Sorry for the lengthy, stupidly long, wait. Hope to get Chapter 9 done soon too! WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS FANFIC!

Based on The Lion King II: Simba's Pride


Borderlines – Chapter 8
Year 2010; Tokyo, Japan

"Where are we going?" Sakura asked the Uchiha heir as he continued to lead her through the woods. It was getting later, and the forest was darker the more they proceeded through. It was ominous and dark, and shivers crept all over her body despite her attempts to stifle her feelings of newly arisen fear.

Sasuke was silent as ever, saying not a word as he pushed back the umpteenth branch to get in his way, determined not to give away their destination. It was a long kept secret, one he was only sharing with her for knowledge's sake.

Finally, after a great deal more hiking and navigating through the dark foliage, the trees opened up to reveal a large clearing. The Uchiha paused, allowing the pink-haired woman to come up alongside him, admiring the puzzled expression which then took residence on her otherwise calm features.

"Where are we...?" Sakura couldn't help but ask as she surveyed the land before her. It was empty, the grasses overrun and littered with weeds, but the telltale signs of buildings in the farthest reaches were indication enough that where they stood had once been an illustrious estate. Confusion took precedence in the Haruno heiress's mind, and she glanced up at the dark-haired Uchiha curiously.

Sasuke himself had been observing the property, unsure of how to explain, and so he said nothing as he merely started onward, tugging her hand gently to coax her along with him. He was glad that she didn't retreat, and instead, followed now wordlessly at his side.

It took another few minutes before the two were standing before the large, overgrown building that was easily recognized as a main house. Whoever had lived here before had been very rich indeed, the main building easily rivalling the size of the Haruno mansion, and the grounds surrounding were far beyond extensive. Two smaller buildings, both still larger than the average family's home, were present in two separate directions nearby, one appearing to have been used as a guest house, the other, as a stable. Corrals and paddocks lay in separate portions of land alongside the stables, indicating that at one time, horses had been present here.

Finally, after another moment or two of silence between the two heirs, Sasuke began to speak.

"This is where we used to live...when my father was still well and healthy," the black-haired man stated, a sense of melancholic overtones in his voice. "When he loved my mother, and spent the majority of his free time with my brother and I."

Sakura's jade green eyes widened slightly, and she glanced at him with something akin to empathy in her eyes. "This is a beloved memory to you...this place..."

Sasuke merely nodded, his solemn gaze hardening slightly. "I hid the deed to this place, not allowing anyone to touch it. It still belongs to the Uchiha, belongs to me, and when all is said and done, I intend to fix it up myself."

Sakura withdrew her hand from his hold, gazing around the estate with a new light in her eyes. Recognition sparked when she took notice of the Uchiha crest, a red and white Uchiwa fan, printed just above where the main entrance would've been. She gingerly stepped forward, approaching the doorway, and ran her fingers over the decaying wood. A light giggle escaped her form, and she glanced back at him with a tender smile.

"It will take a lot of fixing to get this place back to its former glory, I'd imagine," she said.

Sasuke stared back at her, his hands now located in his pants pockets casually. He blinked his obsidian eyes, taking in the smile she gave him. It was that same smile, and he'd be damned if he said it didn't affect him.

His gaze shifted downward then, and the Uchiha cleared his throat. "It will, I know that."

"Why don't you get Naruto to help you?" Sakura suggested, pushing her hair over her shoulder as she turned to face him once more. "I'm sure he'd be more than happy to."

Sasuke smirked, envisioning the exuberant blonde going about trying to fix different pieces of the home. After a light chuckle, he shook his head. "That Dobe couldn't even put a birdhouse together. I'm not letting him touch this place."

Sakura laughed at the thought. She had seen him try to make her a tree house at one point, but he had failed miserably and had left it to Kakashi and Genma instead. The older men knew no more about building than Naruto, and though it was entertaining to watch them squabble about the entire project, it was slightly disappointing. The entire tree house had turned out lopsided and unsafe. She was never able to play in it.

"He is fairly inept at building, I agree."

Sasuke nodded. "There's little he's actually good at."

The pink-haired heiress turned to survey the home once more, gaze softening and lips forming a steady line. "I'm sure he'd do some good here, but regardless, I think I'd like to see this place restored to its original glory. Maybe I could help too...?" She looked back at him, admiration shining in her eyes.

For a moment, all breath left him, the plan behind why he was wooing the Haruno completely vanishing from his mind. All focus was on just breathing. Sasuke swallowed then, and nodded his head. "I think I would like that."

A faint fluttery feeling lit Sakura's insides on fire as she realized the gravity in Sasuke's gaze that he now held on her. Her cheeks tinted a light rose, and after a moment of their gazes ever connected, she looked away shyly. She had never anticipated anything like this from the stoic Uchiha, never mind what he did to her body. He affected her in ways not even Naruto could succeed with, and she was hesitant when it came to the conclusion that, she actually rather enjoyed it.

=(x)=

The blonde-haired man known as the head of the Haruno household sighed. He was seated in his office, staring out the window that overlooked the front drive and yard, having seen Sakura leave earlier on that day with Naruto, Sai, and the Uchiha heir, but they had not yet returned and he was growing acutely worried for his daughter's safety. He had distinctly told her that she would not leave without an armed escort at all times, but apparently, deliberate disobedience was something she had inherited from him, and he currently was unhappy with that thought.

He didn't understand why she wouldn't take Hatake or Shiranui with her. Had it been him, security and protection would've been the first things on his mind, but then again, he was her father, and these were natural feelings for him.

Now that it was reaching well after eight in the evening, Akarui was beyond anxious at the notion that Sakura, nor Sasuke, had returned from their outing. Horrid thoughts crossed his mind, most surrounding the dream he had had that morning, as well as the mixed path that involved both the Haruno and Uchiha. Without further adieu, the man stood and left his office, making his way swiftly down the stairs.

(x)

Somewhere on the main level, in another room, several of the security staff were loafing about in the lounge. Ibiki and Anko were playing darts, taking turns to see who could hit the target with the most complicated throw, while Asuma and a few of the others sat around a roaring fireplace – despite the warmish weather – discussing the latest news surrounding the Haruno/Uchiha rivalry. At another table, Kakashi and Genma were busy playing poker, Tsunade and Shizune having joined them shortly after eight, the busty blonde housekeeper doing a terrible job of winning against the men.

"So things have been pretty tense up in Hogo," Genma spoke then, eying his cards expressionlessly as he fiddled with the senbon in his mouth. "I overheard that the Uchiha haven't been trying anything lately, and so everyone's anticipating an attack soon."

"You should stop meddling in the affairs of others and concentrate on your job," Tsunade returned snippily, glaring at her own hand.

Shizune nodded her agreement, then promptly called a fold. This left the two personal guards of Sakura, and the housekeeper.

Genma shrugged. "What can I do about it? I just overheard. Wasn't like I was eavesdropping or anything."

"You were eavesdropping," Kakashi drawled at his side, shifting his cards around in his hand.

Genma glared at him. "You're supposed to be my partner, Hatake. Stop siding with everyone else!"

Kakashi merely shrugged in return, reclining back in his chair until it was suspended only on two legs. He then promptly lifted his feet to rest on the table.

"Get your damn feet off the table, Hatake," Tsunade snapped, then grinning as she chucked another chip into the middle. "I raise you fifty, boys."

"Wait, we're playing for real money, right?" Genma inquired, glancing at the woman who had just raised the bet.

Tsunade gave a curt nod in response. "What else would we play for?"

Genma shrugged. "I dunno. Maybe we were playing strip poker?"

The housekeeper glared hotly at the man across from her, and he all but shrunk down in his seat.

"Alright, yeesh, don't get your panties in a twist." Genma exhaled, promptly placing down another couple chips. He then glanced at the lazy silver-haired man beside him. "You gonna raise?"

Kakashi did so but lazily.

When they had all finished with their bets and the like, Tsunade grinned that of a Cheshire cat, rising and slamming her cards down in the same motion. "Ha! Full House! I beat your asses this time!" She sat down again, crossing her arms over her ample bosom.

Genma raised an eyebrow, smirking then on his own. "Sorry to burst your bubble, but I've got four of a kind."

Tsunade's jaw dropped, and a hovering cloud of depression suddenly fell upon the woman. She was terrible at placing bets, and anticipating whether she'd win or lose. Unfortunately, more often than not, her being the loser was the case.

Genma set his cards down, chuckling as he glanced at Kakashi, already reaching for the pile of poker chips. "Got anything to add, Hatake? Or have I just beat you both?"

Kakashi shrugged, sitting up until the chair was once more, four on the floor. He then set his cards down, resting his head languidly on his hand that was propped up by his arm. "Nothing special. Just a royal flush." His eye crinkled merrily, while beneath his mask, he was sure to be smiling.

Genma's eyes went wide, and he leapt up, immediately bending over the table, looking the cards over. "What the hell? How did you manage that?"

Kakashi shrugged. "Guess you both own me some money now, don't you?"

"You'll have to wait," Tsunade muttered spitefully. "I don't exactly have cash on me right now."

Genma rubbed the back of his head as he sat back down, nodding. "Neither do I. I'll give you a rain check though."

Kakashi shrugged, not at all preferable to waiting or not. So long as he got his money in the end, he'd be a happy man. That was all that mattered.

(x)

He had found very little staff working about the main floor in his walk, wondering absently why no one was at their post. He noticed only one of the security hanging about the front lobby, but other than that, no one had crossed his path in the last ten minutes. Thankfully, the cook was still in the kitchen, and more than happy to oblige in making him something to eat. He silently wondered, whilst eating, if Rakuna was just as worried about their daughter. He had been informed later that she was relaxing in one of their private sitting rooms, engrossed in reading a novel.

After his meal, his steps led him to the lounge where the jovial sounds of those enjoying themselves came into earshot. He heard Tsunade's exclamation that she'd won a game of poker with a full house, and then the surprised screeches from both Tsunade and Genma. His brow furrowed, and he entered the room, only then discovering that Kakashi had won their poker game, which was why the other two had reacted as they had. He assumed then that Shizune had called fold.

Upon his entrance, Genma shifted his gaze to the man, blinking with mild surprise. "Haruno-san."

"I wondered where the lot of you had gone," Akarui murmured, approaching the table to take a seat.

"Just relaxing a bit tonight," Kakashi informed, shrugging his shoulders as he counted up the money both his poker-mates owed him.

"Not much else to accomplish around the place, tonight," Tsunade agreed, arms still folded tight across her chest. She still looked rather displeased.

Akarui smirked a little. "So you're gambling?"

Tsunade snorted with disdain. Shizune nodded. Genma reclined in his chair as Kakashi had done previously, and the silver-haired man was still writing down the I.O.U's of his companions.

"So what brings you down to our domain tonight?" Genma asked then, studying the man curiously.

Akarui's smile faded. "I can't sit still for whatever reason. No matter how much I've tried, I cannot find peace with just relaxing in the sitting room, or just staying still regardless of the location."

"Does this have to do with Sakura?" Kakashi asked without looking up.

Akarui glanced at the man. "Is it that obvious?"

Genma offered a nod. "You only ever get this worked up and restless when it has something to do with your daughter, sir. If I may be so bold, you're probably overreacting. If she's with the Namikaze kid, she's in good hands. He'll take care of her; he always does."

"But the Uchiha went with them," Akarui stated.

"We knew that," Kakashi responded.

Akarui furrowed his brow. "You knew they all left?"

"Cheya. They were all training with Kakashi before they left," Genma put in.

"And you didn't tell me because...?"

Genma shrugged. "We assumed you'd watch them leave. You always seem to know where your daughter goes and who she goes with, whether or not someone tells you."

Akarui averted his gaze then, knowing it was true.

"Look, if you're that damned worried about her, why not just go find her? I'm sure the driver that took them has some information he can give you," Tsunade suggested harshly. "It's better than acting as if the world's ending just because she hasn't come home yet."

The Haruno head looked to her with surprise at the suggestion. "That...that might be a good idea then..."

Genma nodded. "Just to clear your head. Just try and be discreet about it, otherwise you'll have another tantrum to deal with."

Akarui stood then, offering a sharp nod of his own. "That's a good idea. I'll head out right away." He gave them his thanks then, before exiting the room swiftly, and vanishing down the hall.

(x)

Once the head of the Haruno Clan had left them alone, Genma shook his head mildly. "Does he ever take a break? It's no wonder the doctor foretold his early retirement."

Tsunade exhaled deeply, a pensive expression falling over her features. "The protective streak in that man borders on the obsessive. It's no wonder she left without either of you buffoons to watch her every move."

Genma returned the woman with an annoyed glare, while Kakashi seemed completely oblivious to the insult.

"Buffoons? Us? What gives you that idea!" Genma demanded haughtily.

Tsunade pushed herself up from her chair, heaving a heavy exhale. She turned away from the table, starting over to a cabinet where with one flick of her wrist, she had it open, and was choosing a bottle of liquor. "You act like a couple of monkeys on most occasions. If Sakura was my daughter, which on some occasions it feels like she and I truly are kin, I would not be entrusting the two of you with her life."

"Hey now, that isn't fair," Kakashi finally put in, lifting his head. His gaze was still languid and excruciatingly bland. "We take good care of Miss Haruno."

Tsunade glanced over at him, eyes narrowed dangerously as she pulled the cork on the bottle, then proceeded to take a lengthy swig of the alcohol.

"Uh…Tsunade-sama…." Shizune began, but the busty blonde paid no heed.

The bottle was removed from her mouth, Tsunade giving a satisfied smack of her lips. "Much better. Now, where was I?"

She returned to the table, reclaiming her seat amongst the men and her assistant.

"We're buffoons," Genma answered with a scowl.

"Ah, yes, buffoons." Tsunade chuckled a little to herself, taking another sip of her liquor. "Perhaps when Akarui returns from searching for the little missus, he'll have some sense knocked into that skull of his. If not, well, Rakuna and I will be having a little chat."

Genma and Kakashi simply shook their heads. Whatever this talk of theirs would be, the result would be less than fortunate for the head of the Haruno Clan.

=(x)=

The limousine pulled up by the side of the road, at a small rest spot close to the coastline. The driver came around to open the door, Akarui stepping out with a lengthy sigh. He had been many places within the limits of the city, but nowhere had he found his daughter. It was beginning to irk him, yet he had no further ideas of where to look.

When they had gotten back into the car, and on the road again, it didn't take long before the coastline had ebbed, and they soon were passing the bluffs, where the many open fields resided. It seemed casual enough, the drive, but as they passed a pullout, a familiar black SUV came into view. Akarui's eyes grew wide, and he turned in his seat as they passed, trying to make out the plate. His suspicions were confirmed; it was Sakura's.

He ordered the driver to stop and turn around, the man complying, and after Akarui's word, the car pulled up beside the other Haruno car.

The driver of Sakura's transport was nonetheless surprised, and a look of uncertainty overcame his features. A glance back to where the heiress had run off with Sasuke took place, before full attention was placed on Akarui.

Akarui stepped out of his car when it came to a full stop, and the driver approached.

"Sir, what are you doing here?"

"I'm looking for my daughter; have you seen her?"

The driver pursed his lips, nodding. "Yes, I've seen her."

"Is the Namikaze boy here as well?"

"No, only your daughter and the Uchiha heir."

Akarui narrowed his eyes, his gaze drifting to the trees behind the car. "Do you know where?"

The driver hesitated, then nodded. "I think so…."

"Lead me there!"

In comply, the man locked the SUV, nodding to the other driver, whom had just stepped out of the vehicle, before starting off into the woods.

=(x)=

"Thank-you for showing me that place," Sakura murmured, fiddling with her pink hair. "I know how you want to keep it a secret."

Sasuke glanced at her, nodding slowly. "I'd appreciate if you didn't tell anyone about it."

"On my honour as the Haruno heiress, I won't tell a soul," Sakura promised, turning and smiling at him.

The Uchiha couldn't help but smile in return, and, discreetly, took her hand in his.

Sakura looked down with reddening cheeks, but the smile that grew on her lips became softer. She gave Sasuke's hand a light squeeze, before turning her attention to the path in front of them. There was no doubt in her mind now, that he held similar feelings to her own.

=(x)=

"There they are."

Akarui shifted his attention to the edge of the clearing, eyes narrowing at the sight he took in. Sasuke, leading Sakura by the hand, both smiling and seemingly taken with the other. He had to put an end to it.

"Ready the cars; I'll be right there," the Haruno head announced quietly, tensing in preparation to apprehend them both.

The driver went quickly, though returned in mere minutes, just before Akarui could move.

"I thought I told you-"

"Your wife has arrived, sir," stated the driver, bowing politely at the waist.

Akarui whirled around, his expression displaying his question.

From behind the driver, stepped the elegant Rakuna, dressed in simple clothes and a fond smile.

"Hello, husband."

Akarui nodded in return. "What brings you here?"

"I heard about your troubles, and came to see what you were up to."

Akarui scowled, shaking his head. "Whatever I choose, you will not interfere."

"And what is it that you choose, hm?" Rakuna inquired softly, tipping her head to one side.

Her husband gestured to the scene unfolding before them.

Sasuke had paused in the clearing, presumably where they had been before, and he helped her sit without effort, before taking a seat beside her. Once they were side-by-side, he hesitantly snuck an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer, and her head tilted to lean against him.

Rakuna watched on with the same smile, and a faint flicker of acceptance entering her eyes. "Yes. I see them. And?"

Akarui shook his head. "He is the son, THE HEIR, to the company run by our enemy! It would create such a scandal if they became involved!"

"As were we," Rakuna said softly.

Akarui was about to respond, but he was left with no words. A despondent appeal took over his façade, and he instead glanced back at the younger two in the field.

"My love, what I see down there is no different than when you courted me against my father's judgement. He despised you with a passion, yet you persisted. And look where it's gotten us today."

Rakuna stepped up beside him, chuckling softly. "Perhaps if you weren't so worried about your daughter, you would have time for other things? Dear, I haven't seen you much these past few days."

The man sighed in response, shaking his head before looking at his wife. "Yes, but I am protecting her!"

"From what I can see, she doesn't need your protecting anymore. Sasuke means her no harm, not from what I can see. And if he did, do you think Naruto would have let her be alone with him?"

He knew his wife was right. Akarui hesitated then before letting out a long sigh, shaking his head. "Naruto would have fought Sasuke himself to keep Sakura safe."

Rakuna nodded. "Why not let them be for now. And maybe once they return, you will get to know Sasuke? Then you can decide if he's worthy of being with our daughter, hm?"

"Alright, alright. You win, Rakuna." Akarui laughed a little, kissing her forehead gently. "I will leave them be for now. But, if she comes home alone and unhappy, there will be hell to pay for him."

Rakuna merely laughed. "That sounds good."

Akarui took her hand, drawing her close, then turned and started back to the cars.


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: I apologize for my super late response. No excuses.