Lady Uchiha (SasukeXNaruko)

Refusal and Advise

Author's note: First of all, I want to thank everyone who's commented and inspired me to write and edit more!

Confused about Naruko's inheritance?

Ummm ... First of all, the Uzumakis were well off themselves before the Namikazes' demise. They were just greedy for more. The inheritance is definitely lesser than what it was at the time of their death. But Naruko, only being a toddler, had no idea how much wealth her family had. So, she has no way of comparing it, but she will know the truth in the next chapter, I promise.

I also want to clear one more thing: The Uchihas live in Tisbury, the Sarutobis in Biddestone, and the Sabakus in Swindon. These, along with Chippenham, were the names of actual towns and villages in Wiltshire in the 19th century. I do not know if the names still exist. I found the information on the net. I am assuming that these towns and villagers ARE neighbours. I have no idea if that it is true since I could not find a proper map.
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When they left, all the Sarutobis along with Hinata turned to stare at Naruko in bewilderment. Naruko, for her part, turned bright red in embarrassment.

After a moment of silent staring, Asuma once again cleared his throat and asked, "What was that all about?" Everyone looked expectantly at Naruko.

"I don't know," Naruko said with a nervous smile.

"Mr. Sabaku said you and Mr. Uchiha have met on a few occasions. Why weren't we informed of that?" Asuma asked her calmly.

Naruko looked around at her mother and siblings who were watching her in wonder and confusion.

"Well you see, Father," Naruko started hesitantly, biting her bottom lip, "We did meet each other a few times. Gaara introduced us for the first time in January when I visited the Sabakus' house. When I first met him, he seemed cold and indifferent and I was sceptical, having had heard about his family from Shikamaru and Shino. But after a couple of meetings, I found him witty and intriguing."

"The reason I haven't told you about meeting him was that I had heard from Shikamaru and Shino how the Uchihas treated our family with disdain and contempt over the years and I was afraid that I would upset you by admitting that I was on good speaking terms with their son," Naruko finished nervously.

"Did he propose to court you?" Kurenai asked curiously.

"No, Mother, he gave no indication of courting me during our meetings. I promise, Mother, that we never spoke without company. His proposal has come as a shock to me as much as it has to you," Naruko said urgently and, gazing at Asuma, added in distress, "I apologise Father, if I have embarrassed you." Her eyes pleaded them to believe her.

'Oh, my poor naïve Naru,' Kurenai thought in exasperation, internally rolling her eyes.

Asuma and Kurenai nodded in understanding and gave her a reassuring smile. At that moment, Naruko hated herself for lying to her family.

Naruko and the Sarutobis watched in silence as Asuma stared thoughtfully out of the window.

"Well, I think it is time for me to clear certain things about the past concerning the Sarutobis and the Uchihas," Asuma sighed finally.

"During the time of my great-grandfather, Thomas Sarutobi, we were a wealthy family; not as much as the Uchihas though, but we had high status in social circles. At that time, the Uchihas and us were on amiable terms."

"But Thomas Sarutobi and Franklin Uchiha had different opinions on how to conduct business. Franklin was ruthless, unlike my great grandfather, who was an idealistic man. He was not above bribery and manipulation to expand their businesses. So, their wealth boomed while the Sarutobis lost their wealth gradually because Thomas refused to stray from the path of doing business with morals. By my father's time, the Sarutobis', who were once considered Elite, had descended to Middle-class. And, henceforth, the Uchihas decided that we no longer deserved acknowledgement, much less respect from them."