Chapter 6

Naruto and Sasuke were arguing in the Library with maps and a few books in front of them when Ino, Hinata and TenTen walked in.

"You two were in here and you're arguing? Seriously?" Ino said, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring at the two males. Sasuke rolled his eyes at her.

"Hey, we're trying to figure out the best way to get Sakura out of the castle without fighting!" Naruto shot back with a glare of his own. Hinata walked up to her two friends.

"W-w-w-we sh-sh-shouldn't f-f-fight, eve-everyone." Hinata stuttered out. Naruto looked over at her and she blushed.

"You're right, Hinata. Sorry, Ino…" Naruto huffed out and turned back to look over a map. Ino crossed her arms, but said nothing. Hinata gave a small smile.

Hinata didn't want to see her friends fighting, especially Naruto. She always had a soft spot for the dumb blonde, but as later years came, her feelings seemed to deepen. She was head over heels in love with Naruto, but he liked Sakura, and Sakura was one of her best friends… Not to mention, Sakura liked Naruto and Hinata couldn't ruin what they had, not matter how strong her feelings were.

Just then, Kiba, Neji and Shikamaru walked in with Kabuto.

"Well, everyone, it seems the ball shall be starting soon, so we need everyone to meet in the main hall. If you could please follow me." Kabuto turned and walked out of the library. Everyone exchanged glances before following him out the door.

When they got to the main hall, Orochimaru was standing in front of the doors, with a sickening smile on his face.

"Greetings. The ball will start in a mere half hour, and so we shall pair up, yes?" Orochimaru said taking his hat from Hakri. "The pairs shall be as stated… With Sasuke-kun, Naruto and Ino; With Kabuto-kun, Shikamaru and TenTen, and then I, Hinata and Neji…" His eyes flashed yellow. Sasuke glared at him.

"Listen here, snake, whatever you have planned…" Sasuke began, but Orochimaru cut him off.

"Now, now, Sasuke-kun, do not say such things. I am merely pairing up." Sasuke's glare only deepened.

"Hn… Go on." Sasuke waved his hand at the old snake.

"Now, we will be traveling by carriages… Is that alright?" Orochimaru asked looking around at everyone. Everyone nodded in agreement. Kabuto brushed off some dust on his sleeve before speaking.

"We shall be leaving now. If you would please follow me," and he walked out of the front doors.

~~~~~~~o0o00o0o0o0o0o~~~~~~

Sakura had little time to herself on the day of the ball. She was being rushed back and forth from room to room by Madara. He needed her to look perfect, act perfect, and be perfect. Sakura was out of breath by the time they were finished. It was 30 minutes till the ball actually started, and she was feeling very uncomfortable in her long thick ball gown.

Sakura's was black and white with little red shaped teardrops on the hems of her skirt. The sleeves were to her elbows with small red ribbons on the ends. It was tied in the back with a huge red ribbon. Her hair had been curled and it shined in the light. Her crown was sitting on top of her head with red jewels on it. She looked like a princess, ready to be crowned as queen.

"You look beautiful, Sakura-hime." Madara said kissing the top of her hand, Sakura smiled in return.

"Why thank you, Madara-kun. You look handsome in your suit." Sakura replied, bowing her head a bit.

Madara pulled Sakura closer to him and he kissed her forehead, before saying, "I need to greet the guests, and I want you to wait here until I announce you, alright?" She nodded in response.

"Alright; I want you to walk down the stairs after I announce you, just as practiced." She nodded again in response. He smirked.

Madara walked down the small hallway and down the stairs to meet Pein and Konan standing there, waiting for him.

"So, is she ready? People are coming early. Itachi and Kisame are with a few people in the grand hall. Zetsu is greeting people at the gate as we speak." Pein addressed him, waving his arm in the direction of the grand hall. Madara nodded.

"She's perfect; now, we just need to get the ball actually started." The two nodded and moved to stand by the doors, ready to usher people in.

Madara made his way into the grand hall and was stopped by Itachi.

"Is everything ready?" He asked as more people walked in. Madara nodded.

"I came in to greet all of our guests before we reveal her. I do not want any issues…" Madara said with a deathly tone. Itachi nodded and dismissed himself as two people walked up to Madara.

"Madara-sama, it is a pleasure to meet you after so many years." It was a red-headed man with chocolate brown eyes holding a drink.

"Ah, Sasori-san, I haven't seen you in 50 years? You should come visit more." Madara replied with a smile and a shake of the hand.

Madara-sama, un." Another man addressed him. He had blond hair that was tied up in a high ponytail and ocean blue eyes.

"Deidara-san as well; how splendid. I hope you're enjoying the party so far?" Madara said looking at the two men.

"I am mostly waiting for Hime-sama to come out; I hear she is beautiful." Sasori said moving his eyes from the door back to Madara. Madara chuckled.

"She is the most beautiful creature I've ever met." Madara replied. Sasori smirked.

"So, is she coming out when everyone has arrived, un?" Deidara asked, taking a drink from a waiter walking by. Madara nodded.

"Yes, we want everyone to be here when our beautiful Hime has come out for all eyes to see." Madara finished saying as more and more people walked in, and behind them stood Zetsu. He nodded over at Madara.

"Well, it looks like everyone is here. Let the ball officially begin!" Madara said aloud to everyone.

~~~~~~o0o0o0o0o0o0o~~~~~~

Naruto, Sasuke and the others walked up to the gates with Orochimaru in front of them. He said he had brought guests and they had brought servants with them. Zetsu nodded and let the oddly large group in.

"Teme… Is this the famous Haruno Castle?" Naruto asked with wide eyes. Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"Yes." He replied shortly.

Everyone, except Sasuke, Orochimaru and Kabuto, gasped softly. They had not ever seen something so beautiful as this. The walls were marble, as were the floors. They had a long rug meeting the stairs, it was blood red. The stairs were also marble, and the doors were made of beautifully carved wood.

"Sasuke… This castle is beautiful." Ino said following him into the grand hall. Sasuke nodded in reply.

It had been a while since he was back in the castle walls. He had missed the grand hall, the stairs, the beautiful paintings, the rose garden… He missed all the memories he had with Sakura. Sasuke turned his head at the sound of someone's booming voice telling them the party has officially started. He glared at Madara.

"Okay…" He addressed the group, "We're in, but we need to be careful. We can't have anyone knowing who we are and what we're doing." He said and everyone nodded. He pointed to Kiba and his dog.

"I need you, Kiba, by the door. Scan the area. Do not talk to anyone. I, Naruto, and Ino will be over here by the main table, where Madara and Sakura will be at. As for Orochimaru and Kabuto, just don't get in the way of the others." Sasuke said and they all nodded. Everyone went their separate ways, just as Madara spoke.

"Hello, ladies and gentlemen… It is nice to have you all here with us. I would like to have your attention to the grand hall's entrance, please." He said. Everyone looked over at him. He smiled.

"I would like to announce the beautiful Sakura-hime!" He said and everyone clapped and cheered. As soon as he said it, Sakura walked in gracefully. Everyone was amused at her beauty, charm, and grace.

"Good evening, everyone. I do hope you all enjoy our ball." Sakura said and everyone cheered and clapped again. Madara took her hand and they walked over to the main table. Sakura sat down and smiled at everyone. Madara looked at her and nodded.

"Please enjoy the rest of the evening. Dinner will be held shortly, and after dinner, I have an announcement to make." Madara said and everyone cheered one last time before going back to what they were doing.

Sakura looked at him, and Madara said, "Now, Sakura-hime, I need to greet a few more guests. Itachi will stand by you until I get back." Sakura only nodded as Itachi made his way to stand next to her.

~~~~~~o0o0o0o0o0o0o~~~~~~

"Wow! Forehead looks perfect!" Ino whispered excitedly to Naruto and Sasuke. Naruto and Sasuke were struck dumb. They couldn't peel their eyes off of her. She fit the part of sitting at the grand table and elegantly chit chatting with Itachi.

"Hello? Hey!" Ino said and smacked the two idiots sitting in front of her. The two grabbed their head and in unison said, "What the hell?"

"We are here to save her, not stare!" Ino said furiously. She had her hands on her hips with a frown on her pretty face.

"Sorry…" They mumbled and Ino flipped her hair. The three turned their attention back to Sakura and they must have been blessed, because Itachi had left, leaving Sakura alone to herself. Naruto looked at Sasuke who nodded.

"We'll need a plan; I'm not quite sure how we can just walk up there." Sasuke said.

'This can't possibly be right…' Sasuke thought, biting his thumb. He scanned the area to find Itachi or Madara. Nowhere.

"I'm going. No one knows who I am; it'll be fine, right?" Naruto said and got up. Sasuke was about to protest when Ino stopped him.

"Wait… Maybe this is a good thing. Maybe she'll remember him." She whispered as Naruto made his way to the grand table.

~~~~~o0o00o0o00o0o0oo~~~~~

Sakura was still waiting for Itachi. He had gone to get her a drink, but hadn't returned.

'I wonder if he's talking to Madara-kun…' She thought looking over the many people standing or sitting at tables.

"Ex… Excuse me." A voice said and Sakura turned her head.

There stood a boy. Tan with blonde hair, whisker-like marks on his face, and ocean blue eyes. Sakura's eyes widen.

'That's the boy in my dreams. Oh my, what. How? Am I seeing things?!' Sakura franticly thought looking him up and down.

"Um… Hello, sir." She managed to say. He almost smiled. He had a sad look in his eyes, she could tell. She felt something. It was pulling at her, in the back of her mind. It couldn't detect the feeling, but it was a nice feeling.

"You look absolutely beautiful tonight, Sakura-chan." The boy replied. Sakura's breath caught in her throat.

'That name…'

"Hey you!" Itachi called out and the boy's head turned. He growled and another man with black spikey hair rushed out to stand beside the blond haired boy.

"Itachi." The boy that looked oddly like Itachi spat out. Everyone in the room went quiet when this little scene broke out. Madara made his way to stand beside Itachi.

"Sasuke… How nice of you to join us this evening." Madara had spoken. Sakura looked back and forth from Madara and Itachi to this Sasuke person and his companion.

"Brother, I'd advise you to step away from Sakura-hime." Itachi spoke and Sakura gasped. All eyes went to her.

"Sakura-chan, do you rememb-" The blond-haired boy was speaking before Madara cut him off.

"Do not speak to her in such a manner, fox-demon. Show your queen respect." Madara said in a threaten tone. The boy growled in response.

"Naruto. Don't!" A girl's voice rang out. Sakura's head was feeling very dizzy. She stood up and backed away.

"Don't… Don't come near me. Any of you!" Sakura said as Itachi moved closer.

"Sakura-hime… Come here, those two are very bad people." Madara said and put out his hand. Sakura shook her head. Madara growled.

"Sakura-chan, please remember!" Naruto begged. "It's me! Naruto! Your boyfriend!" He pleaded. Sakura was breathing deeply and her head was swimming with images and fogginess. She grabbed it and screamed.

Wings. Black feathered wings had grown out of Sakura's back and she was whooshed into the air. Sakura didn't know what was going on. She was still grabbing her head and screaming. Her green eyes had turned the color of blood and she nails had sharpened. Her fangs had grown longer and she was roaring at the top of her lungs. People were screaming and yelling and running in all different directions. Some disappearing, others running out the door.

"Sakura-chan!" Naruto yelled at her as her body started to glow. Something shot through the air and into her out stretched hand.

"Damnit it, the Haruno Flower!" Madara cursed and ducked as sharp lightning-like things shot out of the flower in Sakura's hand.

"Kill… Kill them all!" Sakura yelled. She wasn't in her state of mind. She was shooting lightning act the guards and guests, hitting some, injuring them. All you could hear was screaming and yelling.

"Sakura (-chan)!" Naruto and Sasuke screamed and she looked down at them. She's head went foggy again and she grabbed it.

~~~~~o0o0o0o0o0o0o~~~~~

"Hey, I'm Uchiha Sasuke." He said, with an emotionless face. Blank of any emotion at all. Not even a small smile. Nothing.

"Alright, since you're new and we don't have a seat for you. Go sit next to Haruno Sakura in the back, please. – Thanks." The gray haired man said, pointing to Sakura-chan. As the boy walked closer, Sakura-chan's eyebrows rose.

"Are you Haruno?" The Uchiha said to her.

"Yeah." she replied, looking up at him. Sakura noticed Sakura-chan look around the room, and all of the girls were staring at her.

Sakura roared again, shaking her head.

Naruto kissed Sakura-chan. "Yeah, I think I can get used to this." She said.

~~~~~o0o0o0o0o0o0o~~~~~~

"Naruto-kun!" Hinata said rushing over to Naruto and Sasuke, with everyone behind her.

"What's going on with her?!" Ino was frantic. She couldn't help feel helpless as she watched her best friend scream out from pain.

"Na… Nar… Naruto!" Sakura cried out. Madara snapped his head up and then turned his attention to the group in front of him.

"You're not going to ruin this for me!" He said and he snarled as he transformed into his vampire's true form.

He was huge; he stood at 7 foot tall with sharp claws and bleeding red eyes with fangs as long as 10 inches. He snarled and Sasuke growled back.

"Find a way to save Sakura. Leave my dear uncle to me." Sasuke said and he transformed as well. Everyone gasped. He wasn't as tall as Madara, but he was scary all the same. Madara chuckled darkly.

"You think you can fight me, boy?" He called and Sasuke charged. They jumped at each other and the battle began. They tore and clawed and bit and scratched at each other. Sasuke had bitten Madara's arm and Madara howled out. He threw Sasuke to the ground and Sasuke groaned in pain. Madara stepped on his cheat, almost crushing his rib cage.

"You foolish, nephew, you should know better than to fight with me!" And, Sasuke thought it was going to be his last, until someone threw themselves into Madara's back, which made him crash into the table and chairs.

"Do not touch my friend!" Naruto snarled. He was covered in what looked like fire. It was shaped like a fox, but he had nine tails. Madara growled back at him.

"You foolish child!" Madara charged at him and Naruto slammed his fist into Madara's stomach, making Madara spit out blood. Naruto took him by the neck and slammed him into the ground.

"First you take my girlfriend from me, and now you want to take my friend's life?!" Naruto shouted and still had a firm grip on Madara's neck. "I don't think so!" Naruto said in a murderous tone.