Lady Uchiha (SasukeXNaruko)

Trouble in the Sarutobi household

Author's note: This story is set in the same era as Pride and Prejudice, that is 19th century in England. Although the characters originate from Japan.
Important Info: Kurenai and Asuma are married and have 8 children. In eldest to youngest, it goes Shikamaru, Shino, Neji, Rock Lee and Choji (twins),Naruko, Kiba and Sakura.

Also, Sarutobi is Asuma's last name, Hiruzen is related through a chain of other relatives, not Asuma's exact brother, but he isn't a Hokage or anyone in power. They call him uncle Hiruzen though because he is close to the family in a way like an uncle.
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Naruko suddenly woke up in the middle of hot summer night. Feeling incredibly thirsty, she moved towards the jug of water placed on the nightstand. She sighed when she realized that it was empty. Pulling her nightgown tightly around her waist, she quietly walked out so as not to disturb another person sleeping in the room.

As she descended the creaky stairs, she heard hushed whispers coming from the master bedroom of the house. Not wanting to eavesdrop on her parents' conversation, she continued her journey. But muffled sobs coming from her Mother stopped Naruko on her tracks. She frowned in concern as to what might be the cause for her Mother's distress.

Making a decision to listen, Naruko slowly crept close to the door that was slightly ajar with dull candlelight spilling out of the room. She felt guilty about listening in on them but she knew that her parents would never discuss whatever concerns were troubling them with the children, so as not to worry them.

"How did this happen, Asuma? How could Aunt Mirai betray us like this?" Kurenai sobbed.

"I knew she was angry with us but I never perceived that she was holding a grudge on us like this," Asuma murmured, equally distressed.

"She knew how much we were counting on that inheritance, still she left us nothing, Asuma, nothing at all," Kurenai moaned quietly. "I thought she loved Shikamaru. I thought she would eventually forgive us."

"I suppose Aunt took Shikamaru marrying Temari as a personal insult," Asuma said sighing.

"Shikamaru never showed any interest in Mari. You know that I wasn't pleased with Shika's choice in a spouse either. But the boy was in love," Kurenai sniffed.

"Inheritance or not, we would not have forced Shikamaru to marry someone he didn't like," Asuma agreed. "And since Shikamaru refused to marry her, Aunt probably thought her fortune would attract men to Mari. Otherwise Aunt knew the girl did not have any marriage proposals."

"Yes, but to give away the entire fortune to the girl... We would have found a nice young man for Mari ourselves. After all, she is our relative too. Besides, Shikamaru and Mari would have never made a good couple. Shikamaru is a dashing young man with an attractive future before him and she is just a dim witted girl who isn't even pretty," Kurenai said angrily.

"Kurenai!" Asuma said in disbelief.

"Oh, I am sorry, Asuma. After the way Mari treated us so callously this afternoon, the moment we learnt of Aunt's will, well let us say I no longer have feelings of affection for that girl," Kurenai sniffed again. "She ruined all of our lives just because Shikamaru refused her hand in marriage."

"I had hoped that I would clear our debts with that inheritance but now the tax collector gave me an ultimatum that if I didn't pay at least 25% of the money I owe him, he will take away our land and cattle," Asuma murmured in dismay.

"What are we going to do, Asuma? We have no money left," Kurenai moaned.

"At least all our children' education is complete," Asuma sighed.

"Not if Kiba wants to go to London and study higher, and we still have to get our two girls married," Kurenai said in disagreement.

"Kiba hasn't informed me of any such plans. As for Naruko, she just turned 18 and Sakura is still a minor. I think their weddings could wait a couple of years," Asuma said quietly.