A/N: Sorry for the delay; I went on vacation for a week then got back and had some things to work out here at home, and I now have a boyfriend so that adds to things. So, anyway, here is the long-awaited chapter six xD

A/N (05/04/11): I AM SO SORRY! NO EXCUSES! x.x

Based on The Lion King II: Simba's Pride

Borderlines – Chapter 6
Year 2010; Tokyo, Japan

The door unlocked with ease, Ibiki pushing it open to display a pitch black interior. His large form stepped into the decently sized building and immediately turned to the right. A moment or two later, all lights went on and he beckoned the Uchiha inside.

To Sasuke, it was nothing special. He had seen guest houses much more complex and elaborate, but the Haruno's choice of decor had a certain form of comfort that he had never felt in other abodes. The colours themselves were rather welcoming, presenting the walls, flooring, furniture and wall hangings in a vast array of light greens, blues, and golds. A large chandelier hung from the ceiling in the front lobby, illuminating the entire area, and even a few of the corresponding corridors with a soft, warm glow. It was homey, and for a brief moment, the Uchiha heir wanted nothing more than to remain at this residence for longer than his allotted timeframe.

"There are five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a dining hall, a kitchen, a lounge, living area, recreation room, and out the back, a sundeck overlooking a spacious pool," Ibiki informed flatly. "You will have staff of your own to wait on you, so there is no need for your appearance in the main house."

Sasuke wanted to roll his eyes, but for the sake of the plot and to earn the trust of the Haruno help, he gave a brief nod. "Fine."

Ibiki narrowed his eyes. He didn't trust the Uchiha; that much was obvious. With a grunt, the large man turned and left the way they had entered, closing the door securely behind him. Sasuke was now alone.

The black haired man peered around the foyer now that he was without company. It was a great deal bigger than he definitely would've thought with four hallways leading into separate areas of the house. A grand, sweeping staircase led from the farthest wall to the upper floor which from where he stood, could only be seen as a partial balcony and other doorways leading elsewhere. He knew he would be comfortable, and it just made things all the easier.

With nothing else left for the Uchiha to do currently, he took the opportunity in exploring the building. Fairly modern furnishings, rooms full of comfort pieces. Sasuke climbed the stairs, and began looking through the rooms there, choosing the room in which he would be staying without hesitation, and to his great delight, it had a balcony. He wasted no time in opening the French-style doors, stepping out onto the overhang that held a gorgeous view of the entire back expanse of the Haruno's property. He was pleased, and even allowed a light smirk to grace his patrician features.

Sasuke's attention strayed then from the yard and to the Haruno manor, studying the back architecture carefully. There was no real need for his observations but it was almost as if he were drawn to look. Drawn to see what the building was made from, or how it stood upright without assistance. He realized a few moments later that it wasn't the building, but rather movement in one of the large bay windows. It was his delight to realize that Sakura was the one moving about the room, clad in a silky robe that hid her body from view. He was sure she was wearing little beneath it.

A sudden wave of what could only be considered possessiveness washed over him, and the Uchiha's smirk disappeared off his face. The woman he was supposed to use in order to get to the man that killed his father...he was becoming attracted to her, he could feel it. And he knew he couldn't stop it. She was one of the most beautiful women he had laid eyes on, and he felt every desire to claim her as his own. This mission just grew more complicated.

The phone in his pocket suddenly began to ring, and a quick hand withdrew it to bring to his ear. "Uchiha Sasuke."

"So you do have it." It was Itachi.

Sasuke shifted so that he was leaning his back against the rail, one arm bent at the elbow and resting casually on the surface of the railing. "You saw that, did you?"

"And here we thought you were going to be the odd one out. Oh well, I suppose you are a true Uchiha after all." Laughter followed.

The dark-haired man couldn't help but scowl at his brother's mirth. "Why have you called, Itachi."

"To prove a point. Do not worry, mother did not see."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Is that the only reason?"

"Well, now that you mention it..."

There was a brief pause and Sasuke knew it was all to spite him. "Itachi, I have work to do."

"Alright, alright. Keep your panties on." More laughter. "Time to get serious, ne? Tell me what you are thinking, otōto."

Sasuke let out a sigh, twisting to glance briefly over his shoulder and once more at Sakura's window. She was no longer visible, but the light in the room was still glowing, and her shadow could be seen against the wall. It appeared as if she were preparing herself for an early night, probably under her parents' orders. A faint smirk lit his lips.

"Otōto?"

Sasuke sighed once more. "I have a bit of a dilemma."

"And that would be...?"

He bit his lip. "I think I'm falling for her, aniki."

Silence.

"I realize it's not ideal...and it will pose a lot of problems..."

"Sasuke, what on earth are you thinking." Itachi's voice was low and subdued. "You cannot fall in love with the enemy. It is taboo, and you know that. What will mother think?"

Sasuke frowned. "She won't think anything because she isn't going to know!"

"That is what you think. You cannot keep this from her forever, otōto. She will figure it out."

"No," Sasuke replied adamantly. "There is no way in hell she's going to know, because I won't let her."

"Drop the idea, Sasuke. You are betrothed to Karin, and have been since a very young age, not to mention that Haruno is the daughter of our family's enemy."

Sasuke exhaled sharply. "I know, I know."

"Then be a smart little boy, get on with your mission, and forget such a woman exists. It is for the best of everyone; your family, the company..."

"I know already! Damnit, Itachi, shut the fuck up. I know it's wrong, but I'm just as much a man as you are! Tell me that you didn't think her fucking attractive when you saw her!"

Itachi was silent once more. After a moment or two, he sighed. "You have a lovely woman waiting here for you. Haruno Sakura is worthless to our family except when used as bait. Get your head together." And he hung up.

Sasuke wanted to hurl his phone across the entire expanse of the Haruno backyard. His brother was nothing short of infuriating, and he had no way of making him out to be helpful. It was because Itachi was jealous, and he knew that all too well. Hell, he even tried taking Karin – which he gladly would've obliged by letting him do so – when they were in high school! What kind of brother did that?

With a firm shake of his head, the Uchiha stormed back into his new temporary bedroom, closing the door to the balcony behind him and drawing the curtains. He had some strategizing to do.

=(x)=

"Any last words, Akaroshi?"

Akarui stared in utter dismay, watching as his father was restrained by the two large brutes whom had been hired by Fugaku for such an occasion. He was reliving that day, the day his father had been murdered, but now, instead of hesitating in a child's body, he was a fully grown adult surveying the scene through matured eyes. It was still as difficult to watch as it had been when he was a child.

"Don't do this, Uchiha," Akaroshi announced fiercely, defiantly. "You don't want a death on your hands to taint your business, do you?"

Akarui shifted his gaze to Fugaku. The dark haired Uchiha grinned uncontrollably with those words, and a chuckle was emanating from the depths of his throat. "Of course you, of ALL people, would plead for mercy with your dying monologue!"

The head of the Haruno clan glared in return, still rather bold despite his predicament. He didn't seem to think Fugaku would do much harm to him. Or, he did, but wasn't afraid in the least of what was to come.

Fugaku gave a brief shake of his head before turning on his heel, gesturing for the men to do as they had been brought to this place to complete. "Throw him over the edge." He then began to walk away.

Akarui stared with widened eyes as his father was led to the edge of the cliff, but before Akaroshi was sent hurtling over the edge, the current patriarch found himself bolting forward, briefly understanding his motives. He leapt for his father, grabbing onto him before he fell too far, and held on with dear life.

"Akarui!" Akaroshi exclaimed, breathing deeply. His body had slammed into a hard edge when he was caught, and inhalation had become a tad difficult. "Let me go!"

"No, father!" Akarui replied desperately. "I won't let you die!"

Akaroshi attempted to grab onto Akarui with his other hand, but it did him little good. He sighed, releasing his son so that the weight of his body was no longer hindered.

"Father!" Akarui exclaimed, unable to prevent his downfall any further. Akaroshi's hands slipped from his grasp, and he watched with pain-laced eyes as the man he had grown to know and love as a father, plummeted toward the bottom of the steep ravine. "NO!"

By this time, Fugaku had taken notice of his presence, and the henchmen that had restricted his father's movements were now on either side of him, yanking him from the ground and to a standing position.

"Well, well, what do we have here?"

Akarui's eyes narrowed fiercely, and he had to restrain himself from stooping so low as to spit on the opponent. "Uchiha Fugaku!"

The Uchiha head seemed to find this all rather amusing, and let it show quite blatantly on his aristocratic features. "You must be Akarui, I'd presume."

Akarui shook his head. "Let me go, Fugaku!"

"And why would I do that? It seems that Akaroshi was only one of two men I need to dispose of in order to get where I want in this world. You, the offspring, happen to be the second. So, tell me, Akarui-chan," Fugaku murmured with the grin growing slightly. "Any last words or requests?"

Akarui clenched his teeth, his lips drawn back to display the perfect white enamel he bared at his opponent. "Yes, actually. Go to fucking hell!"

Fugaku began to laugh maniacally, his head thrown back in display of the great hilarity of it all. "No, I've not quite finished my time here. Especially now, considering I've just secured myself, not only the rank of most powerful CEO in all the Eastern hemisphere, but as well two beautiful women who I'm sure will do anything for the man who tried to save their loved ones!"

Akarui's eyes grew wide with fear for his mother and wife. And then Sakura came to mind, and his vision nearly went black. "You wouldn't!"

Fugaku smirked devilishly. "That topic no longer concerns you, Haruno. I'm sure your daughter will be quite the little fireball when it comes to intercourse!"

Akarui began to thrash in the grasp of the henchmen. "I'm going to fucking flay you, Uchiha! You won't touch a single hair on my daughter's head!"

"No? Watch me!" Fugaku whirled around and started back for the black vehicles that would warrant his ride to wherever he so desired. "Throw him over the edge, just like his old man! They can burn in the afterlife together!"

The two henchmen did as they were told, however just before they reached the edge, Akarui managed to remove himself from their grasp. He quickly incapacitated each one before charging at Fugaku.

The Uchiha had sensed his approach, and before Akarui could even get within a foot of the man, he had spun around with such speed that rivalled a cheetah in full sprint. His eyes shifted from onyx to blood red in a matter of milliseconds, the black lines and spheres of the Sharingan giving away the weapon clearly.

Akarui had no time to react. Before he understood the happenings that surrounded him, Fugaku held him at the neck, holding him strongly over the edge of the cliff, threatening to drop him.

"That was a pretty little trick there, Akarui-chan, but I assure you, you have no power over me or my weapons!"

He couldn't breathe. Haruno Akarui felt the immense pressure from Fugaku's hand on his throat, disallowing the flow of air from his nose and mouth to his lungs. He was slowly choking, and was sure Fugaku wouldn't allow a swift demise. In fact, it was probably out of pure vehemence that he teased him in such a way. Another gasp left his mouth, and he began to claw at Fugaku's hand in attempt to loosen the hold. He paused, however, momentarily as Fugaku's form began to shift. The elder of the Uchiha was replaced then by a younger version of himself, and the Haruno's eyes went wider than was probably possible for him.

The man, now Uchiha Sasuke, grinned crookedly. "Look at you. You're pathetic! How do you ever lead a company like this?"

Akarui, of course, could not answer. His face was growing blue from lack of air supply, and sweat dappled his cheeks.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes then, his grin fading immediately. "Well, we're just going to have to fix that, won't we?" He wasted no time in elaborating, and instead, released his hold upon the Haruno head's neck.

Akarui inhaled sharply as his body was sent careening down the ravine. Sasuke's face was the last he saw.

Akarui bolted upright, breathing hard with tears cascading down his cheeks. The sweat ran down his body in rivulets, and yet, his skin was cold to the touch. It had been a nightmare that he had just experienced, and one that was none too pleasant.

A brief glance at the clock indicated that it was around five in the morning, too early to wake up completely, and yet he knew that if he returned to sleep at such a time, he wouldn't be awake when the alarm went off. And so, he decided on getting up and out of bed.

A warm shower and a quick dressing in casual wear followed, eating up an extra hour of extra time before he went downstairs. Now well groomed and ready for the day, the Haruno leader made himself a quick breakfast of eggs and bacon which was quickly consumed. Shortly after washing the dishes and setting them away – the household hands weren't awake as of yet – Akarui made his way to the back doors which led into the gardens. One of his more calming pastimes was gardening, and he intended to do at least a little before having to depart for work so he could clear his head.

His boots and coat were pulled on with little effort, and after making a quick stop at the large shed residing at the back fence for his tools, Akarui settled himself in the great plains that were the acclaimed Haruno garden, beginning to work out the weeds with great leisure.

(x)

It was way too early to be up and about, Sasuke decided as he yawned again for what seemed to be the thirtieth time. No, he wasn't keeping count, but he figured that's about as many times as he had yawned since setting himself up in one of the spare bedrooms, peering out the window which, although having the shades drawn, was open to allow the air out the house. The door was securely locked, and a sniper rifle was poised discreetly with the barrel aimed for Akarui's person. He was now just waiting for the perfect opportunity in which to shoot. The sound wouldn't bear much issue, he figured, as the Uchiwa no Buki company had come up with an effective silencer. It was no further extension to the barrel, rather a small device that could be implemented into the weapon itself, muffling every sound from the tiniest click to the loudest sound effects of the weapon going off. It was fool proof, and highly desired on the black market. Too bad it was so successful that it was banned from production. Sometimes being an Uchiha had its perks.

The sun was just beginning to rise over the treetops now, having spent about a half an hour between the horizon and the tree canopy. The sky no longer glowed with pale blues and violets, and rather now was a rather soft shade of pink and gold. In anyone else's eyes, it would've been considered beautiful, but to Sasuke, it was nothing special.

This phenomenon that was all too common, however, brought him the opportunity he had so desired, and he watched as Akarui lifted his head to watch the atmospheric colours shift, all but freezing in his entire movement.

Sasuke leapt into action. He readied himself at the scope of the rifle, closing one eye as his hand enclosed around the trigger, ready to fire. The safety was switched off, and he lined up for a head shot, one that would elicit no acknowledgement of the deed.

Perhaps this attack was all too premature, but when one was presented with such an occasion, it was usually the wisest – or most stupid – to grab the bull by the horns and go for it. Sasuke wouldn't have had it any other way.

The atmosphere was perfect; the moment couldn't have been presented any better than it was currently. Sasuke's finger began to clench, pulling the trigger toward the rest of the weapon.

And then there was a knock on the door.

"I'm busy," Sasuke ground out, pausing in his movement. His heart began to pound in his chest.

"Uchiha, open this damn door!"

Sasuke scowled. He didn't recognize the voice, but it was obviously someone who worked for the Haruno family. Sounded too cheeky to be a servant though.

"I'm. Busy. Come back later," Sasuke returned with annoyance.

"Not in my orders to leave now, Uchiha," replied the very masculine voice on the other side.

Sasuke turned to glare at the door. "Who the hell is there anyway?"

"Shiranui Genma. I have been sent to accompany you into the main house on behalf of Miss Haruno."

"I was told not to go near the Haruno household," Sasuke replied blandly.

"Well, the orders are changed," Genma responded. "I'll give you five minutes to get your ass in gear before I break down the door."

The footsteps outside the door implied that he was leaving down the hall, and as soon as the sound ceased, the Uchiha's attention was immediately in the scope once more.

"Shit!" He cursed, noticing with great frustration that Akarui was now accompanied by Ibiki and two other men. They were talking, and from the looks of things, cleaning up the gardening tools. The Uchiha heir had lost his opportunity.

Rage began to bubble up inside him as he flicked the safety back into play and eased the sniper away from the window. In a matter of seconds it was dismantled and put back into the box he had brought it in, and then stowed away under the bed for retrieval later.

He straightened then, smoothing out his dark attire before going to the door and wandering into the hall. When he shifted his gaze to the left, he recognized Genma and immediately walked toward him, face as blank yet stoic as ever.

Genma glanced at him. "Took long enough. Sakura doesn't like to be kept waiting."

Sasuke shot him a glare, watching the brunette push off the wall where he had been waiting and start down the hallway.

"Well, follow me then."

With no other choice but to pursue, the raven-haired Uchiha heir began after him.

(x)

"Hiyah!"

A roundhouse kick to the ribs sent Naruto to the ground, rubbing his side and whimpering like a puppy. "Ow, Sakura-chan! Stop getting so good!"

Sakura smirked, pushing her elegant pink braid over his shoulder. "Maybe you should pay more attention when Kakashi's giving instruction then."

The white-haired man whom had been surveying this all, looked up from the orange-jacket book now held firmly in his hands.

Naruto sat up, scowling up at Sakura like a pouty child. "I pay attention."

"That is a lie," came the opinion of a black-haired boy beside Kakashi. He, however, was sitting on the floor whereas Kakashi was standing.

Naruto shot him a glare. "Well, I wasn't asking you, Sai!"

A noncommittal shrug was returned to him as all attention was once again given to the sketchbook in his hands.

Naruto exhaled dramatically, picking himself up off the ground. He dusted off his black and orange jumpsuit then slid into a fighting stance. "Okay, I'm ready!"

Sakura smirked. "Are you sure?" An evil glimmer lit up her vibrant eyes, causing Naruto to gulp. She then darted toward him, her fists tightening in preparation for her assault. Just as she reached the blonde, he spun swiftly, whipping up grit from the mat below them into Sakura's face, and then took off away from her. The pink-haired woman shielded her eyes, lowering them only when the barrage of dust had lowered. She glared then at the direction Naruto had run, growling low in her throat at his evasive manoeuvre. "NAMIKAZE NARUTO, GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE!"

Naruto didn't reply as he slipped behind a large pillar, leaping up the poles that extended from either side in attempts to escape the woman already starting after him. When he reached the top, he reached for one of the support beams just near the ceiling, pulling himself up onto one where he perched while catching his breath.

Sakura wasted no time in lunging at the post, reaching with extended fingers to grab the pole. But, due to the nature of her petite height, she couldn't quite reach, and so fell to a crouched position on the ground instead. Her narrowed eyes shifted to Naruto, who grinned widely at her misgivings.

"You're too short, Sakura-chan," he taunted, shifting until he sat on the beam, legs dangling over the edge.

Sakura straightened up slowly, glaring in return. "I am not!"

The blonde boy with whisker-like markings on his cheeks nodded vigorously. "Cheya, you are."

Sakura pursed her lips, determined to prove him wrong, and leapt at the pole again. It still, somehow, was just out of her reach. When the hell did that happen?

Meanwhile, Naruto was all but keeling over with laughter. He found the entire situation far too humorous.

"Naruto! Stop laughing, this isn't funny!" Sakura shot in return. She leapt at the pole again, hoping that perhaps her legs hadn't pushed her as high as they could have. No use.

"Perhaps you should stop trying, Ugly," came Sai's pleasant suggestion from the wall.

Sakura shifted her glare to him, shaking her head. "I am not ugly! What the hell ever possessed you to think that I was?"

Sai didn't respond. He was once more too enveloped in his art.

Sakura groaned. "You are all so impossible!"

"Who's impossible?"

All four occupants of the training room shifted their gazes to the doorway. Genma grinned as he played with the senbon in his mouth, accompanied by the ever-stoic Uchiha, who appeared rather unenthused about the idea of joining the group. He knew how enthusiastic Naruto could become, and how difficult Sai was. After all, they were his friends as well, coincidentally enough.

Sakura exhaled, running a hand through her hair, grimacing slightly at the feel of sweat and grime attached to her rosette tresses. "Naruto, Sai, Kakashi..."

Genma laughed, wandering further into the room. "What did they do to you now?"

Sakura lowered her gaze to the ground, sighing once more. "Nothing...really..."

Genma was about to ask before Kakashi joined him from his right, the orange-jacketed book mysteriously having vanished. "We were just teasing her."

"About what?"

Naruto dropped to the ground, coming up beside Sakura to join the group. He was smirking mischievously. "Sakura-chan can't reach the lower pole on that pillar!"

Genma began to snicker almost immediately, while Sakura glared at him.

"Stop laughing! It's not funny!"

Naruto chuckled as well, ruffling Sakura's hair gingerly. "Come on, we're just bugging you."

Sakura scowled.

(x)

Sasuke observed the interaction from the doorway. An unfamiliar bubble of resentment filtered up in his system, and he found himself staring harshly at the Namikaze boy. Naruto was so close to Sakura, and though he knew they were just close friends, it made his blood boil greatly as visions of one Haruno Sakura being wed to the loud-mouthed blonde filled his head.

"Teme! Get your ass over here! You're starting to creep me out!" said blonde interjected his thoughts.

The Uchiha lifted his attention to the others, suddenly aware that they were looking in his direction. Even Sai had come to join the conversation, which he hadn't paid attention to in the least. It made him wonder briefly how long he had been lost in thought.

With a soft sigh, he began over to them, abiding by their wishes. As he neared, he heard Genma speak up.

"Sorry I didn't bring him sooner, Sakura. He was...I don't know what he was doing." The brunette shrugged.

Sakura heaved a sigh of her own. "It's alright. I was too busy trying to kick Naruto's ass anyway." She glanced with annoyance at the blonde, who merely laughed at her misgivings.

"Naruto," Sasuke muttered, smirking a little. "You let a girl beat you?"

Naruto's laughing ceased immediately, and he looked at Sasuke, blinking. "NO! A girl could never beat me!"

Sakura scowled. "What the hell was that, then? You were scared shitless of me!"

"Yeah, until I nearly died of laughter because you couldn't reach that pole," Naruto countered mischievously.

Sakura opened her mouth to retort, but closed it again when she found she had nothing to say.

Kakashi grinned, his sole visible eye crinkling merrily. "You're just too short, Sakura-chan."

Sakura glared at him. "Don't you and Genma have work to do!"

Both of the personal guards to Sakura exchanged an amused glance, and then Genma lifted his hands defensively. "Alright, alright, we get the hint. We know when we're no longer wanted."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Oh please! Stop with the dramatics."

Kakashi chuckled as he and Genma turned, waving nonchalantly as they vacated the room, leaving the younger four to do as they wished.

Naruto shifted his gaze to Sasuke then, a look of inquiry reflecting in his deep blue eyes. "So, teme, remind me again why you're here?"

"I was disowned," replied the dark-haired man.

Naruto wrinkled his nose. "Disowned? But I thought-"

He was cut off by a deep rumble emanating from Sasuke's throat, the Uchiha heir warning the blonde in as little words and gestures as possible.

"Thought what...?" Sakura asked, stepping once more into conversation. She was staring at Naruto with large, inquisitive eyes.

Naruto looked from Sasuke to Sakura, and back again. "Uh...I...thought...uh..."

"What did you think, dobe?" Sasuke asked as well, folding his arms tight across his chest.

"Um..." Naruto glanced around the room, finally settling on the door. An idea then struck him. "I thought he was staying with my Dad and I, but I guess not. Hey, speaking of my Dad, anyone hungry? I'm starved! Let's go get something to eat!" He was the first to leave the room.

Sakura stared after him in disbelief. "Well...I guess...we're going for something to eat...?" She turned to Sasuke, sighing. "I apologize that I dragged you down here for nothing. Maybe...you'd like to come with us?"

The Uchiha hesitated a moment. If he left now, he could easily miss another prime opportunity to kill Akarui, but if he didn't...

"Sasuke...?"

He glanced at her, sighing lightly at the look he received from the pink-haired girl. "Hn."

The smile she offered in return was one that he never in one hundred years thought he would see, and it bothered him what it did to his system. He didn't need distraction, but what Sakura's beautiful display of her plump lips in a cheerful line did to him...he couldn't deny that. He decided then and there that she could only smile like this to him, and to him only. Whereabouts that decision came from, he was uncertain.

"Great! I need to go change first, okay? Meet me out front in about twenty minutes?"

Sasuke couldn't help but smirk. "I'll be there in ten."

Disclaimer: I don't own any part of either of these franchises.
Naruto © Misashi Kishimoto
The Lion King © Disney
Akarui, Rakuna, Akaroshi, Nadameru, and any other OC's © Me

A/N: To those who are still around and reading, you have my deepest apologies, and my immense gratitude. Life has been hectic, but I have also had the worst writer's block for this lately. My sister has been bugging me a TON to get this done, but I just never got around to it. I work 8hr days, four in a row, over every weekend, and so when I do get the opportunity to write, I just don't feel up to it. I hope that it will get better though, and that my updates will be more frequent. I will be starting on the next chapter ASAP!

Once again, thank you to all my readers and reviewers. You guys are absolutely amazing!