Chapter 9: A Compromise

A/n: Here it is Chapter 9! I hope everyone enjoys and thanks for all the review :)

"You're not marrying him."

Sakura paused in the doorway of her loft as Sasuke's command reached her ears. Rolling her eyes in response, she took off her shoes and made her way over to the kitchen. With her hands outstretched before her, Sakura searched for the familiar shape of her teapot that she usually left out on the counter. An irritated expression marred her face for a moment until her hands came into contact with the smooth curve of a kettle. A small smile replaced her previous expression as she turned to face the general direction in which she recalled hearing Sasuke's demand.

"Would you like some tea?"

Annoyed was how he felt as he watched Sakura ignore his comment. Deciding it was best to reiterate what he had said, Sasuke walked over to her and grabbed her shoulders before lowering his lips to her ear.

"You are not marrying him."

A furious blush erupted onto Sakura's face as she felt Sasuke's breathe against her ear. Using both hands to push him away, she quickly turned to continue her task.

"Tea or not?"

"Hn."

Sasuke was amused by the reaction he got and hoped he would be able to see it again. Slowly a smirk made its way onto his face as he watched her prepare some sort of herbal tea. From his vantage point, he could see the tips of her ears were still a nice shade of red.

Muffling a sigh, Sakura could somehow picture a smirk on his face...then again she didn't really know what Sasuke look like. Her head tilted in thought as she tried to picture Sasuke. She remembered Ino saying he was gorgeous and if she hadn't married Sai, she would've gone for him, but that didn't help Sakura construct an image of what he looked like. Still lost in thought, the sound of the tea pot whistling broke her out of her reverie as she quickly turned off the stove. The click of the gas going off helped reaffirm her suspicion that the stove was off.

"Help me pour the tea and I'll respond to your demand."

Pushing himself off of the counter, Sasuke quickly poured the tea in the two matching tea cups that were adorned with cherry blossoms. Sakura motioned for him to follow her to the living room where the two sat down on the leather couch. Sasuke waited for Sakura to curl up on the sofa before handing her the tea which she proceeded to cradle in her lap. A peaceful expression adorned her face as the calming scent of jasmine and lemongrass teased her nose.

"I don't plan to marry Sasori just yet. You have a month to get your revenge and hopefully you will succeed by then."

Sasuke arched an eyebrow in response to Sasori's name. Since when were they on a first name bases? Pushing that thought a side, he focused on the last part of Sakura's statement.

"We will succeed and a month should be more than enough."

"What is your plan?"

Taking a sip of his tea before putting it back on the small coffee table, Sasuke pondered if he should tell Sakura about his plans. He might as well since she had just bought him some much needed time and from what he could tell during the meeting, she knew how to strategize against her opponents. Plus, she was already throwing a wrench in his plans since he was interested in her.

"I have a few of my members reclaiming the Furido group's territories until they are all forced to retreat in Naka. From there, it will be an all out attack until I kill Kazuma."

Sakura leaned forward and used her free hand to find the coffee table before gently placing the tea cup on the smooth surface.

"What about the civilians in Naka? If you plan to go for an all out attack, there will be civilian causalities, especially if you plan to use that stunt you did during my engagement party."

"I plan to evacuate them and replace them with all of my members before the actual attack."

"No, you will be alerting Kazuma if you do so. The man is shady as hell, but you cannot deny that he knows how to strategize and make things work towards his advantage."

"True...what do you suggest?"

Sakura drummed her fingers against the arm of the couch as she thought about a different plan of attack.

"Hmm...a majority of the tenants residing in Naka district know and trust me. Using that to my advantage, the day of your attack, I will have my members ready to evacuate the civilians before your showdown with Kazuma. This way, the civilians won't be harmed and after you win, no one will dare compare you to Kazuma for what happened in Naka a year ago."

"That's a good idea, but why are you willing to assist me? I thought you were against revenge?"

Sasuke watched as Sakura sighed in response before turning her gaze away from him.

"I'm not against revenge per say, but I am against pointless deaths, especially when they could've been avoided. Besides, I lost someone dear to me that day and I know what it's like to crave for blood of the one responsible but I know that I can't live my life based solely off of that."

He could honestly say that he never thought about what he would do after he got his revenge. Sasuke's entire being since Itachi's death was dedicated to avenging his brother. Sure he squeezed in a few moments of pleasure here and there but never has he thought about what he would do after he succeeded. Would he settle down? Leave the yakuza lifestyle? No, it would be impossible for him to walk away. He needed to maintain the Karasu group in honor of his brother, otherwise his only connection to his brother would be lost forever. He couldn't allow that to happen, but maybe he could start a family. Sasuke looked at Sakura as he tried to picture being with her.

Surprisingly, it was fairly simple and vivid. He could immediately see her holding a small baby in her arms, awaiting his return each day. The image caused a shiver of excitement to surge through him. Never would he have imagined having a family someday, but with her, it seemed possible.

"That's true."

Sakura quirked a smile in response. It seemed he didn't have a one track mind. Reaching down, Sakura twirled the cherry blossom pendant, the action catching Sasuke's attention.

"Did your mother give you that?"

"Yes."

Sasuke watched as a forlorn expression appeared on Sakura's face. Her already cloudy gaze seemed to drift off into a far off memory.

"Will you tell me what happened?"

A small smile replaced the forlorn expression as she refocused her gaze on him.

"Yeah, I think you deserve to know."


"Sakura! Hurry up, I need to go do some shopping in Naka and I want you to come with me."

"Just a second!"

In a blur, Sakura grabbed her purse and a pair of slippers before running past Kakashi who was making his way to the entrance. He was accompanying them today along with three other members. Otou-san was very protective whenever his wife and daughter went out. There really wasn't a need for that many bodyguards, especially since Okaa-san was more than adept at fighting.

"I'm ready!"

Mebuki's dark green eyes were alight with amusement as she took in the disheveled appearance of her daughter. Shaking her head she turned to greet Kakashi who had his nose buried in another one of his books.

"Alright you two slowpokes, let's head out."

Sakura looped her arm through her mother's as the two began walking over to Naka.

"Why did you want me to head out with you today?"

Mebuki graced Sakura with a small smile before turning her attention back to the different shops they were passing. Various smells from the restaurants wafted through the air, encouraging Sakura's stomach to growl in response. A chuckle accompanied the growl as Mebuki reached into her bag and withdrew her coin purse. Taking out a few coins, she walked over to buy a few sticks of dango for her daughter and the little group accompanying them. After passing the treats out, Mebuki gestured for the others to leave as she prepared to converse with her daughter.

"My observant daughter has already seen through my facade. The main purpose of this trip is because I have an important matter to discuss with you."

Sakura munched on the treat, focusing on the delicious taste of the dango. After plopping the last bite in her mouth, she threw away the stick before giving her Okaa-san her undivided attention.

"What is it Okaa-san?"

"What do you know about the Furido group?"

"They are an up and coming group that Otou-san has been keeping his eyes on. They use underhanded tactics to further their status."

"That is correct. Their leader Kazuma, is ruthless and cold-blooded. Rumors have been spread that he murdered his own son due to a dispute over who would take control of the group."

"Only rumors?"

A bitter smile graced Mebuki's lips as she finished her own dango stick.

"It is true."

A look of horror replaced Sakura's usual peaceful expression, but it quickly changed to an angry expression.

"How could he? That is his own flesh and blood."

A pale eyebrow arched in response to the question.

"Did you forget that you are a yakuza? Not all of them are as honor bound as your Otou-san or some of the older groups. However, there is a reason why I am telling you this."

"Well?"

"They have offered to form an alliance with the Haruno group in exchange for your hand in marriage."

"I would never marry a despicable man like him."

"I know. I wouldn't allow it nor will your Otou-san. Which is why I brought you out today. Kazuma met with your father earlier and he was told that the alliance was rejected. He told him that his group was too weak and an alliance would only be beneficial to them. Your Otou-san also said you are promised to the head of the Karasu group. He was praising Itachi for being honorable and a good man. Of course this angered Kazuma. He cursed up a storm before swearing to obtain an alliance with our group. From his expression, it seemed that he would do anything to ensure this allegiance."

Sakura was silent as she processed this information.

"If Kazuma does manage to tie his group to ours, I believe he will attempt to kill your Otou-san and take over the entire organization. If he succeeds, he would have no difficulty overthrowing Tsunade and taking control of the entire yakuza groups that reside in Konoha."

"What do you plan to do?"

"I want you to marry Itachi. At least knowing you are already promised to someone else and an alliance will be formed with the Karasu should halt Kazuma's plans but..."

"Knowing him, he may try to do something underhanded in order prevent this from happening."

Mebuki nodded in response.

"This is why I am pushing for a quick marriage as soon as possible. I am thinking within a month. Itachi has already agreed and I fear that if this union does not occur soon, something ominous will occur. From my contacts, it seems Kazuma had taken over a strong group of yakuza from Suna. A man named Sasori was part of that group and he has sworn his loyalty to Kazuma."

"Yes, it would be best to marry Itachi soon. If he has agreed, then I will give my consent as well."

Mebuki smiled fondly at her daughter.

"Your Otou-san was worried you would throw a fit, but I told him our daughter is very rational and would do anything for our comrades although she has a very short temper."

"Okaa-san!"

"Am I wrong?"

A blush colored Sakura's cheeks in response to her Okaa-san's question.

"No, besides Itachi seems like a decent man so it wouldn't be that bad. I prefer to marry him over Kazuma."

"Oh, I agree. He is quite good-looking."

"You are married."

"But not dead."

Amusement was clear as day on Mebuki's face but it was quickly replaced with a serious expression. Gently, she reached her hand out and placed it over her daughter's.

"I'm sorry Sakura. I wanted you to marry for love, but you are being forced into a marriage."

"I don't mind."

"I know and because you are a dutiful daughter, you will follow through with this agreement. However, a word of advice. Nothing is certain in this world except for death. Even then, we do not know when our time will come, but until then, I implore you to live your life to the fullest. There may not be love at first, but I know overtime you two will grow to care for each other. I don't know how long that will take nor if Itachi will survive long enough for it to happen, but at least try to create some happy memories together. After witnessing his parents being killed, the boy has forgotten what it is like to be happy. With this union, I hope he will be able to smile again and you will be able to have a taste of what it is like to love and maybe be loved."

"I'll do my best Okaa-san. I promise."

Mebuki released her daughter's hand before leaning back against her chair.

"That's all I wanted to hear. It is saddening to think that this world we live in is usually encompassed in darkness, but I know there are some moments in which even we, the yakuza, are able to have a taste of happiness. It isn't easy to obtain or even to maintain, but know that it is possible."

Sakura nodded her head as she listened to her mother. It was unsettling how her Okaa-san's words left an uneasy feeling with Sakura. If she didn't know better, it sounded as if her Okaa-san was imparting a final piece of wisdom before she embarked on a battle that she would not return from. All of Sakura's thoughts were shattered when an explosion went off. In an instant, a burst of light surrounded the area, temporarily blinding Sakura. Vainly she reached for her Okaa-san's hand.

"Sakura!"

"Okaa-san!"

The light subsided and as Sakura's eyes refocused, the buildings across the shop was blown to bits. A horrified expression marred Sakura's face as she took in the scene. Quickly she rose from the ground, grasping her side that was injured from the impact of the explosion. Her green eyes scanned the area until they rested on her Okaa-san who was assisting some citizens from the ground. Sakura made her way over, grasping her Okaa-san's shoulder to show she was okay.

"What's going on?"

A steely expression replaced Mebuki's calm expression.

"I don't know, but it seems Naka district is being raided. This doesn't make sense because everyone knows the residents are family members of those in the Karasu..."

Mebuki's eyes widened in response as the pieces of the puzzle began falling into place.

"He wouldn't."

"Kazuma?"

"Yes, it seems he plans to go after the Karasu group in order to prove his worth. Damn! How underhanded of him to attack defenseless citizens!"

"I agree, but we must go and find Kakashi and the others so we can leave."

Mebuki nodded as the two began to make their way to the exit. Sounds of metal clanging against metal could be heard, which caused Mebuki to instinctively reach for her own tanto.

"Sakura, stay close to me."

"Hai."

As Sakura inched closer to her Okaa-san, she felt someone grab her arm and pull her forcefully until she made contact with a man's chest.

"Oh, so this is the girl that boss was suppose to marry."

Fear clenched at her heart as she took in the face of her captor. Matted black hair that was complimented with a pair of ebony eyes. His expression was twisted into a sneer which in turn elongated the scar that stretched across his right cheek to the left cheek.

"Let her go."

The man tore his gaze away from Sakura to leer at Mebuki who was poised in a battle stance. Anger and determination was conveyed in her stance.

"Ooh and the wife is here too. Boss will pleased, eh?"

Sakura peered behind the man's shoulder to see more men approaching them, leaving a trail of corpses in their wake.

"Oi, Kanzo, take the girl."

As the man moved to push Sakura away, Mebuki intervened with a quick slash of blade, disposing the man named Kanzo. In an instant, Mebuki grabbed at Sakura and pushed her behind her.

"Are you alright Sakura?"

"Yeah."

"Good, I need you to go look for Kakashi and the others."

"What about you?"

"I'll be fine. I still got a good fight left in me."

Sakura bite her lip in response as she considered the different outcomes. She didn't want to leave her Okaa-san, but she would be useless in a fight.

"Sakura...it is not an option."

Steeling her resolve, Sakura turned to leave.

"Be safe."


"What happened next?"

A sad smile appeared on Sakura's face as she lost herself in her memories.

"I was able to find Kakashi and we both ran back to assist my Okaa-san. She was actually holding her own but she didn't see an attacker from behind. Of course, my impulsiveness got the better of me. I ran to distract the attacker and he turned to strike me across my eyes."

Gently, Sakura closed her eyes, allowing Sasuke to see the faint scar that stretched across her eyes. Anger filled Sasuke but he quickly calmed himself.

"What happened next?"

"All I remember seeing was a horrified expression on my Okaa-san's face as the man she was fighting cut her down. Then the pain took over and I blacked out. I woke up in a hospital and everything was dark. I thought it was because of the bandage covering my eyes but the doctor told me I was blind. Thankfully, Kakashi was there to support me and the rest is history."

Silence filled the room as Sasuke took in Sakura's story. Another minute went by before he spoke again.

"I'm sorry."

Surprise was apparent in her expression.

"Why?"

"I could've prevented all of this if I didn't move all of the member's family into that district. I should've known it would be targeted by Kazuma."

Sakura shook her head in response.

"You couldn't have known. Besides, I could blame myself for interfering with my Okaa-san's fight. She might have won and still be alive if I didn't run into a middle of a dispute."

"Hn. It seems we are both at fault."

"Hence there would be no point in blaming ourselves. We need to move forward. Besides, if everything went as planned, I would've been married to Itachi and you would be my step-brother."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed in response at the thought of the girl he was interested in, married to his brother. It seemed that something good did come out of what happened at Naka.

"So Sasuke, will you agree to help me?"

"Yes..."

A smile light up Sakura's face as she clasped her hands together.

"But you will need to do something."

The smile drifted away as her brows furrowed in response.

"What is it?"

A smirk appeared on Sasuke's face as he waited until Sakura reached for her tea before he told her his request.

"You and I will date for the entire month."

Sakura choked on her tea as she heard Sasuke's request. Trying to compose herself, Sakura frantically placed the tea back on the table.

"Why."

"It is obvious that I am interested in you and since we got off of the wrong foot, this would be the best way to restart our relationship."

"What if I say no?"

"Well, I don't necessarily need your help in obtaining my revenge, but if you say no, you would lose your chance to experience what it is like to date like a normal girl."

"Of course my date would be with a yakuza head," was Sakura's dry response.

"Mine would be the daughter of one of the top yakuza gangs too."

"Oh? Run out of fan girls?"

"Nope, they just don't interest me."

"Because they don't understand the word No?"

A frown marred Sasuke's expression.

"Well, what do you say?"

"Fine, but there will be a condition."

"What is it?"

"Come here."

Sasuke arched an eyebrow in response as he walked over to sit beside Sakura. He waited until she repositioned herself to face him before he asked his next question but he was halted when he felt Sakura brush her fingertips gently against his cheek. A tingle of sensation flooded through him at that brief contact.

"What are you doing?"

"Trying to figure out what you look like. Now stay quiet and don't move."

Sakura continued to trace the contours of Sasuke's face, as she tried to envision the man sitting before her. Gently, her fingertips brushed across his eyes, taking in the oval shape and reveling in the feel of his eyelashes tickling her skin. As she continued her trek across his face, the image she had of Sasuke began to focus, as little details added to the overall picture. An aristocratic nose was what she felt as she finally reached his thin lips. Gently she rested her fingertips against his lips as she was able to get an idea of what Sasuke looked like. A smile adorned her features as she began to pull away but she was stopped by Sasuke grabbing her hand.

The entire time he felt her butterfly touch against his skin only served to excite him. He was lucky that she was unable see the flush of red that adorned his cheeks. Never had he experienced the most innocent touches which served to aspire arousing thoughts. Gently he brought her fingertips to his lips as he pressed a kiss against them. He was happy to see a blush coloring Sakura's cheeks.

"Satisfied?"

"For now."

Sasuke smiled in response as he released he hand..

"So, do you agree to our deal?"

"Yes. Remember, one month."

"That's more than enough. I'll stop by tomorrow for our first date. Be ready by 7:00pm."

"Alright."

Sakura waited until she heard the click of the door before releasing the breathe that she was holding. Her heart was pounding against her chest as she replayed what had occurred moments ago. With a quick shake of her head, Sakura rose from her seat as she felt her way to the bathroom. Her hands came into contact with the cool metal of the bath tub. With a quick twist and a temperature check, Sakura waited for her bathtub to fill. Her thoughts were still focused on Sasuke. With an exasperated sigh, Sakura threw her hands up in defeat.

"Dammit! I might actually be falling for him."