Sakura's eyes were wide with shock.
What the hell just happened?
She was fighting hard not to close her eyes and give in to the kiss. This was wrong.
His lips so soft and his strong arms embracing her. Wasn't this what she always secretly dreamed of? Yet, it felt so wrong. It almost seemed forced. It's like he did it to prevent her from leaving and losing her mind. Maybe, that's exactly what it was.
She wanted to slap him but she did not have the strength to do it. Her feelings would not allow it. He was still precious to her even after what he has done. Sometimes she despised her forgiving nature.
The kiss felt like hours but it only lasted a few seconds.
She pushed him away, making him stumble.
"This is wrong and impossible. You have Natsumi-sama." she answered with seriousness in her voice. It was hard to suppress all the emotions she felt. She wanted to break down and be in his arms but she resisted. She would no longer be weak in front of him.
"Don't mention that whore." he growled out.
She was slightly taken aback by his reply. His precious Natsumi-chan was now a whore?
"You shouldn't speak about your fiance like that." she replied. She would probably be beaten for telling a person in such a high rank what to do if she were anyone else.
"She always was. I just refused to admit my suspicions. But the last event made me admit it and fully opened up my eyes." he replied as he looked away with a guilty expression.
Is that what it took to make him see and admit things? Was Uchiha Sasuke so dense and always in denial?
"Sasuke-sama, nothing will come out of this." she replied sadly. Life was unfair and it always would be.
"No. We can make this work." he said almost pleadingly. He could not believe that he was actually saying this. He wanted to have a relationship with another man. What has happened to his mind?
She shook her head with a sad smile. It almost seemed like he knew that she was a female but that was not possible. He would have told her already and she would have been killed for her actions.
"Don't make this any harder!" he almost shouted. "Can't you see what you do to me? I am lost and I am confused. I have softened up so much because of you. I always had perfect control of my feelings and my actions. My feelings never made me do something unreasonable. But look at what I have become now. I am a complete wreck. You make me feel the strangest things yet they are the best things I have ever felt." he said as he looked her straight in the eyes.
This really seemed like a dream.
She wouldn't let him do unreasonable things. This would ruin his reputation and life. No matter how much she wanted to tell him the truth and try to make it work she knew it never would. She was not meant for him. Her place was in the sidelines. To watch over him and protect him. Nothing more.
"I-I do not feel the same." she lied.
A lump formed in her throat at the sight of his widened eyes that soon were averted in sadness.
"You're lying. I know you feel something." he shouted after he regained his composure.
"I-I admire and respect you. Nothing m-more." a sob almost escaped her.
His fists clenched at his helplessness. He knew the boy in front of him felt something. No matter how much Sasuke denied it he knew the boy was right. It wouldn't work out.
"Forgive me." Sakura whispered as she stumbled passed him.
He did not go after her.
It wouldn't change anything.
There really was nothing that he could do.
o.o.o.o.o.o.o
Sakura stumbled into the room trying to hold in her tears. When had she become so weak that she could not keep her emotions in check? What he made her feel was wonderful but so painful at the same time.
Sakura plopped down onto her futon. Any strength she previously possessed left her.
The door was quietly slid open and solemn ember eyes met hers.
Tsunade walked over to her after she closed the door and sat down by her side.
"I know you have strong feelings for that brat but you shouldn't get your hopes up." Tsunade stated as she looked at Sakura.
"How did you know?" Sakura mumbled out.
"There aren't many things that would make you loose your composure. That brat means a lot to you so his actions have obviously wounded you in more than one way." Tsunade said as she put a blanket around Sakura's shoulders.
"Did I make a wrong choice?" Sakura mumbled more to herself.
Tsunade gave her a puzzled look.
"Was it wrong of me to want to be by his side? Did I make a wrong decision to train to become a soldier in the police force?" she asked as she glanced at Tsunade.
The woman sighed as she made herself more comfortable on the floor.
"Was that what your heart desired?" Tsunade asked with a soft smile.
Sakura's eyes widened slightly.
"Well?" Tsunade prodded.
Sakura gave a small nod.
"Then it's not wrong. You became strong because of the wish to be close to him." Tsunade said.
Sakura nodded once again. She shouldn't dwell on this. She should just move on. What is done is done and there is no way to change anything.
She touched her lips with her fingers as she remembered Sasuke's soft lips on hers. She felt a pang in her chest but ignored it.
She would be by his side as nothing more than a soldier and a friend.
That was the only choice she had.
o.o.o.o.o.o.o
Weeks had passed without them interacting much with each other. Sakura had gone back to patrols and training after another week of recovering. Somehow the tension the felt between each other slowly disappeared with time and they started talking again. Two weeks after Sakura got back into the army it was announced that the engagement between Sasuke and Natsumi was broken off. She tried to ask Sasuke but she knew it was none of her business.
She heard hurried footsteps as she sipped her tea. They would soon have to leave for the night patrol. A panting soldier skidded to a stop before the open door and everyone in the dining room for the soldiers looked at him expectantly.
"A f-family was murdered. Your squad is to report to the scene." the man said as he tried to catch his breath.
"Haven't had one of those in a while." Naruto said as he stretched and headed to the door.
"Oooh, first crime scene." Suigetsu said excitedly as he was followed by a quiet Juugo.
She followed them out but couldn't help the unpleasant feeling in her stomach. Something wasn't right.
When they had reached the familiar gates Sakura was filled with dread. It couldn't be...that place. Could it?
She quickly followed Naruto and looked only at her feet. She shivered when her foot met the familiar steps to the deck. The strong stench of blood suddenly invaded her nose. Sasuke was already inside the house with some other soldiers.
"No one is in the house, Sasuke-sama." one of the soldiers said and Sasuke nodded.
"What happened here, teme?" Naruto asked with a serious expression.
"A family was murdered." he answered.
"Where?" Suigetsu asked as he started walking down the hallway.
"The end of the hallway." Sasuke replied before resuming his conversation and telling Naruto the details.
Sakura swallowed as she hesitantly followed Suigetsu. She cringed when the floor underneath her foot creaked. Her chest clenched in anticipation. She stared at Suigetsu's back as she quietly followed him. She refused to look into the rooms they passed. For some reason she was scared that her suspicions would be correct. She was definitely in denial.
Suigetsu's face cringed.
"That's something you don't see everyday." Suigetsu muttered as he covered his nose.
Sakura hesitantly stepped into the room.
The smell of blood and decomposing flesh hit her and made her nauseated. Her breath hitched slightly as she looked at the bodies. A boy's body lay near the wall. His head chopped off nearby. The blood was sprayed all over the wall. He looked only a few years older than Sakura.
Her eyes traveled to the female body laying near the door leading to the garden. Her neck was slit and blood pooled around her head. Sakura was glad the girl's face was not facing her. Sakura slowly headed towards the garden. Her legs wobbled slightly.
A female body lay near the steps leading down to the garden. She had a stab wound in her back. Sakura swallowed as she slowly moved her eyes to the male's body. A fat man in his early thirties lay near the koi pond. A knife lay a few meters from him. Sakura's body shook and a chill ran up her spine as she met his lifeless eyes. Even in death they were cruel.
She clamped her mouth to keep from vomiting. Her body felt weak and she leaned against the doorway. She didn't hear Suigetsu's concerned voice. She slowly slid down to the floor and looked away. Tears had gathered in her eyes. They were dead. The people that had made her life miserable were dead. The only other family she had left was dead.
She was almost happy that they were gone yet sad because she felt that this kind of death was too easy. They deserved more. Much more.
She felt disgusted by herself.
o.o.o.o.o.o.o
The atmosphere was heavy with tension.
Everyone knew that something was wrong with Tadashi but no one said anything. He had not said a word since he saw the bodies. Sasuke was bothered by it for some reason. Tadashi's eyebrows were slightly furrowed and his lips turned down, in what seemed to be, a disgusted frown.
Sasuke didn't know what had caused such a reaction from Tadashi. Tadashi had killed before and saw dead bodies but he never reacted the way he had today. There was something not right about this.
Sasuke's eyes strayed to the white-haired man who walked too close to Tadashi for his liking. Sasuke slightly glared at the man. Suigetsu felt someone burning a whole in the back of his head and turned to see who it was. He scowled once their eyes met and glared back. What was his problem?
Sasuke scowled when he remembered Tadashi wrapped in Suigetsu's arms when he entered the room. Tadashi's body had been still and it made Sasuke feel better since he had not responded to the man's embrace.
Did he really just get jealous of a man holding another man?
Something was really wrong with his head.
o.o.o.o.o.o.o
Sakura left them right after they entered through the gates.
She needed to be alone and get herself together. She sat down on the porch in front of her room and started at the sunrise. She had been up all night and her eyelids felt heavy.
Her thoughts wondered back to the murder scene.
They were murdered just like her parents. They were punished. Wasn't it enough?
*Flashback*
Sakura held her cheek as she walked in the dark hallway.
That cowardly brat had slapped her again. It wasn't enough that his father was beating her and now the kids thought they should do the same. What an example.
She heard hushed whispers and raised her head to see a door slightly opened and faint light streaming into the hallway. No one would notice her if she was extremely quiet.
"Damn it! It has been a year and we still haven't found anything." the man growled.
Sakura cringed at the man's disgusting voice. She loathed it with her whole being. Well, she loathed the man in general.
"What? You said it would be easy to find! When am I going to get kimonos and accessories you promised?" the wife screeched.
"Hush! I didn't know the little bastard would hide it so well!" the man growled.
What were they talking about?
"Hn. Hiroshi always has been good at everything. He proved you wrong once again." the woman muttered.
Sakura's eyes widened.
"Shut up!" the man growled.
The woman scowled at him as she got up from the pillow she was sitting on.
"I am going to bed." the woman said as she turned to leave.
"I did not hire an assassin for that much money just to not get anything in return. I will find the treasure of the Haruno clan and no one will stop me." he growled.
Sakura gasped and covered her mouth.
"Whatever you say." the woman glanced back at him and headed towards the doors.
Sakura quickly ran through the hallway until she reached a place where she slept. It couldn't be called a room.
Tears poured out of her eyes and she broke into sobs.
"Onee-chan?" a sleepy voice asked.
She looked at her little brother through blurred vision.
She dropped to his side and embraced him as she continued sobbing.
"I will protect you, no matter what." she said as she hiccuped.
*Flashback End*
Sakura wiped her eyes as tears started to escape.
How could they have done that?
He ordered for his brother to be killed for some kind of treasure.
How could someone be so heartless?
She took something out of the folds of her uniform and stared at it with blank eyes.
This was the reason her parents were dead. This cursed scroll.
She would have burned it if she didn't have a promise to keep.
They deserved more suffering.
She hoped the devil wasn't going easy on them.
o.o.o.o.o.o.o
"Get out." he said through clenched teeth.
"Sasuke-kun, it was a mistake." Natsumi pleaded.
He sent her a glare and her eyes widened. He had never looked at her that way.
She dropped to her knees as he continued sipping his tea.
In reality he still had feelings for her no matter how much he denied it. He still cared about her even after she had done. Pretending to hate her was becoming harder with every day that went by. Seeing her pained expression made it even harder.
"Please, Sasuke-kun! Listen to me! I was jealous! I didn't like how much time you spent with that soldier! I wanted to get rid of him." she shouted as tears brimmed her eyes.
His face became confused.
"What are you talking about?" he asked not understanding who she was talking about.
"I was jealous of all the attention that pink-haired boy received from you!" she shouted.
Sasuke's eyes widened at her confession once he realized who she was talking about.
He didn't know what to tell her. He was at loss for words.
"Natsumi..." he whispered as he looked at her tear-stricken face.
She got up from her knees and rushed to his side after walking around the small table that was separating them from each other. She threw herself at him and broke into sobs. He hesitantly brought his arm around her.
"Sasuke-kun..." she sniffed as she hugged him tighter.
Was this the right thing to do?
Memories of maids gossiping around the mansion flooded back, some soldiers hinting at Natsumi's unfaithfulness, and even Itachi telling him the things he had witnessed her do.
His jaw clenched and his eyebrows furrowed. He forcefully pushed her off of him and she gave him a surprised look.
"This doesn't change the things you have done before." he said as he looked away.
"What things, Sasuke-kun?" she asked innocently.
"Don't play dumb with me! You know what you did better than anyone!" he shouted as he hit the table with his fist.
She recoiled from his outburst.
"Get out." he seethed.
"But Sasuke-kun..-" she mumbled.
"I said get out! And don't ever call me that way again!" he shouted as he swept his arm across the table and knocked off the tea pot with a pair of tea cups. The green liquid spilled all over the floor.
She hurried to the door and stopped as she slid the door open. She looked back at him and saw his face turned away. His eyes shut and a scowl on his face.
"I hate you!" she screamed as a sob escaped her and she ran out of the room.
His teeth clenched tighter at her words.
He hated himself too.
o.o.o.o.o.o.o
She had a bad feeling.
She felt uneasiness in her chest. Maybe it was just her reaction to finding out that her uncle and his family were dead. It's been a few days though and she felt better.
She sighed as she looked at Yoshirou practicing his sword skills with Naruto. She hadn't told Yoshirou about their uncle and his family being killed. He didn't need to know. Not now at least.
There would be a big meeting at the compound tonight. Some important guest would be arriving. The maids have been cleaning the room that the meeting would be held in since morning. A dinner was also being prepared so it will most likely be a friendly meeting. She was sure the security would be on top tonight. However she wouldn't be guarding the meeting room like Naruto or Sai. She would be on patrol with the others. She was sure Sasuke-sama was going assign her as one of the guards. But it turned out that she was wrong.
Now that she thought about him, she remembered the maids gossiping as she had passed one of the rooms they were cleaning. Sasuke and Natsumi had an argument this morning. Though their engagement has been broken off they still somehow acted like a couple. It was strange really. Sometimes, Sakura felt guilty because she felt like she was the reason of the broken up engagement. If it wasn't for her they would probably still be madly in love. They could still be in love now. Feelings don't disappear in a second, after all. But at least Sasuke-sama would no longer be fooled by that woman.
She heard a thud and turned her attention back to the boys in front of her. Naruto had landed on his butt as Yoshirou pointed the sword at him.
"Heh, not bad, kid." Naruto said as he grinned up at the younger boy.
"Thanks." Yoshirou replied with a grin of his own as he stretched his hand out to help Naruto up.
Yoshirou looked at Sakura and waited patiently for her reaction. Naruto curiously looked between the two. Sakura observed her little brother for a few more seconds and a smile broke on her face.
"You have made a great improvement. Good job." she said as she saw his shoulders relax.
"Thanks, nee-cha-" he quickly shut his mouth as he realized his mistake. His eyes darted to his sister's as he awaited her reaction. She looked completely calm but that did not mean that he wouldn't get in trouble. Thankfully, Naruto hadn't noticed anything as he was too busy thinking about what kind of ramen to eat tonight.
"Ne, I'll go get ready for guarding shift." Naruto said as he smiled at Tadashi.
Sakura nodded her head. She got up from the porch and followed Naruto. She had to sharpen her sword before going to the patrol. Yoshirou wordlessly followed her. He was sure that she was mad at him since she hadn't said a word to him. When they reached the house for the soldiers Sakura finally stopped and turned around.
She stepped towards him and leaned a bit so their faces would be on the same level. He nervously met her eyes. His eyes widened when she gently ruffled his hair.
"Be more careful, next time." she said softly.
He nodded hesitantly.
"Go get cleaned up and get some rest." she said as she dropped her hand from his head.
"Hai!" he said as he smiled and turned to leave.
He stopped after taking a few steps. He turned around and ran towards her and embraced her. Sakura hugged him back as she smiled at his show of affection. He definitely had a sister complex but she thought it was the sweetest thing. He let go and ran towards the baths.
She pouted slightly as she realized that he was only a few inches shorter than her. Soon, he would be towering over her. But no matter how tall or how old he was he would always be her baby brother. She shook her head with a smile and headed to her room.
o.o.o.o.o.o.o
Her patrol team had left earlier then usual. She had stayed behind for some time to check on the guards of the room where the meeting would be held. They had the best soldiers surrounding the room from the inside of the compound and the outside. She couldn't help but worry. Her churned slightly.
She withdrew her head back after peaking from around the corner. She was sure Naruto wouldn't let anything happen to Sasuke or to anyone in the room. Sai was too devoted to his leaders. Neji had great respect towards the clan despite the rivalry between Sasuke and himself. The security seemed to be way too tight. This must be one very important guest.
Sakura was nearing the gates when she heard someone call her name. She turned around and saw one of the maid's that attended to Natsumi running towards her. She frowned slightly at the panicked look on the woman's face.
"Tadashi-san!" the woman gasped as she stopped to catch her breath.
"What is wrong, Fuyu-san?" Sakura questioned.
"Natsumi-sama! She has disappeared. We have been searching for her for nearly two hours." the woman said with worried eyes.
"Has Sasuke-sama been informed?" Sakura asked.
"No, he is attending the meeting." Fuyu replied.
"Alright, I'll send someone to inform the patrol team to search for her." Sakura said as she took a breath.
"Fuyu-san!" a young maid called as she ran up to the older woman.
"What is it? Have you found her?" the older woman asked hopefully.
"No, but I one of the other maids said that she saw her leaving through the gates. She said that Natsumi-sama went to the left once she exited the gates." the maid said.
Sakura frowned.
"Alright, don't panic. We'll find her." Sakura said as she turned and quickly headed towards the gates.
She asked one of the soldiers at the gate to find the patrol team and inform them about Natsumi.
As she left the gates she sprinted towards the patrolled side. What was that woman thinking! It was almost ten o'clock and she left the compound at this time. Plus, with the increased crime rate and a murderer on the loose anything could happen to her.
Foolish woman.
o.o.o.o.o.o.o
Sasuke scowled as he looked at the woman before him.
She chatted merrily with his mother. What the hell was she doing here?
Wasn't she supposed to be thrown into a cell for punching him? His jaw ached at the sight of her as a reminder.
"What is she doing here?" Sasuke questioned his father with a scowl. The chatter stopped and the blonde woman turned her attention to him.
"She is one of our guests, Sasuke." his father replied with an emphasis on his name.
"She punched me." he replied.
"Heh, you got what you deserved." she said.
He scowled at her response and shot her a glare.
"You're supposed to be rotting away in a cell." he said as he met her eyes.
His mother gasped and the room fell into complete silence.
He looked at the woman's impassive face and then her eyebrow twitched.
"Brat! I should have broken every bone in your body!" she bellowed as she got up to reach him over the table but was surprisingly restrained by his mother.
He smirked at her reaction.
"Sasuke! This is not a way to talk to a guest!" his mother scolded him as she tried to hold the raging woman down.
"Sasuke, show some respect." his father's stern reply came.
Sasuke huffed as he turned his head to the side. His brother chuckled beside him.
"Sasuke, she has been our family friend for years. We haven't seen her in a very long time. Plus, she is a legend." Itachi said and smirked once his brother gave him a questioning look.
"Haven't noticed anything spectacular about her." he commented as he observed her futile attempts at reaching over the table and beating him to a bloody pulp.
"She is the legendary healer who saved countless lives during the war twenty years ago." his brother said as he waited for his reaction.
Sasuke turned his head towards him and then his eyes slightly widened. He looked between her and his brother. Disbelief was written all over his face.
"Her...?" Sasuke questioned dumbly.
"Yes, she is the legendary Senju Tsunade." his brother stated with a smirk.
Tsunade huffed as she took a gulp of her green tea and sat it down on the table loudly as her eyes met Sasuke's.
"What the hell are you staring at, brat?" she questioned with a scowl.
"And here is her legendary temper." Itachi commented with a chuckle.
Unknowingly to everyone in the room Tsunade had heard their little conversation. She was renowned as a healer that cured illnesses that no one else could cure. She had saved thousands of lives during the war between the villages twenty years ago. But she also had a different identity that very few people knew about. She was also one of the three legendary samurais that defeated most of the enemies from other villages. Of course, no one knew of the her identity. Her face had always been covered by a mask during the type she had worn her samurai uniform. So the identity of the third samurai had remained a mystery to everyone.
She could never reveal her identity since she was a woman. Women were not allowed in the army. The only occupation they could get to help out is become a healer or a nurse at the hospitals. Tsunade did both. She knew her abilities and she knew that she could do much more then just help cure people.
She had gained all of her fighting skills from her grandfather when she was a little girl. He had been one of the greatest samurais in their clan. Even after his death her skills were secretly developed with the help of other clan members. Everyone in the clan was taught to stand up for themselves and become strong individuals. So the females of the Senju clan were always considered to be strongest out of all other women in the Fire country.
Her skills fighting abilities had developed further once she met Jiraiya, who was now her husband, and Orochimaru, a mutual friend who died a few years after the war. She had learned countless fighting techniques from both of them which had resulted in her developing her own fighting styles.
She was glad that she had someone to pass on her skills to. Sure, she had Shizune who was a very good student but Sakura was something else. She had such potential. She knew that this child was something extraordinary and she was right. Sakura caught up to all of the fighting and sword techniques she taught her as if it was in her blood. Almost like it was her second nature and she was meant for this. Who knew that the children of the Haruno clan had such potential. Harunos had always kept secrets though.
Her thoughts were interrupted as the shogi doors opened and a man in his early forties entered. The man had dark brown hair that seemed almost reddish and dark green eyes. His skin was slightly tanned. He was tall with a nice built body. She wondered if this was the guest they had been waiting for for the past hour.
"Ah, welcome Satoru-san. It's been a while since we last saw each other." Fugaku greeted.
"Yes, Uchiha-sama." the man replied with a smile.
Mikoto greeted him with a warm smile and urged him to sit down.
"Well, let me introduce our guest. This is Satoru Haruno." Fugaku said as he gestured towards the man.
Tsunade's cup almost slipped from her hands as her eyes widened in shock.
o.o.o.o.o.o.o
Sakura cursed as she turned another corner.
That crazy woman! Was she trying to get herself killed?
She was now running through the Red District. Everyone was up and lively during this time of the night. She growled as she pushed some drunken men out of her way but of course they had to be sober enough or stupid enough to stop her.
One of the men had grabbed her arm.
"Hey! Watch where you're going." the man slurred as he wobbled on his unsteady feet.
Sakura turned her head and glared at his hand and then looked at the men.
"What a cutie. You want to join us and have fun?" the man next to the other one said as he winked at her. She could feel the man's eyes almost undressing her. She was a guy in these clothes. What was wrong with these men?
She slightly scrunched up her nose and tore her arm away. When the man tried to grab her she took out her katana and pointed it right at his fat nose. She didn't have time for this. She knew she was going overboard but she could not risk losing any time.
"Get lost." she said as she gave a glare.
The man stuttered and fell on his butt as his already wobbly legs gave way from fear.
'Disgusting pigs.'
She turned away and continued her search for Natsume.
Where could that woman have possibly gone? Sakura hoped that she wouldn't get herself in any trouble. If she did, Sakura would most likely hold herself accountable even thought it wouldn't be her fault.
After she exited the Red District she searched two more streets until she came to a stop. She heard sobbing noises in the darkened street. She listened carefully and headed in the direction of the sound. She breathed a sigh of relief as she recognized the sobbing woman.
The moon was high up in the sky and illuminated her figure which was hunched up on the porch of a closed shop. The dimly lit lanterns dangled lightly from the warm night air. It was probably getting close to midnight. She jogged towards the woman. Her caring nature kicking in to see if she was alright.
Thankfully, she wasn't physically hurt but she knew that the Natsume had exhausted her body from all the crying. She was most likely hurt psychologically. Sakura's anger and frustrations sipped through as she grabbed the woman by the shoulders. Natsume screamed from the sudden contact and looked up into angry green eyes.
"What are you doing? Are you trying to get yourself killed!" Sakura shouted as she shook her by the shoulders.
Natsume looked at her with shocked blue eyes. Tears still rolling down her flushed cheeks. The expression of shock turned into anger as she slapped her hands away.
"Don't touch me!" she almost screeched.
"Why did you leave? Do you have any idea how dangerous it is on the streets at this time of the night?" Sakura almost shouted.
"I don't care. I don't care about anything anymore." she said as she tried to look angry but the sadness in her eyes betrayed her.
Sakura grabbed her by the wrist and hauled her to her feet as she muttered 'foolish woman'.
Natsume stumbled at the sudden pull and followed Sakura as she dragged her by her hand.
Natsume yelped when Sakura yanked her to the side as something wheezed past her and cut off some of her hair.
Sakura whirled around and quickly deflected a few senbons with the handle of her katana while moving Natsume behind herself. Sakura scanned the roofs with slightly narrowed eyes until a figure came into view and effortlessly jumped to the ground.
"My my, it seems my aim is off tonight." the figure spoke as he walked in the shadows of the buildings.
"What do you want?" Sakura questioned as she positioned her sword to deflect any other senbons that could be thrown at her.
"The girl. You can leave while you have time but that wouldn't be fun. I'll just finish the girl off and then I'll get to you." the person said.
Natsume whimpered slightly.
"Who are you? Why do you need her?" Sakura questioned while she thought of ways for Natsume to escape safely.
"You ask too many questions." the man said as he finally stepped into the moonlight.
He was tall in stature and wore a dark cloak. She could see a handle of a katana peeking out of the folds of the cloak. He had shaggy hair that looked to be brown in the moonlight and his eyes glinted even though it was dark.
Sakura could feel Natsume trembling behind her.
"Once I tell you to run do so. Run as fast as you can and don't look back." Sakura mumbled as she carefully watched the man.
"You won't have a chance." the man said and lunged towards the pair. Natsume screamed as the two blades clashed. The man's movements were too quick for Natsume to catch but she knew that he was not a joke. She had met enough assassins trying to kill her to know at least that.
Sakura seemed to block every movement with ease. Her face was concentrated and there wasn't a single hint of emotion on her face except her eyes burning with intensity. Seeing that their sword play wasn't going anywhere the man jumped back and sent senbons and shurikens flying in her direction. She deflected them quickly but another bunch was heading her way.
The man suddenly disappeared and slight panic started rising in her. She felt the change in the air and knew that he was coming from the back in order to kill Natsume. She appeared in front of Natsume just as the blade was heading for Natsume's chest. Even though she blocked it the blade went slightly above her shoulder and grazed the top part of it. The sliced hole in the uniform turned a dark red and kept spreading through the fabric signaling that it wasn't just a scratch.
Sakura pushed away the sword with her own and lunged for an attack. This deflecting strategy would lead them nowhere.
"Ah, this is taking much longer than I expected." the man muttered as if it was a simple daily task. For him, it most likely was so.
He easily deflected her attacks an fruitlessly tried to get a hit on her.
She smiled slightly when she grazed his side with her sword.
He suddenly jumped back and hundreds of senbons were sent her way. She cursed when Natsume screamed. She glanced at her and noticed cuts on her arms and cheek. She hoped they weren't poisoned. She lunged at him head on and once he deflected her sword she kicked him in the side. He grunted and disappeared.
She ran back to Natsume's side and checked if the senbons had hit any vital places. He hadn't left but she had to make sure that Natsume was alright.
She was kicked in her side and felt the air leave her lungs. It took her a few seconds to get back to her feet. He was about to slice Natsume's throat when Sakura threw a kunai which momentarily deflected the sword. She had enough time to get back in front of Natsume before thin ropes wrapped around her body with kunais attached to them. She gritted her teeth as the ropes started to slice through her uniform.
"Tadashi!" Natsume yelled as she was slowly being dragged towards the man. She struggled and dug her feet into the ground as much as she could. Her arms were completely useless. The rope was wrapped too tightly around her body.
He tugged once more and now she was face to face with him though he towered over her. She could feel irritation and something sinister radiation off of him. Despite his irritation he seemed to be amused by her struggles to release her arms from the rope. It only deepened the gashes that had started to appear from the thin rope digging into her skin.
"Struggle as much as you want but you won't get anywhere." he said with a slight smirk.
She met his eyes with a glare and scowled at his expressions. He cocked his head to the side questioningly. His face looked almost childish at that moment. The slight widening of his eyes went almost unnoticed by her.
She looked at him incredulously once he burst out laughing which made her cringe.
"Oh my, this is an interesting turn of events. I would have never recognized you if you hadn't given me that look." he said as he smiled sinisterly.
The confusion was evident on her face.
"You wound me, child. Don't you recognize me?" he said mockingly.
She stared at him defiantly.
He grabbed her chin in a painful grip and moved his face so close to hers that she could feel his breath on her face. What he said next rang in the night's silence loud and clear.
"I am the one who killed your family, my dear Sakura-chan. Including that revolting uncle of yours." he said as his eyes examined her reaction with amusement.
She was sure her heart had stopped along with her breathing. She stood completely frozen in place as she stared at him with wide eyes.
What?
This was the man that took everything away from her. The one who was responsible for all of her and Yoshirou's sufferings. It was all his fault.
She lowered her head and the bangs covered her face. Her shoulders shook.
"You aren't going to cry now, are you Sakura-chan?" he asked mockingly.
She lifted her face and he was taken aback by the expression on her face. Her eyes were slightly brimmed with tears. Her bright green eyes were now a dark jade filled with hatred and rage. Her lips twisted in a snarl. Her eyebrows knitted together in anger and she lifted her foot and kicked him between the legs as hard as she could. He doubled over in pain and she took the chance to release her arms from the bruising ropes.
She quickly grabbed her sword that was laying a few meters away. When she turned he was already getting up. He looked at her with a pissed off expression.
"Bitch." he growled as the dashed towards each other once again.
Each of her hits was filled and controlled by pure anger. It radiated off of her in thick waves. She knew it was not right to be lead by emotions but she could care less. The monster that killed her family here and now and she would do anything to kill him tonight.
"Feisty aren't we?" he said but winced when her sword sliced through his shoulder.
Adrenaline was pumping through her veins as she landed a hit after hit on him. He struggled to deflect her blows but did not miss the chance to land a few hits on her. Her sword went past his head and cut off a few hairs.
"Such a nuisance. Should have finished you off with the rest of your weak family." he said as he pushed her back with his sword against hers.
"Why did you kill them?" she growled out as she tried to kick him and he dodged.
"I was being paid well to dispose of them." he replied.
Of course. She didn't know why she had asked him that question but it just left her lips. She had put the pieces together once he admitted to being the murderer of her family. Her uncle had hired him and was now ironically killed by this man. She did not know the reason behind his death and she did not care. He got what he deserved.
He kicked her in the stomach as he cut her shoulder. She lost her balance and fell to the ground. He tried to stab her as she rolled away from the hit and kicked him in the sheen.
Meanwhile, Natsume watched with horror filled eyes as she processed what was happening and what has been revealed. Tadashi was a girl and he was fighting this assassin. Why was she in the police force? Where had she learned how to fight? Hundreds of questions ran through her mind. She heard a thud and a painful intake of breath and reverted her attention back to the fight.
Sakura was lying on the ground a few meters away from her. Her small form was beat up and covered in cuts a blood stains. The man hovered over her with his foot on her chest. Sakura struggled to breathe and knew that her ribs were broken. The man wasn't in best shape either. The had multiple gashes on his body and his cloak had been discarded when it got in the way. Blood ran down his leg and formed a small pool of blood.
He raised his sword with a wicked smile.
"I am Sasori by the way. Say hi to your family." he said as he moved his leg off of her chest and started bringing down the sword.
She could't move. Her arm was broken and she had trouble breathing. She looked at his crazed expression as she registered his words and helplessly waited for the sword to pierce her chest.
This bastard was sick.
"No!" Natsume yelled.
His sword stopped and inch away from her chest as he looked up at the girl. His smiled with a glint in his eyes and looked at the shaking girl.
"Why don't I let you watch her die before I send you off?" he said as he looked at her for a few seconds and dug his heel into her stomach. She gasped and let out a painful yell.
He slowly walked towards Natsume. The sword swinging in his hand as he walked. Natsume trembled in fear and stood frozen. Sakura turned her body with great effort as she watched him get closer to Natsume. She couldn't let her die. Sasuke would never forgive her if anything ever happened to her. She knew he still cared for her even though he claimed to hate her. She whimpered as her broken ribs protested to her movements as she lifted herself up.
Natsume fell back as her knees gave out from fear as he stopped in front of her. He was too preoccupied to notice Sakura stagger behind him but in the last second he deflected her hit from the back. She lost her grip on her sword and it landed a few meters away when he deflected it. He grabbed her by the throat and squeezed it hard. She gasped for air as she was lifted off the ground. She clawed at his arm.
The next thing she knew she was dropped to the ground and Natsume's scream filled her ears. She looked up and saw her on the man's back as she scratched his face. He finally shrugged her off and dropped her to the ground. He had enough of these stubborn females. He swiftly brought his sword towards her but it hit another.
Sakura stood before him with the sword pierced through her chest. Blood trickled down the side of her mouth as she gasped for air. Both his and Natsume's eyes stared at her in shock.
"W-Why would you p-protect me? A-After a-all I have done t-to you?" Natsume asked with sobs wracking her body as she watched Sakura's back shake with every breath she tried to take.
Sakura turned her head back and smiled weakly as she looked at her.
"B-Because you m-mean e-everything to S-Sasuke-s-sama and I w-will protect e-everything d-dear t-to h-him." she said as tears streamed down her face.
Natsume let out another sob as she watched the sword pierce even further through her back.
"R-Run." Sakura said weakly.
"B-But-"
"Run!" Sakura said louder as she gripped Sasori's hand when he tried to take out the sword.
Natsume struggled to get up but once she was up she ran. She staggered and looked back as she got further and further away from the two. She had to get back to the compound and get help.
"Stupid girl." Sasori said and she turned her head towards him.
He pushed the sword further through her chest and she gritted her teeth.
"I-If you think t-that y-you are going to l-live through this, y-you're wrong." she said as she gasped and plunged as short sword through his chest. Blood splattered on both of them as his eyes went wide.
When had she?
"T-This is for m-my p-parents." she whispered as she pushed the sword completely through him. His heart would stop beating soon. His grip on the sword loosened as he fell back with a loud thud. His eyes stared at the sky and soon glazed over and became dull.
Sakura coughed up blood and dropped to he knees. She gripped the handle of the sword and yanked it out with a scream. Blood poured out faster out of the wound as she tore of her sleeve. She wrapped it tightly around her chest. She shakily got up and walked over to her sword. It felt so much heavier in her shaky and tired hands. She put it back in it's holster and staggered over to Sasori.
She leaned down and grabbed the back of his collar and turned to walk back to the direction of the compound. She would not let anyone else have this bastard. Plus, she was sure he was one of the many murders that had been occurring lately.
She dragged his heavy body behind her as she tried to support her body along the walls of the buildings. The red district had less people now and only a few drunk men staggered through the street with their female companies of the night.
Her breathing had become more labored and the wound was bleeding more. She tore off another sleeve and tied it over the other sleeve around her chest and then continued to stagger. Her vision was slowly becoming cloudy and she would see black dots from time to time but she wouldn't give up. She wouldn't die until she reached the compound.
o.o.o.o.o.o.o
They had been chatting as they drank saki for the past hour or two. Everyone's cheeks were flushed and they seemed to be enjoying themselves. The moon was high up in the sky and illuminated the garden to which the room they currently occupied led. The doors were slid open and they could see the cherry blossom petals travel through the light night wind.
Their fun evening had turned to a nightmare when the door of the fence banged open and a disheveled Natsume leaned on the side of the fence covered in cuts. She struggled to breathe as her eyes searched for anyone.
Sasuke was immediately overcome with worry and the bad feeling he experienced for the past hour or so intensified tenfold. Mikoto had gasped and brought her hand to her mouth as her younger son rushed towards Natsume. Tsunade and the others immediately followed him. Their effect of the alcohol seemed to disappear.
Sasuke wrapped an arm around her and took her hand as he led her towards the porch of the house. She tried to say something but couldn't regain her breathing. He was filled with panic as he looked at the blood covering her clothes and asked what had happened to her.
When she regained her breathing she incoherently mumbled words as tears streamed down her cheeks and her eyes seemed to be wild.
"She is in shock." Tsunade said as she examined her.
"Natsume, what happened?" Sasuke questioned with worry.
"I...T-Tadashi...no...s-she...we...were attacked...and s-she..fought h-him. S-She p-protected m-me..." she sobbed harder after she finished her second sentence.
"Who?" Sasuke questioned with confusion.
"S-Sa-she stopped once her once her eyes landed on the entrance. Everyone followed her gaze. Gasps of shock were heard as everyone's eyes widened.
Sakura stood covered in blood. Her eyes dull and her hair loose and disheveled. Her chest was covered in blood and scratches littered her arms. There was a thud as she dropped Sasori's collar and his head hit the ground.
She registered Sasuke's shocked face and Tsunade's panicked yells.
She swayed and stumbled forward as she felt all her strength leave her as her vision turned completely black.
'Forgive me, Yoshirou-kun.'
o.o.o.o.o.o.o
Yeees! I am finally done with this chapter! It took me so long to finish it! I am really really really sorry for such a long wait. I had to prepare for tests and exams and then the SAT and I have had so much homework. Ugh. But I spent the last few hours to try and finish it up. This is a super long chapter which is 23 pages long. I worked really hard on this chapter so I hope this makes up for the long wait. I know it's long but all these events HAD to be included in this chapter! Excuse me for the descriptions of the fighting scenes as you can see I suck at them. I am truly sorry to leave you with this cliff hanger because I know that I won't be able to update for another few weeks so please be patient.
Reviews are greatly appreciated!
IMPORTANT!
Have you heard of Joseph Kony? A man in Africa who has been kidnapping children and making them into soldiers. Please go to the site listed below and watch the video. Please spread the word about this to everyone. Thank you!
www (dot) kony2012 (dot) com