I know this chapter is late, but since we're approaching the critical part of this story I decided to only write this chapter after going back and rereading the whole thing, just to make sure I have a firm grasp on all the plotlines before proceeding.
Unfortunately, I have been travelling and have minimal internet access, so reading the whole story was no easy task. But here I am, with a longer chapter in hopes of making it up to you.
Many thanks to all of you who are reviewing this story and constantly providing me with much needed encouragement and inspiration. Much love!
"I don't get why I had to change Teme," Naruto said emerging from the bathroom in Sasuke's room wearing a dark grey suit and a black tie. "My suit was…"
"Orange," Sasuke interrupted, standing in front of the mirror in his three piece black suit. He paired it off with a white shirt and was fussing around with his tie which for some reason refused to remain straight.
"What's wrong with Orange?" Naruto questioned, sounding offended.
"Nothing," Sasuke said, now untying the tie completely to start over. "If you are a clown," he added nonchalantly.
Naruto gave him an angry look, "I'd have you know I bought that suit at…"
"A circus?"
The two exchanged an irked look, "you can't even tie your tie," Naruto teased with a smirk as he brought a finger up and pointed at his own perfectly knotted tie.
Sasuke gave him an annoyed look before doing up his tie as if to prove his friend wrong.
Alas, the tie had other thoughts and once again it came out crooked, leaning to the left side in a manner that made it look like it was hovering over Sasuke's chest as if by magic.
Naruto grinned, "I can tie it for you," he offered with a teasing look.
"Not if you were the last person on earth," Sasuke sniped before sliding the tie off and allowing it to drop to the floor as if it was trash. "Let's go," he said, opting out of a tie all together.
Naruto's grin only widened as he followed his friend out of his room and down the stairs of the magnanimous main house.
The blonde did not get to gloat about his tie tying abilities though as the second they reached the bottom of the staircase they both froze.
"So this is your final answer," Mikoto said with a cold expression on her normally warm face. She wore a long Kimono-style purple dress with golden threads running through it.
"Yes," Fugaku replied.
They were silent for a long moment but the intensity in the look they were sharing assured the two frozen friends that a lot more was being exchanged in the silence.
"You know…" Mikoto finally started before trailing off and shifting her attention to the two boys on the staircase. "Naruto-dear how are you doing?" she questioned and Naruto almost jumped at the sweet tone and the almost inhuman change in attitude, Sasuke, however, was used to it.
"I…I'm good Mikoto-sama," the blonde said.
"Well you look great in that suit," She complimented. "We are running late Sasuke-dear, your sister in law's party starts soon," she added throwing a sidelong look Fugaku's way as the man gave her a cold glare
"I am ready mother…" Sasuke declared.
"Tie dear," she pointed out.
"But…"
"Go upstairs and put on a tie quickly dear. I have to say something to your father, so Naruto-dear would you please help him tie it…" Mikoto said in a honeyed tone.
"Hai, Mikoto-sama…"
"But… mother…"
"Now dear…" she ordered and the two boys instantaneously went up the stairs again.
The woman turned her attention to her husband, "she saved your life," she whispered when the boys were out of earshot.
He gave her a silent look before turning around and walking away.
"She saved your life," she said walking after him.
She paused.
"So my wishes mean nothing to you?" she questioned, switching approaches.
Fugaku stopped in his tracks and turned towards her, "Mikoto this is not about…"
"Yes it is," she accused, voice softening, "it's about our lives and our family, my love."
Fugaku once again eyed her silently but she was never cowed by his silence she knew he was always paying attention when she talked so she opted to give him a summary of everything that she said to him over their last two days of fighting, "the girl is an angel dear. She came to help and you have made her life a living hell every step of the way. But she persevered. She really wanted to win you over."
"She infiltrated our clan, she infiltrated my police force. She is a spy," the man said concisely.
Mikoto smiled at him, "you know that is not even remotely true. You are the smartest man I know," she added, looking warmly up at him. "You are also the most stubborn," she added poking him in the chest playfully.
"Mikoto," he said, voice evidently much warmer than anyone other than Mikoto has ever heard it before, and eyes much softer. But before he could finish his sentence he felt the two boys emerge from Sasuke's room, now heading towards the stairs.
Mikoto gave him a knowing look, "my love I know you are angry at her for challenging you but she only meant to prove herself. The girl is brave dear, she is determined and yes I admit she is more than a little rash. But if I remember correctly that is what you said made you like me when we were younger."
"That is different," the man said, "it…" he trailed off as she put a hand on the side of his face and looked deep into his eyes.
"We've argued long and hard about this, I cannot do it anymore. My love I know you'll make the right choice," she said, pressing a soft peck to his cheek and drawing away as the two boys started making their way down the staircase. Her expression shifted a bit though as she withdrew, "if you know what is best for you that is," the Uchiha matriarch finished on a challenging note.
"Is that a threat?" Fugaku questioned.
"No, it is a warning my love," she added with a sly smile, before blowing a kiss his way and heading towards the doorway. "Let us go boys."
"Hai."
.
*Kill them both just kill them both,* Inner roared in the recesses of Sakura's mind. Behind her a storm raged with thunder echoing and lightening flashing threateningly in the distance.
Sakura clenched her jaw.
*Use that book to finish them off; you can crush their skulls using it. Crush them into fine dust,* the Inner self said, balling a fist as if grinding something into dust, *you have the power for it… Oh, no, better yet, use that technique Kakashi-sensi told you about. The one that woman in Rain taught him. You know that lady, what's her name… the one who attacks people using origami. Use that technique on the book and finish them off. Oh that would be sweet!" Inner said with a sadistic smile, fist raised to the heavens as yet another wave of thunder and lightening cut through Sakura's inner world.
"My lady… please," Hana said worriedly.
Sakura who was glaring murderously ahead of her as she stared in the mirror, raised her eyes to the girl and the barely repressed anger caused the girl who was helping her apply her makeup to take a step back.
"I… my lady, I can't apply any lip gloss," Hana said hesitantly, in all fairness all she wanted was to run away. She knew murderous intent when she saw it and Sakura looked about ready to snap someone's neck.
Blinking confusedly, Sakura realized that she was clenching her jaw and pursing her lips so hard that it would in fact be impossible to apply any lipstick.
Drawing in a very… very deep breath, Sakura willed her tense muscles to relax.
She still glared though as Hana raised a hand to apply some red lipstick.
*I need to calm down, the party is the number one priority,* She said to Inner.
*Kill them and then calm down,* Inner advised.
*No… I… if this is true, if he indeed loved her and if I am that other woman who got in the way of their love …. If knowing that he still had the audacity to play me the way he did… to come onto me like that and propose… propose sleeping together just for the sake of the assignment and producing an heir then I cannot get angry,* Sakura said sounding pissed nevertheless.
*What the hell do you mean?*
*I mean that I do not wish to give him the satisfaction. If I get angry he knows I care about him. He'll know he succeeded in getting into my head. No, I need to get even, I need to make it hurt,* Sakura said and Inner could feel her get calmer as anger was slowly being replaced by an ironclad desire for revenge. *He might not think that it is a big deal to play me like that. He might not even think that he's playing me or doing anything wrong. To him this is all part of an assignment and he is the kind of person who would do all it takes. Yelling at him and getting angry will only cause him to get calm and rationalize. He'll tell me he's just doing his job. So I need to find a way to make him feel the way I feel. I need to find a way to make him regret this, without affecting the way the assignment is going. I will not fail this assignment because of him. It is enough that I let myself get led on this far when I should have been only focused on my work.*
Inner fell silent. Sakura got loud and yelled when she was angry, but she was beyond angry. She was injured and she always got calm when she decided to act rationally.
*Fine,* Inner said after a while. *Let's not let him hurt us anymore and lets find a way to make him suffer for using us like that.*
*Hai,* Sakura said, her expression decidedly softening and causing Hana who was seriously contemplating making a run for it to breathe a sigh of relief, now applying some blush to her lady's cheeks.
Said lady eyed herself in the mirror and focused on completely calming herself. She looked different from her normal self. What with the beautiful golden gown that seemed to actually be made of gold.
The dress was stunning with a plunging neckline that showed off both her shoulders as well as some cleavage. The dress was form fitting in a way that showcased her body while still looking tasteful. And her hair was allowed to fall freely down her back. Hana had also done a wonderful job of applying Sakura's make up.
Hana had highlighted the girl's emerald eyes beautifully with a smoky eye and did a great job of selecting just the right shade of cherry lipstick to make the girl's features pop in the most striking manner.
Had Sakura not been too occupied with her thoughts, she might have actually realized that she looks absolutely stunning.
But alas, looks were the last thing on the girl's mind.
And she did not crack even the smallest of smiles when Hana helped her put on the golden chocker, the earrings, and the bracelet; the beautiful addition that they made completely lost on her.
Hana smiled at her mistress in utter admiration causing the girl to blink at her in the mirror.
"You look great my lady," the girl said happily.
That was when the girl finally smiled, "thank you Hana."
.
The sun was setting on the day of the big party.
Members of the clan were starting to head for their heir's house, alongside some outsiders who were lucky enough to receive an invite. Everyone was curious to see how this night would unfold and how the new Uchiha lady would manage all the pressure.
However, deep down in a cave on the outskirts of Konoha, something less festive was taking place.
A meeting of sorts.
"He's gotten really confident," a shadow said in a deep voice.
"He has always been overconfident," a second shadow said.
"But this time, actually going ahead and throwing the party as if he expects our absolute obedience… that man…"
"Has managed to do exactly what he wanted so far," a third voice interrupted and another featureless shadow folded his arms across his chest. "I am inclined to commend him for his guts and savvy. He managed to thwart all our efforts and go ahead with this almost impossible plan of his. Uchiha Itachi really is a marvel."
"Your obsession with him sickens me," the first shadow said.
"We do not have to view this as a challenge, it is more of an opportunity for us," the second man said. "This gives us the perfect opportunity to target him and prove that the clan is not united anymore."
"That would have been easily demonstrable had he not somehow managed to convince all the elders and the council members to attend. Even the ones who are opposed to the marriage have decided to go despite our best efforts to sway them," the first voice sounded, filled with cold venom.
"What has he done to get them to agree to going?" the third man questioned.
The three shadows were silent.
"The clan Head still refuses to go," the second shadow declared after a long moment. "This is a rather tough blow from his own father."
"It is not enough,"
"Then let us put on a good show," the third shadow said. "If only for Itachi's sake."
"We have been holding back for so long," the second shadow said, "hiding in the shadows and only demonstrating a fraction of our power. Maybe it is time to show them what we are capable of."
"Yes, let us show them that they shall have no peace. Let us show them that the woman is nothing but a harbinger of doom… and now that he has chosen to challenge us like that, the end is near."
.
.
.
"Kitten you look wonderful!" Shisui said from the bottom of the staircase as Sakura emerged.
"Thank you Shisui," she said with a sweet smile concentrating on descending the steps with as much poise as she could muster given the pointy stilettos she was wearing.
"Say kitten, was that an earthquake?" Shisui questioned and the girl gave him a worried look. "Or did you just rock my world?"
"Shisui," she said laughingly.
"Do you have a pencil?" He questioned again as she descended the steps.
"No, why?"
"Because I want to erase your past and write our future,"
"Good one," she said with a smirk.
He grinned at her, "are you a traffic sign?" he asked again as she made her way down to the bottom of the staircase, "because stop," he added waving a hand and Sakura broke out into a fit of laughter.
Her laughter was short lived though as Itachi emerged from behind Shisui. He was wearing a three piece black suit with a white shirt and a black tie. But she was way too angry to be swayed by mere drop dead handsomeness.
"Sakura," he said and the girl gave him a blank expression.
"She looks amazing doesn't she little cousin?" Shisui said, "If you hadn't shown up just now I would have carried her off and run away."
Itachi gave Sakura a once over before taking her hand in his. She contemplated drawing it away but Hana and a few servants were walking by so she just watched as Itachi brought her hand to his lips his eyes fixed on hers. Itachi then gave her hand a small kiss.
This simple action would have sent Sakura's heart racing a few hours ago. And it did, but this time her heart was racing with anger.
"You look beautiful, Sakura," Itachi whispered.
"Thanks," the girl said without the slightest hint of gratitude, she then drew her hand away. "How are the security preparations going?" she questioned in a formal tone.
Itachi eyed her silently for a second.
"They're going great. We have everything monitored so no one will use the party as an opportunity to get the drop on us," Shisui replied. "We also have our men all around the house keeping an eye on things."
"Good," the girl said.
"Our first guests will be arriving in less than five minutes," Itachi declared but Sakura did not look his way. "Let us head to the front door to…"
"I'll meet you there," Sakura interrupted. "I have to check on the food," she added and without waiting for a reply, she turned around and walked away.
In her wake, Shisui gave his cousin a look. "What have you done?" the elder Uchiha accused.
"Excuse me?"
"She's mad at you," Shisui pointed out.
Itachi gave him a silent look.
"Even you must have noticed that cold shoulder."
"Her actions are peculiar but I assumed it could be nerves," Itachi said.
"Oh get a clue little cousin," Shisui said with a sigh. "I know women, and this is an angry woman. You must have done something horrible."
"I do not think I …"
"Shoot," Shisui interrupted, "I have to go pick up the Dove, she must be about done getting ready by now. I'll be right back little cousin. Think about it; think hard, you must have done something. If you can't think of anything then just go over to her and apologize," and with that he transported himself away with a flash, leaving Itachi to stand alone in the hallway and wonder why he had to interact with people at all.
.
Five minutes later, two servants opened the door and Sakura assumed her spot next to Itachi to start greeting their guests as they arrived.
"Ready?" He asked her, only to be greeted with silence as she cast her eyes towards the doorway.
He raised an eyebrow at her but whatever it is that he was about to say was interrupted when their first guests arrived.
Sakura who was holding her breath and saying a silent prayer felt herself exhale as she saw Mikoto's face, followed by that of Naruto's.
She smiled, "good evening my darlings," the Uchiha matriarch said with a sweet smile.
"Good evening Mikoto-sama," Sakura said happily as the woman enveloped her in a hug.
"I am sorry dears," Mikoto whispered to the two of them. "I couldn't bring Fugaku along. I really tried," she said earnestly but the duo could not really respond with other people standing around.
Mikoto withdrew and exchanged a long look with her son.
"Mother," Itachi said, taking Mikoto's hand in his and bowing respectfully. "Uzumaki-san," Itachi greeted Naruto, before his eyes took in two more approaching forms. "Sasuke," Itachi added, "and…" he said willing his brother to introduce the person at his side.
"Karin Uzumaki," Sasuke said and Sakura stiffened as she shifted her eyes between them.
"Uzumaki-san," Itachi said, taking Karin's hand and giving it a small peck.
Sakura gave her an annoyed nod before glaring at Sasuke who glared right back at her.
But before anything else could transpire more people started showing up and Sakura had to put on her gracious host face.
Itachi snaked an arm around her waist and drew her closer to him and she had to smile because she did not want to give anyone even the smallest of inklings that anything was wrong.
As always the perfectly dressed Uchiha who were streaming into the place were rather cold.
However, she was glad to note that unlike the last Uchiha event she attended, the majority of her guests established eye contact with her and a very good number of them gave her respectful nods, while a small number even went as far as to say something along the lines of, "thank you for having us," as they walked past her and into the house.
All in all it was a marked improvement.
*And in a short amount of time too,* Inner commented. *It must be the news that you healed those policemen,* she added and Sakura could feel her mood lifting a bit as another batch of guests walked her way.
This batch was a special one, for it held Shisui and his date Hinata.
Sakura greeted them happily, "you look wonderful," she complimented the girl who was wearing a beautiful light blue gown.
Hinata gave her a happy smile but Sakura did not have any time to remark upon how strange it was that she was Shisui's date as a few more guests made their way to the door.
Sakura felt herself tense up again, as she took in the sight of Eri dressed in yet another stunning red dress, accompanied by her father, her mother and Ena.
Sakura stiffened, "Sakura this is Hiromi-sama and lady Hibari," Itachi introduced her and Sakura finally put a face to the name she heard so often. She knew that Eri's father was one of Itachi's most ardent supporters and the head of the biggest branch family. Strong and powerful and courtesy of his unfailing support, Itachi managed to go up against the elders and marry Sakura. Their alliance was a true thorn in Madara's side. So Sakura felt the need to conduct herself with the utmost respect.
"Hiromi-sama, Lady Hibari," Sakura said courteously.
"Sakura-sama," the man said. He was tall, Itachi's height, his hair was almost all grey though which was rather unusual for an Uchiha. He had his hair bound in a small pony tail and was dressed in traditional wear in: a dark Yukata and a white haori on top of it.
His wife was dressed in modern clothing though; she wore a long black dress. She gave Sakura a scanning look, before attempting a smile that ended up seeming more like a grimace. "Sakura-sama, thank you for having us."
"It is my pleasure," Sakura said warmly.
"And thank you for being Ena's partner in the challenge," Hiromi said in his deep voice.
Sakura smiled, "it is my pleasure," she said, casting a look Ena's way. The young Uchiha was wearing a pink dress and had her hair down. "I am also thankful to you my lord, for all the help and support you have offered me and Itachi," she said snaking an arm around Itachi's as she gave a small bow-like nod.
Itachi gave her a look as the man smiled kindly at her.
"You and Itachi-sama will always have an ally in me Sakura-sama," he said with a smile. "Itachi-sama is like a son to me, and I appreciate all that he is doing for our clan. And your efforts are also highly admired by me and all the members of my family," he said with yet another smile.
Another Uchiha who smiles and is warm and friendly, Sakura barely restrained herself from hugging him as he and his rather cold wife walked past her.
"Sakura-sama, Itachi-sama," Eri said as Ena bowed.
"Eri-san," Sakura said without intonation. "Ena-chan," she said with a big smile and the girl grinned back at her.
"Eri, Ena-chan," Itachi said, taking Eri's hand and kissing it.
Sakura would have glared except that Ena took the chance to talk business. She might be a kid at a party but she always had her eye on the prize, "Sakura-sama, the last round of the dragon contest is fast approaching," the girl declared. "We need to practice," she added before bowing because she and her sister had to move since yet another wave of party goers made its way to the door.
Sakura spent a long time greeting her guests. She met Akira and Akemi's family as well as many other Uchiha families.
She also had to restrain herself from wincing as Commander Lou, Setsuna, and Captain Naoki walked up to the door.
"They know," Itachi whispered as they approached. She gave him a wide eyed look.
"They…."
"They are part of the leadership of the police force, my father informed them of your project so that they could cover up when Sou Kanata suddenly stops coming to the force and does not enlist despite having passed the assessment," Itachi said. "They are not allowed to discuss it with you or anyone else," he finished as the three men arrived at the doorway.
Sakura willed herself to remain steady and greet them formally as Itachi pretended she does not know them and introduced them accordingly, "these are the leaders of the police force. Commander Lou, Captain Setsuna and Captain Naoki."
The three men just looked at her for a long moment as if to compare her to Sou. Their looks were wondering and even as Sakura greeted them they just watched her as if in awe.
Lou was the first to snap out of it, "Sakura-sama," he said in his gruff voice, giving her a small bow and a very big appreciative grin with a nod that translated into: 'respect.'
Meanwhile Setsuna just frowned at her as he greeted her and walked by.
For his part Naoki gave her a warm smile, "I am glad to finally meet you, Sakura-sama. I am glad we have you in our midst," he said with a bow and Sakura couldn't help but grin at him. "I wish to see you more in the near future," he added as he walked past her.
"This is Captain Miwa Kaishi and her brother Shin Kaishi also members of the force," Itachi said bringing Sakura's stunned attention to Shin whose eyes were even wider than hers.
"It's you!" he said and both Itachi and the woman standing next to him gave him admonishing looks that caused him to falter right away and instead grin at the girl. "I mean, it's you Sakura-sama who I never met before in ma life but heard a lo' about so I was so excited to meet," he said as a cover up and the woman next to him slapped him across the head.
Speaking of the woman next to him she was the same woman Sakura saw the other day before the explosion. The red haired woman.
*she's Shin's sister?*
"Good evening Sakura-sama, I am Miwa Kaishi,"
"Captain Kaishi is the head of the apprenticeship program at the police station," Itachi volunteered.
"She's ma capt'in and ma older sister," Shin volunteered grinning at Sakura as if to say: 'you would have worked with her had you stayed Sou.'
Sakura smiled and greeted them.
After they passed Itachi informed her that the two of them were very important to the force because they were both immune to genjutsu.
Sakura blinked at the unsolicited information and Itachi watched her closely only to have her not respond to his statement at all and instead shift her attention to the guests who were just arriving.
Sakura noted that Itachi was talking to her more between guests, but she did not think much of it and instead she just ignored his statements.
For his part, Itachi was putting Shisui's theory to the test and so far he couldn't help but begrudgingly conclude that Shisui was right. Not that he'd ever admit that to him. But Sakura was indeed highly unreactive which was uncharacteristic of her. She hadn't said a word to him since they started greeting the guests and only looked at him and smiled when other people were in front of them. However, in the rare seconds they were alone she completely ignored him.
He raised an eyebrow at her, and watched as she greeted a girl named Aika who was also a member of the force. The girl seemed to be very fond of Sakura.
"Sakura-sama, what you did with the injured officers was brilliant," she said and Sakura smiled at her and thanked her.
"Are you a medic, Aika-san?" Sakura asked pretending not to know.
"Hai," the girl said excitedly and Sakura offered to give her a few pointers on the newest poison extraction techniques sometime, much to the girl's unparalleled excitement.
Sakura breathed a sigh of relief.
She learned that Setsuna, Lou, Naoki and Shin were told of her project because they were the ones who interacted with her and were likely to think that something is fishy if Sou just stops coming. Miwa was told because she ran the apprenticeship program and was likely to wonder at where their newest recruit disappeared to before she even had a chance to meet him.
But Aika had no idea that Sakura was Sou and neither would anyone else for they would pretend that Sou had to go back to Earth country because his father got sick so he quit the force.
Sakura exhaled, but she had to gasp when Ino's form clad in a beautiful grey sequin dress appeared in front of her. Itachi allowed her a few guests so she had invited Ino to the party which meant that her presence was not at all that surprising. But the person she was with was the surprise.
"Itachi-san," Kei Masao the leader of the regular forces/wacky art instructor greeted.
"Commander Masao," Itachi greeted formally. "Lady Yamanaka," he added addressing the girl who walked arm in arm with the man.
Ino greeted him and grinned at Sakura. "Sakura you remember him, he was our art instructor. Turns out he's also the leader of the regular forces," she declared and Sakura had to pretend not to know that part.
"Oh, I thought your name was familiar," she said, addressing the man with a carefully placed look of surprise on her face. "I can't believe that the leader of the regular forces was our art instructor!"
"I know!" Ino said happily.
"It is a pastime that I greatly enjoy. I hope you enjoyed it as well," the blond man said in his trademark easy tenor. He was wearing a white suit with a blue shirt and tie.
"It was great. Very nice to meet you again Commander Masao," Sakura said.
"The pleasure is all mine," the man said taking her hand in his and kissing it before walking past her and Itachi.
Ino walked happily in alongside of him and Sakura did her best to keep from running after them and asking a million questions.
Sakura and Itachi stood there greeting their guests for half an hour with Mikoto and Shisui inside aiding with the hosting.
*So far no Madara,* Sakura pondered. *Is that a good or a bad thing?* she marveled as Itachi declared that it was time for them to join the party.
It was standard procedure for the hosts to greet the guests at the door but anyone who arrives after thirty minutes would have to be shown in by the servants since the hosts would then retreat to the party venue and proceed to socialize.
Stepping into the house and towards the garden, Sakura involuntarily stopped mid step as she took in the finished look of the gardens.
*Wow,* inner said, fascinated by the sight of the giant tents, the stage, the floral motif, the purple and gold coordination, everything.
"You did good Sakura," Itachi commented from her side.
"Yah," she said, without looking at him.
"Sakura…" he started.
"Shall we go greet our guests?" She said.
He gave her a contemplative look, "yes, I will introduce you…"
"I will introduce myself," she interrupted again. "I mean, I think it would be best if I rely on myself. It shows them that I am not intimidated."
Itachi was about to say something but Sakura merely walked off leaving him to watch her with a dangerous look in his eyes.
Itachi watched her from a distance as she walked up to people: Uchiha clan members she did not know. She smiled at them and made them offerings of food or drinks by having the waiters stop and serve them something that they just 'had to try.' She was chatting people up the best she could and doing her best to talk to as many people as possible like a good hostess should.
It was a huge departure from how scared and ill at ease she was the last gathering they had.
Now despite some people being cold, she seemed unmoved; she just smiled at the unresponsive people and moved right along chatting up yet another group of people with infallible calm and hospitality.
A true gracious host and her husband who was watching her on and off as he greeted people, couldn't help but conclude that his wife has found her resolve.
What he did not know though was why she seemed so very antagonistic towards him.
He didn't have a lot of time to reflect on that as he had a political agenda to further and a lot of Uchiha higher ups to either schmooze or intimidate -whichever worked really.-
Sakura felt good, people were less hostile and talked to her more. Even when the conversation was not particularly good it was still a conversation.
"So, lady… Haruno," an older woman said with a hostile look in her eyes, "we heard that you were…" she paused curling her lips as if the word was too disgusting to pronounce, "pregnant," she added and the three older ladies with her almost winced at the sound of it.
Sakura gave them a long look and forced a smile. She said nothing though which seemed to irk them.
"Is it true?" the woman asked.
"I am not sure," Sakura said sweetly with an innocent shrug, "a child is a true blessing though, isn't it?" she questioned, making sure to phrase her question in a way no one can really disagree with.
"Yes… a true blessing," the woman said reluctantly. "But are you…?
"May I interest you in a drink?" Sakura interrupted signaling to a passing waiter. "Enjoy," she said giving them a small nod and walking away. She didn't want to give the nosy women the satisfaction of a reply. Not to mention that Itachi told her to do her best to keep the rumor alive.
Most of the conversations that the Uchiha initiated with Sakura were about the members of the police force she saved. Those ended up being pleasant conversations and Sakura felt truly humbled when people thanked her.
Some conversations even featured her decision to partake in the fire challenge.
"Aren't you a bit old for it?" said a girl named Rie who was about Sakura's age.
"Rie," her sister said from her side.
"We did as kids…"
"Rie…" her sister warned again.
"I mean…"
Sakura laughed it off and walked away.
All in all it was not half as bad as Sakura expected it to be.
She wanted to socialize, to act like the true host of this party regardless of what they think of her.
Sakura was about to strike up a conversation with three women standing by the pool when she heard her name being called in a voice she really didn't wish to hear.
"Haruno-san," Madara said walking up to her.
Sakura turned around wishing she could just walk away. "Madara-sama," she started taking in the fact that he was wearing a three piece grey suit and looked ridiculously handsome. Her enemies should not be allowed to look that handsome, "I am glad you could make it," she added as he took her hand and gave it a little peck.
Sakura could feel people's eyes on them.
"Of course I came," Madara said, "after all it was my idea to have the party. I am afraid I have to take credit for this marvelous get together you have thrown Haruno-san."
She gave him a smile, "that is perfectly fine; it was Madara-sama's initiative. I am happy you are enjoying yourself."
"You have done a great job, everyone seems to be at ease," Madara said, he cast his eyes around the place and watched the people for a second. "Your husband seems to have convinced all the elders to come as well."
That was news to Sakura but she played it cool giving him a confident look.
"Too bad that many of them are still opposed to your marriage and your husband's ideology. He might have talked them into coming to save face, but the differences run deep," Madara declared.
Sakura gave him a pointed look, "don't you want to make peace?" She asked bluntly. "On that day at the orphanage you said that the worst thing was when clan members go against one another."
"Your innocence is rather refreshing," he said and this time his smile was surprisingly genuine. "I could see why my nephew is taken by you. You might be the exact opposite of everything that he is. A significant contrast," Madara finished eyeing her as if he was conducting an examination.
Sakura gave him a confused look as he leaned a bit closer and whispered, "I have changed my mind I am truly glad he married you."
"And why is that?" the girl questioned, standing her ground.
"Because now, the infallible Uchiha Itachi has a weakness," he said in soft tone, before straightening up again and reassuming his composed demeanor.
Sakura's eyes widened, "I won't be…"
"It is too bad lord Fugaku is not here to witness this. This is a truly amazing event you have put together lady Uchiha," he said in a slightly higher voice.
"Thank you Madara-sama."
"It is how things end though, not how they begin; that is what truly matters Sakura-san. I look forward to greeting you goodnight," he said as he walked past her.
.
Two hours into the party Sakura finally managed to find an alone moment with Ino and Hinata. Tenten was invited but she opted out because she was not really a big fan of formal events.
"Kei Masao?" Sakura asked Ino with a raised eyebrow.
"What can I say, we have chemistry," the blonde said, brushing a hand through her hair.
"How about Sasuke-kun?" Hinata asked.
Ino almost frowned but she gave a haughty look instead, "I am trying to get over him. And going out with someone who is more handsome, more powerful, and much more successful is a wonderful first step. It's not that serious though, I am just trying to have some fun and we've both agreed to keep it casual."
"He does seem like a fun guy," Sakura said before she took in the sight of Sasuke and Karin talking to an Uchiha couple at the other side of the gathering. Looking back at Ino Sakura saw her eyeing them as well. "I can't believe he'd bring her here."
"Yes, why would he do such a thing?" Hinata pondered.
"Maybe he's finally found his soul mate," Ino said. "Oh come on, it's Ok, he's an asshole and I am making my peace with it," she added as her two friends gave her worried looks. "If she's his soul mate then good for them. They make a fine pair," she said, as Masao and Shisui walked towards them, drinks in hand.
They handed Hinata and Ino glasses of champagne. Sakura was about to say something about feeling like the fifth wheel, but she decided against it, since it was she who had decided to stay as far away as she could from her husband.
"Look at you ladies, you all look so wonderful," Shisui remarked throwing an arm around Hinata's shoulder and smiling down at her.
The girl blushed and took a hesitant sip of her glass.
"Yup, we look awesome," Ino said laughingly.
"Agreed," Kei said. "It is almost a waste for you to be standing here not taking center stage."
Shisui gave a low whistle, "you're good," he said addressing Kei.
"Looks like you have competition," Sakura remarked.
"Nah, I could out-flirt him any day of the week," Shisui said confidently and Kei grinned back at him.
"A flirting competition then," Kei suggested.
"That might not end well for anyone," Sakura intervened, the mental image of both of them going around the party flirting with unsuspecting proper Uchiha women was enough to give her nightmares for years to come.
"How about a dancing competition then," Kei offered flashing a challenging look Shisui's way.
"You're on," Shisui accepted the challenge.
"Shall we Ino?" Kei said, offering his hand to Ino.
"It would be my pleasure," Ino said. "Let's show them how it's done."
"How about it my Dove?" Shisui asked Hinata.
"I…I… I am sorry Shisui-san this is a lot for me, I don't think I can do it," the girl said timidly, a dance competition in front of the entire Uchiha clan was beyond her.
"Maybe Forehead could accompany you," Ino suggested.
"No not the Kitten, never the Kitten," Shisui said, waving his hands in front of him.
Sakura glared.
"I mean, Kittens are not known for their sense of rhythm and… oh come on my poor toes can't take anymore abuse. You only seem to dance well with Itachi," Shisui argued.
"How about I dance with Sakura-san then?" Kei volunteered. "If Ino does not mind dancing with Shisui-san that is."
"I don't mind at all," Ino said and she and Shisui grinned at each other.
"Sakura-san?"
"Sure," the girl said. "I am not very good though…"
"You'll be great," he said, offering her his hand.
She took it hesitantly and they headed for the dance floor.
More than a few couples were already dancing.
Kei and Sakura faced each other and the girl smiled at the absurdity of the situation. This was the man she reported to and now she was standing there dancing with him at an Uchiha party that she was throwing.
Life is weird.
On that thought, Sakura allowed Kei to put a hand around her waist.
He took her other hand in his.
"I am not a good dancer," she warned.
He smiled, "let's just have some fun," he said with one of his boyish smiles.
And then they were off. Kei took the first step and Sakura stepped back and was happy to know that they were keeping very accurate time with the beat.
Sakura had been concerned about making a scene but thankfully the fastest song that the classical music band could play was still understated.
It was a slow paced Waltz with a few twirls thrown in.
But this did not stop Shisui and Ino from grinning back at Sakura and Kei between twirls to indicate that they believed they were the better duo.
Kei and Sakura exchanged a look, "shall we?" he offered.
She nodded and with that he twirled her and Sakura was happy to note that she did not stomp on his feet neither did she collide into any of her fellow dancers.
*Improvement,* she sang in her head as she and Kei grinned at Ino and Shisui.
Dancing with Kei was fun, he was easy to be around, like an old friend.
"This is a wonderful party you have thrown," Kei said. "I must say I am truly impressed."
She smiled, "thank you. The night is still young though, I hope everything goes well."
He gave her a kind look, "it will go wonderful, you are a great hostess."
Sakura was about to thank him when she felt him stop.
Kei looked around and Sakura felt her body tense up, "Itachi-san," Kei said warmly.
"Commander Masao," Itachi said. "May I cut in?" he questioned in his impassive tone.
"Sure," Kei said, before nodding at Sakura and walking off, leaving the girl to give her husband an unimpressed look.
"What did you do that for?" she questioned as he put an arm around her waist and drew her in so that they were standing chest to chest.
"I can ask you the same question," he said taking her hand as they started to move.
"No you can't…"
"I am your husband you cannot just dance with someone else…"
"Yes I can," she hissed. "There is no rule against me dancing with someone other than you."
"But for your first dance you should have known that you should dance with me, it is common sense," he said in a stern tone.
She glared at him as they did a box step, before doing an elegant twirl then immediately resuming their steps so that they were moving, -rather fast,- across the floor.
They were not aware of it but their argument seemed to have lent their dancing more intensity, they were standing chest to chest, and moving around rather swiftly, covering the entire dance floor from one end to the other and executing their twirls in perfect sync.
"Was that in the mission folder?" she questioned in a clipped tone.
"Pardon?"
"Did you write that I had to save the first dance for you? Did you write that in the mission folder you gave me? Was that part of the instructions?"
"No."
"Then it's your fault. Our relationship is a formal one, if you would like me to do something it needs to be part of an agreement," the girl said coldly.
"Is that so?" he questioned in a tone just as cold as he twirled her around; Sakura did a spin before returning to Itachi. But instead of stopping like she wanted to, Itachi drew her in so that she collided straight with his chest, his hand around her waist as she looked up at him, "is that what you want Sakura? A formal relationship based on instructions?" he questioned, their faces inches apart, both breathing in a rather labored manner.
"Isn't that what we have?" she questioned.
"Ex…excuse me…" Shisui said from behind Sakura, effectively snapping them out of their angry conversation/suggestive dance.
Sakura drew away.
"First of all wow, you both won the competition even though you weren't even participating," he said and Sakura took in the fact that more than a few eyes were on them. "I would have never interrupted but we have a problem," he pushed on in a more serious tone. "In the kitchen," he added and the duo exchanged a look before following him off the dance floor.
.
Stepping into the vast Kitchen Sakura and Itachi were greeted by a rather concerned Anko.
"Someone was here," she said cutting to the chase.
"Someone?" Itachi questioned.
"Neko-chan was securing the Kitchen with a few men, none of them noticed anything but she felt something strange," Shisui declared.
"I don't know what it was but I got an ominous feeling, I felt like something was happening at the front door," Anko said, looking confused. "Anyway I decided to head out to the front door for a second to see if anything was wrong. There wasn't so I hurried back to the kitchen…" she said, lowering her voice because one of the chefs was passing by. "That was when I saw it. Some sort of shadow hanging at the base of that counter over there."
"A shadow?" Sakura questioned.
"A human shadow," Anko said. "Except there was no one standing close enough to cast it, and it looked like it was a shadow of a human who was putting something in the food o. And the second I noticed it, it just… disappeared."
"None of our sensors detected it?"
"No. And there are no traces of it, and no one felt its presence, it snuck in unnoticed and disappeared just like that," Anko said.
"Your orders?" Shisui questioned.
"Double the security on the premises and have our guards watch the food and the drinks at all times," Itachi said. "Also send a squad out to look for that shadow and analyze the tapes to try and understand its nature. Be discreet, we do not want anyone to notice that anything is off. Us meeting here is already creating a commotion amongst the staff."
"How about the food," Sakura questioned.
"Throw away all the food currently in the kitchen," Itachi said.
"But he was standing by that counter, there is a possibility that he did not get to all the food in the…" Anko started.
"We cannot take that risk," Itachi said. "Since you were monitoring the kitchen before we can assume that the food that has already been served is safe. But everything that was here when you were by the door is considered compromised."
"Let's call the caterers then, see if they can deliver more food, because even if we have our entire staff here work at capacity we won't be able to feed everyone after throwing away this much food," Anko declared.
"Can't they just poison the food on its way from the caterers?" Sakura questioned.
"They would not want to do that," Itachi declared. "Analysis of the food will show that it was poisoned before it got here, and they want to make it look like you are the one who poisoned it. Anyway to be on the safe side let us take the same measures we took with all the food and drinks that were delivered this morning…"
Shisui nodded, "yes, we will have our men watch it closely and secure its delivery," he said.
"Dinner will be delayed a couple of hours, but we should be fine," Sakura said. "We can do this," she added trying to psych herself up.
"It will be fine," Itachi said, putting a hand on her shoulder and nodding at both Shisui and Anko who immediately transported themselves away to carry out Itachi's orders.
For her part, Sakura steeled herself before declaring: "Alright then, everyone, change of plans, all the food in the kitchen will be thrown away."
The staff paused, eyes widening, they were just getting ready to serve, why would they…?
"We found food that we would much rather serve today. It is of a higher quality and would be more suitable for our guests. The caterers will be delivering it shortly and we will serve that. In the meantime, we will have to do with the food that has already been put out to our guests and we will rely on the drinks and the desserts in the fridge, is that understood?" she questioned.
"Hai…" Itachi's staff said looking between her and Itachi with confused looks.
Itachi gave them a nod, before he and Sakura headed outside as a few security guards walked in to keep an eye on things and see to it that only safe food was served.
"That was…" Sakura started as they emerged from the kitchen.
"Expected," Itachi said. "That is why I had Anko and other Anbu stationed in the kitchen."
"Right," the girl said, she couldn't help but admire his foresight. His composure was steadying her.
"Are you Ok?" He questioned.
"Yes," she said. "I will be fine; I just need to keep my eyes open."
"Hn," he said. "I will head to the study for a few minutes; I need to convene with the heads of the security team to tackle the obvious loopholes in our defenses."
Sakura nodded and watched as he walked away.
The girl felt herself exhale.
*That was close,* she pondered.
A lot was at stake…a lot.
And after narrowly avoiding something so dangerous the girl felt more anxious than ever before.
"My lady," Hana said, snapping the girl out of her reverie.
"Yes,"
"There is someone asking for you at the door, it is Fugaku-sama's personal servant Makai-san," the girl said.
"Makai-san," Sakura repeated the foreign name, dread settling over her.
"He says that Fugaku-sama wants to see you at the main house," Hana added and Sakura almost stopped breathing.
The girl headed to the doorway and there was indeed an old man with raven hair streaked in grey. He was wearing an all-black butler suit.
He seemed familiar.
"Makai-san," she greeted.
"My lord wishes to see you," the man said.
"But… I am in the middle of the party I…"
"Should I inform my lord that you have rejected his invitation," he interrupted.
"No of course not but…"
He gave her a long look.
"Makai-san," Sakura heard a voice greet from behind her, and she was relieved when she saw Mikoto step forward.
"Mikoto-sama," the man said, bowing low.
"What is going on?" The Uchiha matriarch questioned.
"My lord wishes to talk to Sakura-sama. His orders are to escort her to the main house without delay," the man said formally.
"He does?" Mikoto reflected.
The man nodded.
"I know that it is not acceptable to keep the clan Head waiting and that I should comply the second he calls me. But I also know that it is not acceptable for me to leave the party. Would you cover for me until I get back Mikoto-sama?" Sakura asked Mikoto.
"Of course my dear," Mikoto said, before leaning into Sakura and whispering, "I was considering accompanying you dear, it is a step in the right direction that he wishes to talk to you, but Fugaku could be a rather difficult man."
Sakura gave her a reassuring smile, "I would have loved that Mikoto-sama, but I think I need to face him alone. Plus, without me here I do not think there is anyone else I could trust to keep an eye on things. Itachi is in a brief meeting so I cannot go in and tell him what is happening. Would you please let him know what is going on and inform him that I will hurry back."
"Of course, dear," the woman said as Sakura stepped outside.
"Keep her safe Makai-san,"
"Of course my lady," the man said, once again bowing low.
And with that they were off.
.
As expected of a true Uchiha servant the man was completely silent as they made their way towards the main house which provided Sakura with some much needed space to think.
She might have put on a brave front in front of Mikoto but she was terrified.
Fugaku asking to talk to her sure sounded like improvement, it beats him completely ignoring her existence. That is at least what she kept repeating to herself in order to calm down.
She needed to use this as an opportunity to discuss things rationally with him and make peace. If there was any chance of him coming to the party she wanted to make it happen if only to spite Madara.
Sakura's Madara spiting train of thought was interrupted when a few men materialized out of nowhere.
Sakura's hackles immediately rose as they were surrounded from every direction and the girl realized that the men surrounding them not only had their faces covered but were also wearing the dark unmarked headbands.
*In the midst of the Uchiha compound!*
"Step behind me, my lady," Makai said, producing two huge cleavers and stepping in front of the girl.
Sakura wasn't about to do that though, "I will fight Makai-san," the girl said channeling her Chakra to her fists and stepping past the man, "please…" she trailed off as she felt his arm around her wrist. Shifting her attention to him she saw his eyes go completely dark. "Makai-sa…" and with that everything went dark for the girl. The last thing she felt was herself dropping to the ground.
o.O
Another cliff hanger it seems.
Sorry about that, but I had to stop this chapter at some point, it was turning into a novel.
Please Review.
