Chapter Sixteen

                                    

                                          
16.
"Sakura, what you've done to our family was a disgrace," declared Madara Uchiha at an abrupt family meeting the following day.
Sakura hung her head in shame. Both she and Sasuke knelt in the room, surrounded by the elder family members who sat in stern judgment.
"I-I'm sorry, Madara-sama," Sakura stammered softly as she bowed.
Madara's voice turned harsh, and he folded his arms with an air of authority. "Can you not speak when the elders are addressing you? You, young lady, lack proper manners! This is how modern girls are, free to do as they please, behaving just like men. They don't understand etiquette and decorum, nor do they comprehend how to conduct themselves as dignified women!" Madara's words were a reflection of his outdated views on gender roles, in contrast to the evolving principles of gender equality that allowed women the freedom to act in ways that deviated from his traditional beliefs.
"Uncle, Madara, please, let's calm ourselves first," Fugaku interjected in a hushed tone. "I understand your concerns, to some extent. But we should also consider giving this girl a chance, one that she deserves as a prospective member of our family."
Madara's frustration flared as he responded, "I've given her a chance from the start! Yet, look at that commoner's demeanor! She still behaves recklessly, with no regard for etiquette, like a prostitute!"
Sasuke's patience ran thin as he abruptly cut in, raising his voice to address his grandfather. His words drew the attention of all the Uchiha family elders in the room.
"Grandpa Madara! That's enough!" Sasuke's firm tone put an end to the heated exchange and redirected the room's collective gaze onto him.
"Sasuke!" Itachi interjected, attempting to remind his younger brother to cease speaking.
"Sasuke-kun," Sakura shook her head at Sasuke, silently imploring him to halt his words.
But Sasuke remained resolute. "Whatever you say! But I will still marry this girl!" He emphasized his determination, holding Sakura's hand tightly.
Madara's patience wore thin, and he couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. "Oh, it's starting again. The drama of young people wanting to get married without their families' consent? Then why don't you just run away? Take this careless girl back to America! Live as freely as you want there! You can even stroll around without clothes! Are those the values of the noble Uchiha clan that have been passed down by our ancestors for centuries?" The tension in the room continued to rise, further fueling the family's turmoil.
"Uncle, please, remember your health," Fugaku urged, reaching out to hold Madara's arm, attempting to quell his fury.
"I-I'm sorry, Madara-sama," Sakura whispered softly before Sasuke could speak.
"Perhaps you're right... I may have brought trouble to this family," Sakura continued, tears welling up as she wiped them away. The tension in the room remained palpable, with emotions running high.
"What nonsense is that, Sakura!" Sasuke protested, his disbelief evident on his face.
"Grandpa, shouldn't we give Sakura another chance? Perhaps she was truly drunk and didn't mean to create a scene at the party yesterday," Itachi argued, coming to Sakura's defense.
Madara, however, remained steadfast in his traditional beliefs. "Why did you let her get drunk? Have you ever seen your father or brother allowing their wives to get drunk? No! What kind of husband do you aspire to be if you can't guide your wife? You should be the leader in the family, not her!" Madara snapped again to Sasuke, voicing his old-fashioned opinions.