Neji x Female Sasuke

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CHAPTER 1

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(Hiashi's POV)

There had been talk once, an unofficial one, between himself and the child's parents (mostly with the Uchiha matriarch, since Fugaku was a bastard), that his nephew, Neji, would be the perfect match for their daughter. They were only a year apart in age, and they expected that the union between the children would lead to a positive effect in the relationship between their clans. In truth, he hadn't believed it would, and he suspected that neither did the other party. But the thought was quite ideal that both clans would come to friendlier terms. It was not that they were enemies, though, but there were times that the rivalry between them gets a bit out of hand. Perhaps marital union would produce a positive and mutually beneficial result.

Still, it was just an idea spoken about between parents and an uncle therefore there was never any public announcement of any kind nor were there any plans for one. It was simply commented upon out of the blue during an encounter in the park several years ago. They hadn't been whispering, but in his opinion they had conversed about the matter quietly. In hindsight, there had probably been more people listening in on them, which had been very naïve on his part to think otherwise. Despite a non-existent declaration the general population of the village had gobbled up on the news and acted as if a marriage was already set in stone. He still distinctly remembered all the raised eyebrows and some vocal disagreements he received from his clansmen. One even questioned his sanity outright. All the fuss made him acquire a week-long headache, but he knew it would all die out soon if they never spoke of the matter again.

Some months later, what died out was nearly the entire Uchiha clan.

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There was no promise for him to honor. Officially, nothing was ever declared. There had only been a half-serious suggestion (by Mikoto) that was responded with non-committal agreements (both his and Fugaku's). He had absolutely nothing to do with taking care of the surviving daughter. But early in the morning, days after the massacre, Sandaime-sama had come to him personally and begged (not asked) him for one favor. It was not one he could refuse, not only because it had come from a leader he deeply respects but also because of the manner in which the elderly man pleaded; adamant and serious while a great sadness was spilling out of him despite the grim facade.

And so he agreed to take her in, not entirely without reluctance, though.

It was a surprise, but not odd, to be chosen to foster the child. He briefly wondered though why Sandaime felt the need to come himself to propose the task, but the current kage was known to be prone to strange behaviors once in a while.

He was asked to give the girl protection, and he would in case anyone would attempt to steal her eyes. He wondered, though, if the Hokage took into consideration of the rivalry between the Uchiha and Hyuuga clans. He suspected that Sandaime, thinking of the similarities between the two families, the girl would feel more at ease. But he, knowing firsthand the sentiments of his clan towards the other, had foresight of how she would be treated. He warned the village leader of this, and the response took him aback.

"Maybe a union would fix that," the white-haired Sarutobi Hiruzen said to him, the corners of his mouth upturned for the first time since he arrived.

"Y-you're seriously suggesting a… marriage, Hokage-sama?" The elder man laughed at him, then told him that the matter was all up to him, but reminded him to consult with clan elders and to tell them that it was at his behest. At first he was certain they'd disapprove, but should they consider that the idea was at the insinuation of their well-respected kage... the outcome could then be the very opposite.

Once alone, ignoring the freshly served tea before him, he thought about what had transpired that morning. He'd agreed to take the Uchiha girl in almost without hesitation. He couldn't decide if he should be regretting his decision or not. But there was no more turning back because he had given his word. He would take the child into his family, which shouldn't be very hard. He has daughters of his own, one of which is the same age.

And in the future, perhaps, she would be officially welcomed into the family by marriage. The idea was starting to grow on him.

The child will come tomorrow. It was quite a sudden turn of events, but not one he would back down from. He paused before standing and wondered how the girl would fare living in his household. He suspected she wouldn't find it easy.

'It is up to her if she will survive here,' he murmured to himself.