Heiwa !

Day 355

— "Tell me Haruno-san, did you copy my daughter's seal ?" Said the Uzumaki patriarch bluntly.

They had been walking through Ta No Kuni territory towards Heiwa for a week. At first, Ashina had focused on Madara and his legendary ward to get an idea of what the future would hold, but now he wanted an answer about this famous seal. It was very rare to meet a Fûinjutsu genius outside of the Uzumaki clan and the design of this frontal seal was unique : never seen before.

— "No Uzumaki-dono," Sakura answered honestly.

In a way it was the truth since it was her sensei, Tsunade Senju, who had applied the forehead seal to her. It was later improved by the Rikudô Sennin.

— "Ashina..."

— "I beg your pardon ?"

— "Call me Ashina," the Uzumaki repeated.

— "On the condition that you call me Sakura."

— "I will."

— "You don't seem satisfied with my answer Ashina-san."

— "Let's just say I have a hard time swallowing that someone I've never heard of is wearing my daughter's seal," the patriarch explained, staring at the pink-haired young woman.

— "This seal is not of my making Ashina-san, it was placed by my master as a reward for surviving his teaching," Sakura revealed. "Then I had to learn Fûinjutsu by myself, my mother didn't have time to pass on all her knowledge, I can only understand certain mathematical sequences."

— "Did your mother master Fûinjutsu ?" Ashina asked suspiciously.

— "Hai, mother was an extremely competent person."

— "Are you affiliated with my clan in any way Sakura-san ?" Ashina asked casually. After all, there were a few of her members who had disappeared in the past. So it wasn't impossible that these members had children.

— "If that was the case, she never mentioned it."

Sakura could feel the Uzumaki's piercing gaze on her and more specifically on her forehead seal. She suspected that he was trying to decipher the few formulas present that only a master of Fûinjutsu could see with the naked eye. However, the improvement of the Rikudô Sennin, made this seal impossible to understand for anyone. After all, Hagoromo Ôtsutsuki had over a thousand years of experience and perhaps he had seen that the Uzumaki would rally to Madara if Sakura chose to guide the Uchiha on the right path. And that assumption only the hermit could deny or deny.

— "Ashina-san, I know that you have many questions for me and they are well founded. However, just like Madara, I desire only one thing : peace. So, do you think you could disregard my frontal seal and believe me when I tell you that I did not steal your daughter's work ?"

Listening to the young woman, Ashina understood why Madara liked this woman, she was one of a kind. She was a person who didn't let herself be impressed, who wasn't afraid to assert herself and as he watched her act since the attack on Uzushio he couldn't help but see his daughter through her. Independent, confident, powerful, loving.

— "How did you know Madara ?"

Sakura really hadn't expected this question, and it took her a while to answer. Ashina Uzumaki was not the type to be interested in sentimental stories, the question must have had a deeper meaning : the man was waiting for the reasons why she shared the same vision of Peace as the Uchiha.

— "I saved his life," Sakura replied, remembering her arrival in the Sengoku era.

Ashina returned his gaze to the woman at his side. Saving the life of a shinobi of Madara's caliber was no small task, especially since there weren't many ninja capable of taking down this man. Ashina thought and cross-checked all the information and theories he had to come to one conclusion : this woman had come into the brown man's life when he was about to die. And there was only one ninja who could say that he had finished off the Uchiha.

— "Against Hashirama, wasn't it ?"

Sakura simply nodded to confirm what the Uzumaki patriarch had just said. He wanted to learn more about her Medical Ninjutsu abilities that he had seen in action during and after the destruction of his city, but he didn't have the time to ask her about it. They had reached a cliff turn that revealed a huge valley before them.

— "Welcome to Heiwa Ashina-san," Sakura said with a smile as she looked ahead.

This was nothing like her last visit and she was as impressed as the Uzumaki people were at what lay ahead.

Winter had finally ended and the beginning of spring had taken its place. The vegetation was gently budding and a shade of green dotted the valley. Seeing the villages, the crops and the great wall in the distance, Sakura knew they had done the right thing in proposing this alternative to Hashuba Shôta.

— "You should order your men to cancel the illusion seal on their headbands, it might create problems for the people of this place," Madara advised as he arrived at their side.

Ashina did not reply except to give a few orders to his men, who quickly dispersed throughout the convoy. After five minutes, all the illusion seals were deactivated.

— "How long have you been preparing this ?" Ashina asked with a mixture of admiration and suspicion.

A project like this couldn't be decided in five minutes, it needed a precise plan and above all time and means to achieve it. The Uzumaki knew very well, cities weren't built in a snap of the fingers whether your name was Madara Uchiha or not.

— "Almost a year," Madara replied as he looked at the Heiwa Wall. He realized how well the city had developed and how right they had been to rely on Heiwa to establish their Peace project.

At the same time on the Heiwa wall, the panic reached its peak when suddenly from nowhere, a gigantic grouping that was several kilometres long appeared on the road. The alarm was quickly sounded, a long horn was heard throughout the valley.

It was one of the warning signals set up within the city. Indeed, as the city was constantly growing, a defence and warning system had been set up to react to any threat. A promontory had been built on the side of the mountain where the capital was located. From there, almost at the top, a viewpoint had been set up in order to have an overview of the whole valley. Then three huge horns were built and transported to the top.

Three horns, for three levels of alert. Each of these alarms could only be sounded in specific places and by specific people who were authorised to do so. The first was sounded directly by the sentries to announce the arrival of a large caravan, allowing the army to act accordingly and all the inhabitants of this valley to know that something new was about to arrive in the capital.

The second alert could only be ordered by an officer by ringing a bell, thus giving the order to activate the second horn in the shape of a wolf's head. This alert mobilised the entire army, signalling a more than likely threat. The inhabitants had to go home until they heard the horn again. And it was this horn that had been activated and was sounding in the Heiwa Valley.

People were quickly packing up their belongings in order to return home as soon as possible. Numerous horsemen were gathering at strategic points, and to a trained eye movement could be seen at the top of the wall. The city was preparing for a potential attack.

As for the third alert... it could only be activated by a rope in the council chamber. It was ringing a bell that had never been heard before in the capital.

— "What is the state of the place !" Suzuki ordered as he climbed the stairs quickly accompanied by soldiers.

— "A tide of people just appeared out of nowhere on the main road," explained one of the soldiers who had taken a seat beside Suzuki.

— "How many ?"

— "Several thousand at first glance, Suzuki-sama."

— "Armed force ?"

— "A lot of it is an armed force and some of it seems to be shinobi."

— "Shit !" Suzuki exclaimed, he wasn't about to be assaulted by shinobi in any way. Sure, thanks to Sakura and Madara they now had a few ninjas in their camp, but it wouldn't be enough to compete with several thousand people. Suzuki hoped with all his heart that these people were sent by the two protagonists they hadn't heard from in a while.

— "How fast are they moving ?" Asked an officer beside Suzuki.

— "Civilian."

— "How long before the trebuchet is armed ?"

— "Within a few dozen minutes."

— "Soldier, a long sight !" Suzuki demanded once he reached the top of the wall. When he saw the swarm of people on the road in the distance, he felt a drop of sweat run down his neck. And it was with a certain amount of fear that Suzuki raised the spyglass to his one good eye.

He took a quick glance at the road to gauge their strength before finally looking to the front of the road.

— "Blow the horn again," Suzuki said in a more relieved voice.

— "Sound the horn !" Shouted one of the officers towards a tower before a bell sounded, followed by the long sound characteristic of the second alert, but this time signaling its end to the inhabitants.

A thin smile appeared on Suzuki's face as he recognized Madara Uchiha and Sakura Haruno side by side. So they were back and they weren't alone. They were stepping out in front of an entire people, an army, shinobi... a future !

During the hour that followed the arrival of this convoy of more than two thousand people, the whole city was in organization mode. They had to be placed, housed, and fed for the next few days before they could be given an entire area of the city... or rather of the city for these people who had just swelled the ranks of Heiwa.

So it was late in the evening that a council meeting was called. It was composed of the regulars as well as Madara, Sakura and Ashina.

— "Uchiha-dono, Sakura-dono, I must admit that when you told me about welcoming people, I wasn't expecting so many," said Hashuba, who was still having trouble getting used to the idea of newcomers.

— "Never underestimate an Uchiha," Madara replied with his arms crossed.

— "Always so pretentious Madara," Ashina said, royally ignoring protocol. He was, after all, older than anyone else in the room and a legendary ninja to boot.

— "Let me introduce you to Ashina Uzumaki, Uzukage of her people," Madara introduced, ignoring the previous little dig.

— "It's good to know that the information we received about Uzushio's disappearance was just a rumor," said Rômaji, stroking his long white beard.

— "Unfortunately, this rumour is anything but a rumour," Ashina retorted resentfully, frowning.

— "You knew it was necessary Ashina-san," Sakura said reassuringly as she gently placed her hand on his shoulder. "Thanks to this, your people are safe."

— "I know Sakura-san, but you can't blame me for having a more than bitter taste in my throat that several generations of history have been swept away in an instant."

As he said this, Ashina's gaze shifted slightly to the Uchiha who remained as neutral as possible.

— "The future belongs to those who move forward and do not look back," Madara said.

Upon hearing this sentence, Sakura twitched her right eyebrow slightly. In a way, this sentence could be aimed directly at her. Hadn't she left her present in order to look back and change it ?

— "But it is by learning from the past that we learn not to commit them again," Ashina added, creating a slight tension in the room.

— "Gentlemen, please, this is not the time to settle your differences," Sakura interjected, not wanting to hear yet another deaf conversation between these two men.

Even if they were both right and their arguments were completely fair, this was neither the time nor the place to have such a debate. But it was stronger than they were, obviously.

— "He shouldn't have destroyed my town," Ashina retorted, crossing his arms.

— "Hn !"

The council members, and especially Hashuba, didn't know how to react to such a situation. Two of the greatest ninjas the world had ever known were acting like children. On top of that, they were being reprimanded and diplomatically put in their place by a woman.

The Daimyô took an additional note in the back of his head : for her to have the respect of these two men of character, it was important not to antagonize the young woman.

The latter had to make a considerable effort not to let her anger out and send them both over the edge like she used to do with Naruto when he made her lose her temper.

— "Ashina-san, I present to you the Daimyô of Ta No Kuni, Hashuba Shôta. It's partly thanks to him that this project we're putting together came about," Sakura introduced, trying to divert the conversation to something more important than their childish fight over why Uzushio was destroyed.

— "You're either very brave or suicidal to associate yourself with an Uchiha," Ashina remarked. The latter did not try to spare his words, he had always been like that, frank and direct, without filter and without pretense. If the Daimyo had been offended by this half-insult he did not show it in any way.

— "Let's just say that Uchiha-dono had the arguments to convince me of Uzumaki-dono," Hashuba answered simply.

— "Nah ! Don't bullshit me Hashuba-san," Ashina said with a wave of his hand. "Even if Madara is a pretentious little prick, the fact remains that we are all here for one purpose. My country is in the hands of the enemy, my capital has been reduced to dust, and the world has been killing each other for far too long. My people mean everything to me, so I would do anything to preserve them, and I am sure you would too. As far as I'm concerned, we are men with great responsibilities on our shoulders, so spare me your protocol bullshit."

After such a tirade, silence fell in the room and with such an insolent and spontaneous attitude, Sakura understood where Naruto got his temper from.

— "You're one of a kind Ashina-san," Hashuba replied after a long minute of pondering the old man's words. The Daimyô was not at all upset by the Uzumaki's frank attitude, on the contrary, he found it refreshing. As the Lord of his country, he was used to the mannered protocol of politicians and he really appreciated the bold and honest behaviour of this old man.

— "And I hope I did the right thing in entrusting the future of my people to your city," the Uzumaki added with a hint of scepticism in his voice.

— "I ask myself this question every day regarding the proposal of your two friends, but the results are there and with your arrival, my country, which was insignificant at the time, is now one of the most powerful without the world knowing about it," Hashuba reassured him, who had long doubted his choice by trusting Madara. "Now that you're back, what's next ?" He asked the Uchiha, who had remained silent throughout Ashina's speech.

— "The war is coming to an end and it will soon be time to make ourselves known to the rest of the world, not on a military level, but on its prosperity, thus attracting even more people to us. However, we will have to be careful and rigorous about counter-espionage and control of new people coming here," Madara said, thinking about the question.

— "What about my people ?" Ashina asked, thinking first of her clan.

— "The western part of the city will be made available to you and your people," Hashuba explained, and at the moment he was practically the only one to answer.

— "You'll have to choose the ones you trust the most to serve as your advisors, Ashina," Madara interjected.

— "Why is that ?"

— "Because Heiwa has a unique military and administrative system. As soon as the war is over, power will be divided into several segments to preserve a balance for future generations. A Kage for all military matters, a Daimyô to manage the country administratively and economically, each composed of a Triumvirate. These two Triumvirates will advise and elect a new Daimyô and a new Kage when both die. Each of these two Triumvirates will then be advised and supported by a larger council, which will allow for a more efficient management of the country and where corruption will not occur," Madara explained.

— "I assume you will be the Kage of Heiwa Madara," Ashina said more in affirmation than questioning.

— "Hai, I have too much invested to see what we are doing swept away by an incompetent, but know Ashina that in this future I want you by my side as much as Sakura-san, so I would like you to choose the right people to support you militarily and others who can support our beloved Daimyô administratively and economically."

— "Should I call you Kage-sama ?" the Uzumaki asked, reluctant to bow to the Uchiha. He had already accepted many things from the dark-haired man, but to stoop to this point was out of the question.

— "No, for me Ashina you remain Uzukage and of the same ilk as myself, you remain the leader of your people, but when it comes to the preservation of this country, it will be my responsibility and by extension yours... I do not intend to stop here Ashina."

— "What do you mean ?"

— "As I told you before, the Second World War will come soon..."

— "Excuse me !?" Suzuki exclaimed for the first time, having been listening very carefully to the conversation from the beginning.

— "If you hadn't eradicated all your enemies during the Muromachi Wars Suzuki-san what do you think would have happened to your country ?" Madara asked, turning his attention to the army leader.

The man concerned tilted his head slightly forward to ponder the question. And the answer came to him quickly : they had gotten rid of all their enemies so they wouldn't have any revenge.

— "I understand, Uchiha-dono," the man replied humbly.

— "It is the same thing that is going to happen in the world, hatred, revenge, resentment, and I do not intend to wait for it to happen. This country will become a reference point where people will know that it is a good place to live and that they are safe. I intend to recruit other shinobi clans, I also intend to rally my clan to Heiwa when the time comes and I intend to eradicate all those who oppose me !" The Uchiha announced harshly.

Everyone in the room except Sakura and Ashina swallowed as they heard the Uchiha's speech, he exuded such presence, charisma and at the same time threat that none of them would have imagined that it could be otherwise with what he had planned to do.

However, as she listened to Madara Sakura felt fear come over her : she heard the old Madara speak and she began to fear that he would make the same mistakes he had made in the past. She quietly placed her hand in the hand of the man she loved and he looked into the eyes of the pink haired woman.

He saw in the emerald of her eyes, doubt, fear and he quickly understood her fears. He didn't push her hand away, but rather stroked it very slowly with his thumb to reassure her : No... he would not make the same mistakes as his alter ego from the future !

— "But for the moment, it was time to strengthen himself internally."

The council lasted a long time where all the administrative questions were discussed for the management of all this little world. The meeting finally came to an end and everyone was tired, with a lot of new information to digest and put in place quickly. But they were all delighted with the way things were going : the future looked big and prosperous.

The council members gradually left the room until only Hashuba, Madara and Sakura were left. The Daimyô then approached the Uchiha and informed him :

— Uchiha-dono, I have taken the liberty of setting up flats in my house for you and Sakura-dono. You'll find all the comforts you need and I've also provided you with servants who can attend to your needs, make yourself at home here," the Daimyô explained before turning to his own quarters.

The dark-haired man merely nodded in the direction of their host as a sign of acceptance. They were led, as they had been the last time, by a servant to the rooms that were intended for them. Unlike last time, Madara no longer hid his face, for everyone here knew and understood that it was for their own safety not to reveal the identity of the two people present here. Another difference was that the Daimyô had reserved several living rooms for them to feel comfortable. But what had not changed were the two servants who were waiting with dignity for the couple : Amaya and Hana.

Amaya, the older one, waited calmly for the two to arrive and greet them, but Hana could hardly contain her joy at seeing their friend Sakura again. Amaya had to gently but firmly remind the other woman to calm down.

— "Hana ! Behave yourself, this is no way for a servant to behave," she breathed through her teeth as the couple now stood before them.

— "My lords," she said as they both bowed, "you are welcome, we are at your service, ask us what you wish and we will provide it. We have had your chambers prepared my lords, your room is this way Lord-dono," Amaya announced as she pointed with a delicate wave of her hand to the door on her right, "and the door on..."

But the maid was interrupted by the hard, but non-aggressive voice of the dark-haired man :

— "Sakura will occupy my room as well."

This simple sentence triggered a slight hint of tension in the atmosphere, the two maids and even less the pink-haired woman had not expected such a statement from the man. Indeed, it was unusual in those days for a couple not bound by marriage to be allowed to share a room. Especially since Sakura did not have the status of a concubine, only this case could have been tolerated if it had been previously accepted by the Lord. But the tone used by the Uchiha left no doubt : what he had just stated was indisputable and should be applied as such. After all, the maids were not in the confidences of their Daimyô and if it was so agreed, they had no opinion to offer anyway.

Amaya bowed respectfully to Madara, who had already begun to make his way to the room in question, Hana also following suit a little more hesitantly.

— "It will be as you say," the older girl replied soberly.

Sakura was puzzled for a moment, but as soon as the dark-haired man closed the door on her she felt a warm embrace. Hana couldn't contain herself any longer and let her joy at seeing the young woman she considered a dear friend express itself.

— "Oh Sakura-san ! I'm so happy to see you back with us, safe and sound ! We were so worried about you, weren't we Amaya-chan ?" The blonde said as she hugged Sakura tightly like Ino would have in the old days. The thought flashed through the rose's mind and she shivered slightly with nostalgia, causing the young woman to release her fear that she had hurt her. "Something wrong, Sakura-san ? Did I hurt you by holding you against me ?"

— "No, don't worry Hana-san, the way you acted reminded me of a friend I had a long time ago," Sakura confessed softly, "I'm glad to see you both again too."

— "I'm glad to see you again, Madam. We've heard so much about your exploits in the lands where there is war. We have not stopped fearing for your safety, but my heart is finally at peace knowing you are back with us, especially since a woman has no place on a battlefield," she added in a sanctimonious tone.

Sakura sensed this immediately and remembered perfectly their last conversation about the place women were supposed to have. She wanted to object but was whisked away by the energetic blonde to a separate room :

— "Come with us Sakura-san, we'll take care of you. After all, I don't suppose you've had much time to take care of your body during your journey with your Lord," Hana asked as she took her friend's hand and led her away. "Besides, something very interesting must have happened for your Lord to demand that you leave..."

— "Hana !" The brunette exclaimed sharply, "don't forget who you're talking to ! Sakura-sama is not one of your domestic friends ! That's not something to ask and it's none of your business," Amaya scolded with a stern look.

The blonde automatically lowered her eyes at her elder's admonishment, she knew she had crossed the line and the joy of seeing Sakura again didn't excuse her familiar behavior.

— "Forgive my impropriety Sakura-sama," the blonde implored as she bowed in respect and humility before entering the bathroom reserved for her personal use.

— "It's nothing Hana-san," the rose reassured before following the two young women who were inviting her into the room.

Like the other time, the room contained a silver bathtub, a dressing table and this time a table with cushions and towels. Sakura remembered that special moment when she had to let these women take care of her, like a princess. It wasn't an unpleasant memory even though she was always a little embarrassed that other people could take care of her toilet. But she also knew that it made these women happy to be able to do so.

— "Hana-chan ? Would you please finish preparing the bath water ?" Amaya asked as she motioned for Sakura to come next to her. "Sakura-sama, please take off your clothes, after these long days away from comfort you deserve to be taken care of properly."

Sakura undressed slowly, a hint of embarrassment at being naked in front of other people, but the brunette handed her a garment that was close to a kimono but was extremely thin and rather transparent.

— "Put this on Madam while the bath is at the right temperature and I get you ready," Amaya said as she waited for Sakura to come and sit on the chair in front of the dressing table.

— "What are you going to do Amaya-san ?"

The hairdresser was carefully untangling the pink-haired girl's hair.

— "Nothing more than you deserve, Madam. And your Lord will be pleased to see you in something other than your battle dress. A woman must have soft and perfumed skin to please her husband," the brunette said, not without concealing the question behind her words.

— "We are not married, Amaya. It... it's true that...," Sakura hesitated not knowing how to deal with these intimacy issues. "I..."

— "Madam, far be it from me to judge you, for I have no right to do so, but a woman who shares a man's bed without being either his wife or concubine is rather frowned upon. And even if Lord Shôta is a tolerant person, it is not the same for the other men who advise him or who live in Heiwa. And I fear for your reputation, Madame. It is of utmost importance for women that their reputation not be tainted by slander of this nature," the servant explained softly, taking care to weigh her words.

Sakura remained silent as she pondered the words of the woman who was now applying oil to her face to remove all traces of dust. All this time spent with Madara had not made her see things that way. Indeed, they had become intimate like a married couple, but they had never mentioned the possibility of making it official. She herself had not thought at all that cohabitation was almost a forbidden practice in Madara's time. She lived every moment with the dark-haired man without questioning what people would say, since they were very discreet about their private relationship. And knowing the man, he was not the type to brag and talk about such things with the few people they met. The only one he could have mentioned the subject to was Ashina Uzumaki since the two of them had spent long moments alone talking. But to be honest, she couldn't imagine either Madara or the Uzumaki talking about women's issues. Sakura was lost in thought as she took a moment to realize that the two maids were calling her to take a dip in the bath.

— "Sakura-sama ? Are you alright ?" Hana asked as she regained some composure.

— "Yes Hana-san, I realize it's been weeks since I've had the leisure of a nice hot bath to relax my body, I think it will do me a world of good."

The blonde laughed softly as she helped the pink girl remove the garment covering her. Sakura immersed herself in the water and greatly enjoyed the warmth of the bath. The scent of it was also a delight to the senses. But as she entered the water, she did not notice that she was being watched from every angle by the brunette, who had a slight smile on her face.

Just like the first time they had taken care of her, Sakura let herself be carried away by the moment until, once she was dry, she was led to the table in the room. The women asked her to put on only an undergarment and to sit belly down on the table. The young woman was then covered with a sheet and waited for the next step.

— "Hana-chan, I'll leave it to you to get the belongings transferred from the Madam's room to the Lord's."

— "Well Amaya-chan, Sakura-sama you will see Amaya has golden fingers for massage ! Enjoy it, I'll be back later with your outfit for dinner tonight," the blonde exclaimed before leaving the two women alone in the room.

The maid proceeded to massage Sakura's shoulders and back, she was really enjoying this moment. The last few weeks had been really rough and intense, both emotionally and physically. She felt totally relaxed although she was now feeling a slight discomfort. She hadn't really realised it before, as she'd had very little experience of having her chest pressed against a hard surface.

But now she felt that there was something different, but she couldn't tell. Just then, the maid asked her a question she had not expected.

— "Does the Lady know how long she has been carrying her Lord's child ?"

Sakura immediately opened her eyes at this question. What did she mean by her lord's child ? She half straightened up before turning her gaze to the brunette while reflexively covering her chest with her arm, a gesture that made her realize that it was much more sensitive than before and even slightly tense.

— "What do you mean ? I... no, I'm not...," the Kunoichi stammered, knowing that it was impossible for her to be pregnant.

— "Some signs don't deceive Madam and as a woman doctor, you should have noticed, shouldn't you ?" She added with a slight smile on her face.

Sakura was still silent, trying to gather her thoughts and figure out how to refute the statement the brunette had just told her. But nothing was coming, at least nothing concrete. The young woman realized that she had never considered contraceptive techniques since she and the brunette had been intimate. Besides, as a seasoned ninja, the female cycle was itself under great strain and the stress of combat did nothing for nature... normally.

And so it had been since she had accepted the Rikudô Sennin's proposal, her menstrual cycle was non-existent but she had not worried about it at all.

— "Amaya-san, I can't be pregnant. I haven't... well you know," she finally said.

— "Forgive me, Madam, for insisting, but didn't you tell me that you and your Lord had become closer ? A man like that doesn't seem to be willing to wait for a woman's favour."

— "Of course, but what I want to explain to you is that as a ninja my body is kind of blocked for the things of nature," Sakura explained, convinced of the truth of her words.

— "But Madam, Nature doesn't choose the time to manifest itself. And I can assure you from experience that I have the immense joy of telling you that you will give birth in a few months."

Sakura froze, her brain refusing to accept the possibility.

— "How can you know that, Amaya-san ? You're not a doctor and you haven't examined me."

— "Have you not noticed any changes in your body ? In particular your breasts, Madam, are they not more sensitive than usual ? A little more tense ? Don't you sometimes feel a strong desire to sleep even though you had a perfect night's sleep ? Don't you find certain smells more unpleasant than others ? Perhaps you feel slightly smeared in the morning when you wake up ?"

The more the maid stated the symptoms, the more the rose began to turn pale. It all fit together and she suddenly realised that Katsuyu had said something strange to her several weeks ago : *Why didn't you explain your condition to me ?*

The slug had already detected the presence of this developing fetus.

Sakura needed to know for sure so she conjured up a green glow on her hand and applied it to her lower abdomen. She needed to detect the presence of a mass of cells different from her own and she didn't have long to search. Indeed, she felt the life growing inside her. There was no doubt about it : she was pregnant with Madara Uchiha.

She removed her hand from her lower abdomen and looked up at the servant who was looking at her with a hint of fear as she had never seen any Ninjutsu or Iryô Ninjutsu in her life. Amaya had even wondered if Sakura's magic would harm the child she was carrying.

Sakura, on the other hand, felt overwhelmed by a flood of the most contradictory emotions : from joy to anguish. Tears even clouded her eyes, which disturbed Amaya who hurried to embrace the young woman.

— "Madam, aren't you delighted with this news ? Becoming a mother is a blessing for us women. Especially if you give your Lord a son, he'll love you even more," the maid comforted as she covered Sakura with a towel so she wouldn't catch a cold.

— "Amaya-chan, you don't understand. I have to stay with him because we are still at war. A pregnant woman has no place on a battlefield and..."

— "Madam ! A woman, pregnant or not, has no place in war. But you can't risk your life at the risk of losing the fruit of your love because you love it, can you ?"

At this question of feelings, Sakura froze once again. Her relationship with this man had changed so much in all these months : from hatred she had gone to love.

Yes she loved him, she had discovered what loving meant and especially being loved in return. She also knew that the dark-haired man's feelings towards her were sincere. But how would he react when he learned that she was pregnant ? Would it change all their plans for their true peace ?

— "Yes I love him but..."

— "Your Lord also seems to care for you to demand that you share his chambers. Not even wives let alone concubines have that privilege, what do you fear Sakura-sama ?"

— "I don't know, Amaya-chan, but I can't tell him this now : the war is not over and it might distract him from the right course of action. But indeed, I cannot accompany him to the battle because I do not want to worry him about my condition or affect the evolution of our future child."

— "Don't delay in telling him the news, Madam. The arrival of a child can change a man's heart and make him give up his ideas of glory. Why can't you settle down peacefully and make your home in peace ?"

* In peace ? *

This was an idea that took on a totally different meaning now in the mind of the cherry blossom. But wouldn't it be selfish of her to want to give up the peace of the world just to live a simple life surrounded by the man she loved and the child they would have ? How could they be at peace if the world was still subject to war and conflict of all kinds that brought only death and desolation ? But did they have to give up the happiness of being a family in order to save humanity from its failings ?

So many questions that had no solid answers flooded Sakura's mind, but she was interrupted by Hana's return with a beautiful kimono. Sakura silently looked at Amaya to let her know not to reveal this news to the younger girl. The brunette bowed very slightly to show her that she understood and that this conversation would remain a secret.

Hana didn't even notice that her friend was a little preoccupied and she took it upon herself to prepare her carefully for the dinner planned with the Daimyô and his guests. Just like the other time, Sakura was resplendent in beauty, which didn't escape Madara's notice when he finally saw her again.

It had been a pleasant evening and unlike the other time, Daiki hadn't made any statements about Sakura. He had even been very respectful as if he had understood that he had no chance of seducing her and above all that she was no longer single or even that she was the Uchiha's companion at her side. Yet, as usual, she and Madara had not made any affectionate gestures in public or said anything that would imply that they shared much more in private.

Once away from the prying eyes and ears of the Daimyô's residence, the couple found themselves alone in the flats set up for them, and Sakura's mind was again preoccupied. Throughout the meal she had been talking so much with Ashina Uzumaki that she had forgotten the news she had heard a few hours before.

She watched as the man she loved took off the ceremonial kimono he was wearing to make himself more comfortable. She was always impressed by the charisma he could exude and she caught herself feeling her cheeks heat up as she looked at him like this : yes, she was in love with this man and she could never have imagined that she would ever want to become his wife and the mother of his children.

Madara turned back to her and noticed that she was staring at him.

— "Is something wrong Sakura ? You seem troubled ? Is it me that's causing you this ?" He taunted her with a smile that made her melt immediately. How could she resist this man ?

— "You're imagining things, Madara ; you're not confusing me," she assured with a charming smile on her lips.

The man moved closer to her and hugged her tenderly before sealing his lips to hers. How could she resist ? Sakura let herself be carried away by the moment of passion that was coming between the two of them, forgetting about the questions, the doubts.

In the power and warmth of his arms, she forgot everything because he knew how to handle her perfectly. After this long moment of pure exaltation, they both fell asleep in the comfort of the bed they shared.

Day 356

The next day, when she woke up, Sakura took the time to take stock of what her body was expressing. Indeed, since she knew the truth about her physiological state, she was able to detect the changes that were gradually taking place in her body.

But what concerned her was to tell the sleeping man beside her. She did not want him to feel obliged to do anything to her. They had never discussed their future as a couple. Never had they discussed marriage, the responsibility of becoming the wife of a clan leader who for the moment was deemed dead. It meant so much to both of them and to the rest of the world.

How could they not reveal to the world that he was back and alive while asserting his omnipotence as a leader ? A union, if it were to take place, would have to remain a secret ? And the Uchiha still loyal to the Leaf, what were Madara's plans for them after bringing them to Heiwa ? All of these questions they had never addressed, and perhaps it was time, especially since she couldn't hide her physiological condition indefinitely.

— "Sakura ? Are you going to tell me what's been bothering you since last night, or do I have to use my pupillary abilities to get answers ?" A half-asleep voice whispered to her.

— "Your Sharingan has no effect on me, you should know that Madara. And how do you know I'm worried, you're asleep !" She retorted, half amused and half surprised.

— "I feel that you are agitated while it seems to me that you were exhausted last night...," he whispered maliciously which made the rose smile.

— "Don't get me wrong, I'm not tired of what you put me through. But it's true, I am preoccupied."

He turned to her and hugged her before getting up and sitting on the bed.

— "I'm listening Sakura."

— "In the books I brought back the first war is coming to an end with the death of Tobirama Senju. The elemental nations will be terribly weakened after this conflict and it will take time for them to recover and especially to start the second war."

— "Yes, I know all this already, having read your future books carefully. But what are you so concerned about ?"

— "Would you like me to accompany you to Kumo, since that's where everything is at stake for the grand finale ?" She asked seriously as she stared at the dark-haired man with her green orbs.

The Uchiha thought for a moment before answering.

Indeed, the outcome of the first war seemed to come down to what would happen on Kumo between the Raikage and the Hokage. And according to Sakura's precious books, the fate of that bastard Tobirama was sealed there. The man analyzed the situation very quickly and finally said :

— "Do you trust me Sakura ?"

— "Of course, why would you ask such a question ?"

— "I wish you to let me go to Kumo alone. Stay here in Heiwa and help the people settle in. You have things to accomplish here as well if we are to see our peace come about with a solid foundation."

* Let our peace be born. *

Sakura felt a slight twinge of sadness at hearing this sentence : it wasn't time to tell the dark-haired man yet. He had to stay focused on their goals, and even if they were rewriting history, some facts shouldn't change, and Tobirama's death seemed to be a key element in what was to come.

— "When do you plan to leave ?" Asked the cherry blossom.

— "From today on I think, the sooner we get this taken care of the sooner we can set up the rest. And especially Sakura, I think it's time for you to officially become an Uchiha. I want the shinobi of Heiwa to know that we are training and recruiting them to know who you are to me. You deserve the respect given to the wives of clan leaders and that will only be possible if you officially become my wife.

Sakura's eyes widened at this unusual announcement. He had thought about it and even though his way of proposing to her was far from romantic as she might have imagined as a child, the cherry blossom felt her heart beating wildly in her chest.

— "It would be a great honor for me Madara to officially become your wife. But wouldn't you like to announce your return to the members of your clan first ?"

— "I had thought about it, but the Uchiha are still too cowardly to accept my return so easily, let alone make them leave Konoha to join us of their own free will. It will come, and I don't need them to approve of my choice of life," he stated firmly.

The cherry blossom decided that she had had enough answers and would wait until her beloved returned to announce that she was carrying his child. During her self-assessment, she had managed to determine that she could easily hide her pregnancy for the next two or even three months. Such was the advantage of having a slender, muscular body and not to mention pregnancy denial. Sakura knew that a woman's body, when subjected to her will, could perform miracles. And for now, the mother-to-be had the requirement that her body not show the slightest outward sign of a developing life.