. The tabloids has also spiraled wildly…
“Was she still mourning for the misstep romance?”
“The grudge take human form in Satsuki “Brooding” Uchiha?”
“Return to *self* exile? Lady Tsunade confirmed?”
Satsuki rolled her eyes at the ridiculous amount of speculations. Her face has not been feature this much in news since her trial. Of course after 2 weeks since the “Royal wedding”, they will be needing a new target to talk about… Satsuki is just unfortunately the natural next target, with a big red bullseye painted on her back and everything.
She was just about to finish her tea and burn some stuff when there was a knock, no, a loud pounding on the gate. Satsuki knew exactly who it’s.
Sakura stood there, arms crossed, breathing heavily as she obviously been running, wearing an expression that read ‘I’m two second away from punching you into a wall!’ Behind her was Ino, because of course she knows everything about everybody, that’s why her hair is so long, it’s full of secrets.
“You cannot just go into seclusion like some kind of tragic novel heroine like that!” Sakura whispered screaming as she pushes her way inside.
Ino followed her suit, “At least pretend like you are not sulking or something!” Ino added.
Satsuki returned to her small tea table on the engawa, “I’m not sulking.” She sighed.
Ino snorted, “Yeah, alright. And I’m gonna be the next Hokage.”
Satsuki shots her a glare but she remained unfazed.
“Are you plotting revenge then?” Sakura sits next to Satsuki on the engawa, her eyes glancing at the newspaper crumbled on the ground.
Satsuki groaned, “I’m not planning revenge.” She said it louder than needed, making sure the guy on the roof heard her.
“Then what are you doing?” Ino sits on the other side of Satsuki, dropping her chin on her hand, looking at the ex-rouge with a flaming interest.
Satsuki hesitated, as she does not have an answer.
Sakura gave her a look, “You know ignoring the Naruto problem doesn’t make it goes away right?”
“I do not have a Naruto problem.” Naruto has a Suki problem!
Ino raised her eyebrows, “You been avoiding Naruto and his parents since the wedding.” She struck.
Satsuki remained still, closing her eyes and exhaled.
And Ino looked like a kid in a candy store, “So it is like that!?” She exclaimed.
“You still…” Sakura didn’t dare to finished the sentence.
Satsuki scoffed, “Don’t test me.”
Ino snickered, “I mean, if a man chase after me like that then to only marry another? I would have taken some serious offences.”
“Yeah, a real blow to the ego if that has been me.” Sakura added.
Satsuki’s hand twitched, “I’m not offended and my ego is fine.”
As fine for someone on probation could be.
Sakura and Ino exchanged a look, “You are full of shit.” They said at the same time.
“We’re done here.” Satsuki stood up.
Ino said teasingly, “You are deflecting.”
“I’m escorting you both out.”
Ino sighed dramatically, “This is why people think the Uchiha are emotionally constipated.”
“Honey, you gotta think really hard about what want once in a while.” Sakura patted Satsuki’s shoulder.
Satsuki didn’t respond but after they left, she found herself once again, alone, thinking about everything but also nothing…
What does she want?
Because if Satsuki spend enough time thinking about it, it will inevitably go back to the guy with the wide smile and blue eyes.