Death Angel

"Captain, this is a little too much!"

"Do what I say, Karin." He snapped. "Now."

"But Juugo is-"

"Knock him out and leave him near the compounds."

Karin just bit her lower lip and gave a nod before turning to the other scientists and signaling them to inject Juugo with a mild tranquilizer, just so that the Rogue will awaken when the time is just right.

"Are you sure of the location, sir?"

"Do you doubt me, Karin?" Ikichi asked back with narrowed eyes.

"Then, how did-"

"Why do you think did I let my daughter run to that Uchiha?"

Karin just remained silent, already knowing what Ikichi has done. "He obviously put a tracking device on her and she was unaware of it, and I doubt anyone from that place would dare question her."

Chapter 10: Retaliation

Her brows furrowed for a bit before her eyes opened, and she blinked a few times before accessing the room she was in.

She then sat up and stretched her arms, at the same time she yawned and rubbed an eye.

The bed sheets were white, the same color as the shirt she had on. She kicked off the blue blankets, smiling at the coincidence that they matched the color of her shorts. Next, she ran her fingers through her hair to get rid of some of the tangles, before swinging her legs to the side of the bed. Her feet touched the carpeted floor, and she looked down to see that they were a darker shade of blue.

"You know, the last time I saw you sleeping was back in the classroom." She said, loud enough for the owner of the room to hear - who was currently inside the bathroom, all the way down to the walk-in closet. She stood up and went to where he was, spotting him wiping his face dry with a towel. He looked at her with a raised brow once he was finished, and her lips broke into a grin, before she ran towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck to give his cheek a light peck. "Good morning!" she beamed, and he blinked, before smirking and shaking his head.

"You're awfully hyper today."

"I feel great actually."

"Hn." He set the towel aside and walked out of the bathroom with Sakura in tow. "And you have no plans on going to school today?"

She pouted at him, and he just laughed slightly. "You know that my father will take me back."

"Yeah, but you don't have to worry, Tsunade is actually a Guardian."

Sakura's eyes widened at what he just said.

"Remember how I told you about three types of Guardians being in existence?"

"Yeah…"

"These are Hunters, Scouts, and Menders."

"I already know what Hunters and Scouts do, since I've met a few of them during my stay here, but what do Menders do? Heal..?"

"Yeah, they're in-charge of critical injuries that some Death Angels' healing powers can't take care of; also, Menders have the ability to cure a deadly disease, depending on their specialty." Sasuke answered, sitting down on his bed as she sat close to him and leaned her head on his shoulder. "They're basically the doctors in this place, and Tsunade is one, and she can heal almost any ailment no medicine can."

"But she's the Principal of Leaf Academy."

"That's right, why do you think are we always excused each time we're absent?"

Sakura looked at him and stuck her tongue out. "That is so not fair!"

"You're already in anyway," he told her. "My parents already sent a letter to Tsunade, so there's no need to worry about our grades because she'll be sending us some notes via email for the lessons we've missed."

"So even if you don't go to school for a month…"

"As long as you study the lessons given to you and do whatever homework is due, you'll still pass."

"Kind of like home-schooling..?"

"Sort of."

They stopped talking when they heard footsteps from outside his room, as well as murmurs being exchanged.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed when he recognized the auras of the three people who were getting nearer: they were three of the council members.

"Hmph. The daughter of the CA Captain is living here! Can you believe how preposterous that sounds?"

"Not to mention that she's the mate of a direct descendant of Uchiha Shuiro! A Rogue and a pure blood together, can you believe that?"

"It's such a disgrace, really."

Sasuke noted Sakura's discomfort and sudden depression that he stood up, not heeding how Sakura tried to stop him as he pulled the door open and glared at the three elders who stopped in their tracks, taken aback at being caught.

"Do you mind repeating what you just said?" Sasuke said in a harsh tone, his eyes shifting to Sharingan as he glared at them. "I'd rather hear you say those things straight to my face."

He walked out of his room and approached them, watching how they stepped back and hit the wall; they were cornered.

"I am getting sick and tired of hearing your bullshit every single day, so I'm daring you right now," his fists clenched. "Repeat what you just said."

Sakura shook at the sudden cold aura Sasuke emitted, and she had to gather every ounce of her courage to get up on her feet and approach him. She reached out to grip the back of his shirt, causing him to tear his gaze away from the elders, eyes immediately turning back to onyx when he spotted Sakura looking at him with pleading eyes, begging him to stop.

He sighed and gave one last glare to the elders before wrapping an arm around Sakura and leading her back to his room.

"Don't forget that the one you just insulted saved your lives." He said, before closing the door.

"Sasuke, you can't just…" she bit her lower lip and looked down. "It's my fault anyway, for intruding, and for…"

"Enough of that." He told her, pulling her into an embrace. "You have every right to be here."

"But…" she looked up at him.

"You're…" he turned a bit red and looked away. "Kind of like my… wife already, actually."

She also blushed and avoided looking at him. "Y-yeah, being your mate and all, right?"

"Aa."

"Well, this is…" she gave a sheepish smile, her cheeks still red. "Awkward."

"Right." He coughed and tried to get rid of his blush. "You… want to check out the training rooms?"

Her eyes widened, and her lips broke into a grin. "Can I?"

He smirked and walked over to his closet. "Just get changed into something… decent." He glanced at her. "I can see two things being erect on your shirt."

Sakura flushed and covered her chest with her arms, turning her back on him. "P-pervert."

"Hn. It's not like I haven't seen you naked." He shot back, taking out a pair of jeans, a gray shirt, and a black jacket from his walk-in closet. "I'll just go take a shower."

She looked at him as he went towards the bathroom, and she soon heard the showers being switched on and pouring, and she tried to not imagine him taking a bath.

"Change of clothes, right." She told herself, pulling out her backpack from under his bed. She unzipped it and took out a shirt which had elbow-length sleeves at the color of red, while the rest of the shirt was white, yet had a hood of the same color as the sleeves. She decided to wear pants for today, since they were going to the training room.

When she prepared her undergarments as well, Sasuke just finished and was now heading towards her while drying his hair with a towel while grabbing another one at the same time. "Your turn." He told her, handing her another towel as she smiled her thanks and carried the items she needed. "And Sakura?"

"Hm?"

He smirked at her. "You can just place your clothes in my closet, there's enough room."

"Oh, uh…" she stuck her tongue out and dashed to the bathroom. "I'll do that later!"

He just shook his head in amusement and looked at her backpack. "I wonder how many clothes she stuffed into it…"

He grinned and turned to the person next to him in a smug way. "Loser."

"Oh shut up! I'm a newbie here!"

"Haha! Just admit it Kiba, you're no match for me!"

"Shut up already!" Kiba snarled while the blonde idiot continued laughing. "Honestly," he glanced at his tamer. "Is he really like this Hinata?"

Hinata just tilted her head and smiled sheepishly. "That's Naruto for you."

Kiba gave a smirk, showing his fangs; the taming process wasn't successful in getting rid of them because of the blood he has drunk from humans. "I don't get what you see in him."

"K-Kiba!" Hinata blushed and turned to Naruto who was too busy dancing in joy. "Thank goodness he didn't hear."

The sliding doors of the training room slid open, alerting the three people inside that there was company.

"Sasuke-nii, Sakura." Hinata greeted with a smile.

Naruto turned to them and grinned. "Yo!"

Kiba eyed the couple who just entered, before immediately lowering his head a bit towards Sasuke. "Uchiha-sama."

Sasuke cringed and looked at Hinata sharply. Hinata just smiled sheepishly.

"Hn. Kiba, right?"

"Y-yes."

He took note of how the used-to-be Rogue had stiffened. "Geez…" he sighed. "Drop the formalities, I hate it."

Kiba looked up at him and gave a relieved sigh. "I'm not used to respecting anyone near my age either, but Hinata told me I should."

"Yeah well," he scratched the back of his head and glanced at the target practice Naruto and Kiba used. "Doesn't matter anymore to me." He eyed the results of their shooting game, and he frowned. "Naruto, seriously."

The blonde Guardian laughed. "What? I've got perfect aim!"

Sakura took a peek at Naruto's target practice and blushed.

"I swear you have issues." Sasuke muttered. "And what's the use of simulated combat if you keep using dummy targets?"

"Kiba's speed," Naruto said with an air of superiority. "Unless you think you can train him better!"

Sasuke sighed. "Where's Kakashi or Haku?"

"Probably reading that book of his, as for Haku, your father sent him on a special assignment." Naruto said, folding his arms behind his head. "So, think you can do better in training Kiba?"

"Depends," Sasuke looked at Kiba's target practice. "Maybe he specializes in close combat and not on long range."

The doors slid open again, and immediately, Naruto, Hinata, and Kiba knelt down on one knee to the floor, while Sasuke and Sakura turned to the newcomer.

Sakura bowed down a bit, as what Mikoto had taught her, whereas Sasuke remained standing. "What is it this time?" he asked.

"I can always expect something rude from you when it comes to the council."

"Hn."

"Anyway, your father will arrive shortly."

"What for..?"

"You'll see."

As soon as he said that, Fugaku came in with four people. From the looks on their faces, they were new recruits.

Sasuke instantly groaned and slapped his forehead with his right palm. "Whose idea was this?"

Fugaku smirked. "Madara, who else do you think?" He answered, looking at the other man whom the others bowed down to. "And as for the four of you, straighten back up."

Naruto and the rest did, and their eyes went to the new members.

"Well then," Fugaku stepped aside so that the others can get a good view of the new arrivals. "We've got one Mender, a Scout, and two Hunters."

Sakura took note that the Scout and two Hunters were girls, and she was sure those blushes were due to her boyfriend's presence.

"This is Shizuku," Fugaku introduced the Scout who had shoulder-length light brown hair and sky blue eyes. "This one's Aika." One Hunter bowed down. She had short hair at the color of light purple, and her eyes were dark brown – almost black. "Kai." Fugaku continued while pointing at the other Hunter who smiled and waved enthusiastically. Her hair was up in two pigtails, and she was a hazel-eyed blonde. "And lastly, Yoshiro." The only guy took a respectful bow, and he seemed a bit shy just based from those eyes. He looked like a little boy, yet when Fugaku told them that they were all sixteen, it was obvious that Yoshiro was just really timid or nervous. "Everyone, this is my son, Sasuke."

Sasuke only looked at them and gave a nod before turning back to the target dummies.

"Next to him is his mate, Sakura."

She gave a smile and a wave.

"Behind them is Naruto."

He grinned.

"And then Kiba, also a newbie."

He just raised his right hand to greet them.

"And then Hinata."

She smiled at them and uttered a soft "nice to meet you".

"Sasuke, Naruto, and Hinata are all Hunters in one team. We're still trying to figure out if Kiba can be put under Scout or Hunter, whereas Sakura..?" Fugaku trailed off to eye his son, who sighed and answered for him.

"I'll take care of it."

"Alright then." Fugaku cleared his throat. "So, this is where you'll be spending most of your indoor days in, under my son's supervising, with assistance from Naruto and Hinata." He looked at them with serious eyes. "We have high expectations from all of you."

The four new recruits nodded and bowed down at Fugaku and Madara when the two men left the youngsters with the veterans and their fellow newbies.

"Hn. Fall in." Sasuke said, causing the four sixteen year olds to rush and stand before him like soldiers. "Since I'll be your supervisor, I need to make sure if you're all up for my training." He glanced at Kiba and Sakura. "You want to join them?"

"No thanks." Kiba said, shaking his head. "We're from a different level, remember?"

Sakura just gave a sheepish smile.

"Hn."

Naruto scowled and jumped at Sasuke's back, almost making him lose his balance. "Don't be too intimidated by this grouch, froshies!" Naruto grinned. "He may appear cold and all, but deep down, he's a big softie!"

Sasuke twitched and glared, causing Naruto to stop and laugh nervously before backing away behind Hinata.

"Scary…" he whimpered, making Hinata smile and pat his head.

"Hn. As I was saying…" Sasuke looked at the four. "I need to see if you'll qualify, therefore, we'll start with physical training." He made a move to leave the room, gesturing with his head to the others to follow, and follow they did, with Naruto and the rest trailing behind.

Upon reaching the large outdoor training field, the sixteen year olds plus Kiba and Sakura gaped at the scene.

"Welcome to hell." Naruto said, his grin turning to a smirk, whereas Hinata's smile had vanished, replaced by a straight line.

Somehow, the four new recruits tried hard not to gulp, but they ended up doing so anyway.

About less than a hundred but more than eighty Guardians were running laps, crawling under barbed wires, swinging over tack-covered grounds, and even having a one-on-one battle against their respective field commanders.

"So," Sasuke turned his head to the four and smirked. "Still want to be a Guardian?"

Sakura felt sorry for the four rookies as they fell to their hands and knees, sweating and breathing hard after being told to run twenty times around the field that was twice the size of a basketball court.

She glanced at Sasuke, who had run along with them, looking sweaty but nowhere near tired. Next to him was Naruto, also covered in sweat, but not even showing any hint of fatigue. "Isn't this too much?" She asked Hinata, who stood next to her, timing the speed of the four. She had one stopwatch for each of them, and Sakura didn't bother to ask how she was able to keep track of them. "I mean, it's their first time."

"They need to adjust fast," Hinata said. "It's the only reason why Fugaku-sama would put them under Sasuke-nii's tutelage."

"Um…" She sweat dropped. "So… Sasuke is… what you would call, a harsh trainer?"

Hinata gave a sweet and innocent smile. "Far worse."

Kiba decided to just gulp.

"Hinata, what's their time?" Sasuke asked, still keeping his eyes on the four. "Hn. Yoshiro lacks stamina, Kai needs to control her breathing, Shizuku is slow, and Aika just needs to get used to this many laps."

"Aika's time of completion is 18 minutes and 52 seconds, Kai's is 19 minutes and twenty seconds, Yoshiro took 19 minutes and 48 seconds, and Shizuku consumed 21 minutes and fifteen seconds."

Sasuke furrowed his brows. "What about Naruto?"

Hinata checked her PDA-like gadget. "It took him approximately ten minutes, while you took about nine minutes and twenty-nine seconds."

Both Sakura and Kiba looked at Hinata, the PDA, and then at the two Hunters. Naruto cursed and said he was still slow, while Sasuke clicked his tongue and said he wasn't fast enough.

The four rookies gaped at Naruto and Sasuke, wondering how they were able to complete all twenty laps that fast and still think they were too slow.

"Alright, five-minute break, and then, we run again." Sasuke said, looking at the other Guardians who were undergoing training, thinking which he would do first after another twenty laps from the newbies.

"Stealth..? No, not yet." He looked to his left. "Since they're still slow, we'll have to work on their speed first, and if it's still unsatisfactory…" he pulled out his own PDA from his back pocket and computed the week-long training he had planned in his mind. "Speed, Stamina in-between, Stealth, and then Physical strength – I'll leave the last part to Naruto, and then the stamina bit to Hinata." He looked up. "Since Haku isn't here, I'll have to take care of their stealth as well."

"So this is your training?" Sakura asked while handing him a bottle of water she got from Hinata when the girl had gotten some from Menders who were on stand-by. "It's really worse than harsh."

"Hn." He smirked and took the bottle from her. "My father only gives me these types of assignments when he wants the new recruits to shape up soon." He shook the bottle, and Sakura noted the white particles within it. He saw her gaze, and then eyed his bottle. "Salt," He answered her unasked question. "Makes you much more immune to muscle cramps or dizziness, but I'm sure you know that."

"Yeah, but too much can also make you prone to those."

"Which is why there are Menders around," He said. "They take note of the Guardians whom they have already given water with salt, so the next time those same Guardians come back for re-hydration, they just hand bottled water." He tapped the cap of his bottle, making Sakura eye the white object. "White means it has salt, while blue means it's just water."

"I see…"

When the four rookies came back, Sasuke gestured them to run another twenty laps with his head. "This time, Kiba and Sakura will join you."

"W-what?" Sakura gasped, while Kiba stared with wide eyes.

"I need to confirm what type of Death Angel you both are, and what your specialties will be."

"How the heck is speed related to that?" Kiba asked.

"You'll be pressured to release your powers and abilities."

"Does that mean they're not Guardians?" Kai asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Yes, but they're tamed." Sasuke replied, noticing the glint in the blonde girl's eyes. "You don't have to worry about them attacking or going berserk."

"How can Rogues become Guardians?" Yoshiro asked with a tilt of his head. "Don't they have limited abilities?"

"Tamed Rogues are a different story. Some Guardians can either pass on some of their abilities to Rogues, if not, Rogues learn to adapt and hone their skills." Sasuke explained. "Kiba here has done a lot of sprinting around, maybe he'd do well as a Scout." He glanced at Sakura, who blinked and thought what she could possibly do as a tamed Rogue. "It doesn't exactly mean that a Rogue can't learn to cope."

The four recruits nodded in understanding, and Sasuke was about to tell them to proceed with training, but stopped and immediately looked towards the entrance gates of HQ, his eyes narrowing as Hinata and Naruto also eyed the same thing, brows furrowed.

Sakura wondered what was wrong, and she looked around her, seeing the field officers at the same state as Sasuke, Naruto, and Hinata were.

"Hinata, get the other Menders and officers to take the trainees back inside." He began to walk, not waiting for Hinata to respond. "Dobe, back me up."

"Hey, wait, what's-" Kiba got off when Hinata placed a hand on his shoulder and shook her head, afterwards, grabbed Sakura's arm and pulled them both back. "Get inside," she turned to the four. "Same goes for all of you." She eyed each of the field officers and Menders, nodding at them as they nodded back and followed the silent command she had given. "Go, now." She told the rest, rushing them as she turned back to her teammates. "You two better be safe."

Naruto whistled as a couple of Rogues had gotten on their feet and kept their blood-red eyes on him and Sasuke. "Mind if I take care of this?" He cracked his knuckles and grinned at Sasuke, who sighed and kept his hands in his pockets. "Knock yourself out." He told the blonde.

As Naruto charged, Sasuke's eyes glanced to his left, and he immediately jumped out of the way as an arm almost hit his head.

"You got lucky!"

He checked who his assaulter was, seeing an orange haired Rogue, enhanced at that, with a sinister grin. The Rogue's eyes were a scarlet red, and Sasuke knew that this Rogue wasn't hungry for blood, but wanted death. It was easy to sense it.

"The next time, I'll crush you!"

"Hn." Sasuke sprinted towards him, jumping as soon as he was near the Rogue, and then doing a forward flip while in mid air so that he could properly land behind the Rogue, and afterwards, use his leg to bring his opponent down to the ground.

"Too slow!" The Rogue had yelled, managing to grab Sasuke's leg before swinging him towards the wall.

Before Sasuke's body could crash against it, he managed to twist himself and have his feet use the wall as leverage to shoot back at the Rogue, hitting the man's face with a hard punch. Yet even if he got a hit, the Rogue had recovered quickly and grabbed his arm, afterwards, pulled him down and locked Sasuke's arms against him.

"You can't escape now, Guardian!"

Despite the situation, Sasuke remained calmed and struggled a bit before raising both his arms to escape, and then sprint forward, yet the Rogue was able to grab his jacket's sleeves. Sasuke immediately got it off by having his arms extend backwards, and then he pulled and ran away from his enemy, who laughed in a maniacal way and followed him.

"No use running! I'm coming to kill you!"

Sasuke, having his upper body leaning forward for faster running, immediately pulled out a kunai from the holster around his waist and stabbed it on the ground, afterwards, used the handle to twist himself and deliver a powerful kick to the incoming Rogue's chin, causing the bigger and bulkier man to fall backwards from the impact and have his head swirl.

"Ch." Sasuke got back up on his feet and approached his fallen opponent, taking the kunai he used with him. He then made the Rogue lie face first on the ground and then straddled him to prevent him from moving. He pulled the Rogue's hair to lift the head up, afterwards, had the kunai against the guy's throat. "Who sent you?" He asked, pressing the blade against the man's neck. "Tell me who."

The Guardian wasn't expecting the Rogue to shiver, and then cry out.

"What the hell..?" Since he dropped his guard, the Rogue got him off and crawled away.

Sasuke watched as the Rogue brought his knees together and continued to shake.

"No more…"

"No more what..?" The Guardian asked.

"No more killing… no… I don't want to kill…"

Sasuke stood up and approached the Rogue, who stiffened when his shadow had loomed over him.

"I… I'm sorry! I didn't want to kill!"

He noted the way the Rogue was near to tears, noted the color of his eyes, and also the way his hands were on his head like a scared child. "Who…"

"I don't know who sent me! I don't know why I'm here!"

"CA." Naruto said, approaching them after disposing the two Rogues. "I managed to interrogate one of the two before extermination."

"What's your name?"

"J-Juugo…"

Naruto blinked. "What kind of a-" he got cut off when Sasuke elbowed him. "Sorry…"

Sasuke knelt down on one knee before Juugo, causing the orange haired Rogue to look at him. "Do you really hate killing?"

"Yes…"

Naruto knew what Sasuke was planning, and he frowned. "Teme…"

"Sorry dobe," he used his kunai to make a cut on his left arm. "Guardian instincts."

"Geez. You're going to get another earful from the council."

Juugo gaped at Sasuke, trembling when the scent of his blood reached his nostrils.

"I need you to drink my blood Juugo." Sasuke said with slightly narrowed eyes. "I can help tame your Rogue side."

"N-no… I swore to never drink blood! Not even from a Guardian's!"

"You have to." Sasuke said, bringing his arm nearer to the Rogue. "Otherwise, you may end up killing innocent lives, just to satisfy your Rogue side."

Juugo was hesitant, but he shut his eyes and forced himself to drink the blood of the Guardian he just attacked earlier, pulling away almost instantly.

"It may take a while, but since you're willing to fight the urge, you won't suffer hunger pangs. You just need to control yourself when you wish to kill." He met the Rogue's eyes. "However, if worse comes to worse, I'll stop you, because as of now, you're under my command as your tamer." He then got back up, turning to the gates when Kiba, Hinata, and Sakura came running towards them with a few Scouts with guns.

"There's no need for that!" Naruto said, waving off a Mender who offered to heal some of his wounds, and he grinned sheepishly at Hinata who scolded him for being reckless yet again.

"Sasuke," he looked to his right where Sakura was, her eyes showing concern yet again. "You're bleeding."

He looked down at his arm where Juugo drank from, and he healed it. "It's just a cut."

Sakura narrowed her eyes. "Take better care of yourself."

Sasuke just gave a small smile to her.

"Sasuke-sama," both he and Sakura looked towards Juugo, who was kneeling on one knee before them, head lowered as well. "I thank you for your kindness, and for that, I swear with my life to protect and serve you." He raised his head up a bit and turned to Sakura, who blinked and tilted her head. "I wish to know the name of my master's mate."

"Sakura." She said, smiling and still a bit embarrassed at being labeled as Sasuke's mate.

"Sakura-sama." Juugo lowered his head once more. "Sasuke-sama's blood runs within you, therefore, I am also at your service."

"E-eh?"

"Juugo." Sasuke called out, eyes half-closing and turning to Sakura, who met his gaze and flushed; he then looked back at Juugo, who waited for him to continue. "Sakura is someone important and precious to me," he closed his eyes. "When I'm not around, I want you to protect her."

"I will, Sasuke-sama."

"Teme, old geezers are coming."

"Great..." He began walking off to meet the Council halfway. Before they could start scolding him again, he beat them to it. "Don't even think about it." He said. "He hasn't tasted human blood."

"It still doesn't change the fact that you tamed another Rogue! Are you planning to have this place be inhabited by them?"

"I don't remember the rules having said that it was illegal to tame Rogues, specifically those who haven't tasted innocent blood."

"But this-" the old man was cut off when Juugo had moved swiftly in-between him and Sasuke, glaring at the council member. "Know your place, Rogue!" The council yelled.

"You should know your place." Juugo shot back with clenched fists. "I may hate having to drink blood, but I am able to tell that Sasuke-sama is someone important and of higher status than you."

Naruto had to stifle his laugh when the old man was dumbstruck.

"Juugo, easy," Sasuke said, side stepping. "Don't waste your time or breath on them, they won't listen."

"So be it." Juugo made a move to follow Sasuke when the Guardian had pulled Sakura along.

"Scouts," Sasuke called. "Tell the field officers that training for today will be cancelled. There's no telling when more Rogues may appear."

Even as they continued walking, Sakura heard some of the council members whisper amongst each other, and what they said made her take a sharp intake of breath.

She was aware that Sasuke heard them, because his grip on her hand had suddenly tightened, and she caught his dark eyes turn red for a moment before flickering back to onyx.

"Sasuke…"

It's during these nights wherein he'd wonder why she was chosen among all the others. He kept going back to when he first saw her, first talked to her, and even smirked at the memory of confessing that he was attracted to her.

"Even until now, I have no idea why." He thought. "But it doesn't mean I'll take the load of bullshit the council just claimed earlier." He glanced back inside his room from the balcony and saw Sakura sleeping like a kid with the way she hugged the pillow. "Ch. And she wonders why I often call her a kid." He shook his head and held back a laugh, before entering his room and closing the sliding window. The soft sound caused Sakura to stir and open her eyes. "Sorry." Sasuke said, noting her slowly sit up and rub an eye. "I didn't think you can be a light sleeper."

"I fell asleep…" she commented, yawning and stretching her arms. "What were you telling me earlier?"

He sat down next to her and patted her head. "You'll fall asleep again."

She glared, and he just laughed.

"Don't worry about it." He shrugged. "It's just Guardian stuff."

"Yeah well, I think I have a right to know..?"

He lied down and stared at the ceiling while she continued looking at him. "Haku and the rest aren't back yet." He felt her arms around him, and then her head on his chest. "I've got this nagging feeling that something went wrong."

"You know Haku," she murmured. "You know nothing will bring him down."

"Zabuza nearly did." He reminded, informing her of what happened in the gym when they had a little misunderstanding. "Haku wanted to tame him, but since he tasted human blood, he had no choice but to kill the teacher he's gotten close to."

Sakura looked at his eyes, seeing the emotion he felt despite how calm he appeared. "Is that why… you've been taming Rogues instead of killing them? Why you let Hinata tame Kiba..?"

He turned to meet her gaze, seeing how worried she was as she leaned closer, some strands of her pink hair touching his face.

"You…" her gaze softened. "Sasuke…"

He closed his eyes when her hand touched his cheek.

"You're also in pain, aren't you?"

"Neji said…" he spoke, opening his eyes halfway yet avoiding her look. "He said that we didn't care about killing our own kind…" he moved to place a hand against hers. "But he has no idea how painful it really is."

She shifted a bit and pulled him into her arms. "Ne, Sasuke?" She smiled slightly. "It's okay to cry at times."

"No," he told her. "For me," he paused. "For us, crying isn't an option." He let her pull him back into an embrace once again. "It's a last resort."

Sakura didn't dare to say anything else anymore, for the silence was comforting enough, and she felt that holding him would be fine.

"You… want to know what I was thinking about."

She looked at him as he sat up and hovered over her slightly.

"During my second day in Leaf Academy, I was not supposed to stick around your group, but when I tried to explain…" he leaned a bit closer. "I felt your disappointment, and it was weird, and I tried not to think that perhaps… you're my destined mate." His forehead touched hers, and their eyes closed at the same time. "I don't really believe in fate much, but I knew it was futile to ignore those feelings I harbor for you, because since the first day, I already sensed something in you."

Her eyes opened halfway. "Is that why you stopped time to look at me?"

He nodded once.

"Maybe that's the reason why I also felt as if… I didn't want to lose you, why a crush seemed more like love…"

"That's why…" he gazed at her. "That's why I don't want you to think about what they said."

She looked down. "It bothers me."

"Don't let it bother you." He said firmly with narrowed eyes. "Don't even believe what they say."

"…If you say so." She told him, feeling him press his forehead harder against hers while his eyes closed. "Sasuke," her left hand touched his cheek, and she only took notice how he looked so tired and drained. "Do you need blood?" She asked, getting out of topic upon sensing his weariness.

Sasuke shook his head lightly, but she knew he was holding back.

"This works two ways, and you haven't drunk my blood for so long."

"I'm fine."

"Then why won't you open your eyes?"

He didn't respond, because he knew she caught him.

"They're… red, aren't they? And I don't mean your Sharingan, but… normal red."

He still didn't answer.

"Just drink." Sakura said, pulling his head to her neck and closing her eyes immediately when his tongue stuck out to lick her flesh. "You may be my tamer, but you're also my mate." She whispered, holding him closer when he bit her neck and took in as much blood as he could, keeping in mind not to drink too much, yet it was hard since Sakura kept his head there. He forgot how much pleasure it brings to someone when a Guardian bites and sucks, and he had a feeling this could lead to somewhere, especially since her fingers had gripped onto him tightly, and how her fingers went to his hair. "Sasuke…"

The way she said his name tempted him, so he immediately pulled away and murmured that he didn't need too much. His eyes widened when she licked the trickle of blood from the corner of his lips before kissing him lightly, deepening it when he returned the kiss and gently laid her down on his bed, his hands finding the hem of her shirt which he lifted off slowly, exposing her stomach.

"Sasuke… kun…"

That caused something inside of him to snap, and he couldn't control how his dark eyes had turned to Sharingan red and he let her gaze into the crimson orbs, watching how she drowned in them, letting her know that he wasn't planning on holding back this time.

"I need you." He said, touching her hand that reached to caress his face. "I want you." Her half-closed eyes and slightly parted lips were too much for him to bear. His other hand that was slowly and sensually reaching up underneath her shirt didn't stop from touching her bare skin.

She raised her other arm to tug his shirt, telling him through her actions to take it off, and he complied by sitting up and pulling it off of his body, his arms instantly wrapping around her waist when she attacked his neck with kisses and licks. She was just as desperate as he was, and he was aware of how long it has been since they last made love.

"I need and want you now…" she breathed out, slightly panting when he kissed her neck and pulled down her shorts. "So badly…"

Her back hit the mattress gently as he completely removed her lower clothing, before placing his lips on hers, their eyes closing at the same time in order to get lost in sweet bliss.

She shuddered in sheer pleasure when his fingers lightly traced one of her thighs, sending her shivering and begging for more with her soft moans.

He wanted to take this slowly, wanted to be gentle, wanted to show her how much she means to him, how much he really loves her.

Sakura didn't need proof or assurance, because she knows; but because he wants to prove it, she'll let him, and she'll respond with encouraging sounds and approving actions.

They weren't given a chance to continue, because the door suddenly opened, and Sasuke quickly pulled the blankets to cover his mate, not caring if his upper body was exposed to the person who disturbed them.

"What?" He asked, irritated.

"Forgive me for the intrusion, sir, but the council has requested your presence."

Sasuke nodded once at the Scout who then left before getting off of Sakura to get dressed.

"I smell trouble." She murmured with her head hung low.

"Whenever they want to have a word with me, expect another sermon."

"You'll come back in a bad mood for sure."

"No doubt about it." He muttered. "Unless it's good news…"

"Which is perhaps a one in a million chance?"

"Correct." He pulled on his shirt and looked at Sakura. "Get dressed; I'll have Juugo keep you company."

"But-"

"Rogues have infiltrated my room once, and I'm not taking any chances – even if the security has heightened."

"Fine…" she pulled her clothes back on and closed her eyes when she felt his lips touch her forehead.

"I'll be back."

Naruto yawned and turned to the sliding doors that opened automatically when the camera detected someone was about to enter.

"Finally!" He exclaimed, seeing the Scout who called for Sasuke bow down to Fugaku's youngest son before leaving him in the room. "We were getting bored!"

Sasuke just walked pass Naruto and Hinata to stand in front of the council. "What's this all about? And where's my father?"

"I'll handle this." Madara said, eyeing the other members of the council who were aching to snap at the young Uchiha. "Now that everyone is aware of your mate's identity, it is no surprise that either of her parents is a Death Angel." He gave an amused smirk and chuckled. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, apparently."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "Sakura's mother is here, isn't she?"

"Sharp as always," Madara turned to Naruto and Hinata. "Please send her in." And when the two left, Madara looked back at Sasuke. "Your father is talking to the Rogue he tamed years ago."

"I figured."

They all looked to the door when it slid open once again, and in came Kasumi with Fugaku, Naruto, and Hinata.

Once Kasumi set her eyes on her daughter's mate, she did not hesitate to run to him, and surprisingly to them, save for Fugaku, she embraced him as if he was her own son.

Though in a way, he was already kind of like her son.

"It's good to see you again." She said, pulling away from the hug she gave Sasuke and smiled.

"Kasumi-san, how did you-"

"My husband knows Sakura is here, he knows what I am; he didn't think Sakura would be one too."

"Then, why..?"

She lowered her gaze. "Ikichi… his aim in CA is to rid me of my Rogue abilities, so that Danzo and his men won't force him to turn me in."

"Danzo?" Sasuke furrowed his brows.

"He is the General of CA, and…" her fists clenched. "He found out about me and Sakura, and he wants us captured."

To be continued…

Next on Death Angel: Chapter 11: Admonition

"I've heard that… it's been centuries since a Guardian turned a Rogue into his or her mate… is this true?"

"That's the main proof of Sasuke's connection with Shuiro: they both tamed a Rogue to be their mate." She said. "You've seen Shuiro, right?"

"Yes."

"Do you see the resemblance Sasuke shares with him?"

"Compared to the other male Uchihas, yes."

"Let me show you why the council wants to stop Sasuke."