Legacies

The gates swung open as they approached, and a chorus of excited voices greeted them. "Princess Sakura! Welcome home!"

Sakura couldn't help but smile as she saw the familiar faces of the Senju clan members. Despite the circumstances of her visit, it felt good to be home. She introduced Izumi to everyone, making sure to emphasize her importance as both a friend and a representative of the Uchiha clan.

As they made their way through the compound, Sakura couldn't help but notice the differences between her childhood home and the Uchiha compound. Where the Uchiha favored dark, rich colors and ornate designs, the Senju compound was all light woods and airy spaces, with splashes of vibrant color in the form of tapestries and flowers.

"Come on," Sakura said, gently tugging Izumi's hand. "Let's stop by the library first. There are some books I want to take back with me."

They entered the vast Senju library, its shelves stretching from floor to ceiling, filled with scrolls and tomes on every subject imaginable. Izumi's eyes widened in awe as she took in the sight.

"This is incredible," she breathed. "The Uchiha library is extensive, but this..."

Sakura smiled, already pulling books from the shelves. "I spent so much time here as a child. These books were my escape, my way of learning about the world beyond our compound walls."

After selecting a stack of books on various subjects - medical texts, historical accounts, and even a few novels - Sakura led Izumi out to the gardens.

"I want to show you something," Sakura said as they walked among the carefully tended plants. "Look at these herbs here. They're similar to the ones in the Uchiha gardens, but there are subtle differences."

Izumi knelt down, examining the plants with interest. "You're right. The leaves are a slightly different shape, and the scent is more... I don't know, vibrant somehow?"

Sakura nodded, pleased by Izumi's observation. "Exactly. The Senju have always had a special connection to nature. Our medical techniques often incorporate these unique variations of common herbs."

As they continued their tour of the garden, a familiar voice called out, "Sakura!"

Sakura turned to see her brother, Kakashi, striding towards them. His usual mask was in place, but his visible eye crinkled with a smile.

"Kakashi!" Sakura exclaimed, rushing to embrace her brother. "It's so good to see you!"

Kakashi hugged her tightly, then held her at arm's length, his eye roaming over her face as if checking for any signs of distress. "Welcome home, little sister. We've missed you."

Sakura smiled, then turned to introduce Izumi. "Kakashi, this is Izumi Uchiha. She's a dear friend and an incredibly talented herbalist."

Kakashi bowed slightly to Izumi. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Izumi. Any friend of Sakura's is welcome here."

Izumi returned the bow, a shy smile on her face. "Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Kakashi."

Kakashi waved off the formality. "Just Kakashi is fine. Now, since you two are here for dinner, I was wondering if you'd like a side dish made with peppers or eggplants?"

Sakura felt her cheeks heat up, and she blurted out, "Cucumbers, if you must know."

Kakashi's visible eye widened slightly, then crinkled with amusement. "Alright then, cucumbers it is," he said, a smirk evident in his voice even through his mask.

As Kakashi walked away, Izumi turned to Sakura, confusion written across her face. "Is there something special about cucumbers?"

Sakura's blush deepened, and she quickly changed the subject. "Oh, it's nothing important. Why don't we go see my mother? I'm sure she'd love to meet you."

As they made their way to the main house, Sakura's mind raced. She needed to speak with her mother about the situation with the Uchiha clan, but she didn't want to worry Izumi unnecessarily.

They found Tsunade in her study, poring over a stack of documents. When she saw Sakura, her face lit up with a warm smile.

"Sakura, my dear!" Tsunade exclaimed, rising to embrace her daughter. "What a wonderful surprise. And who is this lovely young lady?"

After introductions were made and pleasantries exchanged, Sakura asked if she could speak with her mother privately for a moment. Tsunade nodded, her expression growing serious as she sensed the urgency in Sakura's voice.

"Izumi, would you mind waiting in the garden for a few minutes?" Sakura asked gently. "I promise we won't be long."

Once Izumi had left, Sakura turned to her mother, her voice low and urgent. "Mother, I need your advice. I've learned some troubling things about how the Uchiha treat those they consider... impure."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed. "Has someone mistreated you, Sakura? Because if they have-"

"No, no," Sakura quickly assured her. "It's not about me. It's about people like Izumi, who aren't fully Uchiha by blood. There's a lot of prejudice, even from those I thought were above such things."

Tsunade listened intently as Sakura recounted what had happened with Itachi and Izumi. When Sakura finished, Tsunade was quiet for a long moment, her brow furrowed in thought.

"I see," Tsunade finally said. "This is a delicate situation, Sakura. But I want you to know that you don't have to face it alone."

Sakura felt a wave of relief wash over her. "What should I do, Mother?"

Tsunade smiled, reaching out to squeeze Sakura's hand. "First of all, don't worry too much. You and Sasuke will soon have your own home, away from the main Uchiha compound. Half of your personal guards will be Senju, there to protect you and any future children you may have."

Sakura's eyes widened at the mention of children, but Tsunade continued before she could comment.

"As for the larger issue of prejudice within the Uchiha clan, that's not something that can be solved overnight. But you're in a unique position to effect change, Sakura. Your marriage to Sasuke is a symbol of unity between our clans. Use that influence wisely."

Sakura nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "I will, Mother. Thank you."

As they rejoined Izumi in the garden, Sakura felt lighter, more confident in her ability to navigate the complexities of her new role as Uchiha princess.

The rest of the evening passed pleasantly. During dinner, Kakashi went out of his way to include Izumi in the conversation, asking her about her work with herbs and sharing funny stories from Sakura's childhood. Even Dan, usually reserved, was warm and welcoming, making sure Izumi felt at ease.

As they ate, Sakura couldn't help but notice the stark differences between this dinner and the formal affairs at the Uchiha compound. Here, laughter flowed freely, and the conversation meandered from topic to topic without the weight of tradition and protocol.

After dinner, as Sakura and Izumi prepared to return to the Uchiha compound, Tsunade pulled Sakura aside for one last word.

"Remember, my dear," Tsunade said, her voice low and serious, "you are both Senju and Uchiha now. You have the strength of both clans within you. Don't let anyone make you feel less than what you are."

Sakura hugged her mother tightly, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I won't, Mother. I promise."

As they walked back towards the Uchiha lands, Sakura and Izumi fell into a comfortable silence. The events of the day had given them both much to think about.

Finally, as the Uchiha compound came into view, Sakura turned to Izumi. "Thank you for coming with me today, Izumi. I hope you know that you'll always have a friend in me, no matter what anyone else might say."

Izumi's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she smiled at Sakura. "Thank you, Princess. You don't know how much that means to me."

As they approached the gates, Sakura squared her shoulders, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. She knew that changing deeply ingrained attitudes wouldn't be easy, but with allies like Izumi and the support of her family, both Senju and Uchiha, she felt ready to take on the task.

The gates swung open, revealing Sasuke waiting for them, his face a mixture of relief and concern. As Sakura stepped forward to greet her husband, she felt a sense of purpose settle over her. This was her home now, and she was determined to make it a place where everyone, regardless of their bloodline, could feel accepted and valued.

With a deep breath and a smile, Sakura stepped into the compound, ready to begin the next chapter of her life as Sakura Uchiha - not just a princess, but a bridge between two great clans and a champion for those who had been marginalized for far too long.

However the night was not done as Sakura still had questions and was going to get the truth out of her husband one jutsu or another.

Sakura's thighs were slick with sweat as she straddled Sasuke, her body poised above his. The cool marble of their bedroom floor pressed against her knees, contrasting sharply with the heat radiating from Sasuke's naked form beneath her. His cock was hard and ready, pressing insistently against her core, but Sakura remained still, her eyes locked onto his.

"I thought Uchiha's were pure," she whispered, her voice dripping with a mixture of curiosity and challenge.

Sasuke's dark eyes met hers, unwavering. "We are," he said, his tone steady. "I was until our marriage."

Sakura's lips curled into a sly smile as she raised a hand, her fingers brushing lightly over her own chest. A soft glow began to emanate from her palm, casting a warm light over their entwined bodies. The air around them seemed to thrum with unseen energy as she formed the hand signs for the truth-seeking jutsu.

"I wanted to make sure you weren't lying," she said, her voice tinged with both humor and seriousness. The glowing symbol pulsed once, twice, before flaring brightly and then fading away.

Sasuke watched the process intently, his expression inscrutable. When the light vanished, Sakura let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

"You're telling the truth," she murmured, a mix of surprise and satisfaction coloring her words. She leaned forward, her breasts brushing against his chest as she pressed a lingering kiss to his lips. "Good boy."

For a moment, Sasuke said nothing, his gaze searching hers. Then, slowly, deliberately, he reached up and wrapped his hands around her waist, guiding her down onto him. The sensation was electric, his thick length filling her in one smooth thrust. Sakura gasped, her hips instinctively rocking to find a rhythm, but Sasuke held her still, forcing her to remain perched on the edge of pleasure.

"Is this about something?" he asked, his voice low and rough.

Sakura bit her lip, a teasing glint in her eyes. "You'll find out in the days to come," she promised, her voice a sultry whisper. She finally allowed herself to move, grinding down onto him, feeling him stretch her, fill her. The friction between their bodies was almost unbearable, each movement sending sparks of desire coursing through her veins.

Sasuke's hands tightened on her hips, his grip firm but not painful. He guided her pace, setting a slow, deliberate rhythm that built the tension between them with every thrust. Sakura's nails dug into his shoulders, her breaths coming in short, sharp gasps as she fought to maintain control.

Her core clenched around him, the pleasure building in waves. Sasuke's eyes darkened with intensity, his control slipping as he matched her movements, driving himself deeper inside her. Each stroke sent shocks of pleasure ricocheting through her body, making it hard to think, hard to breathe.

"More," she begged, her voice trembling. "Please, Sasuke, more."

He responded by lifting her off the floor, his arms strong and steady as he carried her over to the large bed that dominated the room. He laid her down gently, his body following hers as he settled between her legs, positioning himself at her entrance once more. This time, he didn't hesitate, pushing deep inside her with one powerful thrust.

Sakura cried out, her back arching off the bed as he filled her completely. Sasuke's hands braced themselves on either side of her head, his body hovering above hers as he began to move, his thrusts long and deep. Every inch of him brushed against her most sensitive spots, driving her wild with need.

Her legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him even closer. She could feel the heat of his skin against hers, the way his muscles flexed and contracted with each movement. His cock pounded into her, relentless and demanding, pushing her higher and higher towards the edge of ecstasy.

"Sasuke," she moaned, her voice breaking as the pleasure peaked. "Harder, please... harder..."

He complied without hesitation, picking up the pace until their bodies were a blur of motion. Her nails raked down his back, leaving trails of fire in their wake. Sasuke's grunts mingled with her cries, the sound of their passion filling the room.

Sakura's vision blurred as she felt the climax approaching, her body tensing in anticipation. Sasuke's pace faltered for a moment, his breath hitching as he sensed her nearing the edge. With one final, powerful thrust, he took her over, both of them crying out as they came together, their bodies convulsing in unison.

For a few moments, they lay entangled, their breaths mingling as they recovered from the intense release. Sasuke's weight rested comfortably on top of her, his forehead resting against hers as they caught their breath.

"What was that about?" he asked again, his voice soft but insistent.

Sakura smiled, her fingers tracing lazy circles on his back. "As I said. You'll find out in the days to come," she repeated, her tone playful.

The next morning dawned softly, with the gentle warmth of the sun filtering through the leaves of the Uchiha garden. Sakura sat quietly in the cool shade, her back against a smooth stone, cradling a book in her lap. The peaceful sound of birdsong filled the air, yet there was an undercurrent of tension brewing within her thoughts. Sasuke was nearby, leaning against the wall as he absentmindedly twirled a strand of Sakura's pink hair around his finger, his dark eyes focused on her face.

Sakura tried to focus on her reading, but the unease inside her grew stronger with each passing minute. She had felt the weight of secrecy for some time now—meetings behind closed doors, decisions made without her input despite her now being a member of the family. The Uchiha were notoriously insular, but she had assumed that marriage would have changed things. Still, it hadn't. She was married into the family, but it was becoming clear that she was not entirely of the family yet.

Sasuke, sensing her tension, spoke quietly. "You're quiet today, Sakura. What's on your mind?"

She set her book down and looked at him, her green eyes thoughtful. "I want to have lunch with your brother and parents today. There's something I need to discuss with them."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow but didn't press her. "Alright. I'll let them know."

As the morning gave way to noon, they found themselves in the formal dining room of the Uchiha estate. The room was elegant and serene, filled with dark, polished wood and soft lantern light, but there was always a gravity in the air whenever the Uchiha family sat together. Sasuke, his older brother Itachi, and their parents, Fugaku and Mikoto, took their seats around the long dining table, while Sakura sat beside Sasuke, her mind turning over the questions she had rehearsed.

They began the meal with quiet pleasantries, and Mikoto asked Sakura if she had been adjusting to life in the compound. Sakura smiled politely, but her response was brief, knowing she had more important matters to address.

As the meal progressed, Sakura delicately steered the conversation. "I've noticed something," she began, her voice calm but resolute, "that even though we are supposed to be family, there are still meetings I'm not included in. I've sensed that there are matters you don't wish for me to know."

Fugaku set down his chopsticks, narrowing his eyes. "There are some things that remain within the control of the Uchiha clan leadership, Sakura. It's not personal."

Sakura felt the familiar frustration bubbling up but suppressed it. "Not personal, yet I am meant to be part of this family," she said with a faint smile, her eyes flicking toward Sasuke, who watched quietly, sensing where this was going.

Mikoto shifted in her seat, glancing at her husband, then at Itachi, who remained stoic as always. Sakura turned her gaze to Fugaku, deciding to dive in.

"Fugaku, I've been thinking a lot about the clan recently," she began, keeping her tone even. "How many half-Uchiha do you estimate are part of the clan today?"

The question caught him off guard, and for a moment, Fugaku paused. It was an unusual topic to bring up over lunch. He exchanged a glance with Mikoto before answering, "I would say... around fifty. Perhaps more."

Sakura nodded, her expression thoughtful. "And how many of those are female?" she asked, this time directing her question to Mikoto.

Mikoto tilted her head slightly, considering the question. "Around twenty, I believe. Why do you ask, Sakura?"

Sakura hesitated for just a fraction of a second, gauging their reactions before delivering her next question, the one that had been bothering her for some time. She turned her sharp green eyes to Itachi, who had remained silent throughout the conversation.

"Itachi," Sakura began, her voice still calm but laced with a new edge, "how many of them have you had intercourse with to prevent them from being eligible for marriage with another? You know, to stop them from reproducing?"

The room fell into a thick, suffocating silence. Fugaku's eyes widened in disbelief, Mikoto looked stricken, and Sasuke, sitting next to Sakura, stiffened, his grip tightening around his chopsticks. Even Itachi, the ever-composed and untouchable heir to the Uchiha clan, couldn't hide the brief flash of shock that crossed his face.

His jaw clenched, onyx eyes hardening. For a moment, it seemed like he might walk away, but instead, he straightened in his seat, his voice cold and cutting. "That's a bold accusation, Sakura," he said slowly. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

Sakura's gaze didn't waver. "Don't I?" she countered, her voice calm but unwavering. "I've heard the rumors, Itachi. That certain half-Uchiha women can't marry because they've been... compromised. Women like Izumi. I want to know if it's true, and if so, why."

Itachi's eyes flickered with something unreadable at the mention of Izumi's name, and his expression hardened even further.

Fugaku shot a sharp glance at his eldest son, his voice low and filled with authority. "Itachi," he said, "is there any truth to this?"

A muscle in Itachi's jaw twitched, his cold façade beginning to crack under the weight of his family's scrutiny. He turned his narrowed gaze back to Sakura, the air between them thick with tension. "You don't understand the politics of this clan, Sakura," he said, his voice like steel. "Do not speak on matters that are beyond your reach."

Before Sakura could reply, Sasuke's voice cut through the tense atmosphere. "Watch your tone when speaking to my wife," he said coldly, his voice sharp with protectiveness. His eyes flashed dangerously as he glared at his older brother.

For a brief moment, Itachi met Sasuke's fiery gaze, their silent battle palpable. Then, with an almost imperceptible sigh, Itachi looked away. He held his calm, but beneath the surface, a flicker of vulnerability seeped through.

"I've never touched more than one," Itachi admitted, his voice quiet but bitter. "And she was mine. She chose me."

Sakura's eyes softened at the faint bitterness in his tone, her mind immediately drawn to Izumi. She had noticed the way Itachi treated her—the cold distance, the harshness—and Izumi had once confided in her that they had been close, once. But when Itachi discovered Izumi wasn't fully Uchiha, everything changed.

Mikoto, her face pale, spoke up, her voice filled with concern. "Itachi... is this true?" She set her chopsticks down with trembling hands, her gaze filled with a sorrowful understanding.

Itachi hesitated, his jaw tightening as the weight of his mother's question hung in the air. "Yes," he finally said, though his voice was barely above a whisper. "Izumi was raised as Uchiha, but when I learned she wasn't fully one of us... the elders would never have allowed it. I had to let her go."

Sakura felt her chest tighten. "But you didn't just let her go, did you, Itachi?" she said, her voice quieter now, more empathetic. "You pushed her away. You were cruel. She told me herself. She still loves you, you know that, right?"

Itachi's façade of coldness faltered, his eyes flickering with a mix of emotions he rarely let anyone see. Pain. Regret. Love. "I know," he said, his voice low. "But the elders—"

"The elders," Sakura interrupted, her voice soft but firm, "are not the ones who have to live with the consequences. You are. And so is she."

Sasuke, still watching his brother intently, leaned forward. "You love her, don't you?" he asked, his voice devoid of judgment, only a hint of curiosity and understanding.

Itachi didn't answer right away, but the silence spoke volumes. Finally, he nodded. "Yes," he admitted, his voice barely audible, but the weight of that confession hung heavy in the air. "But I had to make a choice. I chose the clan over my own heart."

Fugaku's expression darkened further as Itachi spoke, his disappointment palpable. The head of the Uchiha clan had allowed certain concessions for Sasuke's marriage to Sakura—concessions for the sake of peace, for the sake of the clan's future. But this? This revelation about Itachi struck a much deeper chord.

Fugaku's voice was low, but it was filled with barely restrained anger. "You," he began, his eyes boring into Itachi, "were meant to be the pure one. The heir. You were meant to marry a full-blooded Uchiha, someone of our line, not waste yourself like this."

Itachi's face remained impassive, but the tension in his posture gave him away. He knew this confrontation was inevitable.

Fugaku continued, his words sharp, cutting through the silence like a blade. "I made allowances for Sasuke. His marriage to Sakura was a gesture of peace between our clans. A necessity. But you? You were supposed to uphold the bloodline, the traditions. Love—" he spat the word as though it was something distasteful "—is a luxury that comes in time. It is not the foundation of an Uchiha's marriage."

The cold logic of his father's words wasn't new to Itachi, but it still stung. Fugaku didn't believe in love, not as a deciding factor in their lives. Duty always came first.

Mikoto, her face pale, looked from Fugaku to Itachi, torn between her roles as a mother and as the wife of the clan head. She had always stood beside Fugaku, supporting his decisions. But now, knowing her son was in love and had been forced to push that love aside, was a bitter pill to swallow.

"I didn't have a choice either, Itachi," she said softly, her voice trembling. "I was expected to marry your father. I didn't love him at first, but I grew to love him. Love can come with time." She paused, her gaze softening as she looked at her eldest son. "But knowing you had that feeling, that connection, and gave it up—it doesn't sit well with me. I know what it means to sacrifice, but no mother wants to see her child suffer like that."

Itachi's jaw tightened. He wasn't a man who easily showed emotion, but the pain of his choices—his duty, his sacrifice—was evident in the slight tremor of his hands as they rested on the table. His mother's words stung because they came from a place of understanding. She knew what it was to give up love for duty, but her words also carried a hint of sorrow for him.

Sasuke, sitting beside Sakura, was fuming, though his anger was not from the same place as his father's. His voice, when he finally spoke, was cold, cutting through the tension. "I'm not angry that you loved someone, Itachi," he began, his voice tight with barely concealed fury. "I'm angry that you broke the very values you held me to."

Itachi's eyes flickered to Sasuke, a mixture of guilt and frustration crossing his face.

Sasuke continued, his voice hardening. "You told me to protect the purity of our clan. You always told me that love was secondary, that duty and honor came first. You held me to those values, and yet, you couldn't follow them yourself. You lost your innocence before marriage—against everything we were taught."

Sakura, sitting beside Sasuke, could feel the waves of tension radiating from him. She reached out, gently placing a hand on his arm, trying to steady him, but Sasuke's anger wasn't easily quelled. His voice softened, but it was no less intense. "You're supposed to be the perfect one. The heir. The one who always did everything right. And now, I find out that you couldn't even live by the rules you preached to me."

Itachi remained silent, his gaze lowered, knowing there was little he could say to defend himself. The truth was undeniable. He had fallen in love with Izumi, a half-Uchiha raised within the clan, but not fully accepted by it. When he had learned of her mixed heritage, the weight of his duty to the clan had crushed whatever future they could have had. He had pushed her away, treated her with coldness, and buried his feelings deep inside. But that didn't erase what had happened between them, nor did it erase the pain it caused.

"It wasn't my choice," Itachi said quietly, his voice barely audible. "I loved her, but the elders... the clan... they wouldn't allow it."

Fugaku, his patience thinning, leaned forward, his gaze burning with cold fury. "It was your duty to protect the purity of this family, Itachi. I don't care about your feelings. I don't care about your love for some half-blood girl. You were meant to be the one who upheld our traditions, not throw them away for something as fleeting as love."

Mikoto flinched at Fugaku's words, clearly feeling for her son but knowing that arguing with Fugaku in this state would only make matters worse. "Fugaku, perhaps—"

"No," Fugaku interrupted, his voice steely. "There are no 'perhaps' here. Itachi betrayed his duty. This is not a discussion of feelings. This is a matter of the future of the Uchiha. As I said, I allowed Sasuke his... choice," he said, gesturing dismissively toward Sasuke and Sakura, "because it was necessary for peace. But Itachi? You had no such need. You were supposed to be the heir that kept our bloodline pure."

Sakura's eyes narrowed at the dismissive gesture toward her and Sasuke's marriage. She opened her mouth to speak, but Sasuke tightened his grip on her hand, shaking his head subtly, silently asking her to hold back. This wasn't the moment to argue about her and Sasuke.

Sasuke's voice cut through again, "You should have done something about it," Sasuke muttered, shaking his head. "You should have fought for her, or at the very least, ended it properly. But this—" he gestured to the tension in the room, to their father's seething anger and their mother's quiet sorrow "—this mess is because you couldn't live up to your own standards."

Sakura watched the brothers, her heart heavy. She had seen how much Itachi still cared for Izumi. She had seen the way he avoided her, as though distancing himself was easier than dealing with the pain of rejection and duty. And now, watching the cracks in the once-perfect Uchiha heir, she realized how deeply those choices had scarred him.

Fugaku stood abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Enough," he said, his voice echoing in the room. "This matter is settled. Itachi, you will not go near her again. You will marry a full-blooded Uchiha, as was always intended."

Itachi's face hardened, but he didn't argue. The weight of his father's command was absolute.

Mikoto, though silent, looked heartbroken. She understood her husband's position, but as a mother, she couldn't help but feel the deep pain in Itachi's silence. A pain she knew all too well.

Sasuke, meanwhile, glanced toward Itachi one last time before standing as well, pulling Sakura with him. "We're done here," he muttered, his voice cold and distant.

As they left the room, Sakura couldn't help but cast one final glance back at Itachi. His face was a mask, but the weight of his choices, his love for Izumi, and the impossible expectations placed upon him were all too clear.

The Uchiha family, once so solid, so impenetrable, was beginning to crack under the weight of its own expectations.

Sakura and Sasuke stood in their bedroom, the air heavy with unresolved tension. It was late, the moonlight filtering through the windows casting a soft glow over them.

"I still can't believe you didn't tell me before," Sasuke's voice was low, tinged with a mixture of frustration and hurt. "You blindsided me with those accusations against Itachi."

Sakura looked down, her hands fidgeting nervously. "I know, Sasuke. I should have talked to you first. But when I found out about Itachi's past with Izumi, I... I couldn't keep it in. It felt like a betrayal to everyone, including you."

Sasuke sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "It's not that you brought it up, Sakura. It's how you did it. It hurt Itachi deeply. He looked miserable, and I couldn't do anything to ease that pain."

Her shoulders slumped, guilt washing over her features. "I'm sorry, Sasuke. I didn't mean to hurt him like that. My emotions got the best of me."

Sasuke stepped closer, his expression softening slightly as he looked into her eyes. "I know you care deeply about our family, including Itachi. But sometimes, your directness can be... harsh."

"I know," Sakura whispered, her voice barely audible. "I just... I thought bringing it to light might help Itachi somehow. Maybe if we acknowledge his feelings for Izumi, he could find some peace."

Sasuke nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes. "Maybe you're right. But next time, let's talk about it first, okay? We're in this together."

She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Okay, Sasuke. I promise."

He reached out, gently touching her cheek. "I know you're trying to help. And I appreciate it."

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their conversation lingering between them. Finally, Sakura took a deep breath.

"Do you think there's a chance for Itachi and Izumi?" she asked softly, her eyes searching his for answers.

Sasuke's gaze softened. "I don't know. But maybe... if our love can happen, anything is possible."

Sakura nodded, a sense of hope flickering in her heart. Together, they faced the challenges ahead, their bond stronger despite the obstacles they faced within their family.

However, on the other side of the castle in the grand hall, a meeting was taking place without the Queen and the heirs.

Fugaku sat at the head of a long, polished table. Around him, elders and advisors, clad in traditional Uchiha attire, listened intently as he spoke.

"Izumi Uchiha," Fugaku began, his voice commanding attention in the solemn chamber. "She has become a liability. Her presence threatens the stability of our clan."

Several elders exchanged wary glances, sensing the gravity in Fugaku's words. One elder, his face lined with age and wisdom, spoke up cautiously. "Fugaku-sama, she is still one of us. It may not be wise to... act rashly."

Fugaku's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone firm. "She betrayed us. She has sided with the Senju. I will not allow her to jeopardize our plans any further."

Another elder, known for his strategic mind, leaned forward. "What would you have us do, Fugaku-sama?"

"I want her gone," Fugaku declared, his voice cutting through the air with authority. "Dispose of her discreetly. If necessary, eliminate her."

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of Fugaku's directive settling over them. Some nodded in agreement, while others exchanged uneasy glances.

One elder, known for his diplomacy, spoke carefully. "Fugaku-sama, are you certain this is the best course of action? Izumi is... she has a history with Itachi. Killing her may provoke unwanted consequences."

Fugaku's jaw tensed briefly before he responded, his voice steady but resolute. "Itachi will understand. This is not about sentimentality. It's about protecting our clan's future."

Silence hung in the air once more, the elders considering their leader's words. Finally, one elder, known for his allegiance to Fugaku's vision, spoke up. "We will handle it, Fugaku-sama. Izumi will be dealt with swiftly and quietly."

Fugaku nodded, a hard glint in his eyes. "Good. Make sure there are no loose ends."

With that, the council meeting drew to a close, leaving Fugaku to contemplate the difficult decisions ahead. His duty as the king of the Uchiha clan weighed heavily on his shoulders, knowing that sacrifices, even painful ones, were sometimes necessary for the greater good.