A/N: Please read Author Bio for important announcements (09-29-2020) XD
Chapter 36: Execute and Deliver
Kakashi gently brushed Sakura's cheek with his fingers…
She looked peaceful in her sleep and he wished that he could grant her the same peace whenever she was awake. But ever since he mentioned the word Topaz, Sakura had begun acting strange.
He wondered whether it was a wrong move for him to do that. He just got back from his two-week trip and this was his first whole day together with Sakura and yet…she started looking uneasy after he mentioned that damned word.
Kakashi knew she was hiding something. He had been trained to detect lies even before the person could spew it from his or her mouth. It was the reason why he was successful in the field of business despite his young age. He knew how to bluff but nobody got to bluff around him. That's why he was puzzled why Sakura decided to lie to him now. She may not know that he was aware and he intended for it to stay that way, but why now?
He wasn't even going to be surprised if Sakura knew about the Topaz. Her father created that disc; hence, it was only natural for her to know about it regardless of whether she knew about her father's involvement in the mafia or not.
Dr. Kizashi may have spewed to her something about a golden disc or he may have mentioned it once or twice without even divulging the specifics. That was possible, wasn't it?
That's why Kakashi couldn't help but wonder how deep was Sakura's knowledge about the Topaz. It was the only explanation on why she started behaving strangely after hearing the word. Unfortunately, he couldn't pry it out of her. Or more likely, he refused to ask her about it.
Was he afraid? Was he afraid that he couldn't handle the truth once he gets an answer? Is there even something to be afraid of?
'Yes. There is.' His mind whispered.
'You love her. That's the sole reason why you're so afraid to learn about the truth. You're afraid to know that she's involved in your dangerous world. Anko's threat doesn't even hold a candle compared to your dark secret. You're afraid that you won't be able to protect her because you promised to yourself that you would. You've changed, Kakashi…because for once you're thinking about another person other than yourself, and that's because you've found love and life in her. You're afraid because you love her. You love her that's why you're afraid...'
It was true and he hated himself for it because it was true.
Kakashi scooted closer to Sakura as he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer and burying his nose on her hair.
"I'll always protect you, Sakura. I'll always be here. I love you."
It was almost 3AM when Kakashi suddenly woke up because of the buzzing of his phone. He looked at Sakura to see whether she had been disturbed but he was glad to see that she was still fast asleep and content under his arm.
Kakashi shifted slightly to get his phone on his bed side table, reluctantly releasing Sakura from the embrace.
When he swiped his screen to look at the notification, he couldn't help but squint his eyes when the light from his phone hit his face, but he saw that he had received an email with an attachment in it.
He tapped on the notification and frowned upon reading the subject of the e-mail. It said: Spot the difference.
When he looked at the sender, he didn't recognize the address, so he dismissed it and thought that it might only be just a spam. But when a series of the same notification flooded his inbox, Kakashi reluctantly got up and checked for the other contents of the mail. Suddenly, he felt the familiar dreadful feeling he once had when the same thing happened a few months back. So, he immediately checked the attachment and felt the blood rise up to his head.
"No."
Kakashi didn't take long to realize what he was looking at because the moment the pictures loaded, he immediately knew that he was staring at two identical pictures of his office desk in the gallery. However, there was indeed something that was different from the second picture compared to the first…
His photograph with Sakura from the amusement park was missing.
Someone broke into his office, took the photo, and sent him the mail.
"No. No. No!"
Kakashi hadn't realized that he was seething in anger if not for Sakura's hand on his back.
"Kakashi? Baby, what's wrong?" She sleepily mumbled while running a comforting hand over his back. The bedside lamp on his side of the bed had also been switched on.
He gripped his phone and tried to calm down but the intensity of his anger was really burning inside of him. Clearly, someone was taunting him and it extremely pissed him off.
"Kakashi?"
"N-nothing. It was just a bad dream." He lied.
He couldn't tell her that someone broke into his office and stole their photo. It'll only lead her to ask a lot of questions. Add it to the fact that somehow, she'd gotten aware of someone following her. She'll just end up being more paranoid and anxious and he couldn't do that to her. Because why would someone steal a photograph? Not documents, money, computer data, but their photograph. So he lied.
"Wait here, then. I'll get you water."
Sakura started to get up but even before she could, Kakashi's hand shot up to stop her, and he clearly saw the puzzled look she had in her eyes.
"I'll go. Stay here and go back to sleep."
"Are you sure?" She asked.
Kakashi saw the small frown she had on her forehead and he wanted to make it disappear. So, he gently kissed her on the lips and nodded.
"Yes." He whispered back and got out of bed.
The moment Kakashi got out of the room, he immediately dialed Genma's number.
[Dude. It's fucking 3am...] He sleepily cursed.
"I'm forwarding you a mail from an anonymous sender. Figure out where it was sent and update me as soon as you get an answer."
[You sound paranoid. Is there something wrong?] By this time, Genma's voice was more alert than before.
"Someone broke into my office at the gallery and sent me an e-mail." Kakashi swiftly explained.
[Dude. You personally developed the security in that office…]
"I know. Just get me an answer as soon as possible. I'll contact Yamato to make a sweep."
[Gotcha.]
The next one he called was Yamato whom he instructed to sweep the whole of his building for bugs.
"Assemble a team. Start by sunrise. I want every inch of my workplace swept."
[Copy, boss.]
He told him the same thing he told Genma and was grateful for his subordinate's compliance. However, it still didn't calm him. When Kakashi brought his phone down, he was still trembling in anger.
To be able to infiltrate his office without setting off the alarm despite the hi-tech security he installed that not even his staff knew of, meant that this person was serious business.
And to think that something like this happened only a day before the exhibit...
He knew that things were getting hot in the underworld ever since the discovery of Dr. Kizashi's journal. The bid for the Topaz had risen to hundreds of millions and Sakura was the only connection left to the disc. However, Kakashi felt like he was still missing something. He tried to put the puzzle pieces together but they just won't fit. And the move just now. It didn't feel like a threat against Sakura's safety. It was more like a threat against him.
Being able to walk in and out of his office without being detected was some serious skill. It was like a challenge, and he liked challenges, especially those do or die ones.
"Are you okay now? Are you feeling better?" Sakura asked the moment he entered the bedroom and walked back to bed.
"Yes. Guess I'm just really tired. Have I told you that the plane ride was kinda bumpy?" He reasoned out, trying to cover the fact that he almost had an outburst because he allowed one stupid mail to get to him.
"Was it really the plane ride?" Sakura asked knowingly as they both got back under the comforter. "We should probably cut off the sex, Kakashi. I don't want you getting nightmares just because you got too tired after making love."
"Ah. Another nightmare and I'm not even asleep yet." He chuckled. Then he felt Sakura's hand go under his shirt and started caressing his chest. It actually calmed him whenever she did that. It was like a magic touch that eased his nerves.
"We can talk about it if you want. It might help you get back to sleep." She whispered.
Kakashi wanted to talk about a lot of things. He wanted to ask her about a lot of things. However, he just settled on telling her a part of the truth which he made it seem like it was about his nightmare.
"I dreamt that…I lost something." He started.
"Really? What did you lose? It may be a symbol because I've read somewhere that dreams are full of symbols. I may be able to interpret it for you." She smiled, propping herself up on her elbow while resting her cheek on her knuckle.
Kakashi only looked at her and studied her features that were illuminated by the bedside lamp.
"C'mon, you can tell me." She urged and he sighed.
"I dreamt that I lost you, Sakura. That's why it was a nightmare."
Sakura stopped rubbing his chest and brought her hand out from under his shirt. She began caressing his cheek instead.
There was a softness in her eyes that only he could see. One that melted the fear and anger that he had in his heart.
"I'm here, Kakashi. I'll always be here. So you don't have to worry because that nightmare is a lie, okay?"
There was a short span of silence before Kakashi answered.
"I know."
Sakura smiled and leaned over to kiss him on the forehead.
"I love you, Kakashi and I promise that I'll always be here."
Kakashi smiled and whispered the same before he enclosed Sakura in an embrace which allowed him to hear all the sweet mumblings she had until she eventually fell asleep. But even after Sakura had long since drifted to her peaceful slumber, Kakashi remained awake and unable to sleep. He kept on repeating the mantra he promised himself. One that he realized ever since he acknowledged the feelings he had for the woman.
'I'll protect you no matter what it takes, no matter what the costs are. I'll protect you because I love you.'
At the Uchiha mansion…
Sasuke was standing on his terrace and was looking over the garden that Sunday morning. He decided to come home instead of going directly to his pad, hoping that he'd be able to talk to his father about the call they shared when he was away.
Unfortunately, it seemed that he was the only Uchiha left in the mansion because his parents and his brother were all allegedly in a business trip as was reported to him by the head servant of the mansion.
He tried calling their phones but everyone couldn't be reached, and this was a matter that was inappropriate to simply be settled over the phone.
[I just want you to remember where your loyalties lie, son. Put the family first before anything else.]
He could still perfectly hear what his father told him that night. That's why he needed to talk to him. Personally. Because in reality, his father knew that what he said wouldn't work…especially in their 'other' line of business where anything goes.
Sasuke was busy contemplating on what to do next, now that it seemed impossible to reach his father—when his personal computer beeped, alerting him of a notification he just received.
When he got back inside his room and checked his laptop, he immediately clicked on the message pop-up he received.
'Hn. That's weird.' He thought as he stared at a blank e-mail except for the attachment in it. He also didn't recognize the sender's address. Nevertheless, he clicked on the attachment until a picture popped out of his screen.
Sasuke's eyes immediately narrowed upon seeing the familiar faces…
It was Sakura…and Kakashi…and they were at the amusement park.
He also noticed the date on the photograph. It told him that the picture was taken a few months back.
Sasuke took a seat while he studied the picture.
At the back of his mind, he knew that something like this was happening, so it really wasn't much of a shock. And though it pained him to see that Sakura was with another man…she looked happy, and that's what's important. After all, it's what he always wanted for her.
He had always wished for her happiness, for that same bright smile she had before everything became complicated. And he would give anything just to give her all that—even if it meant hurting himself—even if it meant finally giving up his love for her.
At Kakashi's pad…
"Kakashi! Kakashi! Open the door! Kakashi!" Tsunade yelled while banging on his front door relentlessly.
Kakashi reluctantly opened the door the minute he heard his sister's banging. He didn't open it out of the goodness of his heart, he did it because he knew he'd be in charge of the repairs once his sister broke it down.
"Kakashi! I said open the do—"
"You aren't on your knees, sis. I told you I won't give Sakura back unless you beg." Kakashi said after catching Tsunade's fist who was still in the middle of seriously breaking down his door.
"What?! You have no right to keep Sakura all to yourself." Tsunade retorted back as she stormed inside his apartment.
"I believe I do. I'm the boyfriend just in case you've forgotten."
"Well, I'm…'
"And no. I don't care if you're her mentor. You do not get to slave-drive her on a Sunday." He said, following her inside the kitchen because of her habit of ransacking his fridge for her emergency supply of ice cream.
"What?!" Tsunade frowned as she slammed the ice cream tub on the counter. "You, out of all people know how important it is to work on a Sunday! And I'm not here to take her back to the lab. Where is she anyway?"
"She's in the bath." Kakashi answered, cocking his head towards the direction of his bedroom door while he leaned on the partition wall with his arms crossed over his chest. "So, care to tell why you're here? And you're still not on your knees by the way."
"You're really cruel, Kakashi. Do you know that?"
Kakashi only raised his brow while waiting for an explanation which eventually made his thirty-year-old sister fidget while digging in the ice cream tub.
"Well…you see…tomorrow's the exhibit right?"
"Yes. So?"
"I still don't have a dress yet." Tsunade grinned sheepishly.
"Sakura already has a dress. Go do your own shopping." He said as he turned his back on her, pretending to ignore whatever it was that she would say next.
"Kakashi!"
When Kakashi turned, he was met by his sister's big auburn eyes, begging him to allow Sakura to accompany her.
"You know that doesn't work on me." He nonchalantly stated.
"It was worth to give it a try. So, please? Can she come with me? It's Sunday! She deserves to go out on a Sunday and not be holed up in this apartment of yours because my brother's a creep." She spat.
Of course it was okay for Sakura to accompany Tsunade. He even knew that this would happen. His sister barging in his room and begging. It's just that…there were times that it was fun to tease his sister.
"I promise I'll bring her back the moment I find the perfect dress. And then you can go back to making beautiful pink-haired babies which I will gladly deliver when that time comes." Tsunade exclaimed.
"What about pink-haired babies, Shishou?" Sakura suddenly asked as she appeared fully dressed and ready to go. After all, he advised her to get ready because he had anticipated Tsunade coming.
"Sakura!" Tsunade greeted. "Nothing. I just told Kakashi here that I don't mind having pink-haired nieces and nephews."
"What?!" Sakura blushed.
"So can we go now?" Tsunade once again begged for Kakashi's consent which prompted Sakura to ask what was happening.
"My sister needs a shopping buddy." He replied in defeat.
"Really? I would love to be your shopping buddy, Shishou." She beamed at Tsunade when she heard of the plan.
"You heard the girl." Tsunade said, giving Kakashi that I won, whadaya gonna do about it-smile which had him running a palm over his face.
"Fine. Are you driving?" He finally asked.
"No, I brought a driver with me."
"Good. Go ahead then. I still have work to do." He said, turning his back on them as he walked back towards the main door to see his sister out. Tsunade and Sakura followed.
"And you said there should be no working on Sundays." Tsunade muttered.
"Well, since you're taking away the fun in my Sunday, might as well be productive."
"Let's see who'll be begging if I don't bring her back at the end of the day." She said, flashing him an evil smile before walking towards the elevator.
"I'll wait for you at the lobby, Sakura. I know you still have a lot of smooching to do, but don't take too long!" She said, waving good bye at Kakashi before stepping inside the elevator.
"Tsunade." He sighed. "Sometimes I wonder who between us is older."
Then he heard Sakura giggle.
"I'll be going now. You sure you're okay by yourself?" She worriedly asked, hinting about the nightmare he just had a few hours back.
"Of course. Just be safe okay?" He said, kissing Sakura on the lips before letting her go.
"I will. Bye!"
A few minutes after Tsunade and Sakura were gone, Genma arrived and was standing on Kakashi's door step.
"Did you find out anything?" Kakashi asked the moment he stepped in, but Genma only shook his head.
"Sorry. I couldn't hack the IP address. I've tried everything, Kakashi, but they've put up an impenetrable firewall. However, I'm also here to deliver a news from your old man."
"What is it?" He asked. Eyes narrowing into slits because he knew that it was bad news.
"It's about the bid. It's now $300 million."
It was eight in the evening when Sasuke arrived at the Zion Hotel.
Earlier that day, he received a message from an unknown number, inviting him to dinner. The hotel's address was there as well as other pertinent information. But what caught his attention the most was the code at the end of the text. It meant that a job was waiting for him, and that they were back in business…
Sasuke approached the front desk where two beautiful receptionists automatically smiled at him the moment they saw him enter.
"Good evening. My name is Sasuke Uchiha and I'm here to meet an associate."
Sasuke showed them the message he received when one of the women nodded, and the other one, the dark-haired one smiled.
"Right this way, sir."
The woman left her spot and started leading him around the hotel. They got into the elevator and he saw that the woman pressed the button for the 26th floor.
Sasuke honestly thought that this was a simple dinner. Instead, he was lead inside a private room where several other people were already waiting. His team was there and they were equally surprised to see him the moment the double doors opened for him.
"Sasuke, you came. We thought you wouldn't accept."
"Doesn't this bring back the old times?"
"Do you have any idea who our employer is?"
Came the series of questions and greetings, but right after the last question was asked, the doors behind him opened and in came several people. The rest looked like bodyguards but what made Sasuke's eyes narrow was the image of the person in the middle of the group.
He had long black hair and really pale skin—but what chilled him to the bones were his eyes—his yellow eyes which made even his team shut up the moment he entered.
He was called Orochimaru, the grand leader of the Basilisk.
"I'm so glad you could join us tonight, gentlemen. My daughter here says that you're among the best at what you do."
Sasuke's eyebrow raised as he faced the woman standing beside the man with the yellow eyes. It was Anko Mitarashi.
"Daughter?" He asked as Anko opened her mouth to speak.
"Well. It's a bit complicated. You see, when you're born intelligent, you have this ability to perceive things differently especially when you can't see any similarity from those people whom you call parents. And so, it can't be helped, I uncovered the truth because that's what I'm good at. And I was so happy to finally see my real father. The other one who seems to be failing at his business lately is my adoptive father whose business is still alive if not for me." She explained.
"So, do you still have questions or are you ready to take on the job."
Sasuke had not expected that things would go this way.
In their 'other' line of business, the employer may opt to choose one person to do the deal or a group. If it was the latter, it meant that it was a large-scale job which needed competent people. What's worse was, it seemed that Anko had made a thorough research because he hadn't expected to see his team inside. All the members of his team were still in the business, but it was only seldom that they assembled for a job like this. The last 'big' one was three years ago. Which made one of their team members retire.
It was a shock to find out that Anko was the daughter of syndicate leader. However, the real question was...why was he here? What did Orochimaru, the leader of an outside syndicate, want with him and his team?
Sasuke contemplated for a moment but it seemed that it was too late for that. He was about to speak when his second-in-command beat him to it.
"What we do is to execute and deliver. So could we cut the crap and just get on with the job?"
"Very well. The job is quite simple." Their employer said, throwing them a smirk which made him shiver.
"You just have to get me a little something that has been of my interests recently."
"And what would that be?" The third member of his team, his marksman, asked.
The man approached them and threw a single photograph on the table.
Sasuke saw his companion's eyes widen, and he knew that their employer saw it too.
"I think it's best if you discuss this among yourselves first. We'll just be in the other room waiting for your decision."
The moment the party exited, Sasuke brought out a device and immediately scanned the room for bugs.
"I did that already. The room's clean." One of his team members said, his strategist.
"Sasuke…W-we can't do this." His second-in-command stuttered.
"Yeah, try saying that after you opened your fucking trap!" The other said, slamming his fist on the table.
"He's right. We're talking about friends here."
But Sasuke only shook his head which made the previous speaker sigh.
"We can't back down."
"Why?!" His team simultaneously asked.
"The man on the other side of this room is no joke. We're good as dead if we don't deliver."
"We know that but…"
"No buts. This is how we work and you know that. It's too late to wash the blood in our hands, now. Friends, strangers, family, relatives. All of that doesn't matter when we're given the job. That's why we're good at what we do."
"Sasuke's right. We've done this before, and we've done so much worse. There's no turning back from this." His strategist added despite the defeated sound of his voice.
Sasuke looked at the three men who was with him inside the room. Everyone had grim faces but he had to make a decision now.
"It's a shame that we've been reunited like this but we have no choice but to execute and deliver."
Naruto, Shikamaru, and Kiba looked at him. No one wanted to ask the question but they knew why they had to do the job. His team was perfectly aware of the repercussions that would happen, but it was just how this business went. It was either kill or be killed, and his team was always on the offensive.
When Sasuke and his team left the hotel and went on their separate ways, his father's words kept repeating on the back of his mind.
Put the family first before anything else…
Put the family first before anything else…
Put the family first before anything else…
And his father was right. It was the reason why this job had to be done. It was, after all…for his family…despite the contradiction it had in their line of business.
TBC
