Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I love her. She’s the love of my life. I’d do anything and everything for her… even if that meant seeing her damned best friend everyday.

Uzumaki Naruto is the nightmare of my life. Always beside my dream -obscuring my private time with my wife. It’s truly unfair that even now I have to see usuratonkachi’s face everyday I come home and every morning I leave. She’s there all the time, and why? Because she “just can’t stay away from her first niece.” I think that’s a bunch of bullshit -usuratonkachi has never been good with children, let alone excited for my first daughter.

Just the mere thought of all this pisses me off. I’m supposed to be the one there to take care of my wife while she houses our child. Not that dobe!

The brush in my hand snaps into two, startling me from my stupor, and suddenly I’m back in Orochimarus lab with Suigestu and Karin bickering nonsense a few feet in front of me. I grumble at the depressing surroundings of water tubes and tables filled with whatever crap they’re currently working on. Karin turns at the sound of my brush snapping. She sighs at the dark aura no doubt clouding the already dark bags under my eyes.

“Just go home.” “No. If I go home I’ll have to deal with that damn brat.” The two raise their eyebrows in confusion of my muttering hisses. I only click my tongue and toss the broken brush into the waste bin and grab a new one from somewhere in the clutter they’ve created. I hear the two muttering not so quietly up ahead, only pissing me off more until I can feel my chakra surge within me.

“He’s pissed because Narutos probably still at his and Sakuras home.” Karin sighed, “Whatever the case, I agree it has something to do with Naruto. He always acts like this when she’s involved!”
I ignore her deliberate attempt to wretch my innermost feelings out, and decide to return back to the scroll in my hand.

With my facade of calm and composedness, Karin and Suigestu quickly lose interest in whatever had “bothered” me from before… until there is the faint feeling of an obnoxiously bright and bubbly chakra signature I am all too familiar with. Karin turns to me with another cocked eyebrow, and I am flattered she thinks I know why usuratonkachi is here. But I am just as much, possibly even more, confused than her. The chakra signature grows stronger until the door is slamming open and in front of us stands the head Anbu in training of Hokage with my wife in arms. Her chest heaves as Naruto storms into the room and puts Sakura on the metal examination bed.

“Uh… Naruto I know you miss us but was that all necessary?” I have a mind to ask the same question. Instead of answering though, usuratonkachi holds a hand up as she continues to catch her breath. When she’s stable enough to let go of her knees for support, the dobe gasps out. “Water.. broke. Didn’t know… where else… to take her.” Her glare is then directed at me. I click my tongue at her blatant accusation and stand from where I sat at the cluttered desk.

Walking over to my wife, the evidence of her water breaking soaks her dress and legs. Her cheeks are pink in flush, most likely from Naruto running at top speed in the ending frost of March. “Are you alright?” I ask, only to be glared at by both women. “Let me rephrase that.” Naruto snips, “Her water broke two hours ago. I would’ve gone to the hospital but seeing how badly the people of the Leaf view her husband, I hadn’t thought it appropriate. It took two hours because she kept having contractions… of course you would know all of this if you didn’t fancy being locked up in a creepy laboratory all day everyday ever since you came back from your travels!” Naruto hisses. I simply roll my eyes at usuratonkachi’s over exaggeration and bend to pick my wife up. Sakura holds onto my shoulders as I walk for the door. “Where the hell are you going?!” I ignore the imbeciles shriek.

I walk through the dark halls and up a few staircases before we’re in the ground level of the hideout. Opening a door, I lay Sakura on the only available bed and immediately feel Naruto peeking around. “Would you qut it?!” Kicking my leg out, I catch her off guard, sending the dobe ten steps from the now open cabinets. Naruto doesn't so much as react as she catches her balance and rolls onto her feet. “The door’s over there. Good-bye.” “Sasuke, stop it. You’re acting like a child.” “She did her part in bringing Sakura here.” I argue. “I want her here Sasuke-kun.” Sakura smiles, bringing everyone's defenses down with a hard blow. “She is going to be the godmother after all.” I grumble at this. “When was that decided?” “Hey!” I ignore Naruto’s childish pout. “When Naruto was spending everyday taking care of me and working around my and your daughters schedule.” “Why does that feel like a jab?” “Because it was.” “You shut up!” I send another kick back into Narutos abdomen, only for her to dodge easily and stand back up as if it were a casual gesture.

“If she wants me here then I’ll gladly stay. I’ve seen people die, have killed and hold a demon beast inside me. What could be so bad about childbirth?” Sakura smiled brightly while Karin scowled and rolled her eyes. “You obviously haven’t seen the pain a woman goes through to give birth.” “Only when I was born.” Naruto flashes a grin toward her third cousin before walking to my side. “Do you think you’ll be able to handle it mass murderer?” “I’m not a murderer.” “Itachi, Danzo, Kaguya, Marada…” “You committed half of those with me.” “I know.” “If you ever become Hokage, I fear for the village.” “Not as much as those around us when you said you’d be Hokage.” “That was a long time ago.” I easily deflect. “That was three years ago!” “A long time ago.” Naruto scoffs, “He makes it seem like our teenage years are decades behind us.” Suigestu chuckles a bit, though quickly stops when no one else follows. I have a mind to cackle at his embarrassment, but I am quickly distracted when Sakuras eyes clamped shut and her physique grew tense.

In a matter of seconds her deathly grip is in my one hand and in Naruto’s other. She doesn’t flinch, leading me to believe she’s suddenly grown immune to Sakuras unbelievable strength or it’s her prosthetic that’s taking the damage. Karin regulates Sakuras breathing until her body relaxes and a cold sweat kisses her brow. Naruto helps me lay her on the bed with the single pillow fluffed under her head. “The contractions are getting longer.” Karin looks at Naruto and nods. “If it took you two hours to get here, I’m sure they are.”

“Hey I don’t mean to interrupt, but is she supposed to be bleeding?” “Suigestu don’t look under her skirt!” Karin punches Suigestu into the nearest wall, before lifting Sakuras skirt a bit. Her head pokes up a moment later, and she turns her attention to Naruto. “Was it her water that broke? Are you positive?” “A pool of water gushed from under her skirts and flooded the floor Karin. I don’t think I’m that much of an idiot to misinterpret water for blood.” “You sure?” “Shut up teme.” She barely spares me a glance before turning back to Karin. “Why?” “Because this far into her pregnancy she isn’t supposed to be bleeding.”

I watch as not only Karin’s expression turns grim but also a sick realization hits both Naruto and Sakura. Within a second Sakura is back in usuratonkachi’s arms and the three women are leaving the room. Without sparing Suigestu much of a glance, I follow after the women in their early twenties back down a few staircases, before I manage to catch Karin by the arm. “Tell me what’s happening.” “The child is pushing! They are as impatient as you!” Naruto shouts from within the room before appearing behind Karin. “Karin.” She nods and slips in before Naruto pushes me back from following inside. “You don’t want to go in there.” “Like hell.” She pushes against my chest again. “Let me rephrase that, Sakura doesn’t want you in there. You are to stay out here with Suigestu as Karin and I do this procedure.” I snarl. “You're not doing any procedure on my wife. Unlike her, you and Karin are not medics.” “We can’t spend another two hours carrying her back to the Leaf if that’s what you're implying.” “Tsunade said…” “Doctors are wrong all the time Sasuke, and Tsunade isn’t even her doctor. Why you were consulting with Granny is beyond me when she hasn’t even given Sakura a proper check-up.” I glare, “She’s the most skilled in the Leaf.” “No shit.”

“Naruto stop talking and get in here!” We both look into the room to have usuratonkachi push against my face and try to slip inside, but I refuse to allow two unqualified genin work on my wife. “Sasuke…” She begins but I stop her. “Get Tsunade or don’t touch my wife.” She glares. “I’m not arguing…” “Good neither am I…” “I can’t….” “But you will.” “But…” “You will or forget whatever the hell you plan to do.” She snarls, but looks back before slamming the door.

Two minutes later Narutos a flash of blonde passed me and up the stairs.

There’s too much blood. So much fucking blood.

Goddamnit! Where the hell is Naruto?!

I glance back up at Sakura, but the drug has long taken effect, leaving me with no guidance and in care of Sasukes wifes fucking life. “Dammit to hell. Where are you Naruto?!” Making a last as precise as I can, cut. My hand runs over the red organ to open Sakuras uterus. I’m assaulted with the view of a small babe covered in red gunk and connected to Sakura by an umbilical cord. I reach in and curl my hands delicately around the babe, a squeamish feeling making my stomach flip as I lift her from the womb of her unconscious mother.

The babe huffs and shivers in my hands before a long, ear-deafening cry leaves her lips. My first reaction is to flinch but I find myself wrapping the babe in a spare towel that Naruto had laid out before dashing off to retrieve Lady Tsunade per Sasukes request, instead.

It’s only as I clean the gunk off the girls face and grab the scissors to cut the umbilical cord, that the door slams open to show a winded Naruto in front of a fresh-looking Lady Tsunade. The two rush in with the door slamming behind them. Lady Tsunade crowds me and checks the new born daughter of Sakura and Sasuke while Naruto skids to a stop beside Sakura who sleeps under the influence of the sleeping drug. An unreadable look overtakes Narutos winded physique, turning it tense. Her hands don’t shake as one goes to Sakuras wrist and another goes to the pulse point on her neck. Her face drops then and her knees visibly wobble.

A small heartbeat of panic minutely burns my lungs, and when Naruto looks up a feel of great failure overtakes me. “...Did you track Sakuras pulse… at all?” I gulp, as Tsunade shifts beside me before appearing beside Naruto and taking the wrist that falls from her limp feelings. Narutos shoulders shake as her second hand falls to the straight strands of Sakuras pink hair. “Karin…?” Both women look up at me, but no answer can form around the boulder in my throat.

Though the silence seems to speak for itself as my eyes dart to Sakuras expressionless face as Narutos knees give out. The child is forgotten in my arms for what I could only imagine to be the most excruciating minute of my life, before the child is taken by Lady Tsunade and the umbilical cord is cut cleanly.

“You will need to go inform Sasuke, Naruto.” My cousins eyes closed, and don’t open until the door slams wide on its own. Sasuke stands there… and I have nothing to say.

Chapter Text

Sarada stood beside her nazukeoya in the kitchen as she helped prepare their meal for the night. Looking up from the rice machine currently hard at work, Sarada stared up at her nazukeoya, and tilted her head.

“Nazukeoya?” “Yes.” Her godmother was quick to reply. “Are mama and papa coming home for supper tonight?” Narutos arm halted just above the fish she was preparing, before she continued with a glance at her goddaughter. “Where is this coming from?” Sarada looked back to the rice machine, as if it were easier to tell Naruto her thoughts that way. “Well… you never talk about mama and papa… but you have a photo of them in my room for me. I… I was only wondering if… you know… I got to see them some time.”
Naruto doesn’t respond immediately, drawing Saradas’ attention back to her. The woman sighs before giving Sarada a small, tired smile. Its a shocking different compared to Narutos usual smile Sarada had grown to love from the woman. “.. If… If your mother were here she’d be making supper with you Sarada, but she can’t, and when you are older and can understand certain things I will show you why…” Naruto pauses before glancing away from Sarada in a moment of weakness. “But… for your father…” She sighed. “I have no excuses for that man. He has the potential to be a wonderful father for you… and yet he chooses to run away like a little coward.”

Sarada frowns as red streaks through Narutos crystal blues, and knows to drop the subject… and yet she doesn’t want to. Stepping closer to her nazukeoya, Sarada grabs Narutos sleeve. “I want to know about mama.”

That was ten years ago. Now Naruto is the seventh Hokage of the Leaf village and Sarada is in the shinobi academy with her other friends. The child would like to call it a happy life -her life is happy. It's normal, and peaceful. When she goes home Naruto is already there preparing supper or cleaning or passed out on the couch still decked out in her hokage cloak and orange clothing… and yet even with Naruto beside her, treating her like a daughter, taking care of her, making sure she’s never neglected but loved and cared for -Sarada can’t help but wish for her papa to come home. She can’t help but travel to the shinobi graveyard where her mothers tomb lays with fresh flowers from Ino or Naruto or any of the others Sarada calls uncle and aunt.

So when Sarada decides to make the journey to the Hokage tower one late night after Naruto deemed it better to stay at the office instead of coming home with her piles of paperwork, she’s stopped at the mention of her papas name. Uchiha Sasuke -Sarada doesn’t know much about the man seeing everyone seems to gain a bitter taste when talking about the man- but the name is painfully familiar from Narutos unwarranted rants about him over the past years.

“...said to have found the main threat. He’ll be sending the report in a few days time.” Sarada’s hand hovered over the knob of the Hokages office door when she heard her nazukeoya scoff. “Tell that bastard to come and give it to me in person. He’s been gone for ten goddamn years -a visit is long overdue.” “You know he won’t do that Naruto. This village is nothing but a curse for him.” “Don’t put words into his mouth Shikamaru, that crap is just a shitty excuse to dodge a beating from me.” “You think you could still defeat him?” “Of course I could defeat him!” Naruto barked, seemingly outraged over the flicker of Shikamarus lighter clicking up a flame. “I could do it with my eyes closed and one arm with how pissed I am at him!” There was the sound of the window rattling open before a long sigh. Shikamaru only spoke up then. “You already took his right arm, are you going to take the other?”

Saradas eyes widen at that. She didn’t know her fathers missing arm was because of Naruto.

“I’ll rip off every one of his limbs if it means he’ll come back.” Shikamaru only sighs out another puff of smoke. “And you say he’s the dramatic one for leaving.” “He abandoned his daughter!” Naruto hissed, sounding too close to Orochimaru for Sarada’s liking. “After what happened to his clan I’d have expected better.” “You expect a lot from Sasuke.” “I do not! All I want is that bastard here… and for you to stop smoking!” Shikamaru pointedly ignored Narutos comment of his terrible habit.

Sarada tried to listen past her nazukeoya’s grumbling and the small whistle of the wind, for anything else, and it worked as a few minutes later Naruto spoke up again. This time sounding a bit worn and defeated. “Where will he drop off the report?” “At the old Anbu hideout. I’ll have a jonin retrieve it on Thursday.” “Good… Shikamaru I wasn’t kidding about that cigarette.” “When are you ever joking anymore?” “As much as you seem to find time to sleep.” Shikamaru hummed with the rattle of the window coming a few moments later.
“Heading home anytime soon?” Naruto sighed at Shikamarus question. “I’m sure Sarada will only yell at me for being late. I’d like to finish the rest of these papers before I go home and get barked at.” “Living with you has given her quite the spirit. Shikadai goes on and on about how energetic she is, beating up everyone who toes a line out of the rules.” “Nah, she gets that from Sakura. If Sarada was anything like me the Hokage faces would’ve long been graffitied.” “It would’ve been nice to see you get upset like the third if that happened.” Naruto chuckled at that. “May that poor bastard rest in peace…. right Sarada?”

Sarada tensed at the sudden call of her name. Quickly, and silently, Sarada attempted to run, but when she turned both Shikamaru and Naruto were standing in front of her. A cigarette sat comfortably between her uncles lips while her nazukeoya stared bemused with her arms crossed beneath her impressive chest build. Naruto raised an eyebrow as panic flooded over Sarada’s nerves.

“How…How long have you been standing there?!” She blurted, pointing accusingly at the adults. Naruto smiled. “The entire time.” Pink clouded Saradas cheeks at the eased answer. Narutos eyebrow cocked once more. “If you had something to tell me Sarada, you could’ve just walked in.” “Yeah… I know.” Sarada glanced at her uncle who was now leaning against a window with a puff of white smoke floating from between his lips. She turned back to Naruto. “I didn’t think it appropriate when you were so clearly talking about a matter I shouldn’t have overheard.” “Childen listen it's not or their ears or not.” The tips of Narutos fingers met Saradas forehead in a gentle poke. “I’d rather you feel comfortable in the office instead of in a dark hallway… but with that said, why are you here Sarada?”

Sarada sighed but followed her nazukeoya and uncle into the office where Naruto closed the office door and sat atop of the office desk. Sarada frowned. “Don’t you have paperwork?” She glanced around the clean office. Naruto only smiled. “I got it done while you were listening into Shikamarus and Is’ conversation.” Sarada sat in the Hokage desk chair and looked at Naruto. “Will papa never come home?”

Some part of Sarada had expected Naruto to start barking and avoid the main topic like she usually did at the mention of Sasukes name, but another part of her hoped Naruto would tell her yes -even if it were a lie.

She got neither as Naruto shrugged. “I’d force him back here… but I don’t fancy having to use another prosthetic… and I’m sure you wouldn’t want your father with no arms.” Shkamaru sighs at the perfectly “normal(?)” comment, and Naruto pointedly ignored her right hand. “I want to meet him,” She said. “In person. I want to see my father with my own eyes nazukeoya.” Naruto smiled at the girl. “I’d ask if I’m not good enough, but I understand that feeling. It’s perfectly natural to feel that way Sarada… but I can’t easily give you what you want.” “Yes you can. Nazukeoya your the strongest shinobi there is -even Uncle Gaara says so-, you could bring him back.” “Bunny it isn’t that simple.” “What is simple?! It feels like every time I even bring up the topic of mama or papa you have nothing but bitterness or sadness for them! I just want to meet my father and… and if that isn’t enough than forget making me a plate for dinner!”

Naruto jumps off the desk as Sarada runs to the door and throws it open. Without a look back, the ten year old runs out and Naruto makes it to the door, before stopping and sighing. Shikamaru watches as his long time best friend pushes she bangs back in frustration and rubs at the top of her nose. “Not going after her?” Naruto frowns, but shakes her head and looks back at him. “That would only make her feel trapped.”

Sarada is like Naruto in many small ways. She’d rather train than sleep. She’d rather eat out with friends than go home to an empty house -on the days Naruto has to travel-. And she runs to an Akimichis house when in distress.

Akimichi Chocho is the daughter of Akimichi Choji -another one of Saradas uncles- and just like her father Chocho has an unhealthy habit of eating, well… anything. So when Sarada finds herself ranting about the whole encounter with Chocho in the kitchen as her best friend scavenges for food in the pantry -it comes as no surprise to anyone.

“... And than I told her if she couldn’t bring back Sasuke than she could forget me coming home for dinner… although now I feel like that was wrong. Naruto has only ever been good to me and well… she has that whole history with my mama and papa that I don’t even know about. Just tonight I overheard and learned that my papas missing arm was caused by Naruto and no doubt her missing arm was caused by my papa.” Sarada sighed, “I already made my stand though so it’s not like I can go back home and act like I never said anything so mean as that…” Trailing off at a loss for what to do, Sarada sighs and slumps from where she sits on the counters top. “Maybe I’m just thinking about it too much.” “Definitely not.” Chocho dumps an armful for chip bags and sweets onto the counter top. “Lady seventh is totally being unreasonable. You're allowed to want to see your father, and she is the strongest shinobi -everyone says it. Even the other Kazes of the Nations- I bet it would just take a flick of her finger to get your dad home.” “You really think it would only take a flick of her finger? From what Iruka-sensei has told me, I think Naruto and Papa would sooner destroy the entire world before one of them came out as victor.” “Then why isn’t your father Hokage if he’s so powerful?” Chocho snips. Sarada frowns, and Chocho sighs before patting her friends arm. “You shouldn’t be worrying so much -at least not tonight. We can figure out a plan tomorrow to see your dad. Tonight though we’re bringing all of this to my room and binging lots of movies and shows -and if we miss school tomorrow then oh well.” Sarada gives a small huff of a chuckle at that. “If Naruto finds out I purposely skipped school, I’d think she would have my head before we could ever see my father.” Chocho shrugs. “If Lady seventh doesn’t approve then I’ll just tell mom what happened and she can deal with Lady seventh.” Sarada smiles and hops down from the counter. “Then we have shows to watch.”

Chapter Text

“She what?!” Narutos hair flared around her as Iruka delivered the message -personally- of how Sarada skipped school along with Akimichi Chocho. Iruka sighed as the desk broke under Narutos hands. “She did not show up for her classes today. Did something happen at home, Naruto?” Naruto seethed at the question as Shikamaru shook his head from where he leaned against the wall. “Nothing like that Iruka -Sarada just got upset when Sasuke was mentioned and Naruto told her she couldn’t easily bring him back.” “It took me six years to get him back last time! I’m not a fucking god here!” “Many would disagree heavily, Naruto.” “Your the reason he left!” Naruto accused the snake in the room. Orochimaru simply smiled. “My son doesn’t cause this much trouble.” “Good for you.” Naruto snipped, angrily receiving a hissing fit of chuckles from the snake sage.

“Anyways.” Iruka calmed the angered Hokage. “I’ve already informed Karui of the situation and I am sure she’s dealing with it accordingly.” Naruto breathed deeply at the reassurance, but continued to grumble nonetheless. Iruka smiled at this. “I’m surprised you're so angry, Naruto. What with your record of ditching school to pull pranks -like painting the Hokage faces- I would have suspected you to be more understanding.” “I’m angry because she decided to skip on the account that I can’t do everything she fucking wants. I you the girl, I do, that’s no secret… but I’m human, no matter how many times people like to remind me I’ve defeated a god.”
Sighing, Naruto sat down and asked Shikamaru to order a new desk. The man gladly nodded and walked out as Naruto turned back to Orochimaru. “How is that son of yours by the way? He’s quite the docile child.” Orochimaru smiled, “He’s doing well. Mitsuki has recently joined Saradas class, actually.” Naruto hummed, looking thoughtful at the information. “Not planning something are you?” Orochimaru’s plastered smile grew a bit. “It was of his own decision to come here. I have nothing to do with it.” “Good. I wouldn’t fancy dying like the third.” orochimaru hissed a chuckle. Iruka frowned at the reminder of Lord third. He sighed and waved a hand. “I’m sure you have everything handled, Naruto?” “Of course.” Naruto smiled, “I may not be Saradas mother but she will be punished for this.” Iruka raised an eyebrow at the gleam in Narutos eye. “Just… don’t go too hard on her. You remember what it was like to want to meet your parents… don’t you?” “Of course.”

With a heavy chest, Iruka nodded and turned on his heel. He walked for the door, but just as he was going to open it, the door slammed open on its own account. The hinges creaking and breaking. Iruka jumped back to nearly miss being hit by the door. Naruto frowned as now not only was her desk broken but so was her door. She sighed. “It’s like destruction follows me today.” “It has always followed you.” She shot a sharp glare at Orochimaru, before looking at the occupant looking none too happy to see her. “Uh… Karui?” “What is your problem?!” The woman immediately screamed. Narutos eardrums began to buzz as Karui stomped into the room and began ranting on about Narutos insensitivity to Sarada and how cruel of a godmother she’s become. Halfway through Naruto was forced to clamp her hands over her ears and try to cancel the sound of Karuis screeching voice out -it didn’t work.

As Karui pants and heaved, a sharp thump began to echo in the forefront of Narutos head. The nine-tails jinchuriki groaned at the building pain, and when she looked up at Karui, the woman was glaring poison into her. Iruka was at a total loss for where half of Karuis accusations came from, and was debating whether to go to Naruto and her visibly bleeding ears or prepare to hold Karui back if she tried to advance further. He chose the ladder as Orochimaru walked up to Naruto and cupped her ears to heal the burst eardrums. Narutos head swam with misty thoughts.

“Karui… what are you ranting on about?” Iruka frowned at the former cloud Kunoichi. Karui glared at him. “Why don’t you ask Sarada? She seems to think Naruto now hates her?” Orochimaru looked back from healing the Hokages' damaged ears. “Hates? My, that’s a strong word.” The adults ignored the once traitor. “Why would Sarada think that?” “Why not ask Naruto? She’s the one who said Sarada had no chance of ever seeing Sasuke. We all know that’s a bunch of bullcrap -if our Hokage wanted to get the damned Uchiha back here then she would’ve a long time ago.” Naruto frowned at the accusation.

Forgetting her head-swimming headache and ringing ears, Naruto pushed Orochimaru away and stood before Karui like she had always done. “I said nothing to give her the idea for her to think I hate her. I love Sarada more than anything, I do… but Karui you remember how strong Sasuke is…” “You're stronger!” The woman shouted. Naruto forced back a wince, and sharpened her gaze. “I am most definitely not stronger -we are equal in strength…” “Oh don’t act so modest! You just want to forget about Sakuras death and Sasukes’ actions that day! You want to leave that all in the past and have Sarada for yourself like a selfish bitch! You couldn’t have Sasuke so now you want his daughter -I understand more than anyone…” “YOU DON’T!” Karuis gaping mouth shut at Narutos abrupt yell. “You don’t understand anything. You don’t know what happened that day. You don’t know how I feel. You don’t understand the situation. You don’t understand. And like most people would -you have taken up on pitying Sarada’s situation of no “parents” instead of listening to the whole story. I have done everything to give that girl what a child should need and want and the only reason you are taking her side is because like everyone else you think it’s my fault Sasuke left the village… AGAIN!” Naruto snapped from her steady tone into a shaky yell. “You say you understand but you had your parents until they were killed. You say you understand but instead of asking like a fucking ADULT you have taken up to yelling at me like a CHILD! I searched for Sasuke, Karui! I looked for him everywhere! But he is a trained shinobi! He was trained to hide and disappear by Orochimaru! I couldn’t find him! I can’t find him because as well as I know him, he knows me! Your yelling is pointless because of instead of looking for my best friends husband -my other best friend- I took up raising his daughter into a lovely girl that you trust so much you forget that I’m human and Sasuke was also blessed with the power of a curse mark and the fucking sixth path! He has a goddamn rinnegan as well you narrow minded hypocrite! I don’t have Sasuke because I never went after him! I don’t have my best friend because of my own mistake! I don’t have Sarada because she’d rather tell you shit and over exaggerate than listen to me! I may be Hokage but that does not mean I am invincible and have nothing to lose in the process of getting Sasuke back! You want to be of help Karui, instead of sitting at home with your knitting, then how about you go find Sasuke because everyone seems to think it’s so easy! So you do it! You go find that bastard and tell him his daughter wants to see him! I’ll gladly accept him back into the village if you can track him down, defeat him and drag his ass back!” Naruto heaved a deep breath. “If you think you understand half the shit that’s gone on, than you go and prove how fucking easy it is to bring a reincarnation of Otsutsuki Indra back!”

The entire village had seemed to hush behind the whisper of the wind as Karui stared at Naruto. The Hokages face blushed in red from her lack of breathing and the blonde hair that somehow stayed swishing against her back in pigtails instead of flaring up with her anger. Narutos brow knitted into a tight knot, and Kanui slumped.

“I can’t defeat you. What makes you think I could bring Sasuke back?” “What makes you think I could?” She snapped, raising the hairs on the nape of Karuis neck. “I love Sarada, and I chose to raise her with at least one person around that cares for her. You want to bash me like the rest for not getting her real parent back? Then you do that but do not ever ever tell me you understand the situation again. I will not tolerate such absurd accusations again. Not by you, and not even by my goddaughter who stands right outside the door...” Naruto paused. “You may leave.”

Karuis’ fists clenched then softened a couple of times before her shoulders fell. At a defeat, the mother turned and walked for the hole in the wall. Chocho bravely (or stupidly) poked her head around the hole to stare at Naruto in a sense of awe. Sarada was soon to follow and was met with the hard disappointment in Narutos eyes. “I’ve told you once Sarada and I’ll tell you again -I may be strong, but your father is also strong. Even if I wanted to, I wouldn't be able to get him back without serious damage.” With that said, Naruto turned to Iruka. “Make sure they both get home for me, I still have reports to look over and meetings to finish.” Nodding, Iruka walked out of the hole and ushered the children to follow him.

Sarada hesitated as she heard Naruto sigh and Orochimaru speak up. “I wouldn't mind watching that fight.” “Shut up or I’ll lock you back into the prison Itachi put you in.” Orochimaru chuckled. She frowned at the mention of her uncles name -Uchiha Itachi. That was another person she’s always wanted to meet.

“Sarada.” Iruka beckoned. Sarada looked back up at her sensei, anticipating a look of pity, but Iruka gave none of that. He’d never shown her pity, not even when he had first called out her name five years ago.

Chapter Text

Naruto caught Sasukes fist as his stupor broke and rage filled his shifting eyes. Karin and Tsuande jumped back as his eyes snapped from Naruto to the babe snug in Tsunades arms. “Let go!” The chidoris light brightened, and the crackling became a hard cry of nails on a black board. Narutos fist clenched harder around his wrist and the handle of his blade to keep him from possibly using it. “No.”

At the rejection, Sasuke sharpened the lightning, but as he was going to send it like a sharp blade into the newborn's heart, Naruto spun and flipped him over her back for him to land on the floor. In a heartbeat, the child was out of Tsunades arms and in Narutos hold as she raced passed Suigestu, up the stairs and into the deep night of the outside world. She knew Sasuke was close behind and jumped into the trees, barely missing the numerous shuriken sent after her.

“NARUTO!”

Waking up for Naruto was like a Tusnami hitting the back of her spine and twisting down the ends of her nerves. Her body shot up from where she lay on the couch with her hairs up and her senses on alarm. As Naruto looked around the living room, Naruto relaxed and sighed as she flopped back onto the couch arm.

Just a stupid dream.

Closing her eyes, Naruto could visibly picture the scenery of the forest she ran in until she reached the sand village hidden within the darkened blanket of the night sky. Gaara had gladly allowed her to stay and had set up hordes of shinobi in case Sasuke had tried to dare and follow Naruto. A few days later, Naruto couldn’t find the Uchiha anywhere and Karin had informed her he hadn’t come back for Sakuras body. That dark time had, had her perform the burial and funeral by herself -and whilst being paranoid Sasuke would come searching for Sarada in the Leaf.
Sometimes it was ironic to her how much Sarada wants to meet the man that tried to kill her not even thirty minutes after being born… then again her father sealed a beast inside her and she had wanted to meet him so desperately.

Taking a moment more to lay on the comfy couch, Naruto eventually sat up and walked to the kitchen. Inside the fridge was the wrapped food Sarada must’ve prepared for her, but after a dream like that, it wasn’t so appealing. So instead Naruto merely filled up a glass with the sink water, and took a large gulp before realizing the lack of dishes in the sink and on the drying rack. Scrunching her brow, Naruto sat down the glass and headed up the stairs to Saradas room.

The door was closed like it always was when the girl was not in, and when she opened it the bed, the desk, even her clothes looked completely untouched. Lastly, the window was closed. Getting a sense of deja vu from when Sasuke first left and his room was nothing but tidy and spotless, a pit dropped at what was supposed to be the bottom of her stomach. In a flash Naruto was downstairs and pushing on her shoes -the only shoes by the door- before leaving the house and racing to the Akimichis halfway across the village grounds. She appeared in front of the door in record time and knocked, albeit a bit too hard. The door opened a moment later to show none other than Choji, another one of Narutos long time friends.

“Is Sarada here?” She skipped the pleasantries. “Hi… to you too?” Choji frowned at the Hokage. Naruto was in no mood. “Is Sarada here?” She repeated. Choji scratched his cheek, but looked back into the house as if he had x-ray vision that could show if Sarada were there. “Not that I know of…” Choji turned back to the woman about ready to jump out of her skin and kick him out of the way to search for herself. “Why? Did you two get into another fight?” “We didn’t get into any fight… but she isn’t at ho- is Chocho here?” This time Choji had no problem shaking his head. “No, she said she was having a sleepover with Sarada.”

Without warning, Naruto shoved passed her friend and made it for the living room where she knew Karui was sitting. “Karui!” The woman looked back, and turned sour at seeing the last person she wanted to see. “Where’s Chocho?” Karui humphed. “Why should I tell you? You’ll just yell at my daughter if I do.” Her patients snapped, and Naruto yanked on Karuis collar, forcing the woman to look at her. “Where. is my daughter?” Karui glared. “She isn’t your daughter!” “Tell me where they went!” “I don’t have to tell you anything!” “You will if you don’t want your daughter in T&I.” Naruto hisses. Karuis eyes widened at the severe threat. They then narrowed. “They went… to find Sasuke.” “What?!”
Karui smacked Narutos hand from her shirt and stood as the angle was not kind to her back. She folded her arms across her chest. “Well you weren’t going to do it so the girls thought they would -Sarada had told Chocho she knew where Sasuke would be.”

It was then that Naruto remembered Sarada had overheard where Sasuke was dropping off his report… but he usually used a shadow clone. Naruto doubted that would change. Her stomach dropped as Naruto thought of what Sasuke would do with two children ganging up on him and demanding to know why he left his daughter for ten years.

Karui’s physique shifted at Narutos own leaking tension. Before she could ask the Hokage what was wrong, Naruto was a yellow flash in the wind. Choji stumbled back as Narutos arm skimmed his side as she left out the front door. The parents shared a look, before Choji was in his clothes and chasing after Naruto. Karui was left, with a sense of tiny panic in her chest, in the living room.

“Are you sure we’re going the right way?” Chocho heaved as she kept up with Saradas fast pace. She nodded. “Naruto used to always bring me to places like the Anbu hideout until she became Hokage.” Chocho heaved another deep breath as they jumped into a clearing and turned West. “Why would someone bring a child to places like that?” “Dunno, but it’s finally come in handy.”

Is what she said before her and Chochos’ scruffs were captured. They shared a look of terror, both thinking it was Naruto, before they looked up and saw a standard Chunin that must’ve been on patrol.

“And where are you two kids going?” Chocho gulped as the Chunin raised an eyebrow. “Outside to train?” She tried. The Chunins' eyes narrowed in suspicion. “This late at night?” “We have permission.” Sarada blurted. She instantly regretted it when the mans’ stern eyes turned to her. “From who?” “Uh… the Hokage.” She tried. “Do you have written permission?” Sarada frowned. “No… I didn’t think her goddaughter would need written permission to train when there are already so many of her trusted shinobi patrolling.” The answer from the ten year old clearly threw the Chunin through a loop as he let go of their scruffs and scratched his cheek. “Oh… well if Lady seventh gave permission then I don’t see why you can’t train… but just for a bit. I don’t want to get in trouble for allowing her goddaughter and goddaughters friend to stay out so late.” Sarada nodded. “We will definitely keep that in mind.”

With a last nod from the Chunin, the two turned around and shared a smile before jumping back into the trees.

Naruto jumped to the front of the villages East entrance and walked to the front where two Chunin sat with their feet up on the counter. They instantly became alert when Naruto shoved their feet off the counter and glared. “L-Lady seventh!” The two squeaked. “Did two girls looking about the ages of ten come through here?” They frowned and shared a look before turning back to their Hokage. “Not that we know of. Why?” Naruto glowered just as Choji jumped down to stand beside her. “They took a different route.” She informed before running out of the East entrance. Choji followed, not bothering to sign them out as he couldn’t afford to lose Naruto when out of the village.

Sarada picked up the faint trace of her nazukeoyas’ chakra signal and looked back at Chocho. “We need to pick up the pace. Naruto is onto us.” Chocho looked almost shell shocked at the information as Sarada did indeed pick up her pace. Chocho was quick to follow. “Wait. Wait. How’d she manage that? I thought we had a good few hours before we would be found out.” Sarada only frowned. “Don’t underestimate Naruto. She’s the Hokage for a reason.” The answer wasn’t one either of the girls liked, but with no further discussion on the matter, they fell to the ground and began to weave in a zig-zag motion through the trees. Only a week ago had Shino-sensei taught them it was one of the more effective ways to lose an enemy- especially when an enemy wasn’t familiar with the territory.

Sadly, that requirement did not describe Choji and Naruto. Because as soon as the two turned around a field of bushes, the two parents were waiting for them. Choji successfully scooped up Chocho but Sarada was determined to make it to the Anbu hideout. She dropped and slipped from Narutos fingers. Sending a kick, Naruto easily dodged by flipping up into the trees. Chocho yelled after Sarada as she didn’t stop to help her friend but dashed off.

“Sarada!” Naruto barked. She ignored her nazukeoya.

Naruto clicked her tongue and raced after her goddaughter. She easily dodged the weak Shiruken and Kunai Chocho threw after the Hokage. “Sarada!” Naruto yelled from the trees above where Sarada was running. “Leave me alone!”

‘What the hell is this girl thinking?’ Naruto wondered as she pursued her goddaughter.

They ran until Naruto was fed up with this cat and mouse game. Jumping down, Naruto blocked Saradas meek kick and grabbed her ankle. Naruto went to hang Sarada from her leg, but unexpectedly Sarada slashed Narutos forehead with one of her kunai. On human instinct, Naruto dropped Saradas ankle in surprise that her own goddaughter had actually attacked her. Father like daughter -they weren’t kicking. Sarada scrambled to her feet and jumped into the trees until they began to turn dead. She knew Naruto was on her heel and sent back hordes of shuriken and kunai. None of the weapons met their target, but Sarada hadn’t intended to hurt Naruto again. Tears were already building in her eyes at the blood dripping kunai still clutched in her hand.

Sarada screamed and sent the kunai blindly as Naruto scooped her into her arms. The kunai connected and she dragged it down until Naruto was forced to let her go. It was unnerving how Naruto never once winced or grunted in pain. She dropped to the dead floor of gravel and rocks. Sarada slipped and rolled until a building came into view. Jumping to her feet, Sarada ran until the door was in reach.

When she banged it open, the sound echoed through the empty room. And in front of Sarada a tall figure snapped its head over their shoulder. Her eyes met the deviling red of a mangekyo sharingan.

Saradas’ breathing stopped.

Chapter Text

It was a flash of moonlight on a gleaming blade before a figure with long blonde hair stood in front of Sarada. Not so much as a grunt left the Hokages lips as blood fell to the floor in front of the woman. Saradas eyes widened at the flash appearance of her nazukeoya. Sucking in a breath, Naruto wrapped her hand around the very real bandage covered handle and pulled the blade from her abdomen. Blood dripped from the corner of her mouth, and she quickly lapped it up with her tongue.

“Sending a blade at a child. How low you’ve got, bastard.” “...Naruto.”

Naruto threw the blade drenched in her blood to the floor and Sarada gasped from behind her at the sight of it. There was a crashing sound of a fist clashing with an open palm, and Sarada snapped her attention back to her nazukeoya in time to see her spin and kick the man into the pillar he’d been standing in front of when Sarada had opened the door. “No!” Sarada grabbed Narutos arm in protest as her father -or who she thought was her father- made a sizable debt on the surface. “Please, don’t fight.” “Sarada, go back to Choji. You should’ve never come here.” Saradas bottom lip quivered as tears threatened to push from the back of her burning eyes. “No… I-I came here to meet my father.” “Does it look like this is a man you should be meeting?!”
Sarada jumped at the sudden change in Narutos tone. Her nazukeoyas’ eyes never left her fathers, but Sarada refused to let go of Narutos sleeve. “Please.” “No.” “I just…” “No.” She clenched harder onto Narutos sleeve when she tried to push Sarada out the door. “I want to meet my father.” “You’ve met him.” “No! I…I want to talk to him!” “Sarada…” Sarada went to argue back with Naruto, but her father spoke up, shocking her and pissing off Naruto.

“So cruel Naruto. Are you not going to give her the one thing she wants?” Burning rage stewed venomously in the rising pit of Narutos stomach. Her eyes flashed red as she turned her poisoned gaze on Sasuke. “Why would I ever let a monster like you meet her?” Saradas heart hurt at the aching sentence Naruto whispered.
The man stood and met Narutos eyes with such lack of fear Saradas hurt quickly turned into horror.

Did these two… hate each other?

“Now that’s just cruel. You had never seen me call you a monster.” “I didn’t use my power to try and kill.” “Anbus always kill.” Sasuke breezily answered. Naruto pushed Sarada away from her before the ten year old heard the echo of metal clashing with metal. When she looked up neither her nazukeoya or papa could be found inside the Anbu hideout. She dashed to the door and witnessed just what she hadn’t expected.

A kunai held tightly in Narutos bandaged hand was shrieking against Sasukes own. Panic quickly entered Sarada at the scene, and she began to look for anything to stop them from fighting. That’s when she came upon Sasukes katana. The sword was evenly balanced as Sarada picked it up and ran into the middle of them. Lifting the blade, she slashed the air and forced the two to separate. “Sarada!” Naruto spluttered. She didn’t sound angry, but her tone wasn’t happy either. Sarada heaved a breath before looking at her nazukeoya. Naruto blinked at the shifting red in Saradas eyes, mixed with the bitterness of tears. “Why are you two fighting? You haven’t even been around each other for five minutes!” Naruto frowned, but Sasuke merely found the girl annoying. He took a step forward, toward the girl, but as soon as he did Nauto took three. “Don’t you dare think about it.” “Think about what?” Narutos eyes narrowed only the slightest in suspicion. Sasukes expression remained neutral as Naruto walked toward Sarada, took the katana but didn’t throw it back. He noted how she stepped in front of Sarada, possibly in an attempt to protect her.
He held out his hand. “My katana.” “No.” “I’m going.” “Give me the report.” Sarada looked up at Naruto and grabbed onto her orange jacket. “Please don’t make him go away.” Naruto ignored Sarada as Sasuke pulled a scroll from the pouch on his belt and walked over to hand it over. Before Sasuke could hand it over, Naruto slashed the katana into Sasukes abdomen. Sarada screamed.

The shadow clone puffed into dissipating smoke and Naruto caught the scroll before grabbing Sarada and jumping back before a horde of shuriken sunk into them. Sarada held onto Narutos shoulders as she landed on a tree branch. Stuffing the scroll into her own weapon pouch, Naruto slid the sword into her belt and sat Sarada down. “What’s the big idea?” Sasuke glared from the clearing below them. “Did you truly think I would casually hand that over without a shadow clone?” “I couldn’t give less of a fuck if you did or didn’t. You should’ve ran away instead of attacking.” “I must kill who killed my wife.” Saradas breathing stopped while Naruto scoffed. “Pompostrous. It was no ones fault.” Sarada hugged the tree as Sasuke jumped up at them. Naruto jumped back, leading Sasuke away from her.

“I don’t understand how you can defend her.” “She’s a child.” Narutos open palm connected with Sasukes, ceasing all attacks to the grinding of their hand. “A monster.” “You’re the fucking monster!” Naruto barked. “Are you really repeating history thirteen years later after killing Itachi?! How wrong in the head are you?!” “How wrong in the head are you?” “For not wanting to kill a child? I’d say I’m pretty normal.” Naruto jumped but Sasuke grabbed her knee and snapped out his own leg. The two of them continued to fight as Sarada could do nothing but watch.

Jutsu began to be used after the first fireball Sasuke released from a one-handed signing. Naruto had clashed with her own large fireball before attacking with her own rasengan. Sasuke threw her into the nearest tree where the bark tore away and broke down the entire tree. It would have been a spectacular sight to see… if it weren’t two of the strongest shinobi that were performing these ever-so powerful jutsus. Sarada was almost encaptured in the fight as the terrain around them was torn to nothing but specks of dust in the air.

“Naruto!”

Sarada looked over to see Chocho and Choji. She went to beam at her friend and gesture widely at what they were witnessing, but stopped at the horror that painted Chochos usually chip-stuffing face. She frowned and looked at her uncle who showed no sign of his usual cheery self. Narutos kunai clashed with Sasukes shuriken, directing them into the bare terrain. “Choji get Sarada out of here!” At the mention of her name, her fathers single red-eye -the mangekyo sharingan- turned to her. In a flash Naruto was once again in front of Sarada with a wall of earth clashing against the lightning blade Sasuke sent from his palm.

Spinning, Naruto scooped Sarada into her arms and flew to where Choji stood with his daughter. She sat her down and blocked an attack of shuriken. “Go back to the village… and don’t tell anyone what is happening. I will take care of this.” Choji grunted, “Right.” The adults split as Narutos feet cased in chakra launched from the ground and twisted to land a solid axe kick on Sasukes shoulder. Choji picked Chocho and Sarada up and over his shoulders before jumping from the horror scene. Sarada wanted to protest, she wanted to stay and see if she could talk down the situation -but neither Naruto nor Choji gave her any room to state her opinion.

They soon disappeared from the scene and into the safety of the trees, but Sarada could still clearly see the use of jutsus containing a number of complicated hand-signs. It was almost brilliant to see just how strong her papa was -enough to be able to stand up and properly defend himself against her nazukeoya. She turned to her uncle after a long moment. “Those two are amazing.” Chocho looked at her as if she were crazy, and Choji seemed to share the same perspective as his look turned grim. “Both are equally dangerous… I only hope Naruto will be able to contain their fighting as they had thirteen years ago.” “They’ve… They have done this before?” Chochos usual fine complexion turned pale at the realization. Choji grunted. “Twice. Both times they were equally hurt -how do you think both lost an arm?” Chocho made a disgusted sound but Sarada found it intriguing. “Wait… but then uncle Choji, why hasn’t nazukeoya tried to get papa back earlier? She could have done it right?”
Choji slowed and stopped before putting the two girls down. He crouched and squeezed his hands around Saradas shoulders. “You don’t understand Sarada. The last time they fought they destroyed a whole 100 kilometers of terrain. The Valley of the End is no longer there because of them fighting…” He paused, seeming hesitant to tell her something. Choji frowned. “Naruto has always chased Sasuke, Sarada. When he first left the village she was the one who pushed Lady Tsunade to gather a team to find him. She fought him and lost and because of that she promised Sakura -your mother- she would get Sasuke back no matter what it took. Sasuke only came back because Naruto beat sense into him, and then he left and Sakura went with him. They got married, and then got pregnant with you. When they came back to the village and told us -all of your aunts, uncles and Naruto- that they were going to have you, Naruto was deemed your godmother and thereafter stayed by your and your mothers side to protect you as Kakashi had done with her and her mother… When you were born, there were… complications because Naruto had to excuse herself on a request from Sasuke. That night Sasuke tried to kill you but Naruto fled to Suna with you in her arms and found shelter under Gaara. After that day Naruto did the one thing she had never done, not even to an enemy and not even when Sasuke killed your uncle -Itachi-, she turned her back on him and vowed to protect you from him and anyone else who may come after you.”
“While we all understand how much you want a parent in your life -and no one but Naruto understands that most, trust me- she did not chase after him as she had done in our youth because you became her top priority. When you were born and Sasuke turned his back on you and Sakura, Naruto became what she is today for the sole purpose of protecting you. Right now, she is not fighting to get your father back, or to drag him back to the village by the ear but to drive him away and make sure you return to the village unharmed. Ten years ago she may have done anything to give you a father and a mother, but now she only cares about you, not if Sasuke comes back. Not if people snarl at her and throw rocks like they used to. You are the only thing she cares about. Sarada, you have to promise me you will never go after Sasuke again. He may be a legend upon legends just like your nazukeoya, but he is not a man that you can easily let your guard drop around.”
“...” Sarada looked down before looking back at where her father and nazukeoya were currently fighting. “Naruto never had parents.” Chojis grip tightened around her shoulders. “She doesn’t understand what it’s like to know a parent is out there but doesn’t want to be with you…. She doesn’t understand.” Choji stood and looked down at Sarada who met his eyes fearlessly. “She also didn’t understand why Itachi killed your clan but never judged him for it -she only ever ridiculed him for leaving Sasuke all alone… will you leave Naruto alone for a man you only know the name of?” Saradas’ breath hitched at the question.

Just then a large bang came from a few meters away. Strong winds washed after them, tailing the strong scent of blood. Chocho covered her nose as Choji scooped the girls back up and began to run once more. Just as they left the clobber of trees, the trunks broke and in clear order of destruction Naruto and Sasuke stood with their arms intermingled and Kunais clashing with flying sparks. Again, the sight was spectacular, and Sarada was left wondering why Naruto never showed any interest in fighting when this was her clear strength. This was what the seventh Hokage was -a fighter, a demon, one to be wary of-... so what kept her from it?

“Stop protecting her. It’s getting pathetic of you.” Naruto glared. “Someone has to protect the Harunos from you.” Their kunais scratched together before they were both sent back by the force. “She is no Haruno.” “Fine. Uchihas then.” Sasuke scowled. “She is no Uchiha!” Naruto copied his hand-signs and breathed in a large amount of air before blowing out an equally large fireball to Sasukes. “Legal documents would disagree with you Sasuke! She is surnamed Uchiha and loved by the Harunos!” She dodged an airborne attack of lightning shocked shuriken and rebounded when Sasuke tugged on the wires. “I have half a mind to think you're only toying with me.” Sasuke ignored Narutos comment as he appeared in front of her and swung his arm. Naruto blocked and sent a roundhouse kick under his chin. The shadow clone dispersed before a kunai lodged into Narutos spine.

Sasukes rinnegan slashed to the side as a kunai tip pressed into his back. A row of Sasuke and Narutos shadow clones held weapons to the others neck as the two gained distance between themselves. “This is ridiculous.” Sasuke snipped. “If you’d allow me to kill her then everything could go back to normal.” “Exactly what do you think is normal? If you killed Sarada only sorrow and anger would be brought from it.” “Not if I had killed her from the beginning!” He barked. Naruto flashed behind Sasuke but made no move to attack him. “Don’t play a fool Sasuke. If you had successfully killed Sarada not only would Sakura have died for absolutely no reason but you would have most definitely lost whatever makes you human.” “Without Sakura I’m nothing.” Sasukes forearm clashed with Narutos. She was sent back and easily balanced herself by flipping backward to land on a tree branch. “You tried to kill Sakura many times when we were teenagers…” She blocked another one of Sasukes assaults. “You tried to chidori her heart!” Naruto yelled as he began to aimlessly thrust attacks at her. “You lived without her for eleven years!” “Shut up!” “Don’t use that bullcrap with me when it’s you that abandoned Sakuras legacy!”

Sasukes foot landed under Narutos defense, sending her flying through a row of trees. Her pace slowed as Narutos nails grew long and dug into the tree. “Don’t act so high and mighty when only thirteen years ago it was you that caused so much sorrow and hurt!” She grabbed his arm with her own, and kicked him over a branch. A snap followed the dislocation of Sasukes shoulder before Naruto let go and he dropped to the forest floor. “You want to push all that bullcrap onto me that it’s Saradas fault that Sakura is dead, than you do that -but I will always remember it was you that ordered me to get Tsunade, sealing Sakuras fate.” “It’s not my fault!” “And it fucking well isn’t the CHILDS!”

Sasuke turned his head, and stared -boring his entire hatred through his eyes to Naruto who stared with just as much, possibly more disdain. “...Why must you always play the good guy?” “Because you always play the bad guy. I have always done the opposite of you Sasuke -and I will continue to oppose you so long as you strive to hurt my goddaughter.” He glared. “You are not her godmother.” “Many would think differently.” She hissed. Sasukes forearm clashed with Narutos, sending them both from the tree branch and across the terrain where they landed on the forest floor. “The… thing has no parents.” Narutos eyes darkened. “And what power do you have to decide that? Blood does not create a family Uchiha, it never has and never will.” “You have no family.” “We both have no family.” Naruto thrusted her ankle into Sasukes knee, and pushed. He was forced to buckle his leg, where Naruto grabbed his hair and slammed her knee into his face. Blood spurt from his nose that splintered sideways before she wrenched his head upwards to face her. “So long as you continue to blindly follow your rage I will defeat you Uchiha Sasuke. The more rage you have, the weaker you are. The weaker you are, the more pathetic you become.”