Chapter 4
God bless my ability to write fighting scenes ToT
The day has come. Sakura's debut to the public as the Uchiha Sasuke's bride and the kingdom's new crown princess and eventually, Queen. It has been planned before so she has well expected and await it.
The outfit decided for Sakura is purely meant for combat now. A well-fit leather outfit, allowing her the freedom of movement without worry of any indecency while still providing her some warmth for the climate, despite the fact that things will get heated soon. Izumi still thinks it's a good idea to add a cute skirt around it, adding a slight hint of feminine feel to the total outfit. It is for combat, yes, but it never hurts to do it with style, she said. It is fine, this little addition can never hinder her fighting ability to the slightest. Izumi also recommended Sakura to braid her long hair back, as braiding will do a better job holding the hair back instead of simply tying it back, and she did just that, starting from the top.
The outside atmosphere is rather lively and bustling now unlike the day of her arrival. It is broadcasted that King Fugaku will make an announcement today, so people are gathered around the castle, right around the arena. It is known, that per tradition of this kingdom, the new member of the royal family will combat against challengers today. She will be allowed to choose 3 from the 5 strongest warrior, who have been silently chose by the court prior to her arrival.
Impressive profile, they must be the top server strongest women here. Suddenly, Sakura senses some fear in herself, like when one is about to take an important exam. But whenever Sakura finds herself needing some encouragement, she silently takes her hand to her forehead. If you want to be in a position no one else can, then you will need to endure hardship no one else can. Tsunade's words rings back in Sakura's mind. Her forehead still has the mark on it, the mark that is unique to the Uzumaki's Queens. It is not much of a nuisance, and the people in the Uchiha's kingdom does not seem to bother with this, so there is no need to hide it. If anything, the appearance of this mark brings her a certain strength. It reminds her of who she is and what she is capable of. It truly is the strength of 100. Having silently prepping herself, Sakura stands up straight and proud, and she comes outside of her room. Izumi has been waiting for her outside.
"Are you good now?" Izumi checks her out.
"Yes, thank you. I think I'm prepared now." Sakura smiles back.
"That's wonderful. I know you can do it, I believe in you!"
"Hehe, thank you Izumi."
.
The two enters the throne room, the rest of the family has been waiting for them. Mikoto sees her and signals Sakura to come to her.
"Come here, sweet child."
"Yes, my Queen?" Sakura quickly comes to her side.
Mikoto silently puts a pin on Sakura's chest right above her heart. The pin seems to have the shape of a flower.
"I shall give you my blessing. This is the pin I used back when I was in your position now and Izumi before you. This is nemophila, a flower that symbolises victory. Good luck, my dear. I expect greatness from you."
"I will take your words to heart, my Queen."
"Hopefully this would be the last time I hear that from you." Mikoto smiles gently at her.
Sakura can only smile back at her words. Mikoto and late crown princess Kushina was good friends to each other. They met earlier in the days, and regularly exchanged letters. Mikoto's smile and mannerism are much more refined than what Kushina was usually like, but the love the two emits from, the love unique to mothers, isn't much difference. Sakura too, hopes that she can have a mother once again. At this thought, Sakura turns over and look at Sasuke, returning the gesture of which he has been doing ever since she entered the room. His eyes fixates on looking at her deeply, almost conveying.. a sense of uncertainty.
"Sakura."
"Sasuke-kun."
"Are you ready?"
"Yeah, I'm ready!"
Sasuke turns to Fugaku, nodding slightly to him. Fugaku then wide open the door that leads to the balcony. And suddenly all the bustling noises earlier quickly go away. Loud and clearly, the King presents his speech.
"To all my subjects, I have an announcement to make."
"My son, Uchiha Sasuke, has now found his bride."
And just like that, Sakura thinks her ear drum is about to burst. The people definitely didn't take it well, and immediately they started to show their disagreement, with extremely loud noises that is. And just suddenly, she sees a big bright flame in such a vibrant color. Fugaku has used the Uchiha's signature fire style to quickly reestablish order. And it clearly works, as the noise quickly settled down. Sakura is amazed at such a grand burst of fire. And before she realises it, Sasuke has taken her hand and guide her to the balcony. Raising her hand, he presents her proudly and clearly to his people.
"This is Sakura, and I have decided I will take her as my wife. Anyone who wishes to question my decision can gladly present themselves in a challenge against her, and see for yourself her power!"
The people quickly recognise the woman who used to be the Queen of the Uzumaki's kingdom. They were obviously speechless. Many have heard about tales of her bravery and combat prowess, how at the young age of six and ten, she stood as equal to the legendary Queen Tsunade. But it seems, some people have stood up in the arena, ready to see for themselves the power of this person, her. They ain't leaving Sasuke without a fight and honestly, relatable.
"It seems that the women in your cou.. kingdom, has very strong warrior spirit inside them."
"They wish to see you for your strength, and you must prove it to them yourself. I trust that my family has been briefing you through the rules?"
"Yes, your Grace. They have prepared me very well."
Fugaku looks at the pin on her chest, before turning back to look at his people.
"You best not let them down."
"As you wish, your Grace."
Sakura looks at Sasuke and smiles, giving him a thumbs up before jumping from the balcony to descend to the arena. Sasuke can only smirk at her gesture. He knows, she is an impressive person, but how can he help it, worrying for her?
"I choose.. Amilia of the House Northbound as my enemy!"
.
Amilia, eldest daughter of the noble Northbound house is a mighty warrior. But unfortunately, she still has much to learn before reaching Sakura's level. She is sent to the emergency area quickly after a good 3 minutes.
One down, two to go.
"I choose Willow of House Liberia!"
Poor Willow was just having a bad day. First her dream prince is taken away before her very own eye, and then his fiancée gave her the beating of her life. Amilia was 3 minutes, but Willow was.. 30 seconds. Sakura got herself pumped up with adrenaline after Amilia's fight, so her movements got even better.
Just one more...
"I choose Mystine of house Garrenhal!"
Mystine was extremely fast and agile, it seems that her blade are coated with poison. Sakura and poison have quite a history. After a near death experience with a scorpion in her youth with which she was only saved because of luck (Kushina mistakenly gave her a wrong drink that turned out to work miraculously as an antidote), Sakura dedicated herself to study poison and mix out antidotes of all kind of poisons during her time in medicine study. On the right cue, Sakura wrestled her opponent down on the ground. Mystine then uses a dirty trick and managed to sliced Sakura's ankle slightly before her ultimate defeat. Sakura is still standing well, but she definitely will need to take medicines later on to avoid any major undesired effect.
With her victories in hand, Sakura proudly stood up. She has already defeated the 3 strongest people in the list, that should settle it. She looks at the balcony where the entirety of the Uchiha are looking down to her. They are all celebrating her victories as well and Izumi is on the brink of tears. Sasuke is plotting the demise of house Garrenhal for that dirty trick until his cousins picks him up and teases him. Somebody's bachelor life is coming to an end. Sakura was about to come back to the castle, until-
"I, Forsterin of house Kettensage, wish to challenge lady Sakura of house Grassland to her position as the crown princess!"
Turning her back, Sakura sees a tall broadly woman stood in armor, an axe in her left hand, has already stood against her. Pale white skin with long blonde hair tied back to a ponytail, her eyes are in a dark green shape. It is looking at Sakura fiercely, as if any moment now, she is ready to tear apart Sakura. Sakura is not pleased with the misnomer, is that a direct insult to her home country? It's filled with plants, sure, but grassland? Sakura is trying to stay calm, which is rather difficult cause she still so has quite a number of adrenaline, and.. her ankle is still injured.
"This is bad..."
"Izumi? What is it my child?"
"Forsterin Kettensages comes from up in the Northernmost part of our kingdom. She is especially strong, because her house is not a noble family by any mean, and she just spends her time wood chopping and fighting, cause they really don't have anything else to do. That and only via strength can she be recognised, you know, middle child things. Itachi used to take me and Sasuke there because of some trouble few years ago, and it seems she has taken a liking to our boy. I didn't expect her to maintain her crush all those years ago. If she truly wishes to fight... I think it won't be as easy as the other 3."
"Is she really that strong?"
"One swing of her axe and 5 fully grown taiga trees are down. I think.. she can very well be one of the strongest women in our kingdom here. Might as well be on The Sisters' rank."
"Goodness gracious... but Sakura is also very strong herself, right?"
"She has Queen Tsunade's fighting style, yes... but this is no mere easy opponent."
"May Madara bless her..."
Sakura takes a better look at her. Her color palette is significantly lighter than anyone around here, she must comes from places with less sunlight, so up in the Northernmost then. That axe is not a war axe, but a wood chopper. She is here to present Sakura a challenge, and she shouldn't be taken lightly. But before Sakura can say anything, Sasuke has already stood in front of her, facing his back to her, hand in his sword's handle, about to draw it.
"Sakura has already finished her battle. She is qualified as the crown princess and as my wife now. That means, I can fight for her. You will fight me."
Forsterin immediately shows her displease at this.
"My prince, she-"
"It is Your Royal Highness. And you will also address her in that same way."
Her veins shows clearly on her face. Her cheeks is gaining a pinkish red shade.
Somebody's mad. Sakura studies her opponent.
"Sasuke-kun, it's fine. I can handle her."
"Sakura-"
"She wants to see my strength, not yours. She won't be pleased until she witness it with her own eyes. And I think, if I really am to ready for my role, I will have to face her sooner or later. Can you get me 'babygirl' please?"
"But your ankle! You are injured, you're not in any shape to fight now!"
"Tis but a mere mortal wound. Sasuke-kun, trust me. Trust your wife."
Sakura looks at him, a look filled with resolve. She will not take no for an answer now, and she is right, shielding her now will only bring more doubts to her later on, so more trouble.
"Be.. careful."
Sasuke takes her hand, and places his lips on its surface before leaving . Sakura feels like her adrenaline are pushed even higher.
Oh wait... I really am about to marry him! Sakura blushes hard and she takes her hand to cover her face.
"Are you done?" Forsterin is not amused.
"Right where you are. But first, can I use a weapon too? I have been fighting hand to hand for quite a while now, I want a little change."
"Whatever."
And right on cue, 4 strong men show up to the arena stage, all carrying a big golden axe with pink flowery detail. As they bring it down, it has shocks the ground with a big clang. Forsterin was not expecting that.
"Meet 'babygirl', my war axe. Now, I'm ready. Let us begin."
The crown prince raises his hand up, and waves down, signaling the beginning of the fight.
The two women immediately crashes with their axes. Forsterin brings it back, about to swing the axe by the side. Sakura jumps up, and with her war axe in hand, she rolls her entire body, using its weight to swing the entire axe down to her opponent, an arial frontal attack. Forsterin quickly brings her axe up to shield the attack, and the whole arena hears yet another huge clang.
Wow... she can handle babygirl by strength alone... I really need to put more effort into this fight. Sakura thinks to herself.
The technique her Master endowed to her is not actually monstrous strength of the muscle, but a good use of chakra control. In contrast, Forsterin seems to have actual strength to herself, and underneath that armor, Sakura thinks is an actually well-built and muscular body. This is real actual physical strength, and in Hashirama's name, it is monstrous. Forsterin doesn't only have strength it seems, she also moves with extreme speed, and one hit from her could be fatal, even for Sakura. She needs to move faster than her, but that won't be the only thing she'll need to do. She will also need to think of how to take this impressive woman down. She must make use of her advantages. She cannot win in stamina against this woman, and the injury in her ankle is not getting any better too.
I just need to take her off this arena... ah, got it! Her quick mind is sure not late to work. A kick in the good spot of her lower half should do the minimal damage and get the job done, and now it's how to execute it.
With her acrobats, Sakura fools her opponent, and as she was ready to execute a kick, Forsterin quickly blocked it with her hand.
Oh hell nah! How? Sakura's sure even with a block, she can still well send her opponent away. But then she looks at her feet, she's using the injured one. The poison! Damn it! Turns out it's a chakra block after all! Forsterin grabs her feet tightly, and swings Sakura's entire body up and slam it down straight in the arena's floor. Ouch, good thing Sakura has spread chakra all over her body to cushion herself from the fall, that would have been fatal for anyone. But of course, her injured leg is now hurt, because chakra failed to coat it.
Releasing her hand from Sakura's feet, Forsterin swings her axe up, about to do a definitely illegal move on Sakura. This is a combat, not an execution. Forsterin slams her axe down to her opponent. But wait, where is Sakura?
Turns out, Sakura has quickly turned herself away and the impact of the slam sent her up in the air. Sorry, your Grace, but I think the arena can use some renovation!
"SHANNAROOOOOOOOOO!"
Sakura gathered chakra in her hand, and she slams her fist down to the arena's platform. The impact quickly reshaped the ground, and it sends Forsterin away. Sakura lands down right in the center of the impact.
She has won, and she stands up proudly looking at her surrounding. Forsterin lies down nearby, destroying a vendor shop. Her hair has broke from the ponytail. Guess Izumi really was right, braids hold hair better than just tying it up. Anh the Queen's lucky pin did work after all.. hehe.
The crowd cheers up at her victory. Sakura has shown superb combat skills, and at this point, undeniable strength. Only a fool would doubt her skills as a warrior now. But the fight have worn her down significantly, plus the poison is getting serious now. Her leg is bleeding, and she starts to struggle to balance herself, and slowly starts to fall back. However, she feels like she has fell against.. a body? A hand quickly holds her back and pulls her against its owner. Two pair of red eyes meets her bright green eyes.
"Sasuke...-kun... Told you I would win... wait... are your eyes red!?" Sakura leaves out a chuckle, looking at him softly.
"Baka. Never do this again, you understand me?" Sasuke looks at her, eyes filled with worry. When Forsterin was about to violate the law, Sasuke was ready to spin into action, but he quickly saw her getting up and decided to stop intervening.
"Okie dokie. I really am not looking forward to this again as well. This is tiring." Sakura jokes cheerfully, but it cannot hide her tiredness. The poison is getting serious now.
"Sakura! The poison!"
"Uhm... get me the red bottle in my yellow chest please." And Sakura's vision goes dark.
.
Sakura opens her eye. She is in her room now. Looking to her side, she sees Sasuke's surprised face.
"Sakura!"
"Sasuke-kun... what happened?" Sakura tries to get up, but Sasuke quickly stops her.
"Don't push yourself. You fainted after the fight. I carried you back here and took out the bottle as you have directed. Mother and sister has helped you change your fit and bandaged your injuries. You need to rest now, your leg's bone is crushed."
"Ah... I remember it now. Thank you, Sasuke-kun! Don't worry about the leg, I can heal it myself. I'm a physician after all!"
"No need to force yourself. Get well rested." Sasuke's eyes has soften now from the fight.
Thank you... I'm glad you're here with me. I would be damned if I pass out in front of the crowd in such a shape. In such a shape... uh oh...
"Uhm... Sasuke-kun?"
"Hm?"
"Did the Queen and Izumi help to clean me?"
"Yeah, Mother ordered the maids to do proper cleaning for you. Good thing you left some medical instruction in that box too."
"So I'm.. barefaced now?"
"I guess? Is that a problem?"
"Uhm..."
"Sakura?"
"No... don't worry about it. Proper hygiene is essential for best result... but uhm.. I think I'm..." Sakura's cheek starts to feel hotter now.
Sasuke is still raising his brow up.
"I'm a bit.. bare right now aren't I?"
"And is there anything wrong with it?"
"Well... no... but... I don't really look.. presentable now do I?"
Shannaro! I'm pretty sure I have other business to care about but still! This is the first time he sees me in such a state!
Sasuke leaves out a chuckle. He takes his hand up to her forehead and poke it with two fingers.
"Beauty and love, they correlates."
Huh? Sakura's face clearly shows she's confused. Sasuke let his lips curve into a soft smile. Such a sight to behold, Sakura's eyes are wide open.
"You need not to worry about it. You always look dignified, even when you're not trying." He says it such a soft tone, Sakura's sure her face looks like a tomato now.
"T-thank you, Sasuke-kun! Uhm... that reminds me! What of my opponents?"
"Amilia and Willow is recovering, they will be discharged soon. Unfortunately, father has let Mystine go. It's part of a battle, he said, dirty tricks are to be expected. 'Shameful, but it gets the job done.' As for Forsterin..."
"Oh right, what about her?"
"Forsterin was about to murder you right here and there, which is against the law of the battle. You aren't supposed to kill your opponent in this type of battle. So we have decided to jail her for undetermined amount of time. Could be 10 years."
"Oh Lord?"
"It was necessary, we need to show disciplinary."
"Oh..."
"Don't tell me you are feeling for someone who was about to kill you?"
"I mean, I would rather she doesn't do it. But still... is there any other type of punishment?"
"You want to show mercy to your enemies?"
"She isn't my level. I was just holding back to minimise any unwanted damage. You know full well I can level this entire land now if I want to."
"But she was still trying to kill you."
"I know... but I want to talk to her more. I just.. want to see more for myself."
Sasuke sighs.
"Very well, it is up to you. It's not like we sentenced her to death anyway."
"Yeah... thank you Sasuke-kun! Oh uh... about the arena..."
"There will be some work, don't worry, it was a bit old anyway."
"Hehe... oopsie..."
"Hm. Izumi will see you soon. I'll trade my hunting shift with Obito today."
"Why?"
"Because my wife needs nutrition to heal."
The realisation that they are fully betrothed now hit her again. And she quickly coughs. She is gonna need a while to get used to this.
"Sakura? Are you okay?"
"Yeah yeah I'm well, don't worry." Sasuke looks at her doubtfully, but she waves her hand signaling she really is fine.
"So... what does the physician prescribe a patient healing from toxin?"
"I think I'll need some herbs today. Spinach, kale, garlic, onion, beets,..."
"Maybe I'll get you some soup then. Beetroot?"
"If it's not with beef stock, that can do, thank you! But you know, the family needs to eat too. I don't think everyone needs to eat just soup because I'm in bed."
"I'll get them some chickens. Hopefully Mother will help me out."
"Yeah... the Queen's brisket was amazing. She must be a fascinating cook."
"She'll be your mother soon, perhaps you really should get use to it soon."
Sakura blushes again. But a knock on the door quickly snapped her out of it. Sasuke activates his Sharingan.
"Hmm..."
"What is it Sasuke-kun? Is it Izumi?"
"Not Izumi... Mother."
Speaks of the dev- angel.
"Oh... uh... what would she want from me?"
"You'll have to find out for yourself."
In Hashirama's name! Sakura rolls her eyes.
"See you at supper."
"See you."
Sasuke walks to the door and opens it. Sakura hears a little greeting and good luck, and Mikoto appears in her view shortly.
"My Qu-... Mother." Sakura is a bit shy, like the fact that she's going to be Sasuke's wife soon, she will need a little time to get used to the fact that Mikoto will be her mother soon.
"Sweet child... how are you doing?"
"I'm fine, thank you, m- Mother."
"Lovely. That was quite a battle. You really are such a capable person. Your mother... she would have been proud."
"My mother..."
"Oh! My apologies, sweet child, is that an unpleasant topic?"
"N-no, not at all please. It's just... it's been a while... I haven't call anyone mother for a while now. If we don't count in Queen Tsunade's Grand Mother that is, hehe."
"Such words are no easy after all... I miss Kushina alot too... and my son..." Mikoto's eyes shows a slight sadness.
"But... you know... you need not to call me Mother. I have been thinking and I have decided on.. Mom!"
"Mom?"
"Mom. It differentiates you. Sasuke calls me mother with a boy voice, Izumi with a girl voice. You? Mom. With a girl voice."
Wow, Mom. That's unexpected.
"You really will let me call you that?"
"Yes, for sure. Sasuke used to call me that when he was younger too. But as he got older, he wanted to be all serious like my husband and Itachi, so he dropped that."
"Hehe, I wouldn't have expected that!"
"He'd rather burry himself in cowpie than to reveal that to you, haha. Oops! Sorry Sasuke!"
Sasuke sneezes, alerting his prey and it quickly runs away. "What in the...", Sasuke thinks to himself.
Sakura and Mikoto had a great conversation with one another. They recalled great memory about their common love, Kushina, together. The more she talks with Mikoto, the more she realises behind the stern and dignified exterior, lies within a passionate and kind woman. Mikoto and Kushina are different in how they act, yes, but other than that, the two women share the same deep love for their family. Even with the title that demands a great amount of their time, the two women never forgot their family. Obito and Shisui lost their mother at a young age too, so it was also her who raised them along with her kids. Even if they call her aunt, they are just like her children nonetheless. Family and love, seems to be their strength. Sakura felt very warm in her heart, something inside her that she has long buried deep silently resurfaces. But... Mikoto seems to enjoy discussing about her children, and it makes Sakura wonder, if her mother did just that to her back in the day.
"Excuse me, mom, but... what did my mother say about me back in the day?"
"Well, she always says that you are such a lovely and adorable child. You are really good with your studies too and she just knew you would grow up to be a great beauty."
"You know I'm not really asking about that right...?"
Right in the shot.
"My dear... do you want Kushina to haunt me?". Mikoto smiles, but her smile.. it seems rather.. dangerous. Truly an Uchiha woman.
"N-nevermind that I asked please!"
Mikoto can't help it but leave out a chuckle. Saskure realises, this woman has raised 4 boys all by herself, and one of them is Shisui who bathed in a royal fountain of another country. It would be like Naruto times 4, and he already drives Kushina crazy. This person, is absolutely no joke.
Seeing Sakura's chuckle, Mikoto smiles softly too. The two women looks at each other. The elder lost her son, whereas the younger lost her mother. That is not a gap to be replaced, but to be filled with new love. The emptiness left behind our lost one can hardly ever be forgotten, but new loves will be there for us, ready to create new memory and bonds. Sakura is glad she has made it up to this point, so that she can meet these amazing people who love her just as much as her family. Live, so that you will meet all that loves you. Sakura then realises, marrying Sasuke doesn't mean she will say goodbye to her home country, it also means she will be gaining a new family too. A new mother, a new sister, 2 extra brothers, a.. new husband, and a...
"My husband... I know he can be tough sometimes. You know, he has a lot on his shoulder."
"I can only imagine, our kingdom is way different than my home..."
"Thank you for your understanding. But worry not, he is very impressed by you. Just between the two of us okay? He is amazed of your achievement as Queen in your home, you know. Just give him time, and may I ask, be patient with him. He will slowly open up."
"Thank you for your kind words. I'll keep it in my heart."
.
Sasuke insisted that she would be having dinner in her room, even though she protested that she has already healed her leg and can walk now. He didn't even let her leave her bed, and he spoonfed her his beetroot soup, much to her shyness. Izumi, Shisui and Obito quickly came up to her to visit her after her dinner. She's no longer feeling shy about looking ill. Sasuke's beetroot soup has made her alot pinker, yes, but this is her new family now. She is comfortable in their presence, that and the two brothers joked so hard she thought she had an injury in her stomach because she laughed too much.
This family, she thinks, she is starting to fall in love with them too.
~ Author's note: Spotlight of the chapter ~
This chapter, I want to introduce Pomeyasha. Pom is an amazing creator who I have been given the luck and opportunity to regularly acquaint with on social media, and I must say, she is an incredible person. When I first write this fic, I felt incredible impostor syndrome because I lack confidence in my skills. But it was Pom who gave such a wise word to me that everyone can be a writer and everyone should write, and from that point on, I felt so much better and had so much more confidence. Pom's works are always a favourite of mine, so I think it's only right that I link her platforms here.
You can check her out in Twitter or her work here in AO3.
Thank you for reading this! See you next time ~.