My Dear Princess

Chapter Twenty-One

Among the dozens of Uchiha that arrived, a group of Hyuga came, vowing to lay down their lives for the princess. It was the first time Sakura realized how tense things were between the two clans, like they had some rivalry going on, and neither clan was willing to be outdone by the other. Most of them were men she'd met at the ball before, but once so many people crowded the hideout, she stayed to herself in her room.

Sakura loved all people, and she respected the Uchiha and Hyuga greatly for being willing to put their lives on the line for her. But, as a girl who wasn't used to a lot of people, she found herself somewhat anxious and having to hide away. It gave her time to meditate, to breathe, to prepare- and while Itachi spoke to their new guests in detail about the situation, that's all she did.

She'd been waiting, she felt ready, but knowing the next day she'd finally have to face that man, the nerves were settling in. Why she was nervous, she didn't know. Because, she believed in herself, and in her husband and all the men fighting with them. There was no doubt anymore, she had complete faith in their abilities, even her own. But, the nerves were still there.

It was later that night that Sasuke brought in a tray of food for her and she realized she hadn't eaten all day. She thanked him politely as she took the food and ate happily. He sat next to her on the bed, wearing his everyday pants and his high collar gray shirt. No training had gone on for him that day either, but she knew he'd been meeting and briefing his fellow clan members, and the Hyuga for several hours, on and off throughout the entire day.

"Can I ask you something?" Sakura asked once she'd finished her meal, Sasuke was still sitting beside her quietly, as if deep in thought, but he responded.

"Ah."

"I've gotten stronger… I can even hold my weight against you, and Itachi. But, if you were using your sharingan for more than defense, would I stand a chance?"

Her husband looked down at his feet on the floor, elbows resting on his knees as he leaned forward. "You're an excellent blocker and you have that uncanny way of healing yourself. There's your incredible speed and even your wittiness. You're plenty capable, however the sharingan has many different abilities, even depending on the user. If an Uchiha with skills was really trying to take you out, it would probably be a difficult fight, but I won't say that you wouldn't win."

Sakura sighed, her fingers dancing over her lap as she fell into thought. That morning, another vision had come to her. It was short, and seemingly pointless. But, there was one tiny detail she couldn't forget. That masked man had looked at her, and she was certain she'd got a glimpse of the sharingan.

Not knowing what to make of it, she didn't plan to mention it. Sasuke would more than likely blow the information out of proportion and then ruin their carefully organized plan. She couldn't have that. If the masked man really was a sharingan user, she would still fight to the best of her ability.

"What's on your mind?" He questioned and she looked up to find him watching her.

Slowly, she shook her head. "Nothing important. Just thinking."

"If it's tomorrow you're worrying about, don't. We will all be fine- you especially."

"I know…"

"Come," He said, standing and offering her his hand. "shower with me."

Giving him her hand, Sakura stood next to him without a second thought. Any intimate time she could have with her husband, she wanted so desperately. Tomorrow could bring utter chaos into their lives and she wasn't sure what would happen, and how long Sasuke would even be fighting away from her. More than anything, she wanted to spend all the time she could with him.

They were both tired, but insatiable. They made love in the shower, and then again once they were in bed together, and even after that they never made it out of the bed to dress. It was late, and they should have been sleeping, but neither of them could, for their minds couldn't calm. By then, they were both wondering what exactly the following day would bring.

"Sasuke…" Sakura whispered, her fingers gliding across his chest absentmindedly. "Thank you, for everything."

"There's nothing to thank me for." He told her, voice deep and throaty. "You should sleep."

"…I love you…"

"And I you, now sleep. You need your rest."

"Goodnight." She murmured, eyes fluttering closed, though sleep continued to elude her. It was forever she lay there, holding tight to him and praying for his safety until she finally drifted off.

It was a while after that, but Sasuke finally found sleep as well.

…

They were up before dawn. Sakura showered, dressed and met Sasuke as he and Itachi were speaking with everyone. There was so many people there to help, Sakura's heart was full as she admired them all. Itachi spoke to them all at once, a prebattle pep talk that had the whole group shouting and hungry for blood.

"Remember to keep with your teams and stay as close to your designated areas as possible. We'll start heading out now, one team at a time. Sakura will be the last to leave."

It seemed so sudden now that the time had arrived and Sakura's heart skipped a beat as she watched the men start to disperse. She was glad Sasuke would be with Itachi and Shisui, along with Neji Hyuga. They were all strong and she just knew they'd be okay. They had to be.

Before she knew it, they were the last four in the hideout, and Itachi turned to Sasuke. "It's time, little brother."

"Ah." Sasuke nodded, and when he didn't move, the other three men made their way ahead. He turned to Sakura then, pulling her into his arms and crushing her against him.

She could feel him trembling.

"Don't even think about me, Sasuke. Keep yourself safe no matter what. I'll be fine."

"You damn well better be." He sighed, pulling back just enough to kiss her softly. "I'll see you soon."

Sakura gave him a smile and nodded. "Very soon. Now go, they're waiting."

"Be safe, Sakura." He told her seriously, obsidian eyes boring into her emeralds. "You… you're the only thing that matters to me."

"Same goes for you. I love you. Very much." She got on her tiptoes and kissed him once more, briefly.

"I love you." He told her, a deep frown marring his features as he pulled himself away from her and turned on his heel to leave.

He was so reluctant that it hurt to watch him walk away, and Sakura could only turn her back to him and breathe deeply, willing herself to remain calm. Sasuke was gone in a matter of seconds and she was all alone. This was really happening, she was really about to take on a man, who was possibly an Uchiha, during the midst of all her family fighting for their lives.

She didn't know how difficult it would be for them all, but she prayed once more for their wellbeing and then she started her meditation. There was a little time before she had to take her own leave, and the best thing she could do was have herself as calm as possible.

…

For an all-out war to be on the horizon, the forest was deathly quiet. As Sasuke moved out with his own team, he noticed immediately that the other teams were long gone. No fighting could be heard even over the distance, so it was safe to say nobody had made official contact with the enemy.

Though his senses were on high alert, Sasuke couldn't help but think about how horrible he was for leaving his wife along to fend for herself. Knowing that she was going to have to fight for her life made him all too uneasy and he couldn't shake the anxiousness suffocating him.

A muffled cry following a strong stench of blood filled the air and Sasuke clenched his teeth, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, to be drawn at any second. They were only a mile out from the hideout when the fighting started from other teams nearby and almost instantly after they'd all noticed, the enemy appeared before them for the first time.

Sadly, they were shinobi of mixed nations, rallied together because of a mutual desire. They all wanted Sakura disposed of, or possibly captured. Mainly, they all wanted the unknown to be locked away and unable to bring any harm to their nations. Sasuke thought them to be the most foolish of individuals, especially considering most of them were extremely weak.

Their numbers were strong though.

Sasuke wasn't taking any chances. When he thought about them doing this for Sakura and her safety, his brain worked well to calculate and analyze his situation at all times. He wasn't foolish enough to go all out and deplete his chakra too soon, or exhaust himself, but he fought with a knowing grace that many men would admire.

Sword in hand, he cut down one enemy after the next. Even when several came at him at once, they stood not the slightest chance. Not against an Uchiha with something so precious to fight for. Three were charging at him at once, all closing in from a five-meter distance, quickly. However, Sasuke was precise and trained with his blade, and he was quick.

In one fluid movement, he cut all three of them down effortlessly. His three teammates were cutting down the enemy with ease as well. But none of them were foolish, they knew the weaklings would come first as a means of wearing them down. It wasn't the worst of tactics. But, these were Uchiha and they weren't easily tired. With high chakra reserves and outstanding control, they could fight for days at a time without risking overexertion. Though, the sharingan did have to be used wisely.

Sasuke's eyes weren't eternal, and though he'd unlocked the mangekyō, he could only use it as a last resort. He was still learning his limits with those eyes, and knowing the damage each use brought to him, he tried to stay away from it as much as possible.

Once the fighting commenced, it never eased up. Numerous foes appeared, eager to fight. Some were skilled, most were not. The ones who were, sometimes gave them a run for their money, and after a couple hours, Sasuke's chidori made its first appearance. Though fire was his favorite element, and he loved to watch his enemies burning away, there was something so thrilling about lightning dancing on his fingertips.

He could stream for a good distance, and was capable of hitting several targets at once. Itachi and Shisui however were running the field with their genjutsu. Time was flying by, and it had only seemed like moments before the area surrounding them was covered in bodies.

The longer the fighting went, the more into it the youngest Uchiha became. All he knew was destroy. Easily, he became mad with rage and bloodthirst and in that state, he was able to fight even harder, and slay even more enemies.

…

War. It wasn't Itachi and Shisui's first time with war, and the battle underway brought back those dreadful memories, so vividly. But they were prepared, they were in charge, and they were fighting off the enemy with little struggle.

They both knew Sasuke had fallen into the world of vengeance with the way his fighting style changed. His movements told of his rage, and desire to kill. It was rather noticeable that the enemy was the only thing on his mind at that time.

The other teams were fighting similar battles. It was impressive really how limitless the enemy seemed. A couple team's members had taken injury as the time passed, but there had been no casualties as of then. They worked well together, all sharingan and byakugan eyes giving them an advantage the enemy just wasn't expecting, or prepared for.

Soon though, the foes were coming in smaller numbers, but with far greater ability.

…

After calming herself for as long as she could, Sakura pulled on Sasuke's cloak and started walking towards the exit. In no time at all she would be face to mask with that strange man and she more wanted to question him than fight, but she had all intentions of ending him for unleashing such a devastating situation. A war.

As the princess, and a pure hearted girl, Sakura craved peace and happiness- and she wished it for all people.

Outside she found the quiet setting of the forest eerie and unsettling. She was focused though, and her steps never slowed as she made her way through the trees until she arrived at the spot she was destined to confront that man.

Instantaneously, as if he'd been waiting on her, that very man appeared. Sakura's eyes trailed over his figure slowly, comparing him to the man she'd been seeing for so long. Everything was exactly the same as far as she could see.

A low and menacing laugh came from him as he stood there casually. "Finally we meet, princess."

"For a man who's about to greet death, you sure seem eager."

He laughed again. "Oh, princess. You can't even imagine."

A/N:

Thanks for reading.