Along Came a Spider
Chapter Publish date 1/9/2019
Disclaimer:
I do not own the anime or manga Naruto. This is a Fan fiction based upon my own imagined story-line being superimposed and imagined over the baseline characters of the Naruto Manga/Anime which belongs to Kishimoto-san. There is no gain financial or otherwise from this story, and I write to fuel only my own creativity. Please do not copy or post this story else where without my written permission.
CHAPTER 3: STRATEGIC MANEUVERS
(Konoha City, Fire Nation: After the Yamanaka Ball)
"Is it the compound tonight, Itachi-?" Kisame's question broke the turbulent yet contemplative silence.
Normally after a late night out, Itachi would have headed to his own modern condominium at the heart of Konoha; however tonight was not a typical night out about town. The Uchiha elders and his great- grandfather had sent Itachi for a purpose, and thus a report of events and a discussion of outcomes would be expected at the very least. This meant a visit the ancestral clan home tonight. Additionally, Sunday mornings held the mandatory Uchiha breakfast meeting, which he would be expected in attendance for, by 6 am. It would be wiser to spend the night at the family compound tonight given these issues.
Without turning his fathomless dark eyes, which were gazing out of his darkened window, Itachi sighed, as he directed, "The Compound, Kisame. We will spend the night. "
Merely nodding, Kisame smoothly took to the exit towards the highway leading north, out of Kohona, and towards the Uchiha lands.
Itachi leaned further back into the buttery soft embrace of the leather seats finding the darkness that enveloped the car once out of the city was more comfortable given his contemplations.
At age 24, Itachi knew he was not a believer in the inherent goodness of others, including himself. He was well aware that he had the breeding, looks, money and power - and was well aware of all that it entailed and entitled. However he was jaded, weary and restrained by it; always guarded because of it. A life time of growing up in the Uchiha clan, and being a pawn for his mother in her schemes, had led him to realize that nothing was ever done simply without another reason. It had led him to never accept anything at face value, without wondering what lay underneath it.
Itachi's mind quickly saw the situation for what it was. After all, allowing the Shimura heir, Sai, to court the Yamanaka heiress would spell disaster for the Uchiha clan. Danzo Shimura was a grasping upstart who had somehow climbed up the ladders of society to become a real threat to their world order. He also did everything within his power to undermine Uchiha control and authority. He had been a thorn in the clan's side for years now. Also, Itachi could not deny that externally, beyond the Yamanaka influence and power, Ino herself would have been considered excellent matriarch material for the clan by the elders.
It would be best to address expectations early, he realized if he did not wish to be blindsided later by assuming things. Unfortunately, that meant he had only the time it took to get to the compound, to figure out how he should position himself; if he was to extricate himself from this expectation. He had to be the one in control of the game or he would become a mere pawn to be played by both the Uchiha and Yamanaka families. And Itachi refused to become controlled by anyone ever again.
Known as a brilliant strategist, with the ability to see literally into the actions of others and not be unaware of what lay behind them, Itachi was aware that he was in a tricky situation. However he was confident in his own ability to strategize and manipulate things. After all, it was that talent which had allowed him to defy the elders of the Uchiha clan till date, while appearing to subserviently listen. His insight and talent at strategy is what allowed him to stay three steps ahead in most situations, and rarely did he find himself surprised or blindsided by what occurred.
His uncanny ability to predict other's next move and plan accordingly was what had allowed him to hold the reins of power and influence today, within a clan, where there were many men who were also considered a genius, ambitious, and capable.
Itachi Uchiha would not allow himself to be forced into something he did not wish for, least of all in something as intimate and important as marriage. It would take his full ability to maneuver out of this, as well as a lot of luck. Well aware that he would not be able to control the other players in this situation, he could only manipulate them into giving him the responses he hoped to incite in them.
Itachi was a man who had been wooed by the most beautiful faces on earth since the age of 10. Initiated into sex at age 13, Itachi had been well versed in the sins of the body and lust by age 17, and by age 20, the death of his parents had led him to step into the shoes of the leader of his illustrious family. That had only led to women pursuing him in hordes, relentlessly. They wanted his good looks, his toned and fit body, his sharp mind, his name and fame, and of course his wealth and power. At age 24, he had seen and been with many a woman, and yet what he had never met- was a woman who was not conniving and selfish in their relentless pursuit of him. Each woman he encountered had only re-enforced his beliefs till date. Ino was in no ways an exception.
Not even his mother had helped to serve as an alternate example. Mikoto Uchiha had been the most beautiful woman of her time, with manners and social standing of a queen- except when it came to fidelity and honest affection. She had been one of the cruelest, most deceitful women Itachi had ever seen. She had wanted to marry the heir of the Uchiha fortune to ensure her own well being, and had destroyed anyone to ensure that outcome came true. After ensuring she had born Fugaku his heirs, she had gone on to partake in flagrant and illustrious affairs that were for the sole purpose of controlling and influencing the men she was involved with. It had all been carefully observed by the ever vigilant watchful and silent Itachi as he grew up in the shadows of her selfishness and greed. When empowered with the Uchiha name, and control of the clan, she had become a true monster to humanity as well.
However, while she had been the cruelest and most selfish example, he had noted that she was not alone in seeking the security of wealth and power in one man, while partaking in the pleasures of the flesh elsewhere. Marriage he had learnt in his cold emotionless home was not sanctity.
He had observed how among the wealthy, most remained married by the force of society and the need to keep the wealth intact, but both husband and wife would often seek out others for their physical needs. There was rarely that illusive fairytale of true love in any of the marriages Itachi had ever seen.
By the time he had turned 10, he had known enough about infidelity and how it could crush a man. His father had lost the love of his life to Mikoto's schemes, and used other women to assuage his own needs when his wife would not meet them. Itachi was merely the bond that guaranteed his mother her power, and his father his continued lineage. He was overall seen as an instrument to use for their needs in the clan. He could not recall cuddles or hugs, nor feeling a warm sense of family. Instead he had for most of his life, been left alone with the legions of governesses, tutors, and maids that cared for his needs and ensured he would grow up as the ideal child for both his parents and the Uchiha Clan's needs. There had been only cold expectations in his family and home, and none of the warmth and love he had seen in the stories and movies.
He had long ago decided he would never allow himself to be used that way- the way his father had. Something about his childhood left a bad after taste in his mouth for the institution of marriage and marital bliss.
Itachi had decided that he would never let any woman control him, or misuse the influence of the Uchiha name. Unfortunately, no beautiful intelligent woman he had seen to date had broken his unshakable sense that women could only ruin a man, and they were innately selfish manipulative creatures, who were unlikely to have an unselfish motive in their hearts, when it was truly tested.
At the age of 20, when he came into power, he had decided that woman would be his tools – to use and throw when he wished, but never would he allow them to control him or sway him emotionally. While he had always been made aware that he had a responsibility to the clan, to procreate and produce an heir, while simultaneously advancing their social and political powers through a marriage to a woman of equal financial and social standing- Itachi had never decided if he would actually get married. There was no driving urge in him to have heirs, as he always had Sasuke or his cousins to inherit if anything befell him.
Tonight, while observing the Yamanaka Heiress, Itachi had only felt a reconviction of his ideals. He was not able to tamp down the distaste he had felt for the artifice and attempts to cover up her viciously ambitious personality. He could only recall withholding his acute aversion to her, when realizing that the woman before him would swallow any man she wished. She was too much like his mother, for him to wish to tie himself to her.
However, if this was what his great grandfather expected- he had better address it. Given that the girl had just turned 17, and that Itachi himself was merely 24; the one thing he had on his side was some time. Women usually were married by or before the age of 24 in Kohona, so as to not be considered too off the shelf. This was what led to pressure on Kohona's female population, often beginning with the official coming out ball at the tender age of 17, to ensure they found the optimal spouse.
Ironically, Kohona's men were given a lot more leeway. Most men began getting married around age 27 but could continue to find it easy to find a spouse even in more advanced years – though the girl would be significantly younger. Unfortunately, the one clan that did marry earlier was his. Great Grandfather's apparent plans for an early marriage were not in Itachi's own plans for himself.
Left to himself, and if he had actually chosen the marriage option, Itachi was aware that he would have opted for marriage at age 38 or above. When ever he had given a rare thought to this possibility, he could only see himself marrying a chit who was perhaps a bit clueless, innocent and as artless as he could find. However, given his aversion for stupidity, he was aware that it would not be easy to find a woman whose mind would allow him to admire her while being so. Especially since he hoped she would also have the beauty to be found physically attractive to him. Ensuring a benign personality was more critical to Itachi than the connections she would bring, though he was sure the clan elders would disagree. He did not wish to bring into his immediate home life, another- who was only after him for only his name and all it offered. He already dealt with that daily. He was well aware that ironically, despite feeling so strongly against someone marrying him for all they could gain, he would marry someone who would offer their name and powers for the Uchiha needs. He was well aware that his expectations were unrealistic and unfair, but that did not make them less important to him.
It would have made his future life easy, if he could simply stomach stupidity, and marry some inane bird brained beauty -but he couldn't. It was unfortunate that there were no innocent kind women who were also beautiful and intelligent. It was as if those criteria could not coexist together.
Given this, Itachi did not see himself falling in love easily.
In fact, he actually knew that deep inside, he believed that the concept of love was a myth. Love was a tragic pitfall that caused attachment and heartbreak for a false sense of security, when in fact it was a ticking time-bomb ready to self implode and ruin your beliefs and hopes with it. He had seen it happen- and refused to become a victim of it himself.
No, his marriage would be one of convenience and comfort; one that would lead to a peaceful friendship and companionship. The last thing he wanted was to have to watch his own home for ambitious cunning politics and power plays: Therefore, Ino Yamanaka it would not be.
However, finalizing his personal decision regarding Ino was only one step. Knowing for certain, that he did not wish to marry the girl, would not make this situation go away. First of all, avoiding marriage to Ino Yamanaka meant he had to not only find a woman more influential and capable, but also one who was more favorable for the Uchiha needs. All in all, it was daunting, as there was no woman who met this mold currently that he could think of.
If there was a girl with whom he had been deeply in love with, it might have allowed him to present that option to the elders. However, Itachi was aware that even then, there was no guarantee it would be sanctioned. His lack of involvement with a woman to that level also made it hard for him to want to go through the troubles of arguing for any girl he could try to put in front of the council of elders….. Though it was one option out of this. However, he was disinclined to do so, since he was unsure finding any random female would not lead to more trouble than what he faced now.
The second alternative out of this was to help facilitate Ino in finding another man to shift her attentions to. However, given her ambitious nature it was unlikely she would divert from a course set on marriage to him. There was no other future male clan heirs (of marriage age) in the three main families of Kohona within the Senju, Uchiha and the Hyuga– and that was not going to work.
Finally, there was Ino's personality. There was the possibility that if he were to show Ino how little he would respect her, despite marriage, she would reconsider his potential. He was well aware that this had a potential to backfire, in the event they were still wed, despite his carrying on a flagrant affair before her. She was more than capable of doing the same in retaliation - and he in fact wondered if she were not already fucking the Shimura Heir currently.
As he turned about the situation in his mind, contemplating the best way to ensure the outcome he wished for- it came to him: That the Yamanaka Heiress would experience a trifecta of all 3 options. Itachi smiled for the first time that night.
Itachi strongly suspected Ino's pride would take a battering if he were to suddenly find himself the most beautiful public lover to flaunt: One who was definitely not marriage material by social and financial standards, but merely a decoy whose role was to ensure Ino's pride took a beating. He would also have to ensure that the Uchiha elders and great grandfather would allow him to entertain other marriage offers- though he had no intention to go through with them currently. Ino would not take it well; that the clan would allow such things for a man, but would not accepts it from her in return.
Inochi Yamanaka would likely ask Ino to tolerate any of Itachi's affairs and any other family marriage offers, knowing they were young and that he had the most likely daughter for the Uchiha to choose as their matriarch. However, the next two years of his actions would eat at her from the inside. After such a public introduction to Itachi, she would be well aware that others would find it titillating that he had opted to take a lover other than to immediately court her singularly. In that moment of weakness, perhaps setting Sasuke and Shisui loose on her, might lead to her in making a misstep in her drive to obtain his hand. Perhaps even Neji Hyuga could be brought into the competition. None of those men would cause an issue for the Uchiha goals, if they were to wed her.
Within the next 2 years, if he could also somehow find another suitable woman (of his preferred type), to be his wife, before the Yamanaka shored up enough gumption to push for marriage, it would be the perfect end to this fiasco the elders had given in to.
Now, all he had to do was ensure that his grandfather was pacified that he was willing to play ball, but that he would not start dating Ino at this time. It was hardly something the elder could disagree with, given Ino was a mere 17 years and he only 24. Itachi knew his great grandfather. The man would use this as a test on the Yamanaka. He would want to see how the Yamanaka heiress handled herself when faced with such a situation. While she was lauded for her manipulations, Itachi was a master, and he knew that a girl like Ino was a woman first and foremost. Seeing Itachi opt for another more attractive but less suitable figure would enrage her sense of pride. The Uchiha Elders would expect her to put up with it, especially since they were not married or engaged yet. After all he was still young, and sowing his oats.
However, in the end business was business. Itachi was an Uchiha. He would have to ensure that Deidara would opt to work with the Uchiha despite this and Ino. Perhaps it was time he had a direct discussion with the man himself. That had to be done, tomorrow, right after he discussed this with grandfather tonight and the Uchiha family at Sunday's breakfast.
Satisfied that he had a master plan to handle this situation going in, which would ensure the outcome he wanted, Itachi realized the only thing he actually would have trouble with, was finding another candidate for his marriage plans. It was unlikely he would get away without having to marry someone. It would only leave the door open to more manipulations and offers from other influential families. He would have to ensure what he wanted was what he got in the end.
On this front he was drawing a big blank. Even other nations did not have an ideal person for this role of the matriarch. After a moment of concern, Itachi calmly accepted that he would have to wait and see if serendipity answered his need. He certainly hoped it would. Otherwise , things were going to get complicated.
OOOOOOOOO
It was past 1 am when Kisame pulled through the massive gates that guarded the Uchiha enclosure within which the Uchiha compound where the homes were located. Alighting out of the car before the large traditional Japanese style home, Itachi was met at the front door by Uchiha Ramsey, the family's long time butler.
"Welcome home, my Lord Uchiha", Ramsey solemnly greeted, as he took Itachi's winter trench, handing it off deftly to a nearby maid, who looked alert despite the lateness of the hour.
"Ramsey." Itachi fondly put a hand upon the elderly man's shoulder. This was the man who had watched him learn how to ride a bike and bandaged his scrapes when he fell. He was in a way, more of a father figure than Fugaku had been. "I hope you are well?"
"Indeed." The butler tilted his head in acknowledgment of their affection, and only the glint in his old eyes signaled any emotion of happiness the old man felt. Ramsey would never countence an outward show of emotion. It just wasn't done when one was an Uchiha.
"Is great grandfather still awake?" Itachi enquired. "I am quite late, but must meet him if he is still up."
"Yes, he asked you be shown to his quarters. He was awaiting your return." Turning, Ramsey signaled for Itachi to follow him towards the elder's room.
The Uchiha main house was built in the traditional way, with simple lines and more austerity to its furnishings and décor. Unlike the Yamanaka's, there was little plush furniture or gilding to be seen in the clean lines and white walls of the large house. It was the aware and observant eye that would note the long history of wealth, culture, tradition and the respectful maintenance of it reflected in the high sheen polished teak wood floors and the priceless antique Asian wood furniture, screens, and thick tatami mats and wall hangings that graced the house.
Itachi followed up the well known steps to the first floor double doors that led to great grandfather's room. Ramsey gently tapped the door twice, announcing Itachi had arrived. The muted but clearly voiced, "Enter," allowing them in was heard.
Ramsey slid the teak wood and rice paper Shoji screen door, bowing as he gestured Itachi forward. Itachi entered, his socks soft on the hard teak.
A fire crackled dimly within the room, before which sat an ancient regal man, who despite his age, radiated straight posture, privilege and power.
White hair, full of volume, grew vertically jagged in spikes from his scalp; the leonine mane remaining thick and lush despite age, growing long to taper at mid back. It framed his extraordinarily handsome and attractive face, with well structured regal features that bespoke of good breeding, power and privilege. High cheekbones and a wide mouth with thinned lips balanced out his dark, black, deep set, powerful eyes: Eyes that had spent nearly a century watching the world and controlling it. He was a man whose eyes could see more than Itachi's own could, within a glance. His tall height and well built frame were not hidden despite his being seated, and whispered at what he might have been in his prime. There was something ancient about him, with an aura that demanded respectful compliance, though physically he appeared only to be around age 70. He was a very attractive man, and one could see what Itachi and Sasuke would come to be, when reaching his age. The Uchiha features aged like wine after all.
Enthroned upon a plantation chair of quality high shine teak and woven rattan, he radiated his awareness of his own power and influence. This was a man who controlled the world from a breakfast table within the Uchiha compound. Who could pull the most influential of strings like a puppet master, despite not having been the patriarch for over 5 decades.
"Great grandfather.," Itachi bowed deeply in acknowledgement.
"Come in Itachi." Uchiha Madara's voice was clear and powerful.
Ramsey dismissed himself to send a maid with cups of warm milk for both men, a family tradition between them.
Itachi moved forward, when a mere lift of an ancient hand, gestured for him to seat himself upon the opposite placed matching chair, in front of the hearth.
Elegantly folding himself into it, he carefully studied the way age had carved lines of time into the face of a man who had always seemed so undefeatable. Age was catching up with Uchiha Madara despite how well he handled it. "Are you keeping well, great grandfather?" Itachi enquired.
Dark eyes, much like his own studied him in return. A regal nod was all he would get in response to his enquiry.
"I apologize for the lateness of the hour. It took me some time to return from Kohona this evening." Itachi continued.
"– You were properly introduced by Inochi? I assume it went well, Itachi?" Ancient dark eyes carefully studied his great grandson, to see what the unspoken response would be.
Itachi nodded, aware of the observant dark pools that watched him. In this house, you did not openly complain nor object. Only in matters of bad business was it acceptable to protest anything directly. Carefully couched words would convey meaning, as the Uchiha often understood that what was not said was more important.
"Yes. I was welcomed well, and introduced by Lord Inochi Yamanaka to his daughter, Ino. Deidara was in attendance as well."
Aware that he was being evaluated by his response, for his interest and input of the situation and future plans it entailed, Itachi waited for the next question, which would allow him to convey his message. It would not have escaped great grandfather's notice, that Itachi had not used any positive words, when describing Ino, which would be interpreted appropriately.
"She is one of the most beautiful and capable girls of this generation. I hope you found her adequate?" came the rapid response, as a white brow quirked up, to convey disbelief if any fault was to be found with the girl.
"Yes, indeed great grandfather," Itachi smiled softly, bowing just his head in acceptance, well aware of the dark gaze that was analyzing him. " She is very beautiful, and socially capable, not to mention there is great respect for her intelligence and known business sense. "
An intentional significant pause later, Itachi looked up, holding dark eyes much like his own, as he responded. "She is very much like Mother in that way." He held his grandfathers gaze, unwavering, and unwilling to back away from that statement.
Ancient sunken dark eyes immediately narrowed.
Ah. His message had been received.
"It would be premature to judge her your mother's equal at this stage, would it not?" came the steely soft response.
Itachi held his elder's gaze for a long moment, before he shifted his stare into the fire burning at the hearth, as he raised the cup and sipped the warm milk that had been set up for them to have. Sometimes, no response would speak volumes.
"Hn." Came the acknowledgement to his well couched complaint. "Is there anyone more ideal that you have in mind?" came the next expected query. The question was more towards asking if Itachi could find someone more qualified and appropriate for his matriarch, than what Madara had found, than a query into his other interests or options.
"Ah." Itachi merely continued to hold his silence. It would be best not to respond. While he had not introduced any woman to his family, that did not mean he was celibate.
"Surely, you are not thinking to take one of those typical models or acting floozies more seriously?"- The subtle sardonic question came, as the elder settled back into his chair, his eyes mocking.
Itachi smiled. Though he had not introduced his "floozies", that did not mean Uchiha Madara would not know about them.
"No." Itachi concurred.
"Hm." Satisfied, Madara leaned back once again, to analyze the stoic, poker faced, youth before him. While he had raised this boy more than his own son, Itachi was one who never allowed anyone to see what lay beneath his mask. Madara knew his great grandson well enough to know that to press him into a relationship right now would backfire. Subtle maneuvering and stealth would be required and would serve him better in ensuring Itachi complied.
"I will entrust you with the analysis and progression then, of this suite- Itachi."
He feigned closing his eyes while drinking his warm milk, as he covertly observed the slight narrowing of his great grandson's gaze upon him, with that statement.
Ever the worthy adversary, his grandson finally responded with a noncommittal , "Hn."
Mimicking his great grandsire, he too settled back, and sipped his warm milk. A silent moment stretched between them.
"However much I respect your esteemed selection, Great grandfather," Itachi finally broke in, " I had not thought for the position of matriarch with any great seriousness yet. I am yet young. "
Ah. How astute of him, since Madara concurred. It would be a few years yet. Itachi's point was valid. However, Ino was an ideal choice for a matriarch. Inochi would likely not wait long to ask for another meet up, though Madara doubted Inochi expected a marriage until a year or two later.
Itachi looked up at the crackling flames before them, as he carefully announced, "However- as you have entrusted this affair to my discretion, I will ensure to look into it when the time is right."
Madara showed no emotion, but he read right through that statement. Itachi would not court the girl at this moment, though he was very obviously aware of his responsibility to marry and to meet the standard set by Ino. Carefully contemplating his great grandson's statement, Madara ultimately decided that it would be best not to respond. There was currently no young woman on par with the Yamanaka heiress. Itachi would be hard pressed to surpass her with any other candidate.
"Very well." Madara regally acquiesced. "You are aware of your duty and what it takes to become an Uchiha matriarch. I will leave it to your capable hands. "
With that, Madara rang for his personal Valet, Uchiha Benderu . " I will turn in now, Itachi. We shall see each other in the morning. "
Itachi rose as Benderu came swiftly in, as if he had been awaiting his call. The man bowed slightly at Itachi, before moving to assist the elder Uchiha up.
"It is late Grandfather. I shall bid you goodnight. "
"Ah." Madara acknowledged with a regal nod, eyes softening with affection for only a moment, as as his impossibly handsome great grandson swiftly moved to buss his cheek with a gentle kiss, and squeeze his hand with gentle affection, before bowing and swiftly exiting.
"He will not easily comply." Benderu softly whispered, as the door clicked closed behind Itachi.
Uchiha Benderu was entrusted with some of Uchiha Madara's deepest thoughts since he had served as the elder's personal valet and hand man for decades now, and had been a friend since childhood. He was more open than most of the Uchiha house staff were with the elder Uchiha. He was the only one whom Madara would have tolerated it from.
Grinning softly, as they moved to towards the attached bedroom, Madara softly laughed. "I am well aware of that. However he will be hard pressed to find a girl better than this."
Benderu wisely held his counsel. He had the uncomfortable sense that for once, the Uchiha elder was being too hopeful. However, their current young patriarch was unpredictable. Who knew- perhaps Itachi would take a shine to the girl over the next year or so. Instead of voicing anything negative, Benderu decided watchful waiting would be best. "Let us get you into bed, it is much too late."
"Phsh!" Madara grumbled as he swatted away Benderu's hand from holding him up. He was not yet so decrepit and invalid as to need someone to walk him over like a human crutch. With surprising agility and speed, the ancient elder walked himself towards his bed to sit upon it, to prove his silent point to Benderu. Settling into it, he removed his Uchiha crested house coat, and handed it the valet, before getting settled to sleep.
"I have chronic insomnia." The Uchiha elder parted one last pearl of information and insight. " It is you who are in a rush to get to your own slumber!"
Benderu grinned fondly at the curmudgeon whom he truly respected and loved. "I apologize, sir. Is there anything else you would need?"
Madara harrumphed, and allowed his valet to pull up the heavy covers around him.
Turning off the lights, and gating the hearth fire, Benderu bowed from near the doors. "Goodnight, Sir."
A soft but cultured "Good night, Benderu." floated after him, as Benderu exited closing the door shut behind him. Benderu hastened off to his own bed. Tomorrow would be a busy morn, given the weekly Uchiha family breakfast would occur. He needed to get at least a bit of shut eye to be functional for Madara in the morning.
OOOOOOOOOO
(Yamanaka Clan Home, Konoha – Fire Nation)
Izumi found herself coming back to her senses as Hiashi helped her up from the bed she had been place in with her brother's guest room. She desperately attempted to control the flush of humiliation that spread upon her face, when she realized what had happened. She had allowed Kakashi Hatake to affect her enough that she had publicly swooned.
It was a rare moment, for Izumi (who was the epitome of polite good manners, proper breeding and emotional control), to realize that even she was susceptible to that man's particular brand of manipulation. She had always been aware of those people who were trying to cause her emotional turmoil, and had never allowed herself to react in the past. It was mortifying that she had allowed it to happen now- well into her prime, at an age where she had thought nothing could faze her again.
Kakashi Hatake was the son and heir of Sakumo Hatake. The Hatake were well known dog breeders for generations, when a young genius Kakashi had begun a gene identification, enhancement, and pet cloning company prior to his father's death. When Sakumo had passed, Mikoto Uchiha had ensured her cousin's son was supported, and helped him gain the talent and training needed to branch into other genetic research and cutting edge tech that would put the collected human and animal gene data base to work for medical and genetic research. Now , the Hatake were the premier producers of genetically enhanced canines that could help track down literally anything or anyone when given a scent. They also ran a bio- genetics company related to this science- and held several cutting edge patents for gene splicing between plant, animal and humans- with experimentations of the same which was all conducted either under Uchiha or Senju facilities outside of Kohona. Kakashi begun it at the mere age of 14 and had been nothing but smashingly prodigal at growing it further one he inherited it at age 16.
Unfortunately, his Uchiha mother and Mikoto's influence in his upbringing were obvious. He was known for being a confirmed bachelor at the age of 42 now. He led the stylish wealthy set of Kohona's bachelors and their social circle ruthlessly, thriving off of cruel gossip and social out casting. If anyone found themselves ostracized in Kohona- it was often due to this man and his ilk. However, to classify him a mere society monkey would be inaccurate. Kakashi was not so simple. He was politically connected- with the current Kage of Kohona, Minato Namikaze, being his Godfather and mentor. His mother was an Uchiha by birth, who had married the Hatake heir through the careful plans of the Uchiha elder, and Mikoto had been his god mother and a first cousin to his mother.
While the Uchiha influence did aid him, he was not a pure bred Uchiha, and was somewhat of an outsider. However, to think he had no relationship or was an outcast would be incorrect. He was definitely aided, and in turn definitely collaborated with them. However, he never limited himself to being seen as an Uchiha. This was actually a boon, as people often forgot he had something of them in him, since the only thing he shared with the Uchiha side was his dark deep set eyes.
Instead, he was a man who had served during the last Great War as a prodigal general in the Military forces, and come out top dog- with all the awards, accolades and the innate connections that it gave, both in government and politics. It was how he and Minato were so close- the Namikaze being his commander during the war. He had been a high caliber spy, as well as a silent assassination commander. Izumi was leery but frightened exactly how much the man knew about everything in Konoha and about her. It was her deepest fear that her stupid moment of weakness would be found out by Hiashi, and Hatake was not a man to mention things, without a reason.
But she would not cower. No. Now she had much to do. She would have to protect herself, and her position and marriage. If that took her up against Kakashi- then so be it. After all, Izumi had been the Yamanaka Heiress prior to Ino. The Yamanaka produced fierce women who were not afraid to fight for what they wished to have, and were simultaneously blessed with cunning minds to ensure they got what they wanted most of the time.
Izumi had held that crown and title far before Ino. But as with all good things, her idyllic days had ended with her marriage to Hiashi Hyuga, who had been the love of her life… but she had not been his. It had been one of the most humiliating events of her life, to find that she had been a rebound of sorts, and a second choice. Much like Ino- Izumi had never thought that would be the outcome of her ambitions.
Then Hiashi fell into the web of attraction which Mikoto Uchiha had woven over him. Hiashi, who had always adored Mikoto and competed with Fugaku Uchiha, had lost himself in Mikoto's web of lust and one up-manship against his life rival. Izumi had found herself at a loss at how to fix the issue. Nothing she did made her husband return back to her loving arms or their home. Even his children seemed a failure, when compared to that of the perfect Mikoto. Hinata had grown not seeing her father, as he spent his nights deluded in that wicked seductress's arms.
After their marriage turned to dust, and failed- remaining a cold shell of what it had once been, Izumi, in a selfish retaliatory mistake, she had seduced the then 18 year old Itachi during an Uchiha event much like today; it had been born from her urge to take away from Mikoto something as precious as her husband had been to her. Instead it had become something she had always long regretted.
And yet- he had at 18 been an amazing lover and had never treated her as less afterwards in public. Itachi had become someone she felt protective of despite her history with him and with his mother. Of course, her own life would be hellish if her niece ever found out about her transgressions with the man- though it had been years ago. But despite her own need to ensure Ino and Itachi never happened, Izumi found herself feeling that Itachi himself did not disserve a wife like Ino, after surviving a mother like Mikoto Uchiha.
At 18, Itachi had already been jaded and dissolution by the trustworthiness of women. Izumi had found that night, that she was ashamed of having lived up to his poor opinion of women in general. Stemming from his own mother, and compounded by the experiences he had had with her friends, and others of their sex- it had resulted in him not truly trusting any female. But Izumi had lost any chance to lecture Itachi that not all women were like Mikoto - though she desperately had wanted to.
That night, after they had first made love, Itachi had realized Mikoto and Hiashi had been together and concluded why Izumi had sought him out. It had been her forthcoming truthfulness when he asked her, for why she had sought out his bed and company that had mollified him, though he had not been surprised a woman would stoop as low as she had that night. He had however, not been bored or amoral enough to indulge in the pleasures of her flesh after that realization – and Izumi had truly never in her life felt so ashamed of something she had done.
It was because of this night, and her husband's indiscretions with that woman; that Izumi had no marital aspirations for her own daughter with the Uchiha heir. Not that Hinata's blandness would attract a man such as Itachi- though her innocence might have addressed his trust issues with the female sex. But Hinata would be eaten alive in that house- and would not survive it. However, while she had no wants to marry her own child into the Uchiha clan( unlike most of the other stunned families tonight), she could not tolerate Ino gaining the power the Uchiha name would grant her. Not because of jealousy- but because her dangerous niece would become an unstoppable unforgiving force with such backing. And Izumi was well aware that she was most likely number one on Ino's payback list of things to come….
And now- it was coming back after years to bite her back. Realizing that Hiashi was leading her outside, to alight into their chauffer driven Rolls, Izumi, got in, and felt the stress decompress. She allowed the relief and drowsy sensation to take over her, and did not respond to her husband, when he began to inquire into what had happened. After all, there was no possible truthful way she could answer….
OOOOOOO
Freshly bathed, Ino sat enthroned upon her vanity- built of creamy marble, glass and gold- while encased in a deep blue silk robe. Slender neck, legs and arms flashed about in her reflection, as she waited for the face mask to rejuvenate her before she headed to sleep. The party had run late into the morning, and fresh out of her shower, she was pleasantly exhausted and ready to sleep. The party had been a smashing success. No one had left early- well except one particular eligible bachelor….
A small frown formed as she contemplated him, when compared to the other men there tonight who had sought her company. While one could not find fault with his behavior, it had a distinct lack of interest, his eyes masking his true thoughts with an impenetrable mask upon his face. Remembering the hanging on toads, that had followed him each time after they danced, she once again smiled. It must have been unusual for him to even be there, so she likely had nothing to worry.
She would be stupid to think that everyone in her social strata was lucky enough to marry only for love or ended up in love, and this was evidenced by the discreet affairs that occurred among the married adults. One was considered very lucky when love and business aligned and led to love, and one's husband or wife did not lose interest after years of marriage, or have a paramour to bed at night.
However, understanding and knowing that did not make it personally acceptable. Ino knew she would not be able to tolerate that, unless it was she who strayed first. She sincerely hoped she would be able to infatuate the Uchiha scion to her side and have him feel and behave towards her as most men did. She had never had to deal with a relationship with a man who was not interested in her as much as he was in her family connections. Ino knew she was just that beautiful and talented.
A frown deepened – marring her perfect pleasant beauty, as she recalled her brother's input into the issue of Itachi. Shaking off the uncertainty, she hardened her resolve to ensure that the man would fall for her. Forcing her frown to go, she coyly smiled at herself- observing her own beauty and poise within her dressing mirror. Despite the confident girl she saw, she felt irritated that she could only try to ensure things, and hope that she would get Itachi's name and love… suddenly realizing that she was not the type of girl to accept anything less than the best for herself.
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Author Note:
Ok- well, this chapter was supposed to go up October, if I follow my 3 month update rule,but after realizing you all wanted Sakura in this much earlier than I had planned, I re wrote what I had, and ended up realizing there was a lot of stuff I had to add in order to ensure a smooth transition. So a whole 3 new chapters got written, and I could not publish until I got them perfectly working with the existing story.
The original chapter I wrote up for Chapter 3 was a very detailed Uchiha family history, and lets say I heard all of you when you noted the details were getting to you. I therefore felt publishing that would lead to loss of interest and possibly ruin the story. However, you will see a summary of that original chapter's information in a future chapter, because I feel it would detract from the story to not know it.
As for Sakura- she will debut in Chapter 4 - the one next. I have it written up, and am editing it for simple grammer and spelling so that it is not totally terrible. However, I think I am going to be juvenile and say that reviews will speed me up. ;)
I will address all my dear reviewers from Chapter 2 feedback, when I get Chapter 4 up. You were really the reason I even got to this now and worked on it a bit every day for the past few months over the holidays wehn I had time... Thank you. I appreciate all the great reviews, likes and feedback! I apologize for not addressing all of your awesome feed back here, but I bet you would all rather get the next chapter with Sakura in it faster. And there is only so much time and hands that I have to do things. So till next time.
Happy New Year everyone.
Thank you for your time reading. Please do leave me a review. I don't want to say I need 10 or 20 , but that would be nice - neh?
Seshaddict.
