Chapter 9


Takao didn't look at Itachi as he spoke; his eyes were only focused on Sakura. "Well are you going to introduce yourselves?" Takao got up from his throne like chair and began making his way toward the ninja.

Takao stopped in front of Sakura, "And what's your name sweetheart?"

Normally Sakura would have yelled at this man for calling her sweetheart, but she surprised Itachi. In a very business manner she responded very sweetly with a wicked smile.

"My name is Sakura, pleasure to meet you."

Takao didn't step back, but roughly grabbed her hand and rubbed the top of her hand. "No, no the pleasure is all mine. You know I have never used leaf ninja, but I would have a long time ago if I had known they would send someone as pretty as you my dear."

Naruto and Sasuke were irritated, this old man was trying to flirt with their cherry blossom. Itachi was fuming as well, but you could never tell by the look on his face. But when Takao took his blossom' hand, his eyes narrowed. It was all Itachi could do to keep from ripping this man's throat out.

But Naruto beat him to the punch, "I'm Naruto and one day I am going to be Hokage!"

Takao still didn't let go of Sakura's hand, and Itachi could tell she was uncomfortable. "Yeah whatever kid," Takao leaned closer to Sakura's face, "now what do you like to do for fun honey?" Sakura yanked her hand out of his grip and snarled, "Would you please show us to our rooms please? I am rather tired from traveling." Itachi couldn't have been prouder, Sakura kept her cool but then deflected the conversation in their favor.

"Of course my dear. Aki," Takao turned to one of his men, "Please show our guest to their rooms."

Takao returned to his seat, but his eyes never left the back of Sakura's head as they left the room.


They were led down a long corridor which led to an open court yard, complete with a hot spring. "Now this is where you will be staying, there are five rooms so one of you will have to share with someone," with that said Aki turned and disappeared back into the compound.

Sakura's heart was pounding, she hoped the boys would be gentlemen and let her have her own room.

"There is no way I am sharing with teme!" Naruto screamed.

"Honestly Naruto I think it would be better on all of us for you to have your own room," Kakashi snickered causing a laugh from Sakura.

"Don't worry about it guys Itachi and I can share, it's no big deal, right Itachi?" Itachi nodded at his cousin. "So it's settled, now everyone go pick your room."

Naruto ran off opening one of the doors, "Hey everything in here is purple!"

"Then it must be Sakura's room dobe," Sasuke stated as he walked to the last bedroom.

Please let someone else take the room next to mine. Sakura pleaded in her head; but with no such luck Itachi and Shisui chose the room that was closest to her. This is going to be a long week.


Itachi closed the door behind him; he knew Shisui would pick the room next to Sakura's.

"So this worked out pretty great don't you think?"

Itachi didn't answer but went to unpack his things. After a continuous stare from Shisui, Itachi said, "Get Kakashi and Genma, we need to have a meeting."

"Fine but I want to relax, so we will do it in the hot spring."


The men sat submerged in the hot water waiting on Kakashi to make his appearance.

"So what's this all about?" Genma inquired.

"We will wait for Kakashi so I do not have to explain myself twice," Itachi replied.

"Yo! So what do you not want to explain twice?" Kakashi made his way over to the others, stepping into the water with a towel wrapped around his face.

"Good now that you are here we can begin. As the rest of you know this missions seems very bizarre; so we need to keep our guard up for anything."

"Ok we all know that, now mind telling us what's really bothering you," Shisui grumbled.

Itachi sighed, "It's about Sakura."


Sakura exited her room only wearing a small towel. She was defiantly in need of bath from all the dirt she acquired. But most of all she wanted some relaxing privacy. She hadn't really been left alone for too long, and the mission wasn't even over yet. At least with separated hot springs, she wouldn't have to worry about the boys overcrowding her.

Sakura undid her towel and let the soft fabric slide down her body. She leisurely eased into the warm water. "Man this feels great, she hummed to herself, "and after a good night's sleep I can be ready for tomorrow. She glanced up at the stars admiring the beauty of the night.

When she glanced back down she saw a pair of bright green eyes watching her from the other side of the water. Sakura didn't move she sat trembling and the eyes slowly move forward.


I'm doing my very best to keep updating as soon as I finish the chapters. Some chapters take longer to update because I lose my train of thoughts. But I hope to have chapter 10 up soon. Thanks for reading and please review.