Disclaimer: Naruto and all Naruto character's do not belong to me, however the plot and all the other awesome-y goodness belongs to moi!

(A.N:) The intro to Tricks, and as you can see, is quite short. Expect other chapters to be twice or three times as long as this one.


Chapter 1 – Mistaken Identity

Tricks


People have always told me that everyone will live their own fairy tale. And I've always told myself, fairy tales never come true. Well at least for me they don't. Ever since my parents suddenly disappeared, I woke up and found myself living as a slave to the citizens of this town.

"Quickly! Don't let that brat get away! She's the key to making us rich when she's of age!" One of the townsfolk yelled. "Hai!" The citizen's roared as they raised their shovels, rakes and torches. All of the townsfolk quickly divided themselves into small groups, searching high and low for the run away slave.

Although my life is a complete waste. I found at least one thing to be thankful for; my trusted friend Naruto.

Sakura continued to run as fast as her legs could carry her, every so often she'd look behide her shoulder to check if she was being followed. "Shimatta,"(1) she muttered as she saw three figures a few of meters away from her. The run away slave dashed away before she was caught, making a sharp turn towards a narrow alley. Sakura kept as quiet as she could, trying her best to hide the sound of her heavy panting as she allowed her body to slide down the wall for a short rest. Thankful for the shade and darkness the alley provided, the girl took in deep breaths as she closed her eyes and prayed, prayed that she'd make it out of this town alive.

Sakura is my name. Currently a seventeen year old run away slave. The townsfolk keep me 'for the money I'll bring them when I'm of age'. My daily life is only completed once I finish cleaning 10 houses a day, cook for almost half the townsfolk and work in the fields under the hot blazing sun from morning till noon. No pay. For slaves never get paid.

I am merely fed twice a day with bread and milk, locked up in a small room with little light provided by the rays of the sun, in which they call my sleeping chamber.

"Pst, Sakura-chan. Over here," The blond whispered as he waved his hands as a signal to come to him. The girl jumped when she suddenly heard a voice calling her. Sakura turned her head to face her blond friend, Naruto. He pointed behide him, silently telling Sakura to follow him. She nodded as she went on her hands and knees as she followed her blond friend through the dark ally.

I have no family, well at least that's what I think. 3 years ago, I found myself lying on a straw bed of one of the townsfolk's cabin. Remembering nothing of my past. When I awoke, many females of the towns gave me pity looks. Silently whispering to their husbands, "What you're doing is wrong. She was so kind to us; we should tell her the truth."

But the men shrugged off their wives pleads. I'd always hear their whispers as I worked day and night.

"Only one more year!" They'd quietly cheer.

"She'll bring us riches!"

Riches. My. Ass.

How would I bring them their riches? Marriage? I'd doubt it, I haven't seen my reflection in years, let alone have enough time to take care of my appearance to even think that I'm pretty enough for some rich man to marry. My unique pink colored hair hasn't been properly cut for the past 2 years, and has now grown past my waist.

"Sakura-chan, hurry." Naruto called as he continued to crawl deeper into the dark alley. She picked up her pace behide her friend as her body continued to shake in fear of being caught. The blond stopped in his tracks as he carefully peered out at the end of the alley, searching for any signs of citizens. "Clear," He whispered as he took her hand in his.

The world I live in consists of 3 lifestyles.

The poor peasants, the common townsfolk, and the noble royalty's.

And although Naruto is a close friend of mine, I have no clue which life style he lives by. Not that it matters much. But sometimes, when he is able to sneak outside the small window of my room, he'd bring some extra food or other little presents for me. And I can't help but wonder, where on earth does he get theses things.

Never the less, I trust Naruto with my life.

Not that I actually have a life worth much.

In a matter of moments, Naruto stood up and tugged at their linked hands, mentioning for them to run. The two friends ran as fast as they could, although Naruto, who was faster then Sakura was dragging her behide as she tried to keep up. "O-oi, slow down I can't run as fast as you." Sakura pleaded. "Sorry Sakura-chan," Naruto said, still not stopping his fast pace. "There's no time to spare."


Itachi silently walked towards the room his father was currently in. Breathing even, and face stoic. Raising his right hand, he firmly knocked three times on the elegant hand-crafted door. "Come in," A voice behide the door muttered. Itachi placed his hand on the gold handle the eldest of the Uchiha heir gracefully opened the door. He was greeted by a few maids dusting the room, Itachi nodded in response. "Father." He called with little emotion.

The eldest Uchiha brother looked around the grand room and saw his father sitting in front of his large desk, sorting out a few letters. Itachi walked over and stopped just a foot away from King Fugaku's desk. His father sighed as his eye's left the letter he was holding.

"Yes? Itachi?" Fugaku asked, hoping to get a straight answer from his eldest son. Itachi sighed as he scanned his father's desk, papers and quills splattered everywhere. Silently picking up a letter without permission, Itachi began to scan it's contents. "Ah, another marriage proposal?" Itachi asked. His father nodded. "Is that all you've come in for?" The head Uchiha asked in an impatient tone.

Itachi put the letter back in its original spot as he slightly shook his head. "My dear sister (2), Hinata-hime (3) has run away." Itachi calmly reported.

"Ah, again I see." Fugaku replied in a calm manner. Resting her arms on the desk, he sighed.

"Very well, send a few guards to look for her." His father ordered with a small wave of his hands.

"Hai, otosan (4)." Itachi said, giving a small bow before leaving.


Sakura and Naruto continued to dash across the plains of Konoha, finally, after running down a steep hill, the pair came to a stop. Sakura resisted the urge to collapse on the spot as she panted for air. "Come on," Naruto tugged as he led them towards an abandoned looking house. "Wh-Where are we going?" Sakura asked, still out of breath. "We're helping you escape." Naruto replied as he continued to drag the pink haired girl towards the house. "We? Who's we?" She asked as they stopped in front of the door. Naruto smiled as the door slowly opened, causing a high pitched creaking sound. Sakura blinked as a pale, shy looking raven haired girl stepped forward. "P-pleased to meet you, S-Sakura-san." She greeted. Naruto grinned. "Sakura-chan, meet Hinata-chan."

Sometimes though, I don't know what is going on in that blond head of his.

There was a night he popped by my window, tapping on it once or twice to get my attention, and when I open it, he hands me this dress. A rather expensive looking dress I might add. Looked like a worn princess's dress.

Now where on earth did he get that?

When I asked him, he merely said, "Got it from a friend. Just like the old times eh hime?"

He laughed.

Since when did Naruto start speaking riddles?

"W-wait!" Sakura protested as she was dragged into the abandoned house with the other two. "What are you guys planning?" The run away slave asked as her body was gently pushed inside the house. Neither of the two answered as Naruto lightly guided Sakura onto an old, sturdy looking chair. "Just trust us," Naruto whispered as Hinata scurried around the old house grabbing a few items. "I-I'm ready," Hinata said as she walked towards the two friends. Naruto gave a warm smile to the raven haired girl and whispered a thank you to her. "Sakura-chan, come." Naruto quietly ordered. The pink haired girl followed his orders as she walked over to the blond without a word.

When the pink haired girl was beside Naruto, he gave a weak smile as he embraced her with a tight hug. "Sayonara..." Naruto whispered into her ear, right before Sakura's world went black.


"W-we should've left her a note," Hinata suddenly said as her and Naruto walked away from the abandoned house. Naruto shook his head. "She'll be fine." He smiled as he took her hand in his. Naruto's vision went blurry as his foot work became sloppy. "N-Naruto-kun? Daijoubu?"(5) Hinata asked in a worried tone as she helped Naruto balance himself. "Gomen..."The blond replied as he rubbed his head. "Just a bit tired from using too much chakra to transform her..." (6)
Sakura groaned as she stirred from her sleep. "W-where am I?" She mumbled to her tired self. Her head twisted around the room, "Naruto?" She called. "Hinata-san?" There was no answer. Sakura got up to a sitting position as she closed her eyes and rubbed her aching head. "Ugh, that baka." Sakura mumbled to herself. "When I get my--"

Sakura opened her eyes in disbelief. "W-what am I wearing?" Sakura asked. The run away slave stood up, eyes fixed on her elegant navy blue gown. Moving her hands around to feel the soft material of the gown, she noticed her hand was somewhat paler then usual. Lifting her hand up to her face to inspect it, she noticed how her nails were neatly trimmed and polished. "What on earth is going on?" Sakura asked herself as she made a break for the door. Noticing her footsteps made an odd sound, she lifted her dress up to reveal a matching pair of heels. "Ugh, how am I supposed to run in these?" She complained as she quickly took them off. Grabbing the heels before she ran out of the abandoned house.

I hate the feeling of being abandoned.

It was how I felt when I first woke up with the unfamiliar faces of the townsfolk crowding around me.

It's how I feel now, waking up with no sign of the only person that bought me hope.


"Alright men! Ready your horses, Hinata-hime has gone missing!" A knight from the Uchiha kingdom ordered. Ten knights came out with well groomed chocolate brown horses; each knight wore steel plated armor along with the famous Uchiha fan symbol placed on the right shoulder. The horses neighed before each horse began their gallop towards the town the princess of the Uchiha kingdom was last seen.

"Oi, Kakashi, go look down those streets for hime-sama." A knight ordered as he pointed to the street on the right. The grey haired knight merely nodded as he commanded for his horse to gallop towards the street.

---

"Damn that Naruto, what the hell is he planning? I'm gunna kill him." Sakura muttered to herself as she ran down the streets of a town. Sakura sighed as her running pace slowed. She looked at her surroundings. It was a new town, fairly rich by the looks of it. "Great, now I'm lost." She growled as she started to walk down the cobblestone streets. Every so often Sakura would stop in front of a stand full of different merchandise and goods, lusting for a bite of the variety of fresh fruits on display, only to receive the owner's bows. Out of courtesy, Sakura curtsied back, slightly confused why owners would just bow to a run away slave dressed nicely.

Continuing her stroll down the unfamiliar town, Sakura looked around for someone that could help her. "Ah," She said when she spotted a man that looked like an officer. Sakura started to jog towards the grey haired man. "E-excuse me sire," Sakura said in her most polite tone when she was in talking distance from the man.

Kakashi looked down towards the voice, studying her appearance.

"I was wondering if you could help me around the town." Sakura continued.

Kakashi continued to eye the girl. Sakura, feeling the grey haired man's eye on her started to get nervous as her body slightly trembled under his glaze. Kakashi gave another hard study on the girl's appearance before opening his mouth. "Why do you look-"

"Ah! Kakashi! You've found her!" Called another voice, interrupting the grey haired knight from finishing his question. Kakashi eyed Sakura again before he gave an unsure nod to the fellow knight. Sakura blinked, 'found who?' she thought to herself. "Hime, your father is looking for you." The other knight reported as he gave a short bow.

Sakura blinked, "H-Hime?" She asked in disbelief. The knight got up from his bowing position as his eyebrow arched in curiosity. "Hai, hime-sama. Your father, Fugaku-sama is requesting that you come back to the kingdom." The knight repeated.

'W-whats wrong with these people? Thinking I'm a princess of their kingdom?' Sakura thought.

Sakura started to back away a bit. Still nervous, she decided to speak, "A-ano, sire, I-I think you've got the wron-" Sakura stopped her sentence as she caught hold of the image reflected on the knight's armor. She blinked in disbelief as she saw a pale, shy looking raven haired girl as her reflection. Sakura's hand gently touched her cheek, still unsure why Hinata's appearance was her reflection. The knight's face changed into a questioning expression, wondering why the princess was staring at her reflection from his armor. "W-why do I look like this?" Sakura quietly asked herself as she continued to stare at her reflection.

Something in Kakashi's mind clicked as he suddenly pulled Sakura up behide him on the horse before the other knight became suspicious. "Well, shall we be on our way? Hinata-Hime?" He winked.

Sakura blinked a few times before her instincts told her to trust the man. "H-hai," the dazed Sakura replied. Hesitantly wrapping her arms around the silver haired man's torso, the two horses galloped towards the Uchiha Kingdom.

From that moment on, I knew I'd be living my life by smoke and mirrors. (7)

Tricks.


Translations -

(1) Shit/Damn

(2) In this story, Hinata is the youngest of the Uchiha siblings. Yes, that means Hinata is Sasuke and Itachi's sister in this story. I chose her because she was the only girl out of the 4 that had similar hair color to the Uchiha brothers. More will be explained as the story progresses!

(3) Princess

(4) Father/Dad

(5) Are you okay?

(6) I was not sure how to do Sakura's transformation, so I decided to go with the transformation technique. I know this story is more middle ages and such, but I'm planning on having a bit of the Naruto ninja plot involved as well. Meaning the bloodline limits and such. But because this is the middle ages, I will make a little down side. All techniques will take up a lot of energy. Even the easy techniques; such as the transformation technique Naruto used. All techniques will use up a lot more chakra then usual because the users of these techniques are not as advance as the ninja's in the anime. Hope that wasn't too confusing, more will be explained as the story goes on.

(7) The expression; smokes and mirrors basically means illusions and or tricks.


(A.N:) The ever awaited Chapter 1 of Tricks is now complete! Hope that was a good intro for this story! Other chapters will be much longer since this is just the opening to the story!

The plot is going to have a lot of twists and turns! So stay tuned! Next chapter should be up by the 15th!

Please click that lovely purple button to your left, review and tell me what you think!