"Just a tiny, insignificant change in Yin Release properties."
The girl with cherry-blossom pink hair rubbed her index finger and thumb together, completely unbothered by the fact that this could cost her the South Korean market.
The Uchiha crowd finally showed a spark of realization, starting to reflect on their own situations.
"It's just a cheap Mist Servant Technique! Don't let her throw you off, you idiots!"
An elder stepped forward from the crowd, shouting sharply.
"As Uchihas, we should be unlocking the full potential of our bloodline, chasing the ultimate power of those eyes."
"Creating form from nothing? What a laughable trick. Can it even compare to the divine power of legend?"
He strode up to Sakura Haruno, activating his Sharingan, and sneered mockingly.
"I'll crush you and your so-called divine power one day!"
Sakura raised her fist, her smile beneath the mask growing sweeter.
Too bad that beautiful smile was hidden by the mask, unseen by anyone.
"Ahem, Konoha's young sprout seems to have caused you some trouble, Clan Leader Fugaku!"
Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi's deep voice rang out, cutting through the growing tension between Sakura and the elder.
"Elder Nobu, mind your manners and step back!"
Uchiha Fugaku leaped down from the rooftop, landing in front of the Third Hokage and bowing respectfully.
The two left their subordinates behind and walked off to a quiet spot to talk.
Though both were ninjas and took measures to block eavesdropping, Sakura's Observation Haki could cover a full kilometer, easily picking up their conversation.
The Third subtly pressed Fugaku about the unrest within the Uchiha clan, while Fugaku brushed it off as a clash between two youngsters.
In truth, both could clearly sense the growing divide within the Uchiha. Tonight's conflict was a collision of two opposing ideologies within the clan.
Fugaku, as clan leader, was too weak—failing to secure external influence and unable to heal the internal rift.
It's fair to say that when the Uchiha's runaway war chariot finally careens toward destruction, Fugaku would bear thirty percent of the blame.
And the other seventy percent? That falls squarely on the shoulders of the ninja world's ultimate scapegoat.
"The Clan of Love, huh…"
Sakura looked down at her arm, where a pair of ninja wristbands—a gift from a certain tsundere as an apology—rested.
The Uchiha's downfall was truly a pity. If it sparked the interest of other great nations, plunging Konoha into chaos, it could affect her parents.
For her parents' sake, and to keep that tsundere from becoming an orphan, maybe… just maybe, she could do something.
As Sakura was lost in thought, Hiruzen returned with Fugaku.
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"After discussing with Clan Leader Fugaku, we've decided to station an Anbu member with the Uchiha to act as a bridge for communication."
Hiruzen's gaze swept over the gathered Anbu, searching for a candidate from his personally trained elite to take on the role.
But… the tension between the Uchiha and the village was no secret.
The Anbu present knew this was a troublesome assignment and subtly averted their eyes, hoping not to be chosen.
"Lord Hokage, I'll take the mission!"
A clear, crisp voice caught Hiruzen's attention. He looked over and saw Sakura, wearing her cat-faced mask.
A spark of inspiration flashed through his mind.
With tensions between the village and the Uchiha at a boiling point, any reckless move could ignite the powder keg. Yet, the need to keep the Uchiha in check was undeniable.
And here was Sakura Haruno, stepping up—a perfect fit for the task.
Whether as a young girl, a bloodline inheritor, a powerful Anbu, or a genius who developed techniques to counter Sharingan illusions, she was the ideal choice.
"Very well," Hiruzen nodded.
Sure, Sakura could be a bit rebellious, a little rough around the edges, not big on formalities, and always itching for a fight—but at her core, she was a good kid with the Will of Fire!
"Ahem, consider this your mission reward, handed out early."
Forming a Tiger seal, Hiruzen summoned a small scroll and tossed it to Sakura.
Sakura glanced at the text on the scroll, a grin tugging at her lips.
Well, damn! Shadow Clone Jutsu! Perfect for keeping up appearances with her parents, huh?
Nice one, old man Hiruzen!
If there weren't so many people around, Sakura might've given him a big thumbs-up.
As the Anbu and Uchiha dispersed, Sakura followed Fugaku to his home.
"Thanks for having me, Clan Leader Fugaku."
Sakura casually removed her mask. With the Uchiha's abilities, even if they were outcasts, they'd likely know her identity by now.
Hiding it further would only breed suspicion, not solve anything.
"You're Sasuke's classmate, so I'll just call you Sakura," Fugaku said.
"And you can call me Uncle Fugaku."
"If you need anything during the mission, talk to Mikoto. She'll help you out."
Fugaku gave a reasonably warm smile before leaving the room.
His wife, Mikoto Uchiha, stepped in and led Sakura to the room they'd prepared for her.
Thud, thud, thud!
Urgent footsteps echoed down the hall as Itachi Uchiha, fresh from Anbu duties, slid open the shoji door and rushed in.
Seeing Itachi like this, Sakura raised an eyebrow.
"Finally planning to make a move on your junior, huh, Blade-senpai?"
The drama queen in her kicked in as she playfully collapsed to the floor, clutching her chest and wiping a fake tear from her eye.
Clearly, Itachi wasn't in the mood for her antics.
"What are you thinking, getting yourself tangled up in the mess between the village and the Uchiha?"
"Go to the Third right now and resign. Let him send someone else!"
The concern in Itachi's eyes was genuine. From the village's perspective, he was a solid ally.
But…
Sakura's Observation Haki swept over him, detecting a cold, sinister chakra near his eyes, steadily eroding his mind.
And his clothes carried traces of forest, dirt, and blood. Had he been in contact with… the Root?
"Who else could take this job? Is there anyone in Anbu more suited than me?"
Sakura's question left Itachi speechless.
She sighed softly, saying his name with weight. "Itachi Uchiha."
Unfastening her Anbu armor, she revealed the wristband underneath.
A small fan emblem—the Uchiha clan's signature mark from their ninja tool shop—adorned the cuff.
"Your little brother gave me this."
Itachi frowned, puzzled. "What's that got to do with anything?"
"I see the potential in your clan through him. That's why I'm willing to dive into this mess."
Not just characters from manga panels.
But real, living people, weaving their joys and sorrows into stories on the land called Konoha.
There's Sasuke, a bit of a tsundere but with a good heart; Itachi, always brooding but ready to look out for his juniors…
It's their vibrant humanity that lets Sakura see the fiery passion beneath the Uchiha's cold exterior.
The Uchiha—the Clan of Love. Sakura respects their way of life, and as a pirate at heart, she'll act in her own way for the friends she's chosen.
"So don't let me down, U! Chi! Ha!"
Moonlight spilled into the room, a gentle breeze lifting Sakura's pink hair, revealing her bold, confident smile and her hopes for the Uchiha's future.
And this moment would become a memory Itachi Uchiha would never forget.