Thirty-five

519 7 1
                                        

As we arrived at the grand venue, the air shifted, heavy with attention and hushed murmurs. The entryway was flanked by elegant columns draped in soft, golden light, and people turned as the Uchiha family made their way inside, their eyes widening as Madara led us forward.

His hand rested on the small of my back, a subtle, possessive touch that made it clear I was here with him and under his protection.

Every step felt weighted under countless gazes. I held my head high, but my heart pounded as I noticed the emotions in the eyes around us—jealousy, admiration, desire, curiosity, and even the occasional envy that burned like a cold fire.

I tried not to dwell on it, but it was impossible to ignore how intensely I was being watched, not just as an accessory to Madara, but as if I were someone important in my own right. It was a strange feeling.

Guards stood at each corner of the room, vigilant, scanning every face as we moved through the crowd. Finally, we reached an extravagant table set up for us, with places marked by the Uchiha crest.

The seating arrangement was intentional: Madara's chair was at the center, just slightly elevated, with my place at his side. Every detail screamed status and authority, ensuring everyone here knew exactly who was at the heart of this gathering.

Taking my seat, I took a moment to observe the crowd, surprised by the diversity. People from all walks of life, from high-profile businessmen and political figures to artists and academics, mingled under the same roof.

It wasn't just a gathering of power...it was a blend of wealth, culture, and influence from across the country. Each person here seemed to have their own story, their own reason for wanting to be in the orbit of the Uchihas tonight. 

At the head of the table, Madara sat with an imposing confidence, his eyes sharp as he surveyed the room, catching nods of acknowledgment from various faces. When he leaned in, his voice was low and smooth, meant only for me.

"Observe," he murmured. "Look at them carefully. Each face tells you something if you know what to look for."

I took his advice, studying the people scattered throughout the room. I could see the subtle alliances, the whispered conversations, the stolen glances that spoke of rivalries and alliances in equal measure.

Some looked to Madara with deference, while others held his gaze in a way that hinted at unspoken agreements or quiet challenges. 

Though my face remained calm, that feeling of unease from before prickled at my senses again, but I kept it buried. This was the Uchihas' world—a world of influence, power, and loyalty that demanded more than simple alliances.

I had been drawn into this world, and now, sitting here with all eyes on me, I felt both deeply out of place and strangely significant.

Madara's gaze softened as he looked over at me, though his intensity never wavered. The night was just beginning, and I had a feeling it would test every part of who I had become in ways I could barely imagine.

The evening unfolded with a practiced elegance, each conversation and gesture deliberate, as though the entire gathering were part of an intricate dance. Then came a subtle shift, a lull as every eye turned toward Madara, a quiet yet powerful wave of anticipation washing over the room.

Madara rose from his seat, exuding an aura of absolute command. Beside him stood Izuna, a proud and intense presence that marked him unmistakably as an Uchiha.

Though I didn't always get along with Izuna, tonight there was an unspoken unity between us. This was bigger than any personal friction we shared. At this moment, we were a single, unwavering front, presenting an image of strength to the world.

Madara's voice cut through the room, low and resonant, each word deliberate, falling into the crowd with weight. "I am honored to have you all here tonight," he began, his gaze sweeping across the audience with an intensity that demanded attention.

He spoke of loyalty, legacy, and ambition were all hallmarks of the Uchiha name, his words infused with conviction, making even the most seasoned guests sit straighter, their focus entirely on him.

As he reached the height of his speech, Madara's arm slipped around my waist, pulling me close to his side, making a silent but unmistakable claim.

"Tonight," he continued, "I introduce you all to my fiancé, Y/N." His voice was rich with pride, and I could feel the weight of every eye in the room shifting onto us, assessing, calculating.

I held my head high, meeting the array of gazes that lingered on me. Some filled with jealousy, others with admiration or intrigue. At that moment, I could feel the air shift, like the acknowledgment of power had settled over the room.

Sasuke and Shisui stood close by, their presence sharp and alert, every fiber of their stance protective as they scanned the crowd.

Just beyond them, Itachi and Obito loomed over Arata, their expressions fierce, every instinct attuned to the slightest movement, watching for anything that could pose a threat.

Madara tightened his grip on me slightly, anchoring me to his side, projecting to the world that this union was not just a bond but a testament of strength and permanence. "Together," he declared, his voice resonating through the room, "we shape the future."

There was a ripple of murmurs, glasses raised, nods of approval. I could feel the weight of his words settle over us all, the unyielding expectation of loyalty and strength.

In that moment, surrounded by the Uchiha men. Arata and I were deeply woven into the fabric of this family, and for now, united, we were an unbreakable wall.

Save me | yandere! (various uchiha) x readerWhere stories live. Discover now