Dear author, thank you so much for this amazing new installment. I know things have been very, VERY difficult for you on so many levels recently, and I appreciate this update more than words can express. As for this chapter - I never thought I'd ever see/read this side of Uchiha Tajima. I know I sound like a broken record, but this is why I read fanfiction. I absolutely adored getting Tajima's inner thoughts here. When I think of his character in canon,I can't help but hate him (a LOT). I know things were desperate and violent during the Warring States era, and in the back of my head I suppose I know why he pushed his sons the way he did in canon... but his canon character still gives me heartburn. And while he is far (FAAAAAAAAAAAAR) from a model father in this AU - I think I understand why he was so strict with his sons here, and it was sobering to read his concern for Sakura (and how her relationship with his eldest son would be perceived by her parents and society at large if anyone caught wind of what she and Madara had done). And of course, I was so struck by the depth of young Madara's feelings for Sakura. His conviction is so moving:
“Once I’m sixteen, I’m going straight to your father’s door with three cups of saké, a Shinto priest and a vicar, and then I’m taking you on a honeymoon that won’t end until you can neither walk nor stand—and I’m not bringing pants, I won’t need them—you won’t wear anything but me—”
....
“And you’ll wear the hairpins I gave you, and you’ll wear my ring, and you’ll be mine in front of everyone,” he swore, his fingers threading in her hair before he kissed her deeply. “My Sakura.”
I tried to remember what it was like to be 15... did I ever feel that strongly about anything or anyone?? I don't think I did; I can't remember for sure - and yet, I believe Madara here. I really do. I don't doubt the depth of his feelings, which is why I am absolutely FOAMING AT THE MOUTH to find out how he will react if(when!!!) he finds out what Izuna has done (and how he feels about Sakura). Again, thank you so much for another amazing update. I appreciate it so much!!!
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timeasmymeasure
Tajima... I never thought I'd ever read a story that showed me this side of him
Date: 2022-08-24 11:52 pm (UTC)“Once I’m sixteen, I’m going straight to your father’s door with three cups of saké, a Shinto priest and a vicar, and then I’m taking you on a honeymoon that won’t end until you can neither walk nor stand—and I’m not bringing pants, I won’t need them—you won’t wear anything but me—”
....
“And you’ll wear the hairpins I gave you, and you’ll wear my ring, and you’ll be mine in front of everyone,” he swore, his fingers threading in her hair before he kissed her deeply. “My Sakura.”
I tried to remember what it was like to be 15... did I ever feel that strongly about anything or anyone?? I don't think I did; I can't remember for sure - and yet, I believe Madara here. I really do. I don't doubt the depth of his feelings, which is why I am absolutely FOAMING AT THE MOUTH to find out how he will react if(when!!!) he finds out what Izuna has done (and how he feels about Sakura). Again, thank you so much for another amazing update. I appreciate it so much!!!