CHAPTER - 3

How did this happen again? It was suppose to be a harmless festival...

A dark figure lying on the ground stirred. He rose up from his former position groaning from the slight pain in his body. After the pain subsided his mind become clearer, analyzing his surrounding he frowned at four figures lying unconscious. He recognizes them instantly. Picking up his kusanagi he moved towards Naruto's unconscious form hovering over him and started shaking him roughly. "Oi Naruto" He didn't get any reaction. "Naruto" tried again the blond didn't budge " OI NARUTO WAKE UP" the dark hair male yelled at the older blond who instantly jolted up from the shock" groaned in pain immediately regretting the action massaged his throbbing temple "What happened Sasuke?" "I don't know, the last thing I remember is that monster who about to stab me with his 'extra limb' in the spar of moment Sakura was in front of me and everything went black." He was not at all happy about it. The male with the aristocratic features, all of a sudden started feeling uneasy at the memory of his wife who was nowhere to be found. "Hinata" recalling the earlier events, Naruto was wide awake, worried looked around in search of his wife but merely met with disappointment. "How are the children?" "They are unconscious but fine". They gazed towards the unconscious forms. "We should wake them up". "Hn" But no one made a move to do so both in their own thoughts.

"Sasuke I have a bad feeling about this." His best friend only nodded in his direction in agreement. They were anxious and worried this whole ordeal. They were worried about their spouse's safety. They knew Sakura and Hinata were strong, they could still sense their chakra but couldn't shake of this dreadful feeling that something has went horribly wrong.

Three teens started waking up by Naruto's gentle shake. They took in their surroundings they were inside a huge rundown building which looked like it was about to fall any minute now holes and cracks everywhere stench of blood. They have never experienced anything like this before. Even though are chunins now they haven't killed anyone yet. This place smelled of blood torture and most of all the place reeked of death. The strong smells of blood turn their stomach upside down. Bile rising up their throats, they hold their hand over their mouth in attempt to not to throw up. They shoot confused and horrified looks towards the adults in front of them. "What's going on Papa? Why are we in the middle of the forest?" The younger Uchiha asked. A moment of silence followed, no one dared to open their mouth. "Answer the damn question old man" the older Uzumaki sibling shouted at his father. "Calm down big brother" his little sister tried to calm him down and turn to her father and enquired "Dad aren't we suppose to be in the village festival." "Let's get moving we don't have time for the chit chat" Elder Uchiha shut them up with the tone of ultimatum in his voice. With that said Naruto and Sasuke rushed towards the two familiar chakra signatures leaving the young ones in their baffled states at the moment they have better things to worry about then their little interrogation session. Soon the teenagers trailed behind.

Seventh didn't know how to answer their questions. Hell even he doesn't know what exactly happened. The last memory he had of his wife was, her standing in front of him worry written all over her beautiful face before he blacked out. The most upsetting thing was the horrified looks he and his friend received from their children. He knew it was because of the aura of the dark building. It reek of death and rotting flesh. It reminded him of the forth great shinobi war. Countless dead bodies, pool of blood. Hopeless looks on his injured comrades faces. He doesn't want the new generation to experience such despair ever. His thoughts drifted to his significant other 'Hinata' he could sense her and Sakura's chakra but can't help but chant 'please be alright. Please be alright. Please be alright. Hinata , Sakura .Hang in there we are coming.' The thought of either of them dying was just unacceptable. Sakura was like a sister to him she was like a firm support as solid as rock and 'Hinata' he almost smiled at the thought of her she was the most important person in his life. She was the first bond he ever created. Her unwavering faith was enough for him to make it through even in the direst situation. She was the best thing ever happen to him. He didn't want to lose her. He would be miserable without her. He loves her he loves her so much that it hurts like he was going to die if she is gone. Not just him but his children also need her. He tilted his head to his side glanced as Boruto, Himawari and Sarada, then turned his head to gaze at his stoic friend who was silent throughout their little journey. The tension was thick around him. He could make out hints of rage and worry in his aura oozing out like waves. He may not show it but he loves his wife with all his heart. He sighed and went back to worrying about own his wife and friend. With their hearts growing wary with each and every passing second, they picked up the pace.

Sarada sensed her father's foul mood. He was on the edge but she didn't know the reason. She wanted to comfort her father but doesn't know how. Something really bad must have happened to put him and seventh both in such a terrible mood.

Following the chakra signatures they reached their destination within minutes.

"Took you guys long enough."

"Took you guys long enough."

They looked in the direction of the voice. A female figure was approaching the blond man. Naruto's eyes widen. Without thinking ran madly towards the women and embraced her small figure tightly and pulled her in a desperate kiss.

"Ewwwww… that's gross old man." An irritated voice came from behind.

Thwack "OW what was that for?"

"Shut up idiot." his teamate scolded.

Himawari just giggled at their antics.

Hinata and Naruto break away from the embrace. "Oh god Hinata I'm so glad you are alright. We were worried sick."

"Yes so was I Naruto." dark hair kunoichi smiled up at her husband with so much love in the eyes, tears sliding down her cheeks. Naruto still could not take his eyes of her, his hands cupped her cheeks his thumbs wiped away her tears. Himawari ran towards her mother and hugged her tightly. Hinata returned it happily. Boruto followed the suite. Hinata patted Boruto's golden blond hair and smiled at him warmly Boruto pouted childishly. Then she noticed her daughter sobbing so she crotched down smiled at her "I'm so sorry for scaring you like that Himawari" she stroked her daughter's cheek and continued "don't cry Himawari you a big girl now, you can take care of yourself ,even when I'm not around you should look after yourself, your dad and brother ." At that Himawari rubbed the back of her hands to wipe away her tears and smiled at her and nodded fiercely. Hinata laughed at her attempt and patted her head. Naruto was a little unnerved by her last sentence. He could feel it there was something, something about her was very un…. Before Naruto could process any more Boruto screamed at him "What are you staring at old man."Naruto looked at his son who was pointing at an accusing finger at him. At first he was confused but then it struck him he has been staring at Hinata for a very long time, and blood rushed to his cheeks in embarrassment. Later he realized "hey she is my wife I can stare at her all I want." he retorted irritated. At this the mentioned woman turned red from head to toe. "Boruto you shouldn't talk to your father like that." Hinata scolded still embarrassed. "Sorry" the fifteen year old mumbled looked away crossing his arms over his chest. Hinata and Naruto just chuckled at his antics. "Boruto you know your father is the Hokage you shouldn't give him such a hard time. He has a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders you should give him a hand rather than making things hard for him you are all grow up now. You should understand that." Hinata tried to make him understand. "Mom's right brother, apologize properly" Himawari demanded sternly. Everyone sweat dropped they knew how scary the youngest Uzumaki can get when she is angry. Guilt and fear (of his little sister) washed over him he looked down at his feet. He raised his head and bowed down and apologized seriously "I'm sorry dad". Naruto just smiled down and affectionately at the teen "it's alright son".

Boruto always had a soft spot for his mother and sister, even though she can be scary at times, he couldn't refuse them. Even if he was rude to his dad he held a great amount of respect for him and his mentor. He loved his family more than anything. He knew of the hardships his father went through. He counts himself lucky that he has got everything his father didn't have when he was young. And was glad he had a mother who loved him unconditionally, a father who guides and protects him, a sister to share and argue with, an aunt who always fixed him no matter what, a mentor who taught him and looked after him and Sarada. He blushed at the thought of his team mate. So he raised his head and grinned at his family, who returned the gesture. People may say that the children lit up the house but the truth is mother is the one who actually brings light and make it home.

After their little reunion they noticed another figure standing beside a giant cube of earth with seal marks on it. The entourage could make out pink hair shining in the moon light, her left hand was resting on the cube supporting her weight. "Sakura you seem fine as well." The blonde hokage grinned at her. She women smiled back with the same intensity. "Mama" a dark haired fifteen year old girl ran to her mother and locked her in a bear hug. Her arms wound around pink haired woman's neck forehead resting on her mother's shoulders. Sakura was shocked it was rear for her daughter to hug her since she hit puberty. 'Well what I can say like father like daughter.' The older kunoichi chuckled at the thought returning the affectionate hug stroking her daughter's dark hair. Little after did they release each other from the physical contact. Sakura's eyes widen in some sort of realization but brushed it off and turned to her husband who was standing at a distance and staring at them intensely, when she smiled at him his eyes softened a little.

Sasuke kept standing to his place a few steps further away from them. This whole time he was staring at his wife, watching the reunion between his family members. On the outside his face of impassive but in the inside he was glad Sakura was alright. Still he could tell something was different he activated his sharingan to check upon her but couldn't find anything suspicious. It was her chakra so he shrugs of the feeling, still something was tugging at the back of his mind like a bad premonition but he ignored it. As Sakura took her daughter's hand stepped closer to him and pulled them both in a family hug. At that moment he forgot about everything and hugged back with the single arm he had, Sakura's head on his chest, his arm around Sarada. At that moment all that mattered was she was safe and sound. It was as if a heavy burden has been lifted of his chest. "I was so scared mama."Sarada choked burying her face into her mother's chest. "the pink hair kunoichi broke out of the embrace looked at her daughter and demanded "Look at me Sarada" Sakura could see the s tears at the corner of younger Uchiha's eyes "Just now I noticed how tall you have become Sarada just yesterday you were this tiny." She gestured her hands above her knees. Sarada looked at her mother confused why her mother would mention her height now. Sakura just laughed at her baffled daughter and said "what I meant is you have grown up so much over the years Sarada. As your parents we are so proud of you" Sarada shifted her gaze from her mother to father who smirked at her proudly. She opened her mouth to say something but was cut off as her mother continued. "You are an Uchiha, Sarada you have nothing to fear you are strong. We are always there for you. I will always protect you no matter what, even in my dead I will protect you. I promise" The teen couldn't help but admire her. She may have been wanted to be as strong as her father, she always looked up to the seventh and inspired to be hokage. But she had developed a different kind of admiration of her mother and her aunt Hinata. They were so strong and beautiful and kind. Every konoichi in village wants to be them not like them but them. Sometimes she finds herself being jealous of them though she laughed at the childish notion. The only thing she knew was she loves her family very much.

All of a sudden found something tugging at her chakra distracting her from her family reunion. "Sakura" She heard her female counterpart's voice turned over to her and gives her a nod. Sasuke and Naruto sensed the flickering chakra from the earthen box near them, followed by the loud noise of banging. They tensed at the large amount of chakra they can sense from the cube.

"Is that…?"

"Yes it's him"

"But why do I sense only half the amount of chakra from him."

"That's because ..."

Hinata told them the whole story leaving out certain pieces of information.

"But since Sakura could only seal half of his chakra and I couldn't hold the barrier for too long. We manage to restrain it temporarily until you come." Hinata finished.

The male members of former team seven nodded in understanding. They felt proud swelling up in their chest.

"Now what, the barrier won't hold for long." Seventh asked.

"We have a plan" Sakura shared a glance with Hinata who gave her a knowing look. Sakura continued "So what you have to do is….."

"Alright let's get to work Naruto" who gave him a thumbs up in excitement "Yosh!"

Both the hokage and his right hand man stepped closer to the giant cube.

"Be careful both of you"

After long hours of fighting and struggling both the kyubii container and the Uchiha survivor were gasping for air, covered in cuts and bruises but nothing too severe, managed to seal the monster. Later they retreated back to their respective families.

Hinata wrapped her arms around Naruto so tightly as if her life depends on it, her husband returned it passionately. "Wow dad you will have to teach me that". "Sure son but some other day." Boruto whined for a while but didn't complaint much. Himawari was content just with her father being safe. Even though she was younger but she was more polite and mature than her brother.

"Boruto, Himawari I want you to promise me something." "What is it mom?" I want you to look after each other, don't fight much, stop obsessing over ramen they are not healthy, Himawari you should listen to your brother more and Boruto protect your little sister, both of you listen to your father do whatever he ask you to, he always has your best interest at heart in whatever he does. He loves you a lot..., I love you a lot. Take care of him he is a workaholic after all." They were confused why their mom was telling them all that but still they promised "And Boruto" Hinata gestured him to come closer so he did, she cupped her hands around his ear and whispered " you can date Sarada you have my permission" the poor teen turned as red as a tomato. "M-Moooom" he whined. Other two Uzumaki's heard that and gave him a knowing look and snickered at him. That irritated him even more, albeit the blush still remained on his face. "Himawari you should control your anger you can't always be violent whenever you are angry. You shouldn't hurt people like that understood." the little girl nodded at her. She kissed them on the forehead and raised her head to face her husband. "Naruto have I ever told you how much I love you..." "Yes and I love you more Hinata." She tip toed and kissed his forehead. Naruto could tell something was off about her. Staring at her she almost seems unearthly as if she was unreachable. Suddenly it hit him his eyes widen in realization "Thank you Naruto for everything."

"You almost gave me a heart attack there Sasuke." Sakura was standing before him and gazing at him lovingly. She ran her fingers on the scar on his cheek with a light touch of her chakra the scar vanished. For a moment she could swear she saw him smiling at her, the rare smile only meant for her. She couldn't help but feel warm inside, butterflies fluttering in her stomach and a blush dusted her cheeks. She waved her hand at her daughter "Sarada come here I have a present for you". "What's the occasion?" Sakura gave her an amused look. "There's no occasion Sarada It's just a gift from your mom. Can't a mother give her precious little daughter a gift?" Sakura pouted. "Yeah, yeah." The younger Uchiha sighed just complied with her mother's childishness and walked over to her. The pink haired medic simply poked her daughter's forehead and said grinning mischievously "you will see soon enough." "Come on mom." Sarada was a little irritated rubbing her hand on her forehead but blushed nonetheless. Her mother has always been expressive and cheerful unlike her father causing her to coop with some unintentional embarrassment at times albeit she actually didn't mind on the contrary she liked it, but it's not like she is going to voice it out loud. Sasuke was amused with the exchange between his two favorite people. He mouth twitched upwards a little. But he still couldn't shake this nagging feeling in the back of his mind that something was off.

"Sasuke" he heard her whisper and gave his full attention to her. Out of the blue he found himself wrapped in her arms warmth filled his heart making him close his eyes and savor the moment. His tall form relaxed in her touch. In the beginning was he wasn't very fond of her. Thinking but she was weak all she did was sit back and cry but as the time passed she proved herself strong. Now she was anything but weak. Even thought she changed over the course of time, her unwavering love for him never changed. He was glad he married her. She is the best medic in the fire country, with the inhuman strength who surpassed the legendary senin long ago. She is everything a man would want. She was beautiful, strong, kind. She was an amazing wife and an amazing mother. He was lucky to have her as his wife, no one would have loved him the way she did. She was a ray of light in their world. She was his family, her and Sarada both. And he doesn't want to lose his family again. He felt a soft pair of lips on his own, he was a little startled, it wasn't like Sakura to kiss him in front of people not because she didn't want to but because he wasn't a very fond of public display of affection. Suddenly it hit him again, the odd feeling he has been pushing back since their reunion. "Sasuke, thank you for everything, for giving me a chance to make you happy all those years ago and for letting me have our daughter." It was the same feeling he had when Itachi left him with the truth all those years ago in that cave after their fight with Kabuto. "I love you Sasuke-Kun. I will always love you no matter what." Her soft finger tips were caressing his cheeks. "Please take care of yourself and Sarada for me". Too shocked to react he just stood there unable to respond.

Then she turned towards the Uzumaki family and spoke "I'm sorry Naruto I couldn't save her. If possible please forgive me" She bowed before them regret seeping through her soft voice.

"No Sakura it's not your fault it was my decision. You don't have to feel responsible. After all we both ended on the same boat" Sakura couldn't help but giggle at the dark haired kunoichi's words. Hinata could only smile sadly at her. No one found the humor in her laugh. At first Sarada, Boruto and Himawari were confused but when the meaning hit them.

"What are you talking about aunt Sakura? Mom and you are standing right in front of us, there's not a scratch on either of you."

"Yes mama it's not funny at all." Sarada managed in a broken voice.

"It's the truth Sarada."

"No mom, no you can't leave me like this." Himawari was clinging to her mother as if her life depends on it.

And as if to prove their words their bodies enveloped in a glow. They started disintegrating in small fragments of glowing light, which started floating around them like fireflies.

"Stay strong Sarada"

"Protect your little sister Boruto. Don't be sad Himawari I'll always watch over you."

With that as their final words their chakra faded into the night, Leaving three sobbing teens and their still stunned husbands behind.

After hours of grieving the dawn broke out. The Uzumakis and Uchihas reached the village gates. They were greeted by the entire village cheering for them. But they couldn't share the joy the grief was too much to bear.

From the crowed Chocho approached Sarada and pulled into a bear hug "I'm so glad you are safe."

The younger Uchiha didn't respond.

"What's that on your forehead?"

That caught everyone's attention. "Huh?" feeling a little tinge her fingers managed their way to the center of her forehead" there was a purple diamond mark everyone but her could see.

"That's a gift from her mother." Sasuke's voice trailed.

I know the content of my story is rather shallow and I can't write a fight scene yet so i'm sorry about that.

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Strayedwolf94

Bloody Grimoire

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All of you guys thank you so much for your support.

Missy :Thank you very much for defending my story.I'm really glad that you did (though I deleted that review)

I 'm not sure but I may or may not write a one shot sequel for this. That depends if readers want it or not.

If I get a chance I'll try to write the flashback of how it all started.

Thank you very much for sticking with me till the end.

And thank you for all the reads favs and alerts.