𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄 | sasuke uchiha

25

"Hello, [Name]-sama. How may I help you today?"

Finding time after teaching her class and before going home, [Name] stopped by the clan chemist on her travels, only intending to be there for a few minutes.

The person in charge of brewing all the clan's medicines and ointments was an elderly woman named Sazae, who had the cure for almost everything and anything under the sun. She greeted [Name] from her front door, leaning on her walking stick for support, prompting the Kouhage to bow in reverence at the wizened woman.

"Sazae-sama, it is an honour to meet you," said [Name] as she straightened up, making the old woman laugh. Although she hadn't met the chemist before, she knew her through Sasuke, who had taken it upon himself to identify all the key people in the clan [Name] would have to know; and, following their last battle with the Fujikawa clan, [Name] found the burn ointment sent from Sazae to treat Sasuke had been extremely efficient.

"You cannot call me that," she chuckled, pointing her walking stick at [Name]. "You are the first wife of Sasuke-sama. You are above me."

"With all due respect, Sazae-sama, it is you who is above me," said [Name] quickly, bowing once more. "You have lived a life far longer than mine, and you know many more things than I do. I ought to show you respect for being such a vital member of this clan."

"Oh, you!" laughed Sazae, turning on her heel and heading back into her little hut. "Come on in and we'll talk about what brings you here."

Upon invitation, [Name] followed Sazae into her home, who hummed as she took [Name] to her living room and sat down with her. Around the room, tables were pushed around every wall, with vials, bowls, and earthenware scattered on each one, as well as an array of plants and liquids [Name] couldn't name.

"So, how may I help you today, [Name]-sama?" asked Sazae kindly, laying her walking stick down as she addressed the Kouhage.

"I come seeking a concoction that may... prevent conception," said [Name] warily, making Sazae raise an eyebrow in surprise.

"Oh? Whatever for?"

"Personal use," stammered [Name], instantly reading the look of suspicion in the old lady's eyes.

"Hmm... Sasuke-sama recently married a second wife, did he not?" asked Sazae pointedly, making [Name] gasp indignantly.

"Yes, but it is not for her!" exclaimed [Name], embarrassed that Sazae could think her possible of doing something so low as sabotaging Sakura's childbearing abilities. "It is for myself- I cannot bear children, Sazae-sama- Madara-sama strictly forbids it!"

"That's odd," mumbled Sazae, rubbing her chin at [Name]'s words. "Whatever is the reason for that?"

"He ordered me to stay fit for the battlefield and to train the younger children," explained [Name] with a sigh, slouching in her seat. "I cannot be weighed down by the burden of becoming ill with a child."

"But childbearing and childbirth are the purpose of all marriages!" said Sazae, crossing her arms. "Surely you would like to have children of your own?"

"I would, but at Madara-sama's jurisdiction."

Sazae sighed, and tapped her chin in thought.

"Yes, I have something for you, but you must use it sparingly," said the chemist warningly. "Drinking it once a month will suffice, but do not drink more than I prescribe you, otherwise you risk permanent damage to your reproductive system."

"Of course!" said [Name], sitting up straight at full attention. Sazae chuckled at [Name]'s reaction, grabbing her walking stick and making to get up once more.