Kekkon

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The sun sat lazily in the middle of the sky and shone gentle rays down on the bustling village of Konoha. A light breeze passed by causing the wind chimes in the doorway to tinkle softly; a sign that the shop was open.

A small rusty gate in front opened to reveal a cobbled and well used pathway. It was surrounded by a variety of flowers that were arranged precisely, changing with each season. The most prominent feature of the herbal shop was the small stream that trickled downhill, carrying sakura petals that fell from up top.

The store was rickety, but beautiful; painted a light cream color, with red accents on wooden panels. Birds sung all around, hidden behind trees and dancing on branches.

In the back was a large garden where plants were grown, supervised by a few hired workers; mostly old men and women who had nothing better to do. They cultivated and gathered the plants, and grinded them into pastes or dried them for teas.

The shop was run by an old man with wrinkled skin and a cordial personality, who was currently scribbling down his finances in a leather bound notebook. Math was good for dusty brains, his doctor had told him; prevented dementia from settling in sooner. However, everyone around him could see old age taking its toll.

His bony right hand, the one with a slight tremor, was writing down every detail of what was sold and purchased. He was so absorbed in his task, that he had barely noticed the pair that walked in.

The two stood slightly back and observed the inner workings of the store while they enjoyed the musky, sweet aroma that was always in the air. They looked upon the old man who sat, oblivious to his new customers.

"Haruno-san?" a kind voice said.

Her hair was dark as midnight and flowed behind her like a river, her blue kimono only emphasized the point. She walked with grace and elegance, filled to the brim with confidence; Uchiha Mikoto was no ordinary woman.

"Ah! Konichiwa! Gomen, gomen. I didn't see you walk in," the old man adjusted his glasses.

He closed his notebook, and gently placed the ink pen in a black old man slipped back into his happi coat, and grabbed his bamboo cane. He walked around the counter, the wooden floor boards creaking at each step.

"No worries, Haruno-san. We apologize for disturbing you," Mikoto smiled, patting her son's shoulder.

The man laughed, "You ninja folks, ne? Always coming out of nowhere."

The stoic boy smiled in response;Sasuke was not surprised when his mother had asked him to accompany her to the herb store. They had been discussing it for almost two weeks.

The wooden building was located in the outskirts of Konoha, far away from the loud noises and clamor. To say this store was popular, would be an understatement. It was extremely famous in Konoha and in neighboring villages, known for its kind atmosphere and variety of secret concoctions.

However, the store was also known for its owner. It was true, Haruno Hikaru was growing old, someone needed to take over, and that's why every clan in Konoha had offered his granddaughter a marriage proposition.

It wasn't for her beauty, her skills, or anything else; it was to know the secrets of a dying bloodline. If the shop were to be absorbed into a clan, then its secrets would be kept and the girl could live in comfort. At least, that's what he thought his mother would say today.

Sasuke glanced around the store, looking for the pink haired girl. If the marriage did go through, it would be the first time a civilian outside of the Uchiha clan was married into the head family, and he knew for sure that it would cause an uproar.

His brother had been married almost two years ago, leaving him to be the only bachelor in the family; for Sasuke to marry and outsider would be impiety.

"There is a room in the back where we can talk in private," the old man said.

Ah, so his mother had already gotten down to business. He inwardly sighed; she was sharp, cunning, and just plain straightforward.

Hikura opened a screen door behind the counter that led to a simple room. Mikoto ushered him to enter, grinning, she was happy that her plan was working.

They sat around a small wooden table, waiting as the old man set a blue teapot to boil. Sasuke could already smell the aroma of the leaves, it was another one of the store's secrets. They always made the best tea.

"So, what would you like to talk about," Hikaru said, interlacing his fingers together.

"The Uchiha clan would be honored if your granddaughter, Haruno Sakura, were to be married to my son, Uchiha Sasuke." Mikoto stated simply.

Sasuke inwardly gawked at his mother. She jumped straight to the point without any hesitation.

Hikaru nodded, "I thought as much."

He reached over and adjusted his cane, which sat by his side obediently. When Sakura had first gotten it for him, obviously following doctors orders, he refused to use it, throwing it somewhere in the corner to rot away with time. However, it was only a month ago when he was forced to pull it out again.

"I'll tell you what I told every family thus far," the Haruno cleared his throat, "Sakura, isn't my granddaughter and she isn't related to me. Actually I don't know who her parents are,"

He paused allowing the Uchihas to digest what he had just said, and expected the usual response. It was quite shocking that Sakura was getting another marriage offer, the old man was sure that the Uchiha clan already knew of their secret. The last people to come nearly broke down the door while leaving. He continued when there was no outcry of anger.

"I found her on the streets, she told me her name was Sakura and that was about it," Hikaru smiled, picking up the pot "Tea?"

Both Uchihas nodded, watching as he elegantly poured the light brown substance. The room had quieted down for a bit, enough for Sasuke to have heard the birds chirping outside and the soft footsteps that came padding in.

"We know her story, rumors travel fast unfortunately," Mikoto finally said, staring into her cup, "we overlook Sakura's hazy background and the proposition still stands."

Sasuke inwardly sighed, honestly the things his family was willing to do just to gain some herbal secrets. But then again, it was never just herbs; the Harunos could cook up a poison powerful enough to knock out an entire shinobi squad in a matter of seconds.

Hikaru seemed surprised, "Ano, really? I mean, most clans find it dishonorable."

The dark haired lady shrugged.

"It's fine by me," the old man cackled, "But in the end it's-"

"Ojji-san," a soft voice said, muffled by the walls. The screen door opened, revealing the topic of their conversation.

Sakura's face lifted in astonishment, and she bowed, "Gomen, I didn't mean to disturb you," she turned to leave.

"Matte!" Mikoto said, indicating with her hand, "Come here Sakura-chan, we have much to discuss."

The pink haired girl looked confused, but nodded anyway, and silently moved to sit next to her grandfather. Sakura kindly refilled their cups, then stared at her lap when she was done.

"You probably know why we're here." Mikoto spoke quietly, "and we know your history and accept it."

That surprised Sakura, and the girl immediately looked up.

"Are you sure?" she said wringing her hands, "you'll never know about my family or their status."

In order words, as Sasuke took it, I'll never tell you about my family.

Mikoto sighed, "Hai."

Sakura glanced at her grandfather, "I have one condition though: someone from the Uchiha clan may take over the store in terms of management, but everything else I will do."

His mother nodded, so Sakura didn't want anyone to know about their secret, it wasn't a large shock to Sasuke. It made sense. The pink haired girl nodded as well, excusing herself with the sound of a customer entering.

Hikaru and Mikoto continued to chat idly, while Sasuke listened to the conversation, not caring about the small details regarding the marriage. The Uchihas generously offered to pay the full cost of the ceremony and reception, but Hikaru insisted on paying half, after all he only had one daughter.

By the time they were done it was late in the afternoon. They had drunk at least two pots of tea, and Sasuke was sure the old man had lost his voice. Getting up, the Uchihas stood to their full grandeur, and bowed deeply before exiting the room. Sakura was fiddling with a few jars, when Mikoto ran over to her, giving her a large hug.

"Welcome to the family, Sakura-chan" she said, still holding onto her.

What irked Sasuke the most about their visit, was that his soon to be wife didn't even glance at him.

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