Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

A/N: To the guest who said he wouldn't read the previous chapter because Madara and Sakura weren't together in it. How do you expect to understand the story if you skip the chapters? And, do you realise that this isn't the kind of story where they'll be together every single time? They have a personality of their own, so their interactions with the others are just as important. You do whatever you want, but if things don't make sense to you, don't say I didn't warn you.

Chapter 10

A Blizzard of Feelings

The cell phone rang, and the man put down the pencil. He closed the notebook and sat up straight. He passed a hand through his white hair and took the small cup of sake on his left. He had a vague idea about who the caller might be.

Things were moving fast.

"Hello." He listened to the man on the other end of the line. "I see." His brows furrowed. His cheeks were growing rosy, but it was probably due to the alcohol. However, it was easy to point out that he didn't like what he heard.

He moved to the window and peeked outside from behind the curtain. Someone knocked on the door and, after a blonde head had made its appearance, he gestured to the woman to wait for him. She nodded and exited the room.

"I'll look to it," he responded in the cell phone. "Not right now, but I'll think about something." A brief pause. "I understand. Don't worry about it."

He watched absent-mindedly the book on the top shelf. Pornography was not everyone's cup of tea, but the man wrote it; it was only natural that he had dozens of such books. He closed his eyes for a moment, processing the current course of events. It was unexpected. Yet, when Uchihas were involved, it was always this way. He was growing sick of it. The agency had to take care of them. And fast. One of these days, they were prone to turning the capital upside down.

"He won't be hurt. I assure of that." Jiraiya rubbed his forehead. Things were getting complicated. "We keep in touch."

The man ended the phone call. Jiraiya stared into space for a few moments. He had to think about the situation and come up with a plan. Hopefully, he'd catch both the Senjus and the Uchihas. His thought flew to Tsunade. That woman… what would she think of the situation? He didn't want to hurt her, but there was no way he wasn't dragging her family into it. He knew Tsunade. No matter what she might have said, she cared about them. She tried to appear strong. It was killing her inside, he knew. After all, she lived under the impression that she was alone.

"Ah," he sighed, "I hope there comes a moment when people can understand each other." He took a sip of sake. "But until then…"

Sakura slipped under the water. The warmth was refreshing. She had so needed this bath. She massaged the plum shower gel into her skin, leaving it smooth and soft. She tried to convince herself that she wasn't preparing for this exposition more than for others. It wasn't as if something special was happening tonight, was it?

Her head snapped back, and she let out a loud sigh. She hadn't talked to Kakashi in two days since she had more or less thrown him out of her house. He hadn't looked for her meanwhile, and she was grateful for it. She had no idea how to manage the situation. She was ashamed of her behaviour. As much as she had tried to convince herself, she just wasn't cut to be that kind of bitch. Using him left her with a bitter taste, particularly as it might have given him the wrong idea.

"Arg," she grumbled, pouring a good amount of shampoo in one palm.

I'm not going to think about it. Not tonight. Hopefully, not ever again. What if it was only my imagination and Kakashi hadn't even been disappointed? And why would I feel ashamed? It's not like I promised him anything. It's true that he knows I'm not the kind of woman to sleep around to temper my hormones but damn it! Who is he to judge me?! And why would I even care? It's not like I haven't heard that he's got his eyes on that new girl in the agency. What was her name? Rin maybe?

Oh, fuck!

What if he's actually interested in her? What if he's been interested in her and now he'll shift his focus back on me?

Fuck, fuck, fuck!

I hope I didn't mess this up. That's the last thing I need right now in my life.

She shook her head. She needn't have stressed herself out. These were Kakashi's problems. Why did she bother thinking about them? For her, it had been clear that they weren't meant to be and that, sex or no, they wouldn't get back together. Ever. She envied him a little for finding someone to be interested in since it was the proof that he got over her. And perhaps he had a real chance with that Rin.

Sakura didn't know her well. She was older than the pinkette but entered the agency long before she'd finished her business with it.

Wait! Does it make me a side-chick? Merde! It does, doesn't it?!

She slipped back under the water and counted to ten.

Stop thinking, Sakura. They aren't together. You're no side-chick. You're a crazy chick; there's a difference. A huge one.

She took a deep breath and squeezed her eyes shut. She despised these moments, and her mind wouldn't calm down. No matter what she did, the voices inside her head just wouldn't stop talking. It was making her go crazy… or perhaps crazier was a better term.

"Stop. Stop thinking. Just… just imagine a blank space. Yes, that's it. A white space. There's nothing in there. Think about nothingness. Visualise it."

She saw it. A white background in the depths of her mind. She struggled to maintain it intact. However, it didn't take long for the void to be filled up with words.

How do I have the nerve to comment? Aren't I the one who fucked him thinking about a criminal? How do I dare to be mad at him?!

In a fury, she splashed the water. Small waves surrounded her. She looked as if she stood in the centre of a nervous sea. Though, her mood resembled that of the water.

But why wouldn't I? He can have a life next to someone who's not nationally wanted.

"Where did that come from?" Her heart was beating fast. She looked around. The steam fogged the bathroom. "It must have gotten to my brain." With haste movements she washed away the foam on her skin and got out. She opened the window and shivered when the wind blew.

"Stop thinking, stop thinking." She stopped in the doorframe, having a towel carelessly draped around her shoulders. "Or better: think about something else." Sakura snapped her fingers. "Exactly, that's it. Think about the amazing paintings you're going to see tonight. Maybe you can convince Sai to sell you one for a lower price. Though, Ino-Pig will insist that you'll pay the whole price. If you, as a friend, don't support her husband, who will? But she doesn't have to know. And just in case you don't get a discount, think about those sandals you saw a few weeks ago. They must be cheaper by now. And you've bought that dress; they'll fit nice."

She was rambling, but at least she controlled her thoughts. It was something.

She looked at the clock. 8 p.m. It was time to get ready and to call a cab. She wasn't about to go with her car. She couldn't risk someone spotting it – the enemies in special. Besides, why would she bother with it when she could always borrow Ino's car? Her blonde friend owed her big time.

She took the silky dress from the wardrobe. It was a dark green and underlined her eyes. Not that she was trying to impress anyone. She just wanted to look good. It wasn't as if she hadn't had such a deep V cut in a very long time. No. It was only that tonight she had thought about being bolder.

As if her boldness had not caused enough problems lately.

Madara arranged his coat. He verified his weapons and saw that they are not visible. People didn't block his entrance wherever he went, but he had the decency to refrain from showing his weapons. For one, because the gossiping disturbed him when it came to admiring art and secondly, because he didn't want the others to know from where he might strike and with what. Would it be a gun? A knife? A chain? Who might know?

He hoped that Sakura wasn't playing with him and that she'd bring the drug. It would have been a pity to kill her at this point. Though, he had not decided yet what he'd do to her. Indeed, he couldn't let her action go unpunished. He had to teach her a lesson. Perhaps torment her a little bit.

Now, that would be fun.

"You called for me, sir?"

Madara turned on his heels. He had arranged to have a discussion with Shisui. He was the oldest in his elite team, and, in his opinion, the best prepared to lead the operation.

"Yes. Take a seat." He did as instructed. "I wanted to have a word with you before we set everything into motion." Shisui didn't say anything, but his eyes narrowed imperceptibly. He wasn't Madara's fan. "I trust you, Itachi, and Sasuke will be able to handle the situation tonight. However, I want you to raid the zone before them, just to make sure the plan can start. You know, do the usual. Check for weapons, alarms, or any escaping routes. As well as the ambush ones."

"I understand."

"If you encounter any unsolvable problems, retreat and give us a signal. Either way, you'd better try and eliminate any obstacles."

Madara took his car keys. He and Izuna would go together tonight, and they had decided not to have a driver. They were doing well by themselves. If something was to happen, both of them could escape with ease while they were at the wheel.

Shisui kept silent. Madara creased an eyebrow but didn't say anything as well. Shisui was rather not talkative around him. As the brunet was studying him, he could say there was something off. Shisui looked tense. He was not averting his eyes. In fact, he looked directly into Madara's eyes. A vein was popping at his neck, and his shoulders were abnormally stiff.

"That's all." With that, Shisui took his leave. The brunet continued to stare in space a while after his man left. He wondered if it had been just in his head if he imagined things. His instincts weren't wrong most of the time. Tonight was not the same, though. He felt nervous, anxious… dare he say, a little bit excited?

This had nothing to do with a certain pinkette, but he had nothing else to put the blame on. Being the rational man he was, he had to find the cause of this nervousness. It wasn't normal to feel his insides knitting, was it? It hurt and gave him strange sensations. This, and oh, that annoying impression that his heart was running. He knew that feeling; it occurred when he'd just burnt something down. Now, it wasn't the moment for his heart to pound. He hadn't yet done as much as to light a match.

He took a sip of champagne, but his mouth was still dry. Damn it! And why were his palms sweaty?

Had that little witch sprayed something in the air? Or hid a temporised sprayer somewhere? Perhaps I underestimated her. She got in, after all.

"Are you ready, brother?"

"I'm coming, Izuna. Wait for me downstairs."

Madara leant on the desk, stretching his back. He blinked a few times. Something was wrong with him.

"What did that little witch do," he murmured to himself.

Why I would even think it's her fault, he wondered. It's not as if she'd have that power over me. She or anyone else for the matter. It's only the fire the one who can make me feel like this. Though, the first time when we met, with that red lipstick on, her lips looked like burning fire. Flames I'd have devoured…

"Hell," he cursed, feeling his pants suddenly tight. He was trying to convince himself that he was not interested in her, but the bulge in his pants wanted to prove him wrong.

It's not her. Yes, she's provocative and interesting, and evidently a skilled woman, but she's not… She's not special. It's only that I didn't have a woman in a long time. I definitely need to take care of it. He wondered if he could find a prostitute with pink hair. He punched the table at the idea. No! I am stronger than these urges. I am above them. And I won't be satisfied with anything less than her if it is to bring someone in my bed.

He rubbed his temples. Sakura had brought a lot of problems along. She was trouble on two feet – two sexy feet; with, might he think, smooth and soft flesh. Madara growled and thought about anything else. He thought about those old couples he saw on the street, those pathetic Valentine's Day gifts, those helpless men that were following their women as if they were puppies – that was disgusting, and it was cooling his hormones down.

That's it. I'm done. I'm seducing her, and that's it. I'll remove her from my system. She's caught my eye, and after I'm finished with her sorry piece of hot ass, I'm going to get bored of her.

He smirked, completely content with this conclusion. It wasn't long before another part of him erupted in his mind, catching him off guard and giving him a migraine.

Seducing her? What the fuck am I thinking?! She stole from me. I should kill her right away. He took a deep breath. Or after she gives me back the drug. Yes, that would be a smarter move.

He stomped his foot as a small child would. Why was she making him second-guess himself? What did she do to him? Heck with all of it. She was having a bad influence on him. Ha! To think someone could have a bad influence on him. Oh, she was a she-devil.

Or maybe I'll seduce her and kill her afterwards.

He cast a last glance at the window and saw his reflection. He looked collected; his cool façade was in its place. It was good to know that his inner turmoil wasn't reflected outside. In the depth of his dark soul, Madara didn't want to kill Sakura. She was a means of entertainment and, she should be honoured that he said this, a good challenge. He couldn't recall meeting a woman like her before. Feisty, determined, skilled, playful, and dangerous.

She was… fiery.

Yes. That was what had caught his attention. She was fire. Untamed, wild, prepared to destroy everything around her. He saw it in her eyes; although he caught only a glimpse of it. Madara was a tamer. He knew fire – knew its devastating power. He also knew that it could be controlled if you handled it with caution.

She… she tempted him.

"Hm, tempting the devil. The poor thing. She should've just stayed home."

Madara closed his eyes. His… whatever she was doing to him, was confusing. He had not decided yet what he'd do with her. Maybe he'd kill her only because she made him feel this way, or he'd keep an eye on her and let her live for the moment.

One thing was sure: he had plenty of time to think about it until midnight. And who knew? She might be a lucky girl – if she was indeed a witch, it was high time she called for Fate's help, because he was the Devil and he was coming for her.

He moved without a sound through the guests. He told his brother that he had some business to take care of and Izuna didn't insist on finding out what it was about. He moved to the South entrance. It was almost midnight.

For the briefest of seconds, he thought that Sakura might not come – she didn't seem like the one to back down, though. He respected her for that. The woman had some balls, he'd give her that.

She saw her from afar. No one was around her, but he couldn't have missed the pink hair anyway. He eyed her from head to toe. She wore a green dress. She had style. It fitted her. Not that he ever bothered observing these things.

"Hello, Sakura."

She turned fast. He studied her face. There was no trace of fear, only determination. She was either foolish or crazy.

"Uchiha."

"Ah," he sounded disappointed. "I thought we were past these formalities, Sakura. After all, you entered my room. No one enters there," he slipped the information, and a smirk coloured her face. "You have my permission to use my birth name."

He came closer. Not enough to invade her personal space, but enough to provoke her to take a step back. Stubborn as ever, she forced herself to stand still. Even if his cinnamon smell was driving her insane and she wanted to run in the opposite corner of the room. It wasn't apprehension she was experiencing, but something else. He had a predatory gleam in his eyes, and despite him not appearing nervous, she could read an undertone of anger in his voice.

"I'd rather not. Thank you very much. Not that I needed your permission, by the way."

He chuckled and inched closer. She narrowed her eyes.

"Alright. But I insist."

Madara inhaled. That plum fragrance again. He wanted to smash something. It weakened his revolve not to look at that low-cut neck. She wasn't the bustiest woman he'd seen, but those breasts were staying proud.

"Did you bring the package?" He tried to concentrate on what was important. He wouldn't let one woman, whoever she might be, mess up with his plans.

"I did."

"Well, what are you waiting for? Give it to me." She was wearing that red lipstick again. If he dipped his head, he could have tasted her. A few steps and a slight lower of his head – that was all it would take.

"I brought it, but I haven't decided yet whether I should give it to you or not." She shrugged as if they were talking about the weather, as if he couldn't snap her head and just search her for the package.

He woke up from his reverie, taken aback by her bravery. She got some nerve to talk to him like that.

"That's a shame, because-"

"Don't you dare come any closer!"

He creased one brow. "Or what? You're going to scream? I wouldn't have taken you for a coward."

"I wanted to say that I'll punch you into tomorrow."

He laughed. Like, he actually laughed. She stood there dead serious, wondering if she should knock him on the spot to prove her point.

"Do you think that you'd ever be able to overpower me?" He inched closer until he forced her to step back into the wall.

"I was planning on outsmarting you."

His lips curled up. "That would be just as hard."

Arrogant bastard, she thought.

Arrogant witch, he thought.

"Where's the drug?"

"Do you always ask so impolitely for what you want?"

"I usually take it right away. You might feel special for granting you this honour."

"Oh, lucky me."

"You know, I have not decided myself. Should I kill you, or should I keep you around?" With lighting speed, he cupped her cheek. Both of them felt electricity running through their veins. His face moved closer. She was frozen in place. Her heart was pounding. She wondered if he could hear it. "What will it be?" Her lips parted ever so slightly, and his eyes moved there. He caressed the corner of her mouth. She forgot how to breathe.

She didn't plan on this. She planned on having a little argument with him, rubbing on her achievements and giving him the drug. But as soon as she saw him, she didn't know what to do. She wanted to make him stay but to make him go away at the same time. She wanted him to keep the distance but to keep getting closer.

She hoped he'd kiss her. She wanted it, but she would not beg for it, nor start it. She was going to win this fight.

His warm breath was on her neck. Unlike when she'd been with Kakashi, she felt something hot gathering inside of her. He was playing with her. Oh, he was a good player! She questioned whether she was in control of the situation. She had something he needed, but she didn't feel powerful. She had a small gun hidden. Still, she felt disarmed.

"Give me a reason to keep you alive, Sakura." His words were threatening, but the way he called her name made the woman shiver in delight. It was low, sensual, rounded. Her name on his lips sounded sinful. "Hm?" His cheek touched hers, and he moved slowly, giving her time to react. She did not. He had made her an active part with this, and she accepted it. With a maddening slowness, he put his lips on hers and kissed her. At first, it looked more like some sort of test.

Instead of numbing her like it had happened minutes before, his kiss awakened her. She took the small package and put it in one of his pockets. After that, she put her hands on his chest. She'd have liked to aim for his neck, but Sakura doubted he'd allow her to get so close to strangling him.

What am I doing? It didn't take more than a fraction of a second to come up with an answer. I don't know, but I feel so good. Almost like, almost like…

"Is it good enough, Madara?"

That was the moment when his controlled snapped. It was just something about having a beautiful woman with a smart mouth entering his game and playing it so well. It was arousing, enchanting, tempting. He wanted to taste her, to taint her, to break her.

His lips became feverish. She responded with a passion she didn't know she possessed. He was melting her insides, and she was burning him from the inside out. He took a handful of her hair, deepening the kiss. Her toes curled. She'd never lived something like this. He was breathing life into her. She didn't want it to ever end. She was hyper aware of everything around. She wondered if he gave her a pill without her noticing. She felt high.

He was in the same situation. Madara had never imagined that a petite woman like Sakura could handle him and burn him, the ruler of the fire. Her attitude had annoyed the shit out of him, but now that he was kissing her and could've snapped her head so easily, all he wanted was to taste more of the sweetness of her mouth. It was nothing as he'd fantasised. It was ten times better. He couldn't get enough of it, of her. She…

If light had a taste, this would be it.

Sakura tasted like light, and he, the conqueror of darkness, wanted to take it all. He wanted to absorb that light and fill the void with shadows.

He was addicting, and Sakura knew this, although phenomenal, had to stop. Her fists curled in his coat. She had to find the power within her; she had to.

She bit his tongue, and he growled appreciatively. Sakura struggled to bring forth in her foggy mind who he was, what her job was, and what she had just given to him. She thought about him being a sinful bastard, and not about what else he could do with that tongue.

She put one leg on the wall, readying herself.

One, two, three.

Jiraiya spotted Tsunade as soon as he entered the hall. It was impossible not to notice her. Surprisingly, she was alone at the bar, isolating herself from the rest of the guests. He wondered why men wouldn't try to approach her since she was beautiful and strong. He was sure everyone had noticed by now. But then, that was why men avoided her these days. Flirting with a woman that could break your neck was not for everyone.

He would've broken them for her if it was the case, but she was doing just fine on her own. He wished she wouldn't, so she'd be forced to accept his help. She was always rejecting him. Jiraiya thought it was due to her respect for their friendship, but he knew that she'd never be totally over Dan's death. That memory followed her like a shadow.

He had waited for her. He was still waiting.

But he was growing old. He didn't know how much he could keep waiting. He didn't reject females' attention and neither did he refrain from living, but his heart would always be hers and hers only.

"Why so sad?"

She raised her eyes to meet his. "Why be happy?"

"Oh, Tsunade. You never change. The same pessimist woman, I see. Rough day, I guess?"

She laughed as if mocking his question. "Nothing I can't handle. But when was it ever easy?"

"Eh, but we grow old, don't we?"

She looked straight ahead and sighed with all her being. Her eyes were half-closed. "Yes. Yes, we do."

Jiraiya ordered a drink for himself. They passed some time in silence, but none was bothered. Somehow, it was comfortable.

"So, what brings you here?"

"What? Can't I just visit a," he peeked on her chest, "beautiful woman?" She rolled her eyes and pushed his shoulder. He rubbed the place after finding his equilibrium. This was Tsunade – never taking it easy on him. "Okay, you caught me. I came here in search of inspiration for my next novel."

"You pervert! You own a brothel, damn it!"

For a second, he wished she was jealous. He wanted to know that she felt that way towards him. Still, it was Tsunade he was taking about. "I'm a super-pervert. And what's with that? Adventures, that's what keeps my stories going."

"Sure, sure."

His cheeks became rosy from the drink.

"Seriously, Jiraiya. You're too old for this game." Ah, he had forgotten that she didn't like to be considered old. "What's up?"

He looked at his drink. He had to be honest. It was going to be hard. He should've sugar coated the truth, but he risked getting punched by the blonde for the waiting. This time, his tone was serious when he spoke. He found it hard to make eye contact.

"I came to talk to you about something."

"What?"

He turned to face her. His form towered her, but she didn't feel intimidated in the least. As he was hovering over now, Jiraiya was providing both of them intimacy. Though, if he were about to cross the line, she'd put him in his place. She was good at it.

"I've got information from a source that the Uchihas plan on attacking the Senjus tonight." Tsunade's eyes widened. She wasn't sober just yet, but she was listening to him.

"Are you sure? Of course you're sure. You're Jiraiya."

"I am. I came up with a plan, and I thought I ought to share it with you." She nodded slightly. He took it as an encouragement to continue. "You see…"

Heck! I told Sakura that the fact Madara found the microphone and smashed it was important. Where was she tonight?

"You'll announce the agency, right?"

"Yes."

Alright. I'm sorry girl, but you won't be able to catch Madara. The agency will get its hands on him before you can, especially with this opportunity.

Tsunade was quite sad for the disappointment Sakura would face. She had wanted to catch that criminal so desperately. Maybe it wasn't meant to be. She didn't like the man, but chasing him made Sakura taste life again. She had long forgotten how to be alive, and seeing her stressed and on the run and preoccupied again was… good.

"But not right away."

"Hm?"

"I plan on letting the Senjus and the Uchihas fight each other, and after they weakened, the agency will interfere. I'm sorry for involving your family, Tsunade, but there's no other way. Not with the opportunity of catching both at Yamanaka's exposition."

Yamanaka?

"I already sent word to the Senjus about what's about to happen. By the end of the exposition, they will-"

"What did you do?!" She got up in one swift movement. Some people stared at them. Tsunade ignored them. "What did you do?!" She fisted the collar of his blouse. He didn't fight back, understanding her reaction. He had expected it.

"I'm sorry, Tsunade, but-"

"You idiot! Sakura's in there! Sakura is there!"

Tsunade sounded desperate. Furious. Hurt.

He remembered a stubborn pink-haired girl. She'd been Tsunade's apprentice. She had had an accident a few years ago, and her leg had been severely injured that time. She was forced to give up the agency because she'd been no longer considered fit for her work on the field.

Well, he screwed up this time.

She was headstrong like Tsunade and had an injured leg, and if she found out what was happening, she wouldn't leave from there without a fight.

He prayed to God that she came back alive.

He risked a glance at Tsunade. She was trembling. He knew she loved the girl as if she was her daughter.

If Sakura was coming back in a coffin, he'd soon follow her in the afterlife.

He could bet on it – and unlike Tsunade, he didn't lose his bets.

Sakura fired and shot. It was mechanical at this point.

Ino had put her up with the news – that the Uchihas wanted to attack the Senjus and that the Senjus would strike back. She could have left, like would have done any sane person, any civilian. But she was – had been – a secret agent. She couldn't simply run away. Especially since she knew that not all the guests had listened to the hosts and got out of the building. Sai and Ino had tried to lure them with the promise of food and wine, but some had gotten out of line and entered back the building. Why, it wasn't Sakura's job to find out.

Her job was to get them out. Safe.

She coughed. Her eyes were hurting. Where was the smoke coming from? Or was it her imagination?

Some Senju members had entered the building, and she eliminated them. No regrets. It was them or her. However, Sakura was sure there were more. They were hiding somewhere, waiting for her to make a wrong move.

"Hey," she whispered. The woman under the desk was about to scream when she covered her mouth. The man beside her looked terrified. "Don't worry. I'll get you out of here." The woman nodded. She was in shock. The few stains of blood on Sakura's dress weren't calming the situation either. "It's not mine." The woman looked even more frightened.

Maybe not the best line.

She led them to the nearest exit and made sure they got out in one piece, and there wasn't anybody waiting for them. That's why she hated criminal and their world. They never cared about innocents.

She looked back at the building.

"Head in the game, 515. You don't leave people behind."

You're not him.

"No one's going to die on me." She braced herself and verified her gun. She had enough bullets. And she had the pocketknife.

She entered the building and looked for other civilians. Her leg hurt, and she cursed mentally. This type of rescuing mission put a lot of strain on her. On what was left of her. She heard a boom in the gallery and considered the possibility of it being a bomb. The smoke was denser. It was getting heavier to inhale. She closed her eyes for a second, to stop the itch, and when she opened them, a man was in front of her. He seemed surprised to see her as well.

Ridiculous.

It was a test of speed now. They both pointed the guns at each other at the same time, but she was the faster shooter. It didn't bring her consolation. There was a high chance that other men would come soon. She ran out of the hall.

Damn, her leg hurt.

It wouldn't break her at the moment because the adrenaline made the pain fade; however, she could anticipate how it would feel the next day.

If you reach the next day.

It brought a smile on her face. It had been a long time since she could last say it.

Oh, she was getting back in business.

These guys were not prepared for what she got in store.

He informed his team that they would retreat. There was no point in fighting now. Izuna had not agreed, but Madara wouldn't accept a "no" for an answer. His reasoning was clear and no one could argue with it. They were outnumbered and even though their skills were better, it could prove disadvantageous and, due to tonight's event, the police or Konoha or both would soon be there.

Dealing with the Senjus was one thing. Dealing with the Senjus, a secret agency, and the police was another one.

He wasn't the one to run from the fight, but this was the best decision at the moment.

He signalled Izuna to take the other path and his brother nodded. They decided to leave separately so they would be harder to follow. Madara moved fast. It wasn't odd since everybody was in a rush.

"Help! Call the firefighters! The police! My friend's in there!"

Madara ignored the high-pitched voice and continued his way. He looked around. The building was on fire. Poor art. Senju didn't have any respect for what mattered. Those idiots! And the fire wasn't even spectacular. If they were interested, he could give them a tip or two.

He heard someone saying something about the police and quickened his pace. He even heard the mention of "Konoha." That made him stop in his tracks. It was Sai, the artist, who was trying to calm a blonde woman. It was his wife if Madara recalled correctly. She yelled, saying her friend was inside.

"An idiot, then."

He had known that this artist had connections with the agency, but he'd never considered it a threat since the link was weak. He shook his head. The woman didn't stop crying. It was annoying. He had to get out of here. For the sake of his mind. He didn't want to stay and see the place filled with agents with sharp tongues and mischievous eyes.

He rubbed his coat. Sakura Haruno was fiery. She had pushed him tonight, breaking their kiss. He had seen that she'd wanted it equally much; her determination to keep him away strengthened his revolve to seduce her. Was she doing it on purpose?

The memory of their heated kiss made him search for her in the crowd. It wasn't a difficult task since she had pink hair. There wasn't a sign of her.

Strange. She couldn't have left already, could she?

He had seen her stay after their discussion. She couldn't have disappeared so fast. He was having a hard time escaping. Then, the dots connected. The woman crying, Konoha's urgent involvement, the friend inside.

"She couldn't be so much of an idiot, could she?" He felt sorry for her. Her chance of getting out alive from that smoke and fire was minimal. There was no one to save her. "Well, she's an agent. She must know how to take care of herself. And if she doesn't, it's her problem."

A former secret agent, a voice whispered in his head.

"I don't care about weaklings," he reinforced his opinion, but his steps were wavering.

She stood up against you. How many did it?

He stopped and looked at the building and then at the watch on his wrist.

"Fuck it. That woman smells trouble."

He had less than ten minutes to save her and get out of here. He dashed to the side entrance and fired his gun.

"Let the fun begin."

Madara couldn't understand why Sakura was so bloody stubborn. She should've fallen to her knees and thank him for saving her life. Had it not been for him, this would've been the end of the line for her.

He ignored her comments and drove ahead. Was she never stopping from talking?

Why did he save her? What had been in his mind? She was the enemy!

Perhaps her stupidity it's contagious. What another motive could there be? I have to keep the distance. She's going to be the death of me. She's doing nasty things to my insides. Fuck it!

Thinking about it gave him a migraine.

She tried to shot me! Indeed, she had tried. Though, she had had no idea who was there, so she charged forward to destroy a general enemy. And I fucking killed someone for her. I carried her after she'd passed out. How does it come she's the upset one?

Why did I kill for her?

He was not known for being the saviour. He didn't want to be her saviour. How did he get here, again?

Not that she needed my help. Argh! She's so, so… "I was only taking a moment to relax my eyes. I didn't faint."

"Are you listening to me?" She squeezed his shoulder, and he eyed her with false superiority. She retracted her hand as if she had only now realised her action.

"I stopped a long time ago," he replied, and Sakura felt like punching him in the face.

She inhaled and tried to calm her nerves. "I said that I want you to stop the car. I won't allow you to drive me home. Did you hear me? I don't want you near my home."

Like I'd listen to you. Then, I would have gone completely insane.

"Don't test my patience. It's running thin. You've been hurt, haven't you?" He's seen her limping. "You're barely walking. Be smart and accept my help for the time being. We can go back to the enemy thing afterwards. It's not like I'll show you mercy because of this incident."

She didn't need his mercy.

She clenched her fists. He'd noticed her leg. Tears welled up in her eyes. She didn't want him to see her as some sort of weakling because of one injury. His eyes… his eyes empowered her so far when they sparkled impressed by her doings.

Why was he insisting on driving her home? She'd rather crawl back than let him see her vulnerable. Her eyelids were heavy. She forced herself to stay awake. Sha had thought about jumping out of the car, but Madara's speed guaranteed her death. She wasn't prepared for it.

Sleeping next to a criminal was not an option. Madara seemed playful, but she knew that underneath the handsome appearance, a cold-blood monster was hiding. That he had saved her was worrisome. He did no such things without an ulterior motive. So, what was it? What did she have that he could possibly want? She'd already given him the drug.

Fifteen minutes later, he stopped the car, and she became alert. She inspected the zone. It was close to her house. Ah! She'd forgotten that he knew where she lived.

Madara got out of the car and opened her door. He looked anywhere but at her when he reached his hand for her to take it. If she'd been a lesser woman, she'd have supposed that he was shy, but she knew better. She didn't take up his offer and instead struggled to stay on her own. His jaw twitched in frustration.

She took several steps until she felt like fainting from the pain. Ashamed, she asked Madara for help. He sighed as if he were tired and lifted her from the ground. She smelled like smoke and blood and fire. She reeked. She bit her tongue not to ask him to let her down. That wasn't her idea of "help." Her cheeks grew hotter. She attempted to push the blood down with sheer force.

"What floor?"

"Three." He carried her on the stairs. Sakura had to talk to the administrator to add an elevator. "You can put me down," she said when they got in front of her door. He did as suggested and she unlocked the door. She tried to smash it in his face, but he was faster and entered.

"How impolite," he mocked her. Madara praised his intelligence for taking her weapons. She might have attempted murder several times by now. "Do you have something to drink?" Her flat was welcoming. It was full of contrasts, just like her character. There were elements so feminine that he could have sworn she was the most graceful and sensible in the world – was that Feminine Mystic by Stephanie Corder? And how could she afford Haruyo Morita paintings?!–, but there were also those who told him she could handle herself just fine. That she was powerful – she had paintings from Geliografic studio, for crying out loud! That she was anything but fragile –that was Still Life with Burning Flowers by David Ligare; oh, how he loved that painting!

He walked to what seem to be the kitchen and opened the fridge. He kept his eyes on her meanwhile. He would not turn his back on her in her home. She needed polishing to kill someone like him, but why stain his coat with blood? He opened the fridge and grunted. She yelled at him in the background. Sakura was not a champagne lover, it seemed. Instead, she had a few bottles of wine. He took one.

"A good year."

"Madara," the use of his name caught his attention. She had refrained from using it. "Get out."

"Make me…?" He was smirking. The brunet was curious to know if there was any real fight left in her after tonight.

"You bastard!" His brows furrowed. "I said get out!" She took several steps towards him. Sakura kept her head proud. Her leg was pulsating with pain, but him angering her made the pain fade in comparison.

He laughed in the corner of his mouth and put the bottle on the table. He approached her, forcing Sakura to let her head backwards to see him. He was way taller than her. Her chest touched his superior abs. Damn, he was well-built under those clothes! He inclined his head, and she didn't like the gleam in them.

"That wasn't convincing." His stare made her fidget. She was uncomfortable with him studying her. "How about a goodnight kiss?" She reddened and took a step back, stumbling. He caught her and laughed.

"Not in a million years," she forced through gritted teeth, pushing him away.

He didn't seem to believe her. Madara was about to say more when a third voice was heard.

"Sakura?" Sakura's eyes widened. She was freaking out. She knew that voice.

No, no, no. You can't be here!

"Sakura? I know you're in there. I've heard you. Open the door! Are you alright?!" The man knocked insistently on the door.

Madara watched her amused. He recognised the voice as belonging to a man. Did Sakura have a promiscuous meeting? The thought of someone touching her sent a shiver down his spine. He ignored it. He didn't care about her that much as to feel a killing intent. No.

"I've heard about what happened at Yamanaka's!"

"Where do I put you," she murmured to herself. "Don't touch anything and don't say a word." She took his hand and led him to her room.

The nerve of her! he thought.

"Are you ordering me around?"

"Shush." She closed the door.

"Sakura?! I'm breaking the door."

"Don't! I'm coming, Kakashi."

Kakashi? Why does it sound familiar? Madara thought about it. K. He's K., he realised. Her partner then?

"Thank goodness. Are you alright?" He tried to touch her, but she took a step back. "Ino said you were in the building."

"For a little while. Tell Ino to stop worrying. I'm a big girl."

"I'm so glad to see that you're alive." He looked relieved. Did he not have any faith in her abilities? "Were you hurt?"

"I'm all right, Kakashi." It was nothing personal, but she had to make him go away. Madara was few steps from them. What if he decided to show up?

"Listen, tonight made me realise that if something happened to you-"

"But nothing happened, so stop there."

"Listen, Sakura. I know things didn't work out, but I want to make up for it. I care about you."

"Leave, Kakashi." The pinkette didn't want to let Kakashi humiliate himself in front of Madara. She was a bitch, but she had some dignity left. And she felt like she owed him at least that. Why? She couldn't say. Maybe because that's what made them different.

"I'm sorry if I somehow hurt you a few days ago. Listen, I-" He was getting on her nerves.

"Leave."

"Sakura…"

"I'm counting to three."

"I'm sorry! What more could I say?! I'm sorry for-"

"One."

"-leaving you back then. I regret it every day."

"Two."

"Let me make up for it. I've changed."

"No, Kakashi. You're still a guy who doesn't know how to be honest. But I have changed." She touched his shoulder and turned him around. He didn't protest. With a well-placed elbow on his back, she sent him flying on the open door. "Three."

She locked it and leant on the wall.

There was no sound coming from behind the door. She hoped that he had left. He was a jerk, but getting killed by Madara seemed an underserved punishment.

She caught her breath for a moment. She took a gun and fired it. In truth she did not have the intention to kill Madara; she wanted to be prepared in case he decided to attack. With determined steps, she opened her the door to her bedroom. She pointed her gun, but there was no one there. The window was up, and her gun and pocketknife were on the bed.

"Don't tell me."

No sight of the man. He had used the window for real.

She kicked something and shouted.

Why? Why did he fucking save me? What's the point? What's he playing at?

I don't understand. Is he messing with my head? Does he think he can use me against the agency? She sat on the floor, hugging her knees. It hurts so badly. Why didn't he take advantage of my vulnerability? I feel like crying. I won't.

Does he think I owe him one now? That's his card? She pressed her knees closer. She needed to take a painkiller. Or could he have a heart? Did our kiss make him turn back for me? Is there more than the monster? Sakura punched the floor. No! Don't fool yourself, Sakura. He cares-

"-only about himself." Saying it aloud helped. Her voice cracked. "For him, it's a game. I'm the game."

I will not fucking lose.

She laid flat on her back. She wanted to snatch her leg and throw it away.

"He saved me. Why did he do it?"

She couldn't owe him one. She couldn't allow him to have that power over her. An agent shouldn't have a conscience, but she had. What could she do to right this?

His mobile rang, and he answered it without seeing the caller.

"It's poison. If you take it, you'll die." He recognised the voice immediately.

Ha! As if he'd believe her.

"We're even, Madara." He laughed, and she yelled. Then, she hung up on him.

As if he'd trust his enemy. Who, in the entire world, would help his adversary out of this justice of being on the same foot?

Crazy woman. Does she think me stupid?

He took the package from his pocket.