Disclaimer: All characters in this fiction are copyrighted to Kishimoto Masashi.

Tastes of Love

Prologue

"So, if this policy is applied properly, we'd be on the right path to increase the prices without a mad mob."

"But Mr. Tang, would the government approve?"

"Let's not forget about the shares..."

"What about my company?! I didn't come all the way here from The States just to hear these!"

"Stop it! Everything is not revolving around you and your business only, Mr. Phalds. "

"Now, now, calm down everyone."

The meeting room was filled with many frustrated big-shot businessmen from all over the world talking and voicing out their concerns, trying their best to maintain their profits and what not. Sakura was in this very stressful meeting as Tsunade's company consultant offering a word of advice to the latter who is undoubtedly the CEO of Senju Holdings Corp.- One of the most powerful and well-known company in Japan.

Holding this position in the company wasn't easy. Everyday, Sakura had to face the computer screen reading contract agreements and summarize it to Tsunade. Apart from that, she'd have to spend long hours in front of the computer researching the other companies' liability. All her time was spent working. She never had the time to hang out with her best friend Ino anymore, hell, she didn't even have time to have a nice dinner with her parents! All she's able to do was hurriedly cook herself a simple dinner before taking a shower and then head straight to bed. This routine repeats itself on a daily basis.

One night, Sakura came home with a heavy headache as she just met with a very troublesome client.

Shannaro! That old man was such a prick in the ass! Whatever...now, time for dinner.

She was busy chopping up some carrots when suddenly the sharp knife gashed her fingertips. Fresh blood formed around the cut. Sakura started to cry and it wasn't because of the pain or at the sight of blood but the constant work stress and mundane routine that caused her to have an emotional breakdown.

I can't always be living like this for the rest of my life... Enough is enough!

And with that, she requested for a long hiatus from Tsunade the next morning.

"What is this?" Tsunade questioned.

"Tsunade-sama, I'm requesting for a four months unpaid leave."

"WHAT?! FOUR FUCKING MONTHS?! You have the guts to tell me this? I can easily fire you now you know that?!" shouted the powerful woman.

"S-sorry Tsunade-sama. You see... I-I just need this break. I can't deliver well if I don't get my rest. Besides, I already found someone to fill my spot while I'm gone."

"You expect me to trust and take the advice from someone I don't know? Honestly Sakura, I've seen you grow from when you were just a timid intern here. I know how analytical you are and that's why you got this position. But...I also know the stress, I understand. Who is this person?"

"She's a very close friend of mine, Yamanaka Ino. We graduated together. She's currently available for jobs. If you wish, she is able to come in tomorrow for an interview with you. Trust me, Tsunade-sama. She's as capable as I am." Sakura gave the blonde a curt nod.

"Okay, very well. Call her to come in tomorrow at 9.00 am sharp."

"Th-Thanks Tsunade-sama! I really appreciate it!" Sakura beamed and bowed to said blonde.

"Alright, alright. Work stuff aside, Sakura, have fun! I hope you'd take this time to go off to some island and you know...get some guys...you need one!"

"Oh! Tsunade-sama! Stop teasing. I will have fun. Thanks. See you four months later!"

The blonde CEO was laughing at Sakura's blushed face. Sakura's relationship with her boss wasn't just any employer-employee relationship. Tsunade saw herself in Sakura when she first came in to intern. Instantly, the former took Sakura under her wings and taught her the ways to survive in the corporate world. Hence, an unbreakable bond was cultivated between the two. They were so close, they're almost family.

"Shizune! I got her approval! Phew!"

"Oh Sakura! Told you she'd approve. Afterall, you're almost like a daughter to her!"

"Shizune, please take care of her when I'm not around."

"Of course, I'll keep an eye on her alcohol intake. You just go off and have a splendid vacation!"

"Aww, I'll miss you!" Sakura gave Shizune- Tsunade's personal assistant a bear hug and left the building.

Sakura got out of the grand skyscraper and was searching for her cell phone when she felt it vibrating in her handbag. Now having it in her hand, she picked up the call.

"Hey hey hey! So how did it go? Did she approve?" A rather loud voice was at the end of the phone.

"Ino-pig! You're yelling! And... Ahhhh! Yes, she did! And she wants you to go for an interview at 9am tomorrow!"

"Wha- Interview?"

"Well, it's procedure! I know you can do it. It's easy-peasy for you! Ino-pig, where's the confidence you taught me?!"

"Hmm, okay. Hey forehead, thanks for the favor. I'm finally no longer jobless... at least for four months! Yay!"

"Hah! You owe me one! Okay, I have to start packing for my long vacation. See you when I'm back! Love you!"

"Alright! Have a great time! Hopefully, a sexy sexy one too! Will miss you loads!"

With that, the line was cut.

Ino...always with the sex. Haha.

Sakura felt relieved all at once. Finally she can relax! It was as if everything was happening at the perfect time. Ino just got fired from her previous job for being way too friendly with her male co-workers. This gave Sakura the idea of hooking up Ino with her job while she goes on a vacation.

Ahh, freedom at last!

"Sasuke-teme! I think it's best we have a little vacation. I'm bored cooped up in the office!"

"Dobe, you practically do nothing except play with your video games. And just be grateful that others would kill for your luxurious office room." The ebony haired male calmly commented.

Naruto had the best office room any man could ever crave for. His office had a wide window which shows a panaromic view of Tokyo city, there were shelves neatly stacked with the latest video games, on its maroon colored wall hung a 102" inch flat screen TV and not to mention, a grand fireplace at the far left while his sturdy oak desk is situated right in the middle of the huge window. The video games and TV were only installed when he had taken over his late father- Namikaze Minato's company. Other than that, the office stayed exactly the same. Naruto wanted to maintain a part of his father in his office.

"Really, two weeks off is nothing! Besides, all our respective contract deals have been signed. We're pretty free for now. Ehhh, how does Tilangkhai sound to you?"

"You sure you don't need to look over your company for two weeks? Uzumaki Naruto."

"Hah, I have the trustworthy Nara Shikamaru to run things while I'm gone. Now, Tilangkhai... What say you?"

"Hn."

"Alright! Tilangkhai it is!"

Tilangkhai is a little island in Thailand. It is a popular destination for both partygoers and people who just wanted peace. That place has two sections- one rowdy and the other calm. Sasuke wouldn't mind staying by the beach at the calm side but knowing Naruto, he'd definitely insist on staying at the weed-land area to party.

Whatever, as long as I get to clear my head it's fine.

"Teme, we'll fly off in three days." Naruto grinned.

"Hn." smirked Sasuke.

Prior telling Sasuke his plans, Naruto already booked the flight tickets because he knew for sure his best friend would never say no. Naruto saw it coming, the stress Sasuke bore from his work was getting to him. As a good friend, he had to do something, anything for Sasuke to decrease his stress level. Nobody wants a superbly grumpy Sasuke around.

Teme, I know being the head of Uchiha Investment Inc. is hard but you need some time off too.

A/N: I name this fanfiction Tastes of Love because love indeed have different tastes. It can be bitter, sweet, sour and even spicy...(you know what I mean...) This is an attempt of writing a chaptered fanfiction. I'm just somewhat intrigued by the relationship Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto have with each other. Also, there are some places in which I've made up so it's not entirely the world we live in. How's the prologue? I hope it did not bore you! Reviews are appreciated! I really want to know what do you guys think.

The fictional Island is pronounced as "Ti-lang-kai".