The Will of Fire

Chapter 1

A/N: This is the first chapter of a two-shot based on Sarada's life. The story deviates from cannon very quickly and is just my interpretation of what I believe will happen. This story is formatted in the same was as How the Winters Change (which I encourage you to check out). 

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. All characters (except for some of my own creation) belong to Masashi Kishimoto. 

Sarada's first memory was of her father. She remembered seeing Sasuke's onyx eyes looking at her with pride as she spun around in her burgundy dress, emblazoned with the Uchiha symbol. Sasuke had just gifted her an entire new wardrobe for her birthday with the Uchiwa on each article of clothing. As for the rest of the day, Sarada didn't remember it as well; it hardly mattered anyway. What mattered was that her father was proud of her, and Sarada would never forget that.

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The rosy hues of morning filled Sarada's bedroom, bathing her bed in a soft light. She opened her eyes and smiled with anticipation since today was her first day of the academy.

Stepping off her bed, she put her red glasses on and moved towards her wardrobe, knowing exactly what she would wear.

You should look formal but not overdressed. Sarada remembered her mother's words, picking out her white shirt, orange vest, yellow cardigan, and red skirt. After dressing, she observed herself in the mirror, ultimately approving of the look.

"Sarada!" Sakura called from downstairs, "Breakfast's ready. You don't want to be late for your first day!"

"Coming Mama!" She replied, skipping out of her room and to the kitchen. A warm plate of eggs, toast, and fruit sat waiting for Sarada at the table.

"I can't believe my girl has gotten so grown up." Sakura sighed, squeezing her only daughter, "Eat up sweetie. You want to be well fed so that you can show everyone how great the Uchihas are!"

"Mama," Sarada started, "if you're an Uchiha, why aren't grandma and grandpa? You said that papa's parents were."

"I wasn't born an Uchiha. You see, once I married your papa, I became an Uchiha."

"Oh, okay mama!" Sarada exclaimed after a moment of thought, "I'm going to go to the Academy now!"

"Have an amazing day."

"Of course!"

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Sarada wasn't surprised when everyone seemed to know who she was. As Mama had often told her, Uchihas are very well known for their strength and intelligence. I have no doubt that you'll live up to that reputation. Yet again, heeding her mother's wisdom, Sarada opened the textbook she had just been assigned and began to read it.

"Four-eyes!" A voice called from behind her, breaking her concentration, "You don't even know what we're supposed to read. On top of that, studying is boring, why don't you have some fun?"

Sarada rolled her eyes and turned, ready to snap at whoever had interrupted her reading. Upon turning around, she realized that the obnoxious kid was Boruto. Her family friend and the son of the Hokage.

"Leave me alone Boruto." She sighed, turning back to the reading.

"Geez Sarada, you're no fun." The Uzumaki grumbled before sliding into a seat beside Shikadai.

The door of the classroom slid open as their new sensei walked in. He wore a green jacket and had something that slightly resembled electronic goggles on his face.