A/N: Chapter 4 is finally here!!I'm sorry that it took longer than expected haha. But i guess the progress of this story will speed up after this chapter! Enjoy :)

--Chapter 4--

"What...What the hell did you just do?"

"I killed him." Sasuke simply stated, an eyebrow raising at her expression. He certainly had not expected the princess to be angry, since he had saved her from that man. He was on standby since the moment they entered the guest room. Although he knew that Sakura could manage just fine without his intervention, that man's chakra signature just felt so wrong on so many levels. They were lucky he didn't pulled any jutsus on them. Tch. What is she so mad about anyway? Wasn't it settled already?

"He's not dead."

"What?" He spoke, confused.

"Orochimaru is practically immortal. He can transfer bodies at any time." said Sakura as she pointed to the snake's body. "Look, he's already shedded his skin. That's just an empty shell now." The uchiha's eyes slowly travelled to the body, his eyes widened in bewilderment. He hadn't seen anything like this before. Well, he did look like a snake."Ah...so he's still alive."

"That's not the problem." she spoke through gritted teeth, fists clenching and unclenching.

"Then what is it?" Sasuke asked, unsure of where this was going.

"You. You're the problem. If you hadn't butted in, i would've found out why he's after me." she glared intently at the prince with frustration. "Since he escaped, I have to wait for god knows how long until the next time he comes. And i still don't know what he wants from me." Sakura took a deep breath in order to calm herself down.

Upon hearing this, the Uchiha averted his dark orbs from her. He wasn't the type to interfere with someone else's business- and she did tell him not to be involved. Since when was he such a busybody? The two were quiet for a moment as Sakura eyed the young man who seemed to be deep in thought.

"Hn. Then we'll just get him the next time he attacks." Sasuke shrugged, eyes locking on with her emerald ones . "What makes you so sure that we'll get him?"The princess mumbled, still bitter but in awe of his confidence. She was sure he was reflecting on his actions just a moment ago.

"Tch. Because you have me." he smirked confidently, causing her eyes to widen with surprise. So...that's his sole reason? Ha, this guy sure is reckless. Sure, he is an Uchiha -the famed clan blessed with a powerful bloodline- who is one of the strongest in this kingdom...Ah. That's why he's so confident.

"Aren't you the smug one." she laughed with glee, completely forgetting about her frustration. Sasuke rolled his eyes, surprised by her change in mood. What was so funny anyway?She sure is such a ball of energy...He watched as she cooled down from all that laughter before continuing.

"Anyways, I'll call the ANBU to clean up this mess." he turned to look at the bodies lying on the marbled floor. Sakura's eyes that were filled with tears of laughter seconds ago hardened as she turned her attention to the 2 bodies. She was filled with empathy, staring at the servant girl's lifeless body. God, she's been on such a emotional rollercoaster ride -and the day wasn't even over yet.

"I wanted her to have a second chance at life..." she muttered under her breath. She realised that many more people are going to be hurt because of her, as long as Orochimaru was still alive. Sakura looked back up to meet Sasuke's eyes. " A-Are you sure that you still want to be by my side, even though you're at risk of getting hurt or...killed?"

The prince,who somehow knew what she was thinking about, sighed in reaction to her insecurity. "As I've said, we'll definitely defeat him once and for all. Besides, there's no way i could leave your side, unless i want to start a political war."

"Heh...guess I'm stuck with you from today onwards."spoke the princess, faking disappointment.

"Hn. Get used to it." smirked the Uchiha as he extended his hand for her to hold. She smiled gently as she took hold of it. His hand was so warm, was it heated up by his Chidori? Sakura mused to herself as the prince led her out of the room.

"Alright, I'll investigate. For now, bring Sakura-san to the infirmary." spoke the head of the Anbu - Kakashi Hatake. His exposed eye skimmed through the report and eyed the couple. They weren't injured, given that these two may be the most powerful couple in the country. What a power couple...thought Kakashi, as Sasuke nodded his head while the princess smiled appreciatively.

"Ah. Before i forget...Congratulations on your marriage, Your highnesses" his eye crinkled, indicating that he was smiling behind his mask.

"Thank you, Kakashi-san" Sakura said shyly while Sasuke gave a "hn" as acknowledgement. With that, they left his office, giving him time to think.

Orochimaru huh...to think that he had migrated to this kingdom...Kakashi stared at the folder containing the details of the rogue ninja. He had encountered the man years ago, when Orochimaru had just defected from his country. Apparently, his goal was to obtain the royal family's kekkei genkai- the sharingan; and 8 year old Sasuke was just the perfect target. He soon escaped, knowing that he stood no chance against Itachi Uchiha - the young prodigy - and Kakashi himself -the famous copy ninja.

But...Why did he bother striking even though he knew he was going to lose?

Unless...it was a warning?

Kakashi leaned back against his chair and pinched the bridge of his nose, his eye never leaving that folder. He definitely didn't like where this was going.

"WHA-?Sakura-chan was attacked!?"

"Keep it down, dobe. It's not like she was hurt or anything." Shrugged the black haired prince as he took a seat on the couch in the tea room. The banquet had ended an hour after the incident,all the guests had left, except for Naruto Uzumaki.

"Sakura-chan, are you sure you're alright?" his sky-blue eyes staring worriedly at her face.

"According to Rin-san, I'm in perfect health ." assured Sakura as she did her best to calm the blonde man, earning a satisfying sigh of relief from him.

"But what does this Orochimaru guy want from you?"

"I don't know...i don't remember having any special trait or bloodline limit." the pink medic shook her head.

"He said you possessed something." stated Sasuke, clearly deep in thought.The room was silent for a moment as the trio furrowed their brows in an effort to find an explanation.

"It looks like..."started Naruto as he captured their attention, both looking at him expectantly.

"I've got nothing." he laughed sheepishly as Sasuke and Sakura let out a sigh in defeat.

"In any case, our main priority is to protect the princess." Their ears perked up at the familiar voice as they turned towards the doorway, where Kakashi stood at. The silver haired man went ahead and took a seat next to the blonde.

"That's for sure-ttebayo! Leave the protecting to us!" declared the uzumaki as he beamed with confidence - He definitely did not want anyone to hurt his best friend's wife. The said couple rolled their eyes simultaneously at the blonde's declaration. Sakura knew that she was capable of protecting herself-Sasuke knew that fact too, after that spar earlier on. But...who knew how strong this enemy was? They couldn't risk any chances and let their guard down.

"Sasuke, i need you to stay by Sakura-san's side at all costs. That shouldn't be an issue though, since you're married and all..." laughed the Copy ninja, earning a slight blush from the both of them. Wait a second, both of them? Sasuke? Blushing? The arrogant Uchiha was blushing!? Even though it was only for a split second, Kakashi had seen him tense up with a tint of pink dusting his pale cheeks. Sasuke's former teacher smirked behind his mask. There was finally a subject to tease the Uchiha prince with.

"Ah." The prince responded as he slumped in his couch, clearly tired out from today's activities. The wedding, spar, banquet...and that encounter with Orochimaru. What an eventful day it was. All Sasuke wanted right now was to sleep - in his own,comfy,bed - Crap. He's not sleeping alone anymore. He glanced at Sakura, who was giggling at whatever the blonde had said. Was she even aware of this yet?

"Oh." muttered Sakura under her breath, which was clearly heard by the raven-haired man. They were at the doorstep of a bedroom - their bedroom - when realisation hit her. They were going to sleep in the same room from this day onwards.

"What's wrong?" asked the uchiha in a cool voice. But, he wasn't actually cool-headed at the moment. He was just as anxious as she was. Just yesterday he was sleeping alone on his own king-sized bed and enjoying his single life. He should have cherished those moments, which were now gone forever.

"N-Nothing. It's just that...you know...same bed and all…" she spoke as she fumbled with her kimono.

"Ha? The kingdom's greatest medic nin, strongest kunoichi is afraid of sharing a bed with-"

"S-Shut up." she cut his sentence off, thoroughly embarrassed by it. Sasuke smirked, clearly amused by her facial expression. Maybe sharing a room wasn't so bad after all.

Tch. Why does he keep mocking her? Doesn't he feel just as awkward as she was? Though, it wasn't her first time sleeping next to the opposite gender, she had done so on many missions. Although she was a princess, she wasn't a sheltered one. She had chosen the shinobi way of life instead of being just a powerless girl protected by guards. Despite her parents' worries, Sakura's determination and hard work enabled her to move up in ranks. And Tsunade's mentorship allowed her to excel in medical ninjutsu. Hell, she surpassed her mentor at the age of 15! Now that she thought through it, why was she afraid of sharing a bed with a guy? Sakura's rational thinking erased all her embarrassment as she regained her composure.

"Let's just go and wash up." she rolled her eyes at Sasuke who still had a smug look on his face. The sudden change in her attitude left him dumbfounded. "Heh, she recovers fast." Thought the Uchiha as he watched her disappear into the bathroom. He needed to change out of this attire too. It's uncomfortable.

A/N: And that's a wrap for chapter 4! I've finally finished day 1 of their encounter. Longest day ever HAHA! What do you think of that brief Team 7 moment? In my opinion, i think Kakashi's the biggest sasusaku supporter HAHAHA. Please rate and review!

(Legend says that if one receives MANY reviews, the next chapter will arrive faster)