'As far as I'm concerned...this world means nothing to me' finishing the last sentence she wrote in her journal, a slow, calming sigh of relief was let out. Looking down at the closed book in her hands, a small smile graced her lips. The book was white with a black spine; series of tattooed designs covered the book from front to back, the way her slender fingers handled it with such care showed how precious it was. When opened, each page showed a short sentence, on rare occasions a symbol would appear at the right upper hand corner. Sakura never really knew how it worked or why it happened. Depending on the situation of the journal entry, each symbol would change. Beginning to lay her head on the tree trunk she was currently sitting at, Sakura began remembering the day she had first written in the book. It was the first day she'd been to the human world, everything her emerald eyes had seen that first day was written in her journal. She had filled the pages of how the human world and immortal world were somewhat alike, but also very different. Chuckling at the memory, she remembered when she got done writing her entry that day, the words ' new beginning' appeared on the upper right hand corner of the page. She freaked out. Ever since then, every entry, a new line would appear at the top. Sakura had gotten use to it over the years, but she never stopped wondering 'how' or 'why' it worked. She had always assumed it was one of her fathers tricks he added in to the book just before it was given to her for her eleventh birthday.
You always found ways to surprise me, even now you still do….Standing, a hand was placed on the tree for balance. It had been days since Sakura had a proper rest, just because she was immortal did not mean she didn't have to sleep. Immortals could go weeks without sleep, usually years...but that was when they weren't in the human world. For immortals, living in the human world would be like a human without sleep for a week straight. It sucked, but after a certain time, you'd get use to it. Taking a deep breath Sakura could feel her power moving inside her, it had been seven long years since she had her full strength, during which she had forgotten the realm outside of the Immortals took 90% of their original strength. It would take a few hours till it was fully restored. "Even though I do despise this world…the feeling of having this strength back, it may become usefu-" Stopping, she fell forward. The restoration process would be draining her strength on and off leaving her defenseless at times. This was one of those moments. Looking down at the fallen journal her eyes wavered, picking it up gently...
FlashBack
"Yo Sakura! Hurry and get over here!"
Stuffing two kabob sticks in her mouth, the pink haired girl yelled, "Shut up! I know!" grabbing her plate of BBQ, she began running down the beach to catch up with her friends. Taking a spot on the sand the four of them began eating "you know it's been ages since we last saw the sunset together"
Nodding his head the grey eyed male with blonde hair agreed "that's true, when I think about it, since we've all been working, lately we haven't spent anytime together"
Entering the conversation, he raked his hand through his silver hair "Kei's right, these past few weeks have been dreadful sine we've been apart"
Nodding in agreement, Kei sighed "It would be so much different if we could stop time, we'd have all the time in the world to spend together"
Looking over to the talking blonde, the sliver haire spoke once more "Please do not tell me you are about to begin one of your 'what if?' topics, if so give me enough time to leave, I'd rather not spend another hour on one of these"
Kei gave the silver haired male a slight glare "Shut the hell up Yuu! I know that things like immortals don't exist! But what I'm saying is maybe living forever wouldn't be so bad! I mean think about it, like right now for instance, we could always be together you know, never worrying about one of us getting a deathly illness or something like that. Never aging to the point where we can no longer walk. We could literally, be together forever. Immortality would be the life" lying down on the sand, the blonde tucked an arm behind his head.
"Right….."
Keis' ears perked up when the silver haired male, spoke. Narrowing his eyes "What?"
Smiling his charming smile, his eyes were mocking him "Your rant actually lasted less than three minutes, that has to be a new time high record for you" ignoring the loud cursing that begun in the background, Yuu began to wonder "What do you think about it Sakura?" hearing no reply, Kei also looked over to her, she was sitting knees tucked in to her chest with her arms around them. He watched how every few moments her facial expression would change. It was obvious she was thinking about something that bothered her.
Also noticing her behavior the black haired male placed a hand on her shoulder. Sitting quietly the loud blonde male was beginning to feel somewhat slow. He had forgotten about the third male who was currently at Sakura's side, he was always so quiet and distant it wasn't hard to not realize his presence. Leaning to her ear "Sakura..." tightening his grip "Stop"
Hearing her name, it took a few blinks to realize she shut out the conversation. Looking to her shoulder where a hand was currently placed, it was tense. "I guess I wouldn't mind living forever" forcing a laugh "I'd be miserable without you all, so if you died, I'd die too" waiting for the guys response, they all sat in silence starring at their pink haired friend. The way she just snapped back to reality made everyone even more concerned than they were before. Placing her hand over the shoulder that was currently occupied a whisper came out "I'm fine" the way Sai took his hand back in almost a snatch like way made her smile, it showed he and her as well were back to normal.
Wanting to ask what was wrong, Kei didn't bother, he knew Sakura would deny any type of feeling that would cause anyone worry. Being that it was he just kept on the topic "Wait. Suicide? I didn't think you'd go that far"
Smacking the the blonde on the back of his neck, the Silver haired male snapped "It's a figure of speech. Honestly, your ignorance is so high it ceases to surprise me"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
Laughing for the real first time that day, Sakura was happy "H-honestly you two, you may be twins but you are most defiantly different" and she was right. Kei was the youngest by two minutes at birth, his blond hair and Grey eyes always had girls swarming over him. His attitude towards things was always spontaneous or either out of feeling, never was it out of logic. Yuu on the other hand looked exactly like his brother, even his eyes, the only difference between them was his silver hair and attitude. Yuu was the quieter of the two, he was sexy in a way when it came to looks, his glasses added a sort of dark and mysterious tone that almost everyone liked about him. Many girls also swarmed over the older brother, everyone knew some if it had to do with the way he spoke. When he did it, wasn't like most people did, he always sounded very sophisticated, very seductive in his tone. Sakura had always been intrigued by their differences since the first day they met.
Sai, face expression mellow, watched as his friends enjoyed themselves. Friendship was always something he was never good at, but that's why he had Sakura. Looking up to see her watching him, she ruffled his hair "You do know the point of being friends is to converse, right Sai?"
Blank expression on his face, Said had glanced over to Yuu, an exchange of looks were made, they had always gotten along the best "if you're referring to being immortal, I suppose it wouldn't be so bad"
Sakura sighed. "When I said 'converse' I didn't mean continue another one of Keis 'topics'. This conversation has gone on too long. Everyone has given an answer, we're done. Right?" Looking out to the sunset, none of the boys answered to Sakura, they knew better. Realizing the sun would be down soon "I almost forgot! Excuse me! Sir, would you mind taking a photo of us!" jumping up, the boys laughed when Sakura almost startled a man walking on the beach to death. "Oh, I'm so sorry! But do you mind?"
Reaching his hand out for the camera, the man took his position, back facing the ocean. "Ah, Sure"
Wiping the sand off his shorts, Yuu questioned "Why a photo, if you don't mind me asking?"
Turning around just as she gave the man her camera "Just because we talk about being immortal doesn't mean we are. Don't you want a photo to remember our days like these?"
Stretching, Kei flexed "get my good side"
Smacking the back of his blonde twins' neck for the second time that day, Yuu smirked "You don't have one"
Bursting out with laughter, the pinked haired girl couldn't contain it. The look Kei had on his face from having his ego bruised was priceless. No longer looking at his brother who was still rubbing his neck, Yuus' attention was now on Sakura, they both stood for a moment "Keep starring and you might hurt your eyes dear Sakura"
Twitching - "What did you say four eyes?"
"Let's take the photo...please" Everyone stopped, smiling at Sais' input, it had taken them months to get him to participate in their conversations, so seeing him get better each time they were together was enjoyable watch.
Complying with his request they began getting in position. Sakura stood in the middle, moving his lean yet, very much in shape body over to Sakura's left, Yuu placed an arm around the right side of her waist. Being who he was Kei took a spot on Sakuras' right placing his hand of the opposite side of her waist crossing with his brothers arm. Figuring out where he was going to be Sai finally found the spot, coming up from behind her, he wrapped both arms around Sakuras neck in almost a protective way. Making the final adjustment, Sakura wrapped her arms around the waist of the two males next to her "Ready!"
"You guys look great, what shall I count down to?"
Exchanging looks with one another all four of them gave the man their best smile. Responding in unison with each other "Forever!"
At the very last second as the older man began to push the button, both twin brothers turned giving a sweet kiss on the cheek of their cherished comrade.
*Snap*
End of flashback
"…..." starring down with a humorous mood, in her hands was the open journal with the photo she knew she'd always love. It brought her happiness to see Sai laughing along when the twins had surprised her. The more she enjoyed remembering all the moments they had together, the more her smile and cheerfulness slowly faded into darkness. I lied to them, but it was only one of hundreds I told them... "they won't know the burden of never dying I carry, to live forever, the fear you feel waiting for the day your comrades will pass... that's not the life I would wish on anyone"
"Missing the humans already are you?"
Already knowing the voice, Sakura did not even look up to face the sound of the rude red haired female. Resuming to her usual attitude "Something like them? You must have the wrong person"
"I know exactly who you are Haruno. You're some girl who was born in to nothing, no siblings, you were never the one to have attention-well I can't blame anyone..you aren't much to look at" flipping her hair to one shoulder, she stook her hip out to her right "you were also probably the weakest immortals when it came to missions...all in all...you're nobody. So you can quite acting like you hate the humans when its obvious that's a lie"
This chick, honestly her self esteem must be really low. Aside from that, I've barely had time to rest, her running mouth is just making me even more irritated then I already am...Sighing in disappointment, Sakura dusted herself off as she made her way to the garden exit-abruptly stopped with a hand on her arm tugging her back.
"Do not walk away when a superior is peaking to you" Not showing it, the pink haired immortal began laughing in her thoughts. Honestly… Slowly removing Karins hand from her arm, Sakura continued her path.
"Come on, you didn't even let me finish"
Not even bothering to slow down or look back, Sakura let out one of her famous Sighs. It's going to take a lot more then that Karin..
"Hmmm, what was it about your parents? Ah! That's right, your father was some gambler wasn't he?"
Shaking her head at the lies Karin was spitting out-
"And your mother..."
Stopping dead in her tracks, Sakura was frozen.
Gotcha…"She was a whore off the streets is what I heard" Chuckling "I almost died from embarrassment for you when I found out they abandoned you years ago, who would have thought that's why you left"
"….."
Trying to cover her mouth it didn't work. A burst of laughter came roaring out, back faced to Karin as she laughed, Sakura had to slightly bend over to keeping herself from falling.
"Wha-what are you laughing at?! I'm the one who should be laughing!"
Slowly coming to a laughing stop, her beautiful emerald eyes turned dark. Slightly turning her head to face Karin. Her eyes no longer looked sweet and beautiful, they now resembled those of blood and hatred "Then Laugh"
"What-" Caught off guard, Sakura disappeared. Looking in all directions, Karin searched for her.
"You know...you really should see your face right now" snapping her head to the left, Karin couldn't see her. She was gone. "The look you have on" jumping forward, the Red haired female was sure she felt Sakura's breath on the back of her neck "it's priceless"
Looking to her right, Karin took a defense stance, she was sure the hidden immortal was in that direction. There was a perfect cover for Sakura if she really was there behind the bushes of flowers "What are you doing?! Are you too afraid to face me!" chills went up Karins spine the moment the room went silent. "Where are you Haruno!?"
Appearing in front of her "Here"
Unable to react, Sakura was too fast for her. Swiftly, Karin was brought to her knees with a sharp, and long, kunah. Looking down at her body, Karin could feel it, the weapon went through the front of her stomach and through her back...Blood falling out, Sakura crouched down to her level, looking in to Karins eyes, She smiled "What's wrong Karin? Aren't you going to laugh?" standing up, she dusted herself for the second time that day and continued for the third time, to the garden exit.
As soon as Sakura was no longer in the area, Karin pulled the weapon out of her body. Throwing it to the ground in disgust. How dare she lay a hand on me, that bitch! Catching her eye, Karin began taking another look at the kunai she had just pulled out, she realized it wasn't Sakuras. It was her own. Feeling around in her pouch she only counted five. There should have been six. When the hell did she…
With Sakura
She had to get away before she went back and finished the job. Metaphorically speaking of course. She knew if she really wanted to Karin, it'd required blood….and a lot of it. Sakura looked for the one room she felt comfortable in, her fathers office. Most people would call it by a different name, a more appropriate name for something as big as it was, a library. It had taken her fifteen minutes to walk from one side of the large building to the other. In reality it was a castle, but to the pink haired Konoichi, calling it by that name was to old fashioned in her opinion. Finally making it to her destination, both large doors were pushed open, she took in the scene. Nothing had been moved over the past years…at least to her knowledge. Sakura would have thought at least dust would have gathered, but nothing. Just an empty, cold, library. "nothings been touched" walking down the isle, numerous book cases lined the room, there had to be thousands of books. Standing in the middle of the room, something was different, something was off. It hadn't taken her long to realize what was wrong, something was missing actually, her father. Looking to her right a large window looked out in to the town. I should find a place to stay for the night, the house is too far and I don't feel as if I can make it. Fingers hovering over the isle, she spoke so low it would have been almost impossible to hear "I'll be back to visit" Leaving the office in silence, Sakura made sure to shut the door completely. Turning around, she had not seen the male she was about to bump in to.
"I'm sorry!"
"..."
Both beginning to pick up the fallen objects that had dropped during the encounter. She looked up a bit to catch a look at the male she had caused trouble too. In her personal opinion, he was quite beautiful. Onex eyes, Long sleek black hair. He wore a long-sleeved black top that clung to his body along with well fitted pants, Sakura had thought the line that crossed his face added character. She could tell he was someone who was physical, the top had shown off his well toned body enough.
Picking up the last book, Sakura had felt bad about what she had done "You were headed in to the office am I correct?"
"Ah….."
"I can help you place these back, it's the least I could do" Normally she would have given him back the books and went on her way not even thinking twice about it, but the idea of a stranger in her fathers private area...It pissed her off.
Noticing how tense she was, he didn't respond. Walking along side him "Should I start throwing random names at you until I get a hit, or are you going to give me yours now?"
"My name is Itachi Uchiha, Miss Haruno"
Looking to him in a glance "Do I know you?"
"Your description matches the return of a Royal that arrived today"
Only few people know about that. If memory serves, my arrival is a high ranked notice…who is this guy? Giving a fake smile "It seems news still spreads quickly around here"
"...It would seem so"
Not even wanting to look him in the eyes "You read many books"
Before answering, the Uchiha began placing books in their rightful spots. Slightly smiling "I find them informative, Miss Haruno"
Gee, I had no idea books could be informative? Twitching at the males smart ass remark "That looks like the last of them, my father would have been glad to see someone interested in his books"
Not shocked to know it was her fathers office, the Uchiha knew things about the Konoichi she didn't know most people did. Looking over her form, he could tell not only was her breathing shallow, she was going through great lengths not to show her lack of stance. It would seem she's injured, the cuts and bruises are consistent with her arrival. It was told she was captured and forcefully brought here. She is a Royal is she not? If that were true her wounds would have been healed by now, yet, they look as if they were freshly cut…..interesting. "Follow me"
Blinking a few times, Sakura cocked her head to the side. Anyone would have thought her face expression was pure adorable "huh?"
Chuckling, the Uchiha was amused "Miss Haruno, I can sense your chakra is low. If you'd like, I will not protest to accommodate you for the night"
"Oh….Uh"
Coming out more in a statement then a question "You don't trust me"
She didn't even wait a second to think about it "No"
"Miss Haruno, if that is true, you are telling me you will not let your guard down. Therefore if I were to attack you in the night you would be able to defend yourself, is that what you are saying?" opening the office doors "I am not the type to willingly wait for an answer, I am repaying you so I suggest you accept. Quickly."
Realizing it wouldn't be so horrible to spend one night in a strangers home, she knew if he tried anything, she would fight her way out. Don't look to smug….if I wasn't injured and tired, I would never take this offer. Walking through the town, the moment she left the building it was as if a large burden was lifted off of her shoulders. Itachi didn't talk much, Sakura noted he had a pattern of only talking when it was necessary.
Continuing to examine her as she walked in front of him…It was said she was the top Konoichi before she left….it intrigues me to know what her current rank is now.
"..." ignoring the intentional cough Sakura let out, it was obvious she didn't like being watched as some type of prey. Also taking note of her, the Uchiha watched as she had made sure they had good distance between them. Often she would check over her shoulder making sure he wasn't overstepping boundaries.
Feeling a hand on her shoulder, instinctively, a million different battle techniques ran through her mind only to hear "We're here"
Looking up, the Uchiha manor was beautiful. The gate was surrounded by numerous colors and amounts of roses. The mansion itself was a site. It reminded Sakura for her home a bit. Of course hers was nothing of the same size compared. She guessed it was the feeling of a woman's touch perhaps that she had identified with. "You Royals never go for anything simple….."
"…..."
Walking in to his home, Sakura made sure not to touch anything. She had always been that way. She was the type of person that treated items the way she'd want others to treat hers.
30 minutes later
Sitting at an overly long table Sakura sat on one side while Itachi faced her, it had to be the longest wait of her life, the whole amount of time Sakura spent waiting for whomever it was to show up, both of them never looked away from another. The more Sakura looked Itachi over, the more she realized he was a bigger threat then she thought.
Breaking the silence "Earlier you said 'you Royals' yet you are one yourself are you not?"
Tilting her head to the side with a slight 'questioning' expression "Oh that? Unofficial I'm not a Royal, Officially I am"
Processing her words, the Uchiha sat in silence waiting for her to elaborate. It was obvious he wasn't use to not understanding things. "When I was old enough to understand the life I lived, the way Royals treated other immortals, the way they thought of humans without knowing anything. I disowned myself from that status. Officially, Royal blood runs through my veins...so even if I disown myself mentally, physically I'm still. And always will be. A Royal"
"You speak with passion but at the same time, much hate"
Looking away, a bright smile came over her "It would seem I get it from my mother"
"Itachi"
Both ceasing their conversation, Sakura turned her head to the direction in which the voice appeared from. Standing in the doorway, a raven haired male stood, onex eyes, similar bone structure. A brother? "..."
Taking his eyes off of the younger male, Itachi had watched how Sakura was eying his sibling, it was obvious two male Uchihas didn't do well for her.
"I'm Sa-….." leaning back in her chair, Sakura began to feel tired. Every cut and bruise on her body began to burn.
"Restoration process….you'll be feeling weak every so often until your power if fully restored" This girl is so fragile. Yet was brought back by Orochimaru…..exactly what is it about you Miss Haruno, that has him so interested.
"I don't know…." Giving a weary smile, Sakura loved the look the eldest Uchiha had on "You didn't say it aloud….but….I can see it in your eyes. The numerous questions you have for me…..I don't" coughing "I don't know why I was brought here Uchiha…but I intend to find out"
Looking at her, her breathing was even shallower then it already was. Itachi Uchiha had enough respect to never attack a man when he's down, even now that applied. He wouldn't interrogate her at her weakest. "Do not speak Miss Haruno, this moment shall pass soon. We will talk once you are stable"
Don't be a fool Uchiha…."No, I want to talk like this" covering her mouth, another cough emerged "Because when my power is fully restored…...you will wish you weren't so kind to me"
Raising his head a bit, Itachis' somewhat kind expression faded "Are you threatening me in my own home?"
Smirking "…..you better start asking questions before this passes. I won't talk to anyone from this world…but I will talk to you…as payment for my stay" Sakura could feel her weak patch was almost over "I'd hurry."
Closing his eyes in protest "I will not. Miss Haruno"
Taking a deep breath, Sakura tried to slow her breathing. During this time, she began to laugh "I told you already...….you're about to wish you weren't so kind to me, Uchiha"
"Miss Haruno?"
"…Time's up." Eyes lowering, she began to feel an overwhelming irritation. When looking to the left of the Eldest Uchiha, Sakura began to notice, not once did his brother take his eyes of her. Baring her teeth, a slight growl emerged.
Both Uchihas stole a glace to one another, it was obvious something was not right. Being the first to realize, it was Itachi who noticed. When looking at his younger brother, nothing was off except for his eyes, he had activated his Sharingan. "Sasuke, that is enough" Hearing another growl across the room from the young girl "Now, Sasuke"
Pushing herself up, Sakuras' strength was almost fully restored. But she knew, she'd have to go through this one more time before her power was 100% restored. Clenching her hands, Sakura could feel her Chakra flexing inside her. Growling, she placed both hands upon the side of her head "…" It hurts…..I don't want to be this angry….Enough!
Watching her, Sasuke saw the different emotions that were spilling out of the girl. She would growl, become angry, then stop. After a short time it would repeat, she was fighting something, she was fighting herself. He didn't know the girl, but in that short moment when they locked eyes. He saw the pain she was going through, because he had experienced a similar pain himself…….those eyes. Appearing in front of the girl, he re-activated his Sharingan, he watched as he casted her into a sleep. Catching her, he felt the overwhelming amount chakra she carried.
Focused on his younger brother who stood in silence. Itachi watched as his brother observed the girl. Itachi knew Sasuke better, he wouldn't have acted towards the girl if he didn't have a reason. "What is wrong, Sasuke?"
Placing her back in the chair , Sasuke noted the cuts and bruises that were beginning to heal themselves. "…."
"So you've noticed her wounds have not healed up until now. Of course as a Royal or even an Immortal for that matter, they should have healed by now" Standing, Itachi continued "This girl….she is interesting is she not?"
Looking her up and down, Sasuke kept a watchful eye over her "I've been assigned, to watch over a new arrival"
"Sakura Haruno…and?"
"I know it was you who recommended me for this mission" slightly irritated "Why? Out of all the missions, why this one?"
"Orochimaru trusts you, Sasuke. He brought this girl here for a reason, we need to find out why. Now, Miss Haruno was forcibly brought to this realm, she is a smart girl, there is no doubt in my mind she will help us to take him down to get back to her home. I assume he has assigned you to report to him every so often about this girl?"
Smirking a bit, Sasuke ran a hand through his hair "You're using me to get closer to him"
Smiling, Itachi nodded to his younger brother "This is what we've been waiting for Sasuke, I believe this girl, is the key to taking him down"
Sauske began to clench his fists in anger "She can't even handle a little power, what if this whole thing isn't a big deal? Did you ever consider maybe she's just some girl that ran away without permission?" almost to the point of yelling "Are you trying to get me killed-"
"I won't let that happen. I will protect you. But, there is also another reason I chose you for this mission, if you go to my room, in the top shelf of my bookcase you will find a file. When you have the time, go through it" concerned, Itachi was soon by his brothers side. Placing a hand on his shoulder "Do not worry little brother. You are strong"
"My strength is nothing to be worried about" deactivating his sharingan, Sasuke sighed "I do not like wasting my time on small matters. Or even the weak for that matter"
Ruffling his younger brothers hair, Itachi laughed "Do not judge a book by its cover little brother. She may prove to be your biggest opponent"
Walking away Sasuke whispered. He knew his brother could hear, but quite frankly, he didn't give a damn "At the moment she's my biggest problem…."
