A little teaser to chapter 1!
⊱ ۫ ׅ ──── ✧⭑ Concept⭑ ✧──── ׅ ۫ ⊱
An alternate universe where the Uchiha coup was stopped. Most of the clan was killed off, only those who pledged loyalty to the leaf over their family were allowed to live. Mostly survived by the children. Itachi becomes head of the clan and takes on a guiding role to many of the orphaned or lost. The mistrust of the clan is so thick it's nearly a tangible thing, pushing them out or dooming them to repeat the same mistakes. Seeking help with reintegrating his clan he pleads with Lady Tsunade, the 5th Hokage for help. Her answer is to assert themselves into society by climbing the socio-political ranks - and she has just the idea. The former Hyuga heiress, Hinata had been disinherited by her father. A disgrace sure, but still part of a revered clan. This way she could still serve purpose, if Itachi were to marry Sasuke to Hinata. Though reluctant, her father begrudgingly agrees to marry Hinata to Sasuke - But Itachi and Hinata's father keep it secret until they're about to turn 18.
⊱ ۫ ׅ ──── ✧⭑ Teaser⭑ ✧──── ׅ ۫ ⊱
He had long since come to the conclusion that his fate in the leaf was set in stone, branded by the sins of ghosts that haunted him. Itachi was a symbol, a last remaining hope for a dying clan nobody wanted to associate with and even still he wasn't fully trusted. Often times he would imagine what it would be like to leave, to travel or to make a life somewhere else, unburdened by the weight of something he was too young to understand let alone be a part of. Though he'd never gone through with it, his love and admiration for his elder brother along with the children he sometimes looked after kept him tethered to a village that wouldn't have batted an eye had he died alongside the traitors. He expected ostracization, he expected to be sent on missions nobody wanted. The ones most people wouldn't come back from. What he could have never expected was for the same tie that held him here to tie his metaphorical noose.
The news came on a random Thursday, shortly after the war and after they had entered into a state of peace - just as Sasuke thought he'd be able to breathe. As he entered his home after a rather intense training session, he smelled something very alluring but also telling. The subtle smell of the okaka onigiri, his favorite comfort food alerted the shinobi that there was something to be discussed. He slowly approached and took his seat as Itachi plated and handed him his food. Sasuke scoffed softly and took it, earning a glare from his elder. "Is there something you'd like to say?" Itachi asked, slight annoyance clear.
"Only that if you're going to be so predictable nii-san, that you should come right out with whatever it is." He sat his food down and looked at the other. "So tell me, what is it?"
Itachi sighed and wiped his hands on his, or rather his girlfriends, apron before untying it and sitting across from Sasuke.
"Very well, since you don't want to eat the food I've prepared especially to your liking first...Do you know how long I waited in line today just to make this for you?"
Sasuke groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. Itachi's odd mothering habits could be talked about later.
The sharp tone from his younger brother urged the elder on despite his clear reluctance. "Just... promise you won't throw a fit after I tell you."
Sasuke stood and clenched his fists at his side, brows furrowing as his voice raised. "What do you take me for? A child? When was the last time I threw a fit?"
Itachi merely sighed again and shook his head, unable to look his brother in the eyes. As much as he tried, he just couldn't seem to get the words out. Eventually he decided no words could explain the gravity of the situation better than the official document itself, so he searched for his copy of a scroll signed years ago and handed it off.
Sasuke grit his teeth and took the scroll, hesitantly opening it knowing just how serious it had to be. Only he could have never predicted the contents. A contract for an arranged marriage between him, and the former Hyuga heiress. Signed by Lady Tsunade, Hiashi Hyuga, and worst of all his big brother. Dating back to when he was only fourteen years old.
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