Snow and gravel were crunched beneath the wheels of a black sedan car as it made its way through the dense forest of towering trees. The forest floor had been nothing but a blanket of snow since the last few days and wildlife would only pop around every now and again to forage, but nonetheless undisturbed.
In the distance, men patrolled the perimeter with heavy rifles and hounds that would be perfect for security as well as attack. The car followed the made path all the way to the heart where, atop a small hill, stood a large manor, reinforced and strengthened by modern times yet still proved to have withstood the test of time.
Nagato stepped out of the car and proceeded his way through the stone steps and large double doors. Despite being only an associate, soldiers still bowed his way in respect- to which he would nod in return. Through the dark halls, the redhead traversed through the designed tiled floors and the walls that hung banners, paintings, pictures, and only a quarter of the many achievements and recorded history of the Uchiha mafia, as if it were his own home.
On the second floor at the end of the hall to his right, he waited in front of the door where a black panther, Madara's pinwheel mark, and the Uchiha crest in flames, were carved from the dark wood. The door being unlocked and left only slightly ajar was Nagato's confirmation to enter. Inside the office, a handful of his caporegime and higher ranked soldiers stood by the walls and windows, and lounged on the sofa and chairs by the fireplace. All the while the revered sixth generation boss of the family sat regally behind his desk fiddling with his phone.
Nagato rose a brow at the peculiar action but nonetheless made his way towards the desk.
"No need to get up, boss," he began and along the way, he nodded at the others in acknowledgment as Obito gave him a shot of scotch.
Madara acknowledged his entry by meeting his eye and dipping his head in a small nod as he resumed texting on his phone.
"You've been absent some time," the ravenhead mused, "Got anymore names to sell?"
He paused for a bit as if in thought but shook his head nonetheless, "No, no, I'm all out of that for now."
"I thought I heard thunder the other night. Must've been your ancestors rolling around in their graves," Madara gave him a meaningful look but never lowered his phone, "You're the one man the entirety of his clan will hunt down themselves if they found out your association."
"So I've heard. I've got you something, boss," Nagato placed the thin, elongated box on Madara's desk and opened the latch. He lift the lid and he felt relieved inwardly at how Madara's brows rose, "Sorry it took some time. The smiths wanted it to be perfect. It also doubles as their Rinne Festival present to you while this one is from me."
He placed the bottle of wine and Madara nodded in approval at the label that said it was made over a hundred years ago. The mafia boss tucked his phone away into his suit to take out the gift from their associates which were a family of swords and gunsmiths. He raised the blade up in the air and the finely made blade glinted in the light. Though guns were more preferred in the current era, the sixth generation boss always had a knack for swords and blades. Madara has his own sword in his own room but doesn't take it out except when meeting other mafia bosses. The sword Nagato brought had a hilt that fit perfectly with the scabbard. It was small enough to make it seem a regular walking cane made from black, polished wood while the head was a customized silver panther head with its jaws wide open and rubies for eyes.
"Very well done," Madara commended. With the blade, he pointed at the bowl of fruits at the counter. Kisame rose from his seat and tossed an apple at his direction. With just two strokes, Madara split the apple cleanly into three pieces before it feel by his feet. He motioned for a soldier by the corner and he dutifully came back with a clean rug which Madara used to wipe off the juice from the blade.
Nagato let out a small smile as relief twinkled in his eye. As the representative of the Uzumaki clan for the Uchiha, it would do well to keep himself in Madara's good graces lest he'd find his head rolling down the hill of where the mafia manor stood. Just because the sixth generation boss refrains from unnecessary bloodshed does not mean he's shy from using barbaric methods when push comes to shove. He'd learn from the elders that death is the most merciful punishment anybody could bestow over a grave offense.
If only the rest of his clan understood that he was the silent warrior that kept the entire Uzumaki clan from being marked as an enemy by the Uchiha. Especially now of what the clan of whirlpool planned to do for this year's Rinne Festival Feast.
He honestly still doesn't understand what Mito was thinking.
"Ah Zetsu, I was afraid you'd have lost your way," Madara remarked when a deceptively young man entered the office.
.
"My apologies, Don Uchiha. I had to make sure I snipped out any loose ends," he answered with his sinister grin.
Itachi couldn't help but blink at his direction as he went up front to greet the boss. According to Kagami, Zetsu has been around the family since Madara's father was still the boss. Truthfully, he came from no family, literally a nameless, until Tajima picked the teenager off the streets and gave him a home. Zetsu proved his worth to the family thanks to his network that rivaled Kagami's. However as accurate and reliable his Intel was, it was harder to manage so he was always away to keep peaceful relations. Kagami also told him that Zetsu suffered a small case of Split-Personality Disorder.
The previous boss trusted him, and even Madara seemed to trust him, however Itachi couldn't help that nagging pit in his stomach. Even when he saw Zetsu's file for the first time, there was a silent whisper at the back of his mind. Like an annoying tic that was triggered by a stimulus in the form of Zetsu.
Zetsu cannot be trusted. Was what niggled in his thoughts, however as much as Itachi knew that his instincts never failed, he was still but a trainee under Kagami's tutelage and his words still hold no sway even on the mafia family's soldiers. It wouldn't bode well with him if others started picking on the idea that he suspected a long-time friend and trusted associate of the family. He may be in the grand tree that was the Uchiha clan with Madara, but until he passed his initiation and took his vows, just like any young blood, he will always be under surveillance and suspicion.
The meeting started with caporegimes reporting anything out of the ordinary in the family's territory. While most said nothing except for a few mishaps with local thugs, some reported on catching people, including minors, circulating the drug they've caught in the last few months. People in the streets had started calling it the Moon Eye.
"The distribution is hazy, sir," reported Kisame after collaborating with the other capos about the drug, "we don't catch these pushers every day and they just seem to sell the Moon Eye out whenever and wherever they want. There's just no pattern. If you want, we could ask them about their supplier, sir. But since most of them are minors, we can't touch them…"
"So what do we do about that, boss?" Obito asked after exhaling a drag from his cigarette.
Madara hummed as he hid his lips behind his laced fingers. He took a moment of silence to think and no one dared to make a single noise. The only stounds that circled the room were the occasional pour of liquor in glass, the inhale and exhale of cigarette smoke, and the gentle crackling of fire over the hearth. Madara sighed as he leaned back on his leather chair. The frustration was evident on his furrowed brows and slightly scrunched nose.
Whoever was behind this, they knew that they can't touch minors lest they'd break one of the conditions in the Settlement with the KHPD (Konoha Police Department). Fugaku will have a field day if he ever found out that they laid a finger on a minor. No matter what offense they made, it was agreed upon that they will be dealt with by the police and not the mafia.
It frustrated Madara because it only meant that either the puppet master pulling the strings was a sick bastard depraved enough to involve teenagers (barely adults), or that they knew of the secret agreement in the Settlement. And honestly, Madara would want to avoid pointing fingers at his own men as much as possible.
"Make an adjustment for the patrol routes. I want double the soldiers circling around public areas- BAM!"
Madara suddenly slammed his hand on the hard, oak desk. The surprise had been proven effective for even the most battle-worn men of the mafia nearly jumped from their seats by the fact that it came from their boss, and topped with the fear and respect they had for Madara. Even Itachi had to swallow a lump in his throat when he saw Madara's dark eyes that reflected the flames at the fireplace, making them almost look as if they were burning on their own as he stared intently at everyone.
"-I don't want it anywhere schools. I don't want it anywhere near children. The least we could do at the moment is prevent the average age from getting any lower. If the KHPD stop you, no one is allowed to say a single word until I deal with them myself. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes boss!" came a collective shout of compliance. Some still a bit shaken from Madara's outburst.
"Good," Madara nodded before he turned his head to Nagato at last, "What about you, Nagato? What news have you brought for your end?"
The redhead swallowed and blinked his eyes to rid himself of the surprise, "I'm afraid I brought unsettling news for you, Don Uchiha."
At Madara's raised brow, he continued, "The Uzumaki clan's Madame Mito, has finally consented to solidify the union between the Uzumaki and Senju. The ceremony will be held during the Uzumaki clan's yearly celebration of the Rinne Festival which will be held on the twenty-third and twenty-fifth at the End Valley Hotel."
Eyes widened at the revelation followed by scowls of distaste. The Senju family has been pushing the union with the Uzumakis since Senju Butsuma's reign; thus the marriage between Hashirama and Mito. Though the Uzumaki had long since washed themselves from the underground business, they had always been best partners of the Senju. Madara could only guess that in exchange of the Uzumaki's flourishing wineries and farms, they would be granted protection by the powerful Senju… it was a very beneficial deal between both parties since Hashirama was forced to shut down three-fourths of their land for suspected farming of herbal drugs banned from the country.
As calm as Madara may have looked on his desk, an internal conflict brewed within him. Shit. Shit. Shit. His babygirl was attending that very party. Surely, his poor Sakura didn't know what was going on behind that seemingly innocent holiday party.
.
"Brother," Izuna called, "Hashirama is an idiot, but I don't think he's stupid enough to involve members that didn't belong to their poor excuse of a mafia. Even a kitten will be safe there."
Itachi couldn't help but blink in wonder at what Izuna just said especially at the last bit. It was known that Madara despised needless violence but even so, he's still one of the most revered and feared men of all time. Thanks to his extra studies in the human psychology, he figured from Izuna's tone and stresses in his voice that he was implying something different.
Kitten was the keyword.
"Does the boss have a woman?" he couldn't help but lean over to Kagami just to ask.
Kagami, though, just shrugged his shoulders, "Whether the boss has one or not, he never involves his personal life in his business."
The fact that Kagami neither confirmed nor denied his suspicion made him all the more suspicious. Then that churning feeling in his stomach returned. His gut told him that there was more about knowing whether the boss has a woman or not. Kitten… he guessed it to be a woman because really, with no child of his own, who would Madara refer to with such endearment? Is she involved with the clan's business? Was she an old flame of the boss? Does this woman have connections or is she even a relative of the Uzumaki? Is the boss involved in a love story between star-crossed lovers?
Nonetheless, Itachi knew that whoever this person was, she's very important and the curious mind inside Itachi made him want to uncover that mystery.
Madara: 'Good. Hope you're not having too much fun though. It makes me jealous.'
1:14 PM
Sakura rolled her eyes as she sped her fingers to type a reply.
Sakura: 'Hmmm… well, I can't lie that I feel so good right now. It's not every day I could spend the entire day in a spa.'
1:15 PM
Madara: 'Even better than how I make you feel good?'
1:16 PM
Sakura: 'Yes :P'
1:16 PM
Madara: 'Now I'm really jealous. That's not very nice of you, kitten. Sending me a sexy picture and then say that somebody else made you feel good. How very naughty of you.'
1:19 PM
Sakura: 'It was a sea salt body scrub!'
1:19 PM
Madara: 'Did you know that I have a gift? A special touch, per say. Among others, of course.'
1:20 PM
Sakura: 'You just love to stroke your own ego, don't you?'
1:20 PM
Madara: 'Oh I don't worry, kitten, I much prefer it if you stroke mine instead ;)'
1:20 PM
Sakura: 'Hush! But fine, I'll humor you. What kind of special touch is that?'
1:21 PM
Madara: 'The one that feels good all over.'
1:21 PM
Sakura: 'You want to make me feel good all over?'
1:22 PM
Madara: 'I want to make you feel very, VERY good all over.'
1:23 PM
The following messages sent to her were a string of hearts followed by a series of emoticons grouped together to hint very obvious sexual innuendos. Sakura can't help but laugh and feel embarrassed herself. Not because she's deliberately texting with her sugar daddy about innuendos that would put Icha Icha to shame (she is so not sorry for Kakashi) out in an open fruit bar at the spa floor of the hotel, but also because she understood what he meant and her body betrayed her excitement from Madara's attention. Both civil and sexual.
Honestly, for a man sixteen years her senior, he can be pretty childish at times. From the corner of her eye, she spotted her best friend making his way to where she sat at the bar and Sakura sent Madara one last text, telling him to behave and that she'll talk to him later just in time for Naruto to occupy the empty stool beside her.
"Worst family reunion eeeeverrr," Naruto whined as he slumped himself over the counter.
"Aww does the wittle ex-Uzumaki heir wants to have his awone time?" Sakura cooed at him playfully before laughing to herself.
The blonde could only pout at her; too tired to make a witty comeback, "You're so mean today, Sakura-chan. I just don't get why they have to make me do all this. I could barely keep up with their names and I haven't met all of them yet! Geez, you'd think they'd let me off the hook 'cause I won't be taking over grandpa's family business."
"Well they must've chosen a new heir by now, right? It's been a while since your grandpa's passing."
She doesn't exactly know the details but Naruto and his cousins made mention that since Naruto won't be taking after the Uzumaki family business, one of his (many) cousins will. After all, it's evident enough that Naruto would choose to follow his father's footsteps in politics than manage centuries old farmlands. It's also due to family politics that they maintained Kushina's family name rather than Namikaze. If she remembered correctly, Naruto mentioned something about family lineage superiority or something like that. Not that Minato minded. It's rumored that it was the condition Naruto's grandfather gave his dad so he could marry Kushina.
Sakura chuckled and placed a hand on her best friend's golden locks and caressed it affectionately like a sister would to a brother, "Well, I'm certainly in a good mood after that massage treatment. You should try it. It'll definitely take your mind off of things until tonight."
Naruto hummed, seeming to think it over, "You're right. You think you can cover for me?"
A relieved smile curled through her lips as she patted his shoulder, "You know I can. Just make sure none of your relatives see you."
He beamed his trademark smile at her and hopped from his chair, "Thanks Sakura-chan! Love you!"
Naruto pecked her cheek before he zipped away to finally relax himself. Sakura shook her head and took another sip of her fruit shake. She turned her attention back to her phone and the message Madara replied back to her made her heart throb.
Hard.
Madara: 'I miss you, Sakura.'
1:29 PM
No nickname, no innuendo, precise and straightforward.
It made her bite her lip, because she didn't know whether it was a good or a bad thing. She didn't understand why it felt like he said those words in her ear. With his deep, husky, dominant, and absolutely sexy voice.
The butterflies in her stomach swarmed, and her heart thrummed. It wasn't only until a group of friends came up to the bar and ordered a round of shakes noisily did she snap from her reverie.
What the fuck, Haruno Sakura?
She mentally berated and slapped herself. The logical part of her started ranting about what the veteran sugar babies told her.
Sugar Dating 101: Do not get attached. Though rare, some sugar relationships may cross over the terms of their contract. Seldom, there were those who ended up becoming friends and develop feelings, but first and foremost is that a sugar relationship is bounded primarily in print. In contract. Every interaction sugar daddies/mommies make with their sugar babies are purely about business.
"Honey, if you don't want to get hurt, never read too much into anything that happens between you and your sugar daddy," advised a kind woman who had her fair share of sugar daddies in the past.
Sakura shook herself out of these conflicting thoughts and spontaneous feelings, and sided with her logic. However, the other part of her managed to land one more kick and she had sent a reply before she could even stop herself.
Sakura: 'Do you want to spend time together for the rest of the holiday?'
2:55 PM
She almost bashed her forehead on the countertop when she finally realized what she had done. But it was too late for her and the message had already been sent. It's only a matter of time before-
Madara: 'I'd love that.'
What do you say about snuggling under a blanket by the fire in my house?'
2:30 PM
The pinkette bit her lip as she slowly typed in her reply. She felt scandalized with herself as her thoughts ran wild- at the idea that she'll be spending her time with Madara, the fact that she actually liked his idea, and the realization that he just offered his own home to her. She wasn't informed enough about this. Was there a rule regarding going to each other's houses? Isn't that too personal? Most of the sugar babies told her that she'll probably spend most of their meetings in hotels, restaurants, or other places typical for dates. Then again, their contract never said that they wouldn't allow the other in their home, nor were they obliged to invite each other.
Sakura: 'Snuggling with hot chocolate?'
2:33 PM
Madara: 'You can even top it off with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.'
2:34 PM
Sakura couldn't help but giggle as she sent her response.
Madara's lips curled into a small smile at the new message Sakura sent him. Rather, a photo of her with an ice cream spoon between her pink lips. There was a bit of chocolate staining the corner of her lip and it made him wish that he was there when she had that mid-afternoon snack just so he could wipe that trail of treat off of her beautiful face.
He sighed helplessly. His shoulders fell onto the soft cushions of his private sedan car. For the past few weeks, Madara found himself falling into this sort of situation more often than he should. Sakura had been plaguing his mind, especially when they were apart, and when he wasn't slumped with work and affairs in the mafia, he found himself lost in the thought of her. Her pretty face, gorgeous eyes, fragrant hair, luscious lips, and even her cute nose.
Honestly, what has gotten into him? Then again, he can't find it in himself to be opposed of whatever he's feeling.
"Better put that away now. We're almost there," Izuna nudged his arm with his elbow. One of his eyebrows rose at him in amusement, "Piece of advice, brother, you might want to remove that face once we're at the venue."
"What face?"
"The one you're making right now. You look like a puppy whose owner left for a while to go to work," he rolled his eyes.
"I do not," Madara scowled playfully.
"Yes you do," Izuna stared at him. His eyes steeled in seriousness as he asked, "I know it's been a while for you since you last had a girl and I'm happy that you're playing in that field again but… Madara, you didn't possibly become attached, did you?"
Madara straightened in his seat at that. Without looking, he pressed the button of his phone and tucked it back inside his suit. His eyes bore into his brother's eyes; dark pools hardened just as his.
"No," he answered with finality. Then his lips quirked up in a smirk as he added, "Well I do miss her. Sakura has a pair of really awesome breasts and her ass jiggles when I-"
"Alright! Alright!" Izuna brought his hands up, "Geez Madara, I don't need the details! I was just saying. But really, who am I kidding? You can't possibly fall for a girl you're in a fake relationship with. I know you're not that desperate."
As Izuna laughed to himself, Madara's lips fell back down and he had to resist from turning it into a scowl. Yet his fingers twitched beside him. Begging him to grab his gun and just fire an entire magazine-worth of bullets. Whether with a target or none, he wasn't sure which he would prefer. Unfortunately, he didn't have the chance to dwell on these sudden thoughts when the car stopped by the curb.
Madara adjusted his tie and fixed his suit in his seat before draping a coat over his shoulders but not bothering to slip his arms over the sleeves. The doors swung open and he let Izuna go out first. His younger brother circled the car to his side that Madara finally stepped out. He schooled his mask as the fearsome mafia boss. His dark eyes made a quick scan of his men lined up on his sides. All the way up to the steps towards the Uchiha family temple.
"Boss!" they greeted in unison and dipped their heads in greeting.
Madara nodded his head at them and walked up the flight of stairs with his new cane in hand.
The Naka Shrine is not really a place of worship. It was the temple raised by their ancestors when they first came to the land of fire. Up to now it remained standing and taken cared for and every year, the entire Uchiha clan- both from above and underground- celebrate the Rinne Festival alongside their forefathers.
The temple grounds had been cleared of snow, as white-clothed tables were spread around with tents bearing the family mark were erected to shield them from the winter winds. Many of the family members had already arrived and their genetic black and darkest blue hues were a great contrast from the season of white.
When Madara showed himself fully atop the stairs, many paused from their merry chatter to turn their heads and look at him. Indifference, fear, and reverence, were the expressions he met from his family. Expressions that he had seen many times but never fully gotten used with. However, he knew in his heart that it was a small price to pay as the boss of the mafia side of their family. He couldn't blame them for their mixed feelings for, in the world they lived in today, it was difficult to comprehend that his role meant that the entire safety of their clan rested solely on his shoulders.
Amongst the crowd, a woman in her mid-twenties came rushing towards him in a dark blue dress and matching heels.
"Uncle!" she exclaimed with a wide smile on her face.
Madara had to steel from breaking his face into a grin at the sight of her. Instead he rose a brow as a silent reprimand. The woman caught on and she flustered with a red streak across her nose as she corrected herself.
"Don Uchiha," she greeted with a respectful low bow, not caring if it creased her dress.
The 6th mafia boss extended his right hand towards her, and she carefully held his large hand in her smaller ones as she kissed his obsidian ring without hesitance. At that, Madara nodded and finally let his lips curl up in a small smile.
"Hello Izumi," he greeted.
The young woman beamed at her favorite uncle and she cried out his name as she flung herself at him in a hug. Izumi nearly jumped in joy as she greeted him, his brother, and even Kagami. Not long after her mother came around and greeted Madara in the same manner. First as the mafia boss, and then in familiarity to which Madara kissed the woman's cheeks as she did to him in greeting.
Ever since young Izumi's father died in a heart attack a few years ago, leaving his widow and only child behind, Madara took it upon himself to help them back on their feet. Izuna helped Izumi's mother find a stable job whilst Madara funded for their niece's school expenses. Since then the girl had looked up to him as a father figure. Many feared for Izumi and her mother because of what they thought Madara would do to them to repay back their debt. However such accusations only made Madara turn his head and scoff. Did they really think of him that low that he would do such a disrespectful thing? In all honesty he did it partially as thanks to Izumi's father's services for the mafia but he also wanted to help the girl achieve her wish and grant her a future out of the goodness of his heart (also as her godfather). Besides, what will he gain by taking advantage of them?
Izumi and her mother showed no desire to join his mafia and Madara never held a grudge at them for it. He even sent his niece a gift when she's finally living her dream of travelling the world, as a flight stewardess in the biggest airline company in the world (of course, she doesn't need to know that he helped her in getting a job in that company).
"How are you and Junpei, Izzy?" he asked after she escorted him to his table, where the rest of the chairs were occupied by his brother and caporegimes. Some of his soldiers stood guard around the shrine's perimeter while some mingled with the crowd.
"We're doing great, uncle," she answered with a flush on her cheeks, "We just celebrated our anniversary last week. He took me out to a ski lodge at Mt. Myōboku. I had so much fun!"
"That's good to hear."
"What about you though, uncle? Found any Felix catus worth keeping this time?" Izumi playfully nudged his shoulder as she stared at the single rose pinned on his dark suit.
It was a practice in the Uchiha mafia ever since the first boss- Indra. A flower would be pinned on the current boss' suit where his heart was during formal events. It was a symbol that meant to honor the woman who had captured their heart- that even in their world of turmoil and inconsistency, they would be reminded that love still exists. For there is no other that knows the true meaning of love than the Uchiha. For now, Madara wore the rose that honored his mother.
Though he would never admit, even to Izuna, that he had a moment of hesitance to wear the cherry blossom instead.
"Funny you asked that, Izzy," Izuna blurted, "If you must know, Madara's got a new kitten and he's been quite doting on her lately. Credits to me though."
On the side, Kagami had his brows furrowed in worry at Izuna's remark. Madara shot his brother a glare but the underboss only found it amusing and smirked. Though they knew that the underboss was only teasing. Izumi, however, confused but intrigued with Izuna's implication, started to pester Madara about what he meant. It seemed that his niece was torn between taking Izuna's words literally or that Madara actually has a new girlfriend- a girlfriend by contract that is. It made him curious what Izumi's reaction will be if she found out that he's in a sugar relationship with a girl younger than her?
However Izumi's ramblings were cut short when he spotted another ravenhead woman coming their way. Madara stood from his seat followed by Izuna who followed his line of sight.
"Don Uchiha," Mikoto greeted first and gracefully kissed his ring just like the others have done.
"Mikoto," Madara let out a smile for the woman he grew up to see as his own older sister.
The woman smiled at him with relief dancing in her eyes. Though there were crow's feet marring the corner of her eyes, she still look much younger than her own peers. As it was once believed that the Uchiha have the gene to suppress the fall of time in the human body- much to the envy of many women in today's society. She hugged him tight and they kissed each other's cheeks in greeting. When she turned to do the same for his younger brother and Kagami, Madara finally had the chance to meet gazes with the rest of her immediate family.
"Don Uchiha," the title slipped from Fugaku's mouth as if he was just fed with the most disgusting food in the world but was forced to comply because it's supposed to be good for him. Even when he barely kissed the ring on Madara's finger, he had a look on his face as if he wanted to throw up.
Such expressions were not foreign to Madara. Ever since his father taught him how to properly hold a gun for the first time at the tender age of eight, members of his own clan started giving him looks of disdain and pity. It only got worse when he took over his father's seat as the new boss when he was twenty. Thus making him the youngest mafia boss in history; beating his own mafia's first boss- Indra who became the boss at age twenty-five.
Though Fugaku's views of him and the underground family were not without warrant. As KHPD's Chief of Police, the fact that one of the most dangerous men in the world is right before his eyes, sharing the same bloodline, and forced to bow and show respect to him, it was easy to imagine the frustration building up inside him. As controversial as it was, the conflict between the Uchiha's division as law-abiding enforcers and organized criminals, had long since settled by Madara's great-grandfather, the fourth generation boss.
However the terms for the settlement was a long and complicated story best served for another time.
"Don Uchiha," Sasuke greeted after his father.
At least Mikoto's youngest son had enough decency to show respect to his superiors despite his more rebellious nature. Then again, the boy never had a reason to hate the mafia side of the family. Conflicted, yes, but hate?
After tonight, he might start sharing his father's odium.
And if ever he finds out what him and Sakura has been doing behind his back…
"Nii-san, there you are. What happened? You're not usually… late…" Sasuke trailed off and his brows started to knit together as Itachi approached. He must've sensed that something was wrong. Though Itachi greeted his parents and acknowledged Sasuke, there was hint of distance in his eyes.
"Ah, Itachi. I was afraid you would arrive any later," Madara started and gestured to their table, "Would you like to join us? We saved you a seat."
That last phrase hit Sasuke and his father like a grenade that detonated on their faces. Madara could almost read their open shocked and enraged faces like a book. Of course, they understood the implication of those words, for that phrase was nowhere near innocent.
It meant that Itachi had decided to join the ranks of the Uchiha mafia.
Fugaku, needless to say, his lividity from before could not even hold a candle at what he's feeling at the news. His face was so red and face twisted in such anger that the man might just explode; while Sasuke's face contorted in shock and betrayal. As for Mikoto, since she's more versed with the rulings in the mafia family, she understood better what was happening but it still didn't stop her from feeling despair.
Madara said nothing and he didn't so much as shift in his seat when he felt the thick tension in the air. He had done his part, and now it was time for Itachi's family to understand his decision.
He didn't mean to destroy their mood for the party before it even began, but it's not like Madara can help it either. He was just doing his duty.
The crowd applauded as Sakura finished her song, and she felt her face heat up from all the attention. No matter how many times she had done this for the Uzumaki family every year, she still never got used to it. If she can, she wouldn't volunteer to sing them a song if weren't for Naruto's grandmother. The aged woman that had confided herself in a wheelchair for the last five or so years can still be very persistent. Plus it didn't help that the Senju family had also joined them. Well, it was nice to know her talent was appreciated. The only times she could sing properly is when she wasn't stressed or tired, lest she'll have a voice worse than a toad's croak.
"Excellent performance as always, Sakura."
"You were amazing, Sakura-chan!"
Sakura smiled gratefully as she rejoined Naruto and the others on the table. After the formal event of the evening was over and the children had been put to bed, it was time to start the adult party. Since Naruto and his cousins were no longer obliged to stay with their respective tables, they joined Sakura over a table for their own.
"Gentlemen! It's time to take out your wallets and check books, because you'll be bidding on a date with some of the Uzumaki and Senju clan's most eligible bachelorettes!"
The announcement was followed by hoots of cheers and whistles, both from young and old single men in the crowd, while the women clapped along with less enthusiasm. Sakura however, couldn't help but raise her brow. She wasn't exactly sure what to feel about this.
She scooted herself a bit closer to her right to whisper on Naruto's ear. She asked incredulously, "A bidding? Really?"
Naruto shot his hands up in defense, "Hey don't look at me. You can blame the old crones in both of the families. They thought it'd be a great opportunity for our clans to… mingle with each other."
That didn't help much but at least Sakura was able to get the picture. Fortunately, even though Sakura's family came from a very, very distant side of the Uzumaki family, it was safe to assume that she wouldn't be part on the auction list.
"Can you believe this? Your family's actually auctioning your women off," Sakura whispered to her left. Internally, she was worried that her frenemy would get auctioned off as well. Karin's pretty and all but even she doesn't deserve such a blasé dating opportunity.
Karin however, just shrugged as she sipped on her white wine. In the background, the bidding began with the girls from the Senju clan, "Well, it's for a good cause anyway. The money will be donated to the public and children's hospitals around the country. Besides, don't you think being wined and dined by a rich man sounds kinda nice?"
Oh don't she know it.
If only she knew how well-versed Sakura was in that field. Apart from that restaurant where they first met, Madara took her out to the best food joints around Konoha which she could only eat at in her dreams. Either her sugar daddy was just showing off or he saw her as an excuse to enjoy himself to the pleasures of the taste buds, she wasn't sure. Either way, Madara wasn't shy enough to spend all that money on her in all their dates.
Now that she thought about it, wasn't there a term used to describe men like Madara? Minus the fact that he's undoubtedly single and with no kids. She believed that she had seen it once when browsing through Ino's history-
"-DILF."
Sakura snapped her head back the redhead with a slight flush across her cheeks, "I'm sorry, what?"
"DILF. You know, 'Daddy I'd Like to Fuck'. As if you don't know that term," Karin shrugged before her lips curled up mischievously, "I said that I may know some of our uncles that's so like a DILF. I almost feel sorry for those Senju girls."
Oh yeah… DILF…
Sakura shook her head to keep her thoughts from straying into unwanted territory. It wouldn't bode her well if she thought about a certain, hot- oh yes, so very hot- Uchiha with those delicious muscles and gentle caresses, and his ability to make her squirm under his gentle touches before using his big co-
"Haruno Sakura!"
"Oh my god- that's you!" Karin exclaimed beside her whilst Naruto, Nagato, and Yahiko wore the same shocked expressions on their faces.
"Wh-wha- I don't- wait-! I mean-!" Sakura flustered. She stood up and in a last, desperate attempt, held onto Naruto's arm in a tight squeeze that made him yelp, " . !"
She said with gritting teeth but the pressure from the applauding and cheering audience was too much that she found herself marching back to the stage. Sakura stood awkwardly atop the stage as far away from the center as possible with her gaze locked onto her feet and to avoid eye-contact.
Oh god this will be a good time for the ground to swallow me up now. Naruto had better get me outta here.
"We will start the bidding at 10,000 ryo for this beautiful gem!" the emcee announced and Sakura had to will all her nerves to not break the guy's nose.
I'm not an object! Dammit!
The bidding ensued and left and right, people raised her price faster than the stock market itself. In her mind, she relayed what she's going to do the moment this whole fiasco was over. Should she march back to her room? Maybe march towards Naruto's parents' table and demand to be let go? Not to be rude, she loved Minato and Kushina like second parents but this? This is the worst mistake they had ever done to her. Who was the blubbering son of a bitch that signed her up for this? She'll exert every technique she ever learned that would make Kakashi proud and Gai shit rainbows; then fix up their face just so she could do it again.
Amidst the noise, Sakura swore she heard someone sneeze.
"45,000!" the crowd applauded and for the first time, Sakura dared to look for the person who had the ball to bid that amount of money just for a single date. When she finally saw the sorry sod, Sakura had to wince.
Screw mutilation! She's gonna tear this guy limb from limb!
Sakura prayed to whatever all-powerful being up there to please, please, PLEASE grant her some divine intervention. The sorry sod turned out to be the sole Uzumaki that she detested out of all of them. There's always that one member of the family that fits every description of the words 'douchebag' and 'asshole', and Uzumaki Hiruto is that very member. She thought that there wasn't anyone that could top Sasuke and Naruto combined but apparently, she had been proven wrong when she met Naruto's distant cousin. She had long since last count the times she had to turn down the pervert to trying to score with her. The guy just can't take the hint! Needless to say Sasuke was never happy when he turns up and he always got rid of him.
But Sasuke wasn't here and as for Naruto? As much as he wanted to punt the guy into next week, Sakura can't risk him of getting into trouble from his family for her sake.
Long story short, Hiruto's the worst.
"50,000 ryo!"
Another round of applause and Sakura almost jumped in joy when she heard Yahiko.
"50,000 ryo!" the emcee exclaimed. "Does anybody wish to go higher?"
God please, no more-
"100,000 ryo."
Gasps ensued from the audience and Sakura felt her own mouth gape in shock. She followed the raised arm to table where Naruto's parents and the Senju heads sat. She felt her heart thump and her eyes widened as red eyes burned intently over hers.
"Tobirama?" she mouthed to herself. The albino Senju caught it however and his lips curled into a small, confident smile.
"110,000!" came another bid.
"120,000!" and another.
"130,000!" and another.
"145,000!"
Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!
Sakura scream miserably in her head. The ridiculousness of it all was getting through to her. Why bid all that money for one fucking date?! Are the men today that desperate?!
Madara…
She snapped her gaze up to Naruto's table and she could see them all huddled together close. A pang of guilt hit her in the chest at what it meant. She wanted out, yes, but now that the stakes are high- literally- she's not selfish enough to let them spend all that money on her.
"300,000!" Naruto shouted and Sakura shook her head vigorously at him. But her blonde idiot waved it off like it was nothing and threw her a double thumbs up.
"500,000," Tobirama interjected as Sakura made a face saying 'Are you serious?'. By then the emcee beside her started to stutter and was close to hyperventilating.
"550,000!" Naruto countered with a wince in his voice. It wasn't that difficult to guess that they just tossed the last of their chips in the pile. Sakura could only pray that no one would try to bid anymore. Seriously, she doubted even Tobirama would go so far as to raise-
"1,000,000 ryo," the white-haired Senju's voice boomed across the venue with a tone of finality as he stood from his seat. The legs of his chair scraped hard across the carpet floor. He made quick strides towards the stage only to stop in front of her, making her look directly at him.
"Oh shit," were the last two words that fell off Sakura's mouth.
She didn't know what happened after that. She distinctly remembered gasps, then a countdown, then loud cheers, and finally- Naruto's shocked and apologetic face.
.
"Are you alright?"
Sakura snapped from her reverie and met Tobirama's concerned eyes. She bit her lip as she tried to quickly process what just happened, where she was and what she was doing. The answer? She was out walking in the Hotel's greenhouse garden with Tobirama at her side. After the bidding, she faintly remembered he led her out here and away from the party.
She sighed tiredly as they sat on a stone bench hidden behind tall hedges, "No."
"Overwhelmed?" he asked cautiously.
She sighed again and raked a hand through her hair, "Overwhelmed? God… Senju-san-"
"Call me Tobirama."
"Fine, Tobirama," she looked up to him, "Why would you do that? One million? Geez, I don't mean to offend but what is it with you rich people throwing away money like it's nothing?! Seriously, are you that bored or just desperate?"
At her unusual response, Tobirama had to blink, "You know, most women would feel flattered by this gesture."
She shot him a glare, "Well, I'm not most women."
"Clearly," the corner of his lips quirked up briefly before it fell back down as he addressed her seriously, "I have to apologize though. It was my idiot brother's fault. He's the one who signed your name on that list. It's disrespectful and uncalled for but please, let me apologize in his behalf. I assure you he meant no harm."
"But why would he do that? I've never done anything to him, have I?"
Tobirama sighed, "That is… partially my fault."
"How come?"
"You see, Sakura," he scooted a bit closer that their legs touched, grabbed a lock of stray hair and twirled it playfully around his finger beside her cheek. Sakura however, froze stiffly at his bold action and even if she moved away, she would've fallen off the bench, "I am not known to be seen so… acquainted with people outside business and family, especially around women."
Whether or not he felt her sharp intake of breath, she wasn't sure. Yet Tobirama's face inched ever so closely to her as he held her still with those hypnotizing red eyes of his. It reminded her of Madara's deep, dark pools. They were beautiful in their own right but when shone with the right glint of light, say a fireplace, it would reflect the fire as if it was burning within his own. She could never forget how captivated she was with those eyes of his; so heated and steeled with lust, desire, and wanting, that left her breathless as he took her again and again next to the hearth-
No! Dammit, why are thinking of him right now?!
"I deeply apologize for the discomfort I brought you," he continued, "However if you ask me if I regret what I've done, to bid a million ryo for a chance to go on a date with you, then no. I'm afraid I do not feel the slightest ounce of guilt nor regret. I will not force you like this auction wants you to, Sakura, and I will never hold it against you if you refuse, but it would give me great pleasure if you would allow me to take you out to dinner tomorrow."
She swallowed a lump in her throat. What should she say? Should she say yes? Should she refuse? Is it a violation of her contract with Madara? Well, it did say that she was free to pursue a normal relationship… so long as she doesn't sleep with them…
Sakura internally sighed. The guy did spend one million on her. She might as well go out with him on this. It wouldn't be nice.
His eyes look a bit nervous too…
"Okay," she answered and a grateful smile crossed over his handsome face. Sakura can't help the tug in her heart at how happy he looked. Based from her observation and the small pickings from Naruto and the others, Tobirama was- in Naruto's exact words- 'So uptight and cold as ice he might as well be related to teme and his family'. Apparently, Tobirama scared the shit out him when they first met. Plus, she's been around too many stoic men to last her a lifetime. In her opinion, Sai had been the hardest challenge she ever had.
"Thank you, Sakura," Tobirama breathed and held both her hands. Heat rose to Sakura's cheeks when he grazed his lips over her knuckles.
Seriously, what is it with older men and kissing hands?
Later that evening, after Tobirama escorted her back to her room with a promise to pick her up tomorrow at six, she had to console a terrified, apologetic, and worried-to-death Naruto. For the rest of her night, she had no choice but to wait out Naruto's energy about the fact that his 'Sakura-chan is going on a date with an old geezer' then proceed to ridiculous theories that he might be a big pervert, that Tobirama would drug her and take her to the mountains to never be seen again, and etc.
Though it was unlikely, she hoped that Naruto was wrong though. Besides, it's not like she wasn't experienced with being wined and dined by a rich, older man before. Not that they need to know that.
If only she knew that to Madara's point of view, she would be going on a date with the enemy.
Finally updated! In the following chapters, Sasuke will finally have a role in this web of coincidences.
Thank you everyone for the continued support! I'm not sure when will I be able to update again but hopefully soon.
Y'all keep being gorgeous and stay safe everyone!
Ciao~!
