Chapter Text
Sakura felt nervous, it was understandable, but someone had to stand up to him. Someone that wasn’t part of the clan and tell him he couldn’t go around saying what he liked.
Someone like her?
She was filled with fire and anger after she first heard what transpired between the two men but now that she was in front of the door ready to knock and give that man a piece of her mind her heart was racing.
Was this the best option?
Would Sasuke be mad?
No, even if he would be that didn’t matter.
Besides it was too late to turn back as her hand acting without warning to knock on the door.
“Come in,” a gruff voice could be heard. As Sakura let herself in, she was mortified to see that she wasn’t alone and that it looked as though they finished their meeting but there were still a few members of the Uchiha clan left. She wasn’t familiar with most apart from the three at the back.
Itachi, Shisui and her opponent Fugaku.
The man looked up when she entered surprised to see her here.
“Ah young Haruno, is there something I can help you with?”
A message from the Hokage?
“Yes… no. Actually, I’m here to give you a piece of my mind.” Sakura inwardly cringed, what kind of person starts off being mad by saying that? The nerves were getting to her.
And to make it worse she had everyone’s full attention now.
“I heard what happened between you and Sasuke and I’m here on his defence. He works just as hard as Itachi does. He’s one of the most hardworking people I know, and I can’t stand the way you dismiss him. I’m aware I don’t come from any clan, that you have higher standards or whatever and my opinion doesn’t matter to you at all, but I also feel like because of that I can speak out.
Do you have any idea how hard it is for us? That I wish I can be strong and powerful as someone from a clan? How difficult it is to not compare myself to Sasuke and Naruto? I mean we’re all part of the same team, of course I’m going to compare myself to them. Especially when everyone else talks so highly of them and I don’t blame them. Their right. Sasuke and Naruto deserve every praise, they work so hard, and I’ve been there watching every step of the way.
They’ve inspired me, encouraged me into wanting to get stronger so I can protect them like they protected me.
But to hear Sasuke feel like he’s not enough because his brother has accomplished so much more at his age, because his father says so. That he feels like he’s doesn’t work hard enough and so instead trains until his body gives out. Do you have any idea how frustrating that is?
He’s saved my life countless of times.
He’s been there for me at my worse. When I would lose a patient, he would be there telling me it’s not my fault and that I ‘did what I could.’ He doesn’t dismiss or ignore my feelings and knows how I would view it as a doctor compared to him. He’s patient and understanding.
Don’t you think you can give even a slight praise to him? Acknowledge all the work and accomplishments he has made. You’re his father, you should be acknowledging and praising him. Not tearing him down because he doesn’t ‘meet your standards.’
Sasuke is amazing just the way he is, he’ll never be Itachi. No one will and that’s fine because he’s Sasuke. And Sasuke is more than enough!! More than you!!”
Wow, that was… not what she was expecting. Everything just came tumbling out, everything she felt towards the man with how he treated his sons, always acting like Sasuke had to do better and for what? His praise? His approval?
Sasuke does more than enough but maybe she didn’t have a place to say such a thing.
She was so dead.
Yet nothing but silence took over them. Everyone in the room had wide eyes and were most likely processing what she said. No one, not even another member of the clan dared to have a go at Uchiha Fugaku. And she did.
“So… yeah. That’s what I wanted to say.” She’ll never hear the end of this. Best to make her exit whilst she still can.
“Now if you’ll excuse me. I still need to meet up with Tsunade.” And as quickly as she arrived Sakura left feeling both flustered but also proud for standing up to him. She can only assume she’ll be banned from talking to Sasuke ever again, but it’ll be worth it, her mind tells her.
All the Uchiha turned towards him, not quite sure what to make of the situation or how to react. It was until Shisui finally broke did the rest of the clan do so as well.
“Pfft, haha she sure told you off!!” Shisui couldn’t stop his belly laugh almost even rolling on the floor. His expression was priceless, out of everything that certainly wasn’t something expected of Sakura. Even Itachi had an amused look on his face.
“Ah, but she does have a point. You are always much too harsh on Sasuke. Miss Haruno is only looking out for him.” He hoped he wouldn’t make a big deal out of this; Itachi could see she was only looking at his brother’s best interest.
“Geeze, you’re still doing that. She’s told you plenty of times to refer her as Sakura. How long have you two known each other?” As Shisui and Itachi were talking about what Itachi should call Sakura and the rest of the Uchiha clan whispering amongst themselves amused and bewildered of the situation. Fugaku couldn’t get her words out of his head
You’re his father, you should be acknowledging and praising him. Not tearing him down because he doesn’t ‘meet your standards.’
Sasuke is amazing just the way he is, he’ll never be Itachi. No one will and that’s fine because he’s Sasuke. And Sasuke is more than enough!! More than you!!
She was right about both of those things, even his wife told him so before. He was aware how harsh and strict he was on Sasuke, but even so…
“Meeting dismissed.” Well, this was certainly an eventful afternoon.
“Oh my, she really said those things?” Mikoto couldn’t help but giggle watching her husband taking a sip of his drink. She could easily see how embarrassed he was.
“You should have been there, it was priceless!” Shisui laughed again. “I don’t think even she realised what she was saying.” It was as if someone flipped a switch, though with how long they’ve known each other it was surprising that she lasted this long to snap at Fugaku.
Not even Sasuke was safe from Sakura’s wrath, and he out of everyone should know better witnessing it first hand with Naruto.
“I’m home.” A call came in by the entrance. Ah and speak of the devil. The three greeted as he came in to sit at the table whereas his father nodded his head to him in acknowledgement. They all had ‘this look’ which Sasuke found suspicious.
“What’s going on?”
“Your girlfriend is what?”
“My what? You mean Sakura?”
“Oh, so you don’t deny it?” Itachi only rolled his eyes kicking Shisui under the table. He was always constantly teasing his younger brother about his teammate.
“What did she do?”
“She ripped your father to pieces is what she did.” Shisui began to laugh again, this time it was Mikoto who whacked him on the head as Sasuke was still confused unsure what he meant.
“What Shisui means is she stood up for you, to your father when the meeting was over in front of the clan. Well almost everyone.”
“She did?” His father didn’t say anything still remaining silent.
It was rare for someone to stand up to Fugaku, although he knew Sakura had a temper but still… to think she would face his father?
Was this because of his vent the other day?
His father placed his hand on Sasuke’s shoulder, giving a light squeeze.
“You have… good friends Sasuke.” Although a bit awkward, they knew it was his own way of showing affection. Fugaku wasn’t angry or annoyed but proud that Sasuke had good people to look out for him and perhaps with this girl (or so he hears) love him even.
“Ah, I know.” Sasuke let out a rare soft smile feeling a sudden warmth. He was grateful for his friends. “Aww old man Fugaku is getting soft in his age.” Shisui teased which again earned another whack from Mikoto telling him to behave.
Was he getting soft?
Maybe, still it wasn’t only Sakura who had gotten under his skin recently.
“Papa did you see what I did? Did you? I kicked that ball so high!!”
“You did, I’m proud of you son.”
Everywhere he went he was reminded of himself with his own sons.
“Sooo, what is the deal with you two? Is she your girlfriend? Are you two dating?” Before Sasuke could react telling Shisui to shut up his mother piped in.
“Oh? That would be so sweet, you should invite her here more often. Make her feel part of the family.” Instead, all he did was grumble out how they weren’t dating whilst eating his food, still his smile never left.
The next morning was like any other day for the Uchiha’s. Sasuke had gone out for his usual training leaving Fugaku, Mikoto and Itachi in the house. There were no meetings or missions today so the two could relax or in their case for ‘relaxation’ working on what they needed to prepare for the next meeting.
It was a nice peaceful morning until Shisui turned up.
He flung the door open panting.
“Danzo wants to see you. An urgent matter he said.” Danzo? At this time? What could that man want? Really, he couldn’t give any notice. Fugaku let out a heavy sigh, setting down his drink. However, seeing Shisui’s paled face Fugaku knew something wasn’t quite right.
“What’s wrong?”
“He… uh, I’m not sure you’re going to like what you see.”
Mikoto and Fugaku shared a wary look.
~~~
Sure enough, what Shisui said about Danzo waiting for him in the middle of their village along with some his root was true. Wasn’t that a bit extreme. A few Uchiha had gathered outside as well curious as to what owe them such ‘pleasure’ to have him at their district.
Even Sakura-
Sakura?
What was she doing there with Danzo and covered in bruises? And if he’s not mistaken it looks as though she had been crying too.
The words Shisui had mentioned earlier echoed in his head and he got an uneasy feeling.
Something wasn’t quite right.
“Danzo…” Fugaku stood in front with a deadpanned look trying to figure out as to why and how Sakura was involved in their business. “To what do owe the pleasure?” Itachi and Shisui had followed behind as well. Itachi equally giving Danzo and unimpressed look whilst Shisui was worried if he had to stop a fight from breaking out.
“This girl has something she would like to tell you. Well?” Danzo poked the girl forward with his stick causing her to wince, this made Fugaku frown. What gives him the right to treat her this way?
“I… Mr Uchiha I… I would like to apo-” Fugaku immediately held up his hand halting her before turning his attention again to the man in front.
“I will not repeat myself. Danzo, what is the meaning of this?”
“If you would let her finish-”
“Did you do this?” He said pointing to all of Sakura. Of course, they both knew he was talking about the bruises and tears.
“She needs to learn her place.”
Learn her place?
“SHE is just a child.”
“Child or not she has no right to talk back or act all high and mighty to someone from a high clan when she’s a nobody.” At that Sakura flinched, clearly, he had been using those words at her moments before. “Humiliating a clan leader-” Fugaku gave a snort.
“I would hardly call that humiliation.”
“It is shameful!”
“That’s what this is about? Dignity? She warrants nothing to be harmed.”
“She needs to learn her place in this world, she is a nobody. I figured someone of your status would understand, clearly, I was mistaken.”
“Your right, I do understand. So, if I’m not mistaken as I am the one she’s ‘humiliated’ as you put it, should it not be me who’s the one to punish her? What gives you the right?”
“Someone has to take action, clearly you are getting too soft.” There was that word again. “Why else would she behave in such a way?”
“Because she is also my son’s teammate, who we’ve known for years. We’re practically family, that’s why, not that you would understand.” Sakura’s eyes widen at hearing such words, she would never expect for Fugaku to talk so openly like that. In front of everyone too.
“Not to mention the fourth Hokage’s. I’m sure he would be most interested on hearing your excuse on abusing a child. Tell me, what crimes did she commit to earn such consequences?” Although what he hears from his wife it wouldn’t be Minato, he had to be afraid of but Kushina. Likewise, she treated that girl as her own daughter, he can only imagine how she would react once word spreads.
Then there was Sakura’s parents… Kizashi was a kind man sure but harm his one and only daughter there would be hell to pay. And as for Mebuki, she already had a temper, and he’ll face the consequences of messing with her daughter.
Danzo had his work cut out for sure.
“Tch, that Minato. He’s bad enough as it is with the way he deals with things.”
“I’m sure. Itachi, take young Haru- Sakura back to our home.” Fugaku turned to his eldest son. “Mikoto will treat her wounds.” Sakura was once again lost for words caused by Fugaku.
This was the first time he had called her by her first name. Always feeling the need to be formal despite her insistence over the years. The only two, aside from Sasuke as they were teammates, who listened were Mikoto and Shisui.
“Understood father,” Itachi bowed and gently approached the girl with a warm smile ignoring the glare Danzo sent his way and the roots. “Come with me, my mother will treat them.”
“Uh…” Sakura sniffed still feeling shaken up from everything that happened before. “Sure.” She let out a small smile appreciative allowing Itachi to guide her away from him.
“Hey, wait for me, I’ll come with.” Shisui called out. After watching the three leave Danzo turned back to Fugaku clicking his tongue.
“You really are losing your touch Fugaku.”
“You forget, I’m a father myself Danzo.” Seeing the girl in such a state brought out his fatherly instincts. He didn’t see a full grown kunoichi capable of defending herself but of a five-year-old child needing help because those with power above her chose to abuse it. And Fugaku will not stand for it.
“I’ll be taking this up with the Hokage.”
“Do so by all means, you will regret this.” Some of the Uchiha only snorted, imagine having such audacity. They were witnesses to all this.
“You should be grateful my other son wasn’t here to witness this.” Given what happened in the chunin exams, he can only imagine how Sasuke would have reacted seeing Sakura this way.
Fugaku will make him pay.