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Engagement

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As Misa stays a little longer at Sasuke's, he gives her a tour around the newly modeled house. The clan is nearly isolated from the village's main parts; surprisingly, there wasn't a lot of damage after the assault. Itachi and Sasuke wanted more enhancement, and their friends helped.

"There is something I want you to see," Sasuke tells Misa.

She looks at him with interest. "I hope it's millions of cupcakes."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Oh, please." Not to be dramatic, he wouldn't even take a whiff of sweets. Misa lets a breath, and the love of her life takes her wherever.

The pair walk outside of the house to go to the garden. Misa sees the beautiful koi fish pond and the reflection of the crescent moon. She then moves her bright pink eyes to spot a cherry blossom tree in the small garden. Itachi and Sasuke planted a cherry blossom tree when they returned to Konoha. It surprised them how fast it grew. Their mother, Mikoto, always loved seeing them bloom during the spring. So, they planted one for her. Sasuke turns to face Misa and is still holding her hand. He speaks,

"I brought you here to meet my parents."

Immediately, Misa becomes quiet. She stands on her toes to look over his shoulder. There's a picture of a happy couple in a frame resting on the grass against the tree with cherry blossom petals around them. Misa lets Sasuke guide her to his parents.

Once they sat down on their knees, the wind blew a little stronger and louder. Sasuke sighs, "Otou-san, okaa-san, I want you to meet Misa. The one who made me the person that I am now. I don't regret any of it." He sincerely expressed his love for Misa to his parents.

A warmth spread across her chest, and a rush of emotion washed over her face. Misa's lips began to tremble, and her rosy hues were glistening. The girl is becoming an emotional wreck. She tried to compose herself to speak. "I-It's nice to meet you both. I'll be honest; your son is a big troublemaker who doesn't know what he is doing and always needs me around him." She chuckled through the sniffles. Her lover rolled his eyes, but he couldn't deny it.

Misa continues, "However, not only that, but he is one of the most precious people in our lives. Uzumaki Naruto taught him friendship. Despite what he did, Sakura didn't break the bond between her and him. She knew he wouldn't hurt a single soul. Kakashi sensei was kind enough to help him get through his problems. And lastly, his brother. I have never seen him so happy—especially since it's his relative."

As she talks to his parents, Sasuke has eyes on her the entire time. He was a bit nervous for this moment because even in the afterlife, he still gets nervous about what his parents would think of him—probably shaking their heads at his ignorant choices then. But whenever he comes around the garden, he feels a warm presence wrapping around him.

"So, in essence, we all love your son. And I accept him as my husband-to-be."

Misa finished talking to Fugaku and Mikoto. It makes her wonder what they would be like if they were still around. Of course, it'll be different, but did Sasuke used to smile a lot? She looks up at him to notice his gaze is on her. A blush begins to burn her fair cheeks because he is too beautiful when the moonlight hits his face, and dark locks are moving by the wind.

In silent response, Sasuke stands and offers his hand to Misa. She gladly accepts it.

"Have you told your family about the proposal?" The Uchiha brings his girl into his arms to watch the stars glimmer in the sky. Misa snickered. "Nope, but will they believe me?" She asked, leaning into his broad chest. Sasuke furrowed his brows. "They should. I mean, it does sound absurd because we are not adults yet. However, I am not going to pressure you." He will never do that to Misa.

She also feels lucky to have him in her life. "Okay, I'll see what I can do." The beauty hugs the young Uchiha by the waist.

Sasuke then pressed a kiss on top of her head. Misa felt it, and she smiled against his shirt. Sasuke being affectionate is not something people would expect from him. But one thing or secret about the raven is his shyness.

After saying goodbye to each other, Misa heads back home with her belongings in her hands. She is thinking about the new Hokage situation and the proposal. She is unsure and apprehensive if Tsunade will get out of the coma. It's close to being a month since the battle. Everyone is still paranoid about their safety.

Misa remembers telling Sasuke that it's not the end yet. She is slowly putting pieces together to stop the upcoming madness. Misa has a connection with one of her past relatives, and the same goes for Sasuke. The Akatsuki is losing more members, and Kabuto will create an army. On top of that, Danzo is getting picked as Hokage. So much is happening all at once.

Suddenly, Misa feels pain hitting her head. She groans and rubs her right temple. She must've been overthinking. Maybe some sleep will erase those cluttered thoughts.

"I'm home!"

The tired girl shouts to inform her family. She went to the kitchen to put the containers into the sink and wash them.

"How was your hangout, my dear?"

Misa turns her head and sees Akemi approaching with his empty mug. She takes it for him to clean the item. "I had fun. My friends are doing better, and we just did some girl talk." Misa lets out a chuckle.

Akemi stands next to his daughter and grins and plays on his lips. "That's good to know. Anything about Sasuke?" He asked her. Misa does her best not to stutter her words. "He is doing well. I stopped by his place earlier, and we had a small time together." She responds with a simple answer. She is also pondering because her father is right there. Well, let's see how it goes.

"Otou-san, I have something to tell you when I'm done with this." Misa is building courage yet is nervous. Akemi furrowed his eyebrows and tried not to assume. "Okay, I'll be in the living room." He indicated where he'll be at. When he leaves, Misa takes a deep breath because her heart is racing.

She wipes her hands with a rag and meets up with her father. He is reading a book while waiting. Misa takes a seat across from Akemi. "Otou-san." She called for him. He stops reading and puts the book on the handmade coffee table. Akemi studies her body language—she is anxious. It has him wondering why.

Misa opens her mouth to speak. "Please, don't think I am making jokes or it's fake." She wants to remind him. Akemi delivers a short nod. "Alright, I promise that I won't judge or anything." He reassured Misa.

It brought some relief to the nervous girl.

She continues, "Sasuke and I have been keeping this for a long time because we're afraid no one will believe us. You'll be the first person to know about this. We are engaged." She finally said it.

Knowing her father, Akemi would stay silent to collect his thoughts. Normal yet anxiety-inducing.

However, this time, it took more than a second. Misa has her eyes on him this entire conversion.

Soon, Akemi spoke, "Do you love him, my dear, and are you sure? Because marriage is something more than an ordinary relationship. I'll still accept whatever decision you make, but I want you happy, and you have no regrets." No lie, he is baffled but trying to follow along with his eldest child.

Without any hesitation, Misa nods her head. "Yes, I genuinely love Sasuke with my whole life. And yes, we will be in a healthy and stable marriage. I also want him to be part of our family." She stated with confidence and surprised herself.

An Uchiha son-in-law.

The father can't choose for his daughter, especially with love.

Akemi makes an honest response. "I'll have to think about it, Misa. I want to know what your okaa-san and your otouto will say. We'll plan out a gathering to give you the answer." He knows it'll worry Misa, but Akemi loves her from the moon and back. But most importantly, he has to talk to Sasuke.

So then, the man stands on his feet and opens his arms for his not-so-little girl. She sprang up from her seat to enter his hug. "You know, I thought you were going to tell me something else," Akemi confessed about what he was thinking earlier. Misa snickered. "Like what?"

Akemi looks around the room sheepishly. "Oh, you know...another child to take care of." He said.

Misa immediately looks at him with an appalled expression. "Otou-san!" Her face turns tomato red.

✧: *.☽ .* ✧

"So, I heard Danzo will be Hokage soon."

"Why, yes, indeed. The members of the Konoha Council picked him."

The father and daughter sat outside in the small garden as the moonlight watched over them. Akemi told Misa Reiko and Koichi they were having a mother-and-son night out. It was his son's idea because his wife volunteered to rebuild places around the village, and he wanted her to relax and have fun.

Akemi becomes curious. "Is there something wrong?" He looks at Misa, a bit perplexed.

She sighs, "Sasuke told me Danzo will bring less good and more bad for the village. I don't think you know, but our people or supreme leaders made us view the Uchiha Clan as an enemy. Danzo being one of them." It breaks her heart for Sasuke and Itachi.

The man hears his kid's statement. Akemi has worked for the Konoha Council for many years and is aware of them covering up information from the public. It's a not-so-perfect village, after all.

Akemi gives his feedback. "It'll be soon for him to unite with other nations' leaders. They are planning to stop the Akatsuki and other future damage. But they must agree, and it's complicated. Many of us have some grudges holding onto them." He can picture what the Kage Summit would be like. There will be chaos, long talks, and negative responses—almost like a trial.

"So, if the Uchiha brothers protest or fight against Danzo, we'll still not know who to trust. That's the world we're living in at this point." As much as Akemi teaches his children to be and think positively, it hurts to know happiness and hope are slowly disintegrating.

Misa hates how grim and gloomy it has gotten in these days. When will there be a light to erase this trauma?

She moves closer to her father and leans against his right arm. "I'm tired, otou-san." The girl feels the same as her love.

Akemi did his best to change the heavy atmosphere. "Tired? As in, sleepy?" He questions lightheartedly. Misa releases a chuckle from her lips, which lifts her cold heart. "No, more like frustrated. I hope we all can rest after everything." She needed to get off of her chest. The people are probably missing the bubbly, optimistic, and happy-go-lucky Misa. Well, life is different, but her old self is there somewhere.

To bring Misa comfort, Akemi brought his arm and wrapped it around her shoulders. "I'll be honest, I am too. But my dear, as long as we stick together, we'll get through it." Like any other father and husband, Akemi will have his family in a safe place.

As a reminder, Misa tells the only hero in her life. "I love you, otou-san."

The father turns his head and gently pecks on his beautiful daughter's head. "I love you too, my dear." He returned the affection.

✧: *.☽ .* ✧

Morning comes around like an invitation to a new day. The villagers seemed more joyous and at peace. Even though the land has gotten smaller, humble ones are willing to live with it.

"Being on patrol has me sleep-deprived." Naruto lets out a loud, obnoxious yawn as he leans against the tree in a sitting position. The Hero of Konoha has been kind enough to watch out for the people for the past few days. Naruto wants a nice, warm, and delicious Ichiraku Ramen bowl with his friends.

Team Seven gathered in a private area for a break. Sakura and Misa sat side-by-side on the grass. Sasuke is standing with his arms crossed and doing his usual stance he would do when he was younger. And Sai is standing the opposite of him. The Uchiha admits something to make Naruto feel better. "I've done patrol because I had to keep my squad safe. Barely slept for days." He refers to Hebi, which is now called Taka. Sasuke wanted to change it because their goal wasn't to go after Itachi. They're aiming for something much bigger and more dangerous.

"How are they?" Sai asked about Taka. Sasuke didn't want to hide it any longer, so he told his teammates the purpose of his squad. In response to Sai's question, "They're on the lookout for all of us. It's not easy, but they know things that we don't know. Taka is our silent ally between us." Despite having so many companions, Sasuke could only trust Misa, Kakashi, Team Seven, and Taka. It doesn't feel right for him to have everyone seek into his life. Hell, his life has been displayed since he was a child.

Sasuke looks briefly at his friends. "I also want to announce something." He has all of their attention in a quick snap. Misa looked at him and could sense where it was going.

"If any of you try to stop me, please don't interfere with my vengeance for Danzo."

Sai looks at him quizzically. "Why? Is there heat between you two?" He wonders about Sasuke because Danzo was once his mentor for the Anbu. Naruto and Sakura turn their heads because the tension is rising. Plus, they're curious.

"Yes, and it's more than you think." Sasuke, of course, goes in-depth on how his life got ruined. It may sound unbelievable to Sai, Sakura, and Naruto, but they need to understand some people manipulate with so much loathing and anger. It's also crushed their hearts because Sasuke is precious to them.

"So, if you fight Danzo, what will the world see you as?" Naruto asked a good question. Sasuke puts on his usual sly smirk. "They'll need to learn and rethink who they are going against." He will defend himself and not run away like a scared, weak kid.

Naruto sighs, "As much I want to punch you into the senses for being stubborn to get some help, I'm letting you do it." The hero would hate to see his best friend holding resentment for the rest of his existence. Sakura joins the discussion, "I agree with Naruto, but we will not hesitate to save you, Sasuke. There is a reason why we have a bond." She reminded him why they are more than teammates. "Whether you like it or not." Sakura giggles blithely.

Sasuke just nods because it's Sakura. She'll make anyone not argue with her. Then his dark gaze lands on Sai. The oldest of the group has some history with Danzo, which he hasn't spoken about since he first got recruited into Team Seven. Sai thought it would be a bypass because he wouldn't expect his former mentor to destroy other innocent people's lives.

Sai says, "I hope you do it because I didn't foresee his motives for making me lose touch with humanity." The response stunned the four. Misa stands up from the grass to hug Sai. He returns it because she gives the best hugs. Misa wants to reassure him that he was just a child and not his fault.

After receiving the answers, Sasuke will be ready for that day.

In a place that's not the same domain as the living, a beautiful woman watches the kids from above with a downcast expression. She has been witnessing the events this entire time.

"Yukari, what are you looking at?"

A man's voice echoed through the domain. He notices his friend is alone and unhappy. The first female Akiyama leader tells him. "I don't think I am ready to meet him again, Hashirama." Yukari refers to her first and last love.

The First Hokage frowns, "Are you sure that's going to happen?" He asked her because he hadn't seen or knew where his former best friend was.

Yukari moves herself to face him. "Yes. The clock is ticking, and we are close."

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Author's Note
omggg look who it is??? long time no see my friends 🤗 this feels a little weird to update again 😂 however i know it's late but i am glad to publish a new chapter of this year 🤍 i had to refresh myself about where i left off and thank goodness i didn't forget completely 😭 but yea sasuke is slowly earning trust from others, misa becomes less enclosed about herself, and yukari's first dialogue which i was very excited to write. i hope to come up with something that'll add to the upcoming climax ✨ i wanna give a huge thank you to everyone that patiently waited for me and enjoy my works 🥺💗 i'll see you all in the next update 💫