Updating now! I know, this is kind of early considering how long it takes for me to update my other stories. But, I found serious inspiration for this story. So, enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter two: The Cherry Healer (King Itachi)

"Y… your breakfast, Your Majesty," a servant girl stuttered, placing a platter of food and a goblet of wine in front of me and Sasuke. "W… will that be… all?"

I waved her away, picking up the goblet. It's a few hours after dawn, and my brother and I are sitting in the dining room. Pein has yet to report back to us, and we're ready to continue our attack. We never wait this long to conquer a desired kingdom.

"Entering Princess Sakura, Princess Hanae, and Captain Pein!" Sasuke's fork dropped to his plate in surprise as we watched the trio walk into the room. Pein was visibly healthier. And he had disease that slowly killed off his blood cells until he died of it!

"Good morning, Uchiha-sama." The two princesses curtsied to us.

"Pein, you look well. I take it she stuck to her word and healed you completely," I stated, turning to my soldier.

"Yes, sir. She healed a disease I didn't even know I had."

"It was a good thing I found it when I did. He would've died from instant organ shut down next week rather than next year from lack of blood cells if I hadn't." I studied Hanae, looking for smug satisfaction and found… none. She was genuinely relieved she was able to heal him. That's what I need in a healer: impartial treatment.

"Sasuke and I have talked over your offer." She stood up straighter, the relief gone for a moment. "You shall become my personal medic. We will not kill anyone, though the kingdom is now a part of my empire. In return, you will become a citizen of the Sharingan Kingdom. You will never see the Cherry Kingdom or your family again. Understood?"

"H…." She cleared her throat. "Hai." Her body relaxed greatly.

"If I may, Your Majesty." My eyes fell on Sakura as she stepped forward to stand next to her sister. "Your compromise wouldn't be complete without me. Hanae and I are perfect together: a complete package."

"Hn?" The pink haired girl hooked their arms together.

"For one, I act as her assistant whenever she is healing. I can fix what herbs cannot. Second, we can entertain a wide variety of guests unlike any other, and we plan unmatched events."

"Well, Yamanaka would like some company while playing hostess," Sasuke considered.

"Very well, you may come along as well. Perhaps even that blond guard that was with you all yesterday. But the same conditions apply to you. The Cherry Kingdom will no longer be your home. Your father no longer has any say in who may or may not court you. That is my decision now. If we battle them, you will be fighting with us."

"We understand," Hanae responded, bowing her head.

"If you'll excuse us, we have some packing and informing to do." I nodded their dismissal and the two curtseyed to us before walking away.

"Why do I have this feeling we might regret this decision later on?" I shrugged in response to my brother's question.

~Line Break~

"The kingdom walls are naught but a speck now," I told Hanae as I slowed my stallion down to ride next to the green haired girl. She sighed and turned back straight in her saddle.

"If you knew the land, you would see the beauty of it even from this distance, my king."

"Itachi." She looked at me with surprise in her eyes.

"Alright… Itachi-sama. The Cherry Kingdom is famous for its beautiful land and stylishly lavish homes. Cherry blossom trees grow very easily there."

"Hence the name." She nodded. "Sharingan is mostly red and black. Only tough plants are able to grow there. The castle does have a greenhouse. It is at your disposal for whenever you need new herbs."

"Thank you, Itachi-sama." I raised an eyebrow. "You are basically putting your life in my hands, and you're treating me with respect. I'm not chained or being forced to walk beside your horse. You are making sure I have everything I could possibly need in order to help you instead of making me try to figure it out on my own."

"I am only ruthless while in battle. I don't believe in treating a lady of your status like a civilian." She glanced by at the parade of chained up, marching, newly captured slaves. All of which will have to figure out a way on their own to survive the harsh living conditions most slaves endure.

"Yeah, a civilian." She looked back at me. "I guess I am truly lucky. The only difference between my life there and my future life in Sharingan is the patient. And, of course, the kingdom itself." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Do you have a brother?"

"No, it was only me and Sakura. But we do have a cousin who will now take over as…."

"Hanae-san, your sister would like a word with you," the princess's blond guard (Naruto, I think she once said his name was) stated, pulling his horse up on the other side of hers. She nodded, bowed her head to me, and guided her mare away. I looked over at the way his eyes were narrowed at me with suspicion.

"Do not fear for your princess's virtue. I'm not in the market for a bride or a mistress."

"It's not her virtue I'm worried about."

I watched the blond ride off to where the sisters were talking quietly to each other. After watching the trio a moment, I turned away. But even as my main kingdom came into easy view, something niggled in the back of my mind:

What is he worried about?

Ooo, Naruto is being over protective! What do you guys think Naruto is worried about when it comes to Hanae being with Itachi? Drop a line and let me know!

Reviews are greatly appreciated.

-RozaCourt