𝐵𝑒𝓉𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝒦𝒾𝓉𝓈𝓊𝓃𝑒𝓈 & 𝒰𝒸𝒽𝒾𝒽𝒶𝓈

Author’s Note: 𝟭𝟴+, M/M, Mpreg, Mates, Limes & Lemons later on, so be forewarned

𝘼𝙡𝙨𝙤, 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙖𝙨𝙪𝙠𝙚'𝙨 𝙋𝙊𝙑

🦊

For my eighteenth birthday, it never would have occurred to me that I would be spending it in the village's most powerful Shinobi's office, little did I know this would mark the beginning of the end for me.

The end of my world as I knew it.

I am Sasuke Uchiha and, as the last surviving member of my clan, I was aware of the weight of responsibility that rested solely on my shoulders, it was my duty to keep my bloodline alive, and not let it be extinguished with my life.

This was because my clan was known for its extraordinary Sharingan, a visual jutsu that granted the user unparalleled perception, combat abilities, and much more...

This particular gene was passed down from father to child, so it was even more of an incentive to have me paired off as soon as possible.

Before their deaths, many of my clan members' skills and talents had surpassed my own. I would have been considered the weakest in my clan, and yet here I was still alive. I had hoped to share my clan's beliefs through teachings, scrolls, history, and the removal of my eye if possible.

It just never occurred to me that it would be through, of all things, marriage. I had accepted that I would die alone and grew accustomed to the idea and honestly, with all I lived through I would not have it any other way.

I could feel my mood sour with each passing second from the injustice of it all. Once again I was forced to do something that went against my code, suddenly, my train of thought came to an abrupt halt when I heard the Hokage clearing her throat. After that, I began to pay close attention to what was going on around me.

Tsunade-dono's gaze caught my own as I looked up. We sat facing one another, the Hokage, and I.

There were whispers of a newer program circulating throughout the village, so I already knew what I was in for, and because of it, I had hoped to avoid sitting in this very spot!

Despite my best efforts to avoid the Hokage and elders. I soon discovered there was no bypassing it, as I was physically apprehended from my apartment and forced to have a seat in the Hokage's office like some common criminal, and this had taken place on my birthday of all days. The meeting was mandatory for the residents who fit the list.

This list consisted of the desired ages, fitness, genetics, and reproductive capability, and since I fit all four of the criteria. I was considered a suitable candidate for the program and had no choice in the matter.

They believed this program would unite the five major Shinobi villages of Konoha, Suna, Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri. Through this alliance, they agreed to work together to rebuild their nations and promote peace.

This marked a significant change in the relationship between the five villages since they had been in conflict for centuries, this was to the point that birth rates had dropped to practically zero, and death rates had increased to a death every 30 minutes. During the decades-long war, the younger generation of Shinobi was nearly wiped out, but with a new alliance, everyone was hoping this would lead to a better future for their people.

I knew better.

And they knew this repopulation program was not the answer to all the problems currently going on, there were still limited resources. The decades-long war, had bled each village dry and to top it off the village leaders were acting surprised that my peers had no interest in getting married or having children.

As a result, the villages tried to find clever ways to attract new residents, such as providing job opportunities, housing, and an incentive to have large families, but even then my generation knew what they were trying to do and still was not

interested, so the villages turned to making the program mandatory. It was our duty to contribute to the village we swore allegiance to.

Ultimately, the success of the repopulation program depended on the combined efforts and creativity of the villages involved.

The goal of this program was to help bring balance, in what they hoped would lead to a resurgence of the population and create a stronger community between the five villages.

I could feel myself inwardly sneer at the thought. Nothing like suffering and death to bring warring countries together.

This false sense of community was being shoved down our throats daily as if to distract us from the true price of what this war cost.

We were being pacified and domesticated, our skills and training rendered useless in the face of a truce treaty, and the promise of a new world. A world where the Shinobi way was outdated.

It felt like a betrayal to those who had lost their lives, and to the ninja way of life that we had dedicated ourselves to. Our sacrifices were being brushed aside and forgotten, replaced by a false sense of peace.

Though I tried hard not to show it and exude aloofness. I could feel my mask slipping, as my lips began to press together into a thin line. I realized that the internal fortress I created was not all that impenetrable after all. I let the Hokage know of my displeasure.

No matter how hard I tried to suppress my emotions, anger was always at the forefront. I was inches away from taking hold of her desk and heaving it out of the office window.

I could also hear my Sensei Kakashi teasing tone in the back of my mind telling me that inner peace and solace can only be found from within, and not through external means. So either way I was a lost cause.

Tsunade's honeycomb-colored orbs were fixed on me as if they were searching for something. She exhaled deeply her curvy frame seeming to slump in her seat.

"I'm sure you know why I summoned you here to my office." Lazily, she leaned her chin onto her knuckles as a shadow of a smirk formed across her aging face.

She wanted me to tell her why I was there. I hid my frustration and decided to humor her instead.

"Marriage... I'm assuming." I muttered.

"That is correct! You are the last of the Uchiha clan..." As she spoke. I peered deeply into her sympathetic gaze.

"Let me guess, you have a candidate," I gave an involuntary sigh. Why now? I could feel myself inwardly recoiling at the thought.

In recent years, I was the youngest to be promoted to the rank of ANBU captain, a position of great prestige and power. I had proven myself worthy to command my crew-

However, once the cease-fire came into effect, my skills and talents were now wasted on missions that seemed to have no purpose with this war finally coming to an end.

I was nothing more than a glorified errand boy. I felt like a cog in a wheel, just going through the motions day after day.

I was just a tool to be used for whatever low-rank mission the higher-ups deemed necessary.

Tsunade began to speak regaining my attention, "I have several for you! You are quite popular among the clans, and the families would like to arrange a meeting with you."

"Several!" Several candidates? There were other men my age better suited for this program! Who was more willing and able? As for me, I was not.

Tsunade noticed my stupor and reached out to me.

The unintentional act was her form of comfort, maybe a sympathetic pat on the shoulder, but the desk between us hindered the unsuspected attempt.

She laid her hand flat on her desk exterior once she realized what she was doing. I watched as her hand returned to her side.

"You'll get a day with each family, and once you are done with all candidates. Then it's up to you to decide who you so choose." She paused for a moment, allowing her words to sink in before continuing.

"You don't have to make a decision right away. Take your time and think it through. This decision is important and you should feel comfortable with whomever you so choose."

I wondered if I'd still be considered a candidate if I were critically wounded. Subconsciously, I glanced down at my weapon pouch, before taking a deep breath and calming the intrusive thoughts that ran through my mind.

This just made me realize how uncomfortable this seat had become, and how much time had passed.

"What about the rogues and missing-nin?" I knew I sounded desperate, but I hoped this weak attempt would sway her mind.

"We are striving to create a better world for all, free from violence and war. Unfortunately, these ideals are difficult to achieve and evil forces will always exist. Nevertheless, we must not let that dictate our lives; instead, we must focus on caring for our future. Together, we can produce a world of lasting peace and harmony. We owe it to those who lost their lives to make sure that their sacrifice was not for nothing. Let us use this moment to remember them and to commit ourselves to building a better future. Let us ensure that the legacy of those who died will live on in our hearts and actions."

I broke away from her deep amber pools, her little speech sounded scripted. How many times did she use those exact words before me? I began to seek solace in my clenched fist. I could feel my knuckles bleed white.

Her speech struck a negative chord within me.

Peace! Harmony!

We Shinobi had sacrificed our childhood for this delusion of peace, and in the process, our lives were turned upside down as they taught us to kill or be killed and now, they expect us to live normal lives. As if watching our family and friends die was some minor inconvenience.

She dismissed me shortly after. I was seething underneath as I walked away. My mind was spinning.

I wanted to hurt something or maybe even run away, but I knew that it wouldn't do me any good. I was so angry that my chest felt like it was on fire. I could feel my blood rising. I kept my emotions in check on the outside, but inside, I was a hissing viper.

🦊

My negative mood lingered well into the night.

The news made it hard to think.

Hard to breathe. The thought of marriage suffocated me worse than the darkness in my room.

I needed air, and this apartment wasn't helping with the feeling of being trapped as the walls began to cave in on me like large waves. So, I ran not knowing where I was heading, I needed to clear my head.

Several candidates...

My heart sank when I realized how many families and women I would have to meet, and the amount of awkward dinners. I was not big on small talk and I refused to change that about me just to help another feel comfortable.

I don't know when I made it outside the village walls and into the woods, before I heard it, I was walking for an unknown period. The only sound was the crunch of leaves and twigs underneath my feet.

The thing I was looking for wasn't clear to me, but it felt like I was being drawn to a particular spot in the woods this urge was hard to explain. Once I was deep in the heart of the forbidden forest that is when my ears picked up the sound of running water as I pushed my way through the thick brush.

My hand pulled back a stray branch revealing the source of the sound, it was a waterfall!

I stood there in stunned silence, how long has this been here? I marveled at the sight before me. The water cascaded down in a shimmering sheet of crystal-clear liquid, creating a mesmerizing display of light and sound.

I could feel the mist hit my face and the cool spray of the water as it tumbled into a deep pool at the base of the falls. I was fascinated by the beauty of the scene and felt a sense of calm wash over me.

That's when I saw a figure break through the water's surface, illuminated by the pale moonlight, and drifting along peacefully in the pool, seemingly oblivious to the power of the falling water just inches above them.

It was a surreal sight, and I couldn't help but stare in awe as I realized the captivatingness of the moment.

At first, I believed this person was just a normal village boy, albeit a bit odd swimming with nothing on. But as I drew nearer, I noticed the distinct whiskers on his cheeks and two very large fox ears resting on his head that matched his yellow-colored hair, which glinted in the moonlight as he moved through the water with such ease. I had never seen anything quite like it before.

He playfully splashed water and began to dance and twirl about in the pool.

It was bewitching to watch. Somewhere deep down I longed to be him. He seemed so at peace with his surroundings. I wanted to hate him. Had he ever experienced true pain and suffering? Or was he one of the lucky ones? My vision fell back on his ears.

Slowly, my mind started to connect the dots. When I was young I heard tales of his kind.

Kitsune - They were fox demons that shape-shift into humans, and lure anyone unfortunate enough to cross their path to their death. I always thought the village elders told us these stories to keep the younger kids from venturing too far into the woods at night or to help keep the village children obedient.

The elders told us that Kitsune ate children, but they especially loved the naughty ones. Silly now, but at the time it was horrifying to my six-year-old self.

I released a shaky breath and in that instant, his ear shot in my direction before his head followed suit. Our eyes connected as his face contorted with confusion.

No longer was he swimming he floated there in the middle of the lake, the water coming up to his chin. He seemed just as curious of me, as I was of him.

I took a step back, releasing the branch from my grip, letting it obscure my view. I knew it was too late I was already spotted.

Swiftly, my vision became clearer, as I activated my bloodline. I could feel my deep obsidian pools swirling with crimson creating that distinctive pinwheel design that each Uchiha inherits. I was ready if a fight were to ensue.

Before I could blink, it was in front of me. He was faster than expected, his swiftness catching me off guard, My eyes narrowed on him, and as my feet planted firmly to the ground, I took a defensive stance.

At first, the Kitsune seemed confused. He paused for a second as he hiked a curious blonde brow. He seemed to come to terms with my willingness to fight him as a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

His smiling eyes gleamed with mirth as he struck a feral stance. Without warning, he was on me.

I underestimated his speed nothing could compare to the agility he had while in combat, and even though I blocked every attack it was not easy. He moved like the wind. It almost felt like a deadly waltz.

His lean frame danced with mine as every blow he delivered was either countered or blocked by me.

My Sharingan and skill had allowed me to keep up, unfortunately, at this rate, I knew I could not go on like this forever and there was no sign of him stopping or slowing down. This Kitsune was good.

He kept close leaving no room for me to strike back, so I did something I'm not particularly proud of but I knew it would work. I dug the heel of my sandal in the dirt loosening it before kicking a pile into his face. Instantly, he hissed covering his eyes, and taking a step back. This gave me the break, I needed.

So, I caught him with an uppercut beneath his chin knocking him off his feet. I refused to give him even a second to recover. I swung behind him wrapping my legs around his own and curling my right arm around his neck.

Ironically enough I held him in a rear naked choke hold, fitting for his lack of clothing.

It felt exhilarating like every pore in my body was alive. I had never gotten this close to another that did not involve me plunging a kunai into their chest or snapping someone's neck. This experience was, however, quite different.

I didn't feel like my life was endangered if anything it felt more like a spar, and I being the way I am refused to lose. My chest burned as I struggled to catch my breath.

However, this had nothing to do with being out of shape, it was from the rush of adrenaline and endorphins coursing through my brain and body like liquid fuel.

The earthy scent of oakmoss and lavender filled my nostrils, all the while inscribing itself to my memory, as damp blonde strands clung to my face in the struggle.

There was a lump twitching against my pelvis, creating this strange heat and sensation down there that felt foreign to me, but still, my legs remained firmly locked over his.

Even with the growing heat and discomfort I soon realized that the thing moving down there, was his tail to be exact. How did I manage to miss that?

"You win..." He said, startling me from my thoughts. It can speak?

Just then, my cheek brushed against his whiskered one. I could feel the rapid rise and fall of his diaphragm against my body, our breathing now in unison.

"I win," I repeated, while still in a stupor before Internally chastising myself for how dimwitted I must have sounded.

However, in my defense my mind was hyper-focus on that tail, it had somehow wedged itself between my legs.

"I accept your proposal." He exhaled.

"What?" The feeling of high evaporated from my body as I released him before climbing to my feet.

Calmly, he sat up rubbing his neck before ascending to his feet as well. "You're a skilled fighter." He complimented.

I ignored that wanting to know what he meant by declaration.

"What proposal?!" I shouted.

"It's Kitsune custom. I am bonded to the one who bests me. We are engaged now." I searched his face, but I found no hint of deception.

His lips pipped as if just remembering, "I must inform my kin." He said.

"Wait wait wait-" My mind was still trying to process what just happened.

He looked up at me with those big blue eyes, cracking a large smile, his canines poking through.

He mistook this as me not wanting him to leave.

"Don't worry... I promise to return here tomorrow, night." He spun on the heels of his feet and gleefully bound away through the thick brush his tail swinging from left to right behind him.

"Wait! No!" But he was gone, leaving me standing there with my hand stretched out at the nothingness in front of me.

Instead of the Kitsune killing me. I somehow wound up engaged to it.