DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto or any other characters belonging to the Anime series. However, I do own the characters that were created by me – they will make their appearances in the later chapters.
Summary: Sakura and Tenten – both FBI Agents – are on a vital mission to eradicate one of America's largest and most feared Mafia Gangs. Sakura has no memory of her past. What happens as she finds the missing pieces when she encounters the mesmerizing, drop-dead attractive, Sasuke Uchiha, leader of the gang?
WARNING: This Fan-fiction contains VERY explicit content in later chapters. If sexual content, mild violence and aggressive language bother you, then it is advised that you discontinue reading this fiction immediately.
NOTE: 'Inner Sakura
'Thoughts' (Except for the short preface at the beginning of each chapter & Flashbacks)
Narrator's POV
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Her Most Precious Thing…
Ino folded her clothes and packed them neatly into her bag. She decided to not stay at one stable motel for the safety of her grandmother. She exited the room and locked it before heading over to the keeper's office to pay for the night she had spent. Then she made her way to her silver Infiniti G37 in the parking lot. With the extended time Danzo had given her, Ino decided to get a league on Sakura – not for the FBI but for her own advantage. She drove off to The Diner in hope to get some answers.
Everything was quiet at The Diner. It was morning so she had not expected there to be a lot of customers. At the corner was a woman sipping what seemed to be coffee and to the other side of her was an old man – the owner of the café – the man who served Ino yesterday night.
"Excuse me Sir," Ino greeted the man, "Good morning. I'm looking for a long time friend I haven't seen in ages. She was here yesterday…her name is Sakura Senju. She has unusual pink hair…I was hoping you could help me…with anything you've got on her."
The man looked at Ino and chuckled before saying, "Yes, I can help you, Ms. Ino Yamanaka." Ino was beyond shocked when she heard the man say her full name – she did not mention that to him.
"How do you know my name?" she asked firmly.
"Hmm…I'm surprised you didn't notice when you signed your receipt for the cheese pie yesterday, Ms. Yamanaka," the man answered. Then she remembered. All customers were required to sign their receipts – that was how he learned her name.
"And first of all, there is no Sakura Senju…" the old man continued.
"There must be some sort of mistake –" Ino began when the man cut her off.
"She has unusual pink hair doesn't she?"
"Yeah…" Ino responded, "What is her real name then?"
"Oh I'm not telling! How do I know you're not someone who may be after the poor girl and her family, huh?" the man barked. Then, Ino was forced to do something she had been avoiding from the start – she pulled out her FBI badge and Id from her jacket.
"Look here, mister – I'm an FBI agent! And I'm working on a case that involves this woman. If you don't spill all the info you know, I swear to God I'll have you arrested!" Ino spat, trying to keep her voice down. The man did not hesitate to give Ino the name after her threat.
"Sakura Uchiha…that's her name…"
Guren sipped her tea quietly as she watched the old man and the blonde Agent converse. She was able to eavesdrop on every single word. So it seemed that Sakura was being sought out by the FBI – they suspected her. That was not a surprise to Guren…but the fact that the agent called Ino Yamanaka used a made-up story in order to find info on Sakura made her curious. Why did Ino not want to mention the FBI? Was it an undercover case? No, that could not be – Ino's facial expressions said something differently – something Guren could not quite put her finger on. Whatever it was, Guren knew one thing for sure – she did not trust this agent. Ino's presence could ruin the meeting with Sakura and Guren could not allow that to happen.
"Excuse me sir!" Guren called out to the man who asked Ino to be excused and walked over to Guren.
"How may I help you, Ma'am?" the man asked Guren, bending over to her.
"Listen to this and listen well," she whispered, "that girl must not be allowed to set foot in this café from six this evening. If she does," Guren paused before continuing, "I'll kill you myself. Understood?"
The man nodded. The tone of Guren's voice told him that what she said was no joke.
"Good, now act as if I asked for a sandwich," Guren said, "Oh and one more thing – calling the cops would do you no good…it'll make matters worse – for you that is."
The man nodded once more and wiped off the scared look on his face and headed over to the counter. After Guren received her sandwich, she got up and made her way to the exit…
Ino stepped aside and allowed the woman who was exiting to pass before following outside as well.
"Good morning Ma'am…I need to ask you something," Ino hailed out to Guren, who stopped in her tracks.
"What do you want…?" Guren said sternly and Ino knew immediately that this woman was not very friendly.
"Are there any other motels around here besides Blue Rose?" Ino asked. Blue Rose was the motel she had stayed in for the night.
"Howard's Motel – if you take the Main Road and go straight down you'll find it – a green building," Guren said before walking off.
"Thank you!" Ino shouted and walked over to her car. She sighed. Everything was now very confusing – Sakura Uchiha? Uchiha – that name sounded strangely familiar but she still could not make anything out of it. She heard Tsunade mention the name before.
'Sakura, what have you gotten yourself into?!'
Sakura rolled over to face the spot where Sasuke rested. He was still asleep…and he looked so peaceful. Sakura smiled and quietly got off the bed and headed off to the bathroom to get cleaned up – she was reeking of sex. After washing up, Sakura soundlessly got out of the bedroom and went into the kitchen where she made breakfast with Temari.
"I heard you have a check up today," Sakura said to Temari while taking a seat opposite her and then biting into her sandwich.
"Yeah…I don't think I would be able to get the gender of the baby so soon though," Temari replied.
"Temari…I was wondering…" Sakura began but stopped, perhaps pondering on whether she should go on or not.
"What is it?" Temari asked, encouraging Sakura to continue.
"I was wondering…what's it like to be pregnant?" Sakura finally asked.
Sakura's question was no surprise to Temari at all. Sakura could not remember even being pregnant with her daughter, Kagerou so it was no surprise for such curiosity. In fact, at first, Temari thought the question sounded very childish. She chuckled before beginning to explain, "Pregnancy can be pretty tiring…but there's something about it that makes you forget about that – knowing that very soon you'd have a small piece of you and the person you love to take care of and love makes you more responsible; that makes you prepare mentally. The thought of how many uncomfortable things you're coping with during this period of pregnancy makes you feel strong…when you come to think of it…being pregnant; carrying the little life inside you is…inspiring and beautiful. It kind of builds a woman's self esteem if they look at it this way…"
"It sounds nice," Sakura said in a low tone. This comment aroused a high curiosity for Temari – Sakura's tone of voice contributed.
"Sakura are you pregnant?" Temari asked downright boldly.
"N-No! Hey I was just curious!" Sakura defended herself.
"I know, I know…just checking…geez," Temari said, chuckling slightly.
Sakura laughed a bit and raked her hand through her pink hair. She sighed.
"Hey you should get some rest – you look like you had a rough night," Temari told Sakura.
"I'm not one who's pregnant…you should focus on getting some rest," Sakura replied, "I think it's time for Kagerou to wake up now – she has daycare."
"Okay, then…see you later," Temari said and Sakura returned the comment before making her way up to her daughter's room. When she got there, Sakura saw that Kagerou was still asleep. She looked so much like her father when she was asleep but so much like Sakura when she was awake – very strange…but true. Gently, Sakura shook Kagerou and whispered, "Hey…wake up now or you'll be late for daycare."
Slowly, the child's eyes began to open and Sakura was able to get her out of bed. Sakura took Kagerou quietly to her and Sasuke's room. Before she opened the door, Sakura turned to her little girl and said, "We'll have to be really quiet because your father might still be asleep." In response, Kagerou beamed up at her mother…for the first time. It was the most beautiful thing Sakura had ever seen – that smile. Sakura did not know what to think. Kagerou never smiled at her and that made her feel and little uncomfortable – the thought that she was not doing things the way a mother should; that she was not good enough for Kagerou. But this small act of Kagerou smiling up at Sakura had proven her wrong. She smiled back and silently took Kagerou into the bedroom. Just as she predicted, Sasuke was still asleep.
After giving Kagerou her bath and changing her into her clothes, Sakura took her outside and had Itachi watch her as they waited in the garage. She wanted to see Sasuke before leaving to take Kagerou to the Daycare Centre. Thankfully he was awake when she returned to their bedroom but he was still in bed though.
'Still in bed…naked under the covers…' Sakura smirked at that thought.
"Morning," Sakura said to him as she took a seat next to his resting, but not sleeping, form on the bed.
"Hn," he replied, rubbing his eyes.
"Um…I'm gonna take Kagerou to the Daycare Centre okay?" she told him and kissed his forehead.
"Let Itachi go with you," Sasuke said as Sakura was about to leave.
"Why?" she asked.
"I know about the FBI Agent – Itachi told me," he replied and Sakura made a mental note to deal with Itachi about that because she knew that being under Itachi's constant watch, her secrets could be revealed very easily. All Uchihas analyzed situations well. With every move she would make in the future, Sakura knew she would have to proceed with caution.
"Fine," she said before departing.
Tenten was thankful that Neji allowed her to use his laptop, unsupervised. Through very advanced and illegal databases, she was able to find more information on Kabuto…a lot more info. She learned about the gang in which he was involved; she learned that the FBI and CIA as well as the other federal agencies had no record of this gang or its members and she even got a photo of him. Basilisk was a gang that trafficked women across the globe to be sex entertainers – what she used to be…and at a very young age. But even though this information was helpful, she still had some unanswered questions – what was their current location and who were the other members? A few hours ago, she received a call from Izumo who told her to meet him at the Shushuya – a Japanese restaurant in Tokyo, not too far from the Hotel. She hoped that Izumo would have more information…enough to answer those questions that haunted her mind constantly.
After using the laptop, Tenten made sure to clear all the History records and files of her current search so there would be no way for Neji to come across her business. She looked at the time.
"It's almost time to meet Izumo…I better get a move on," Tenten muttered to herself and walked over to the bathroom door which was closed. Neji was taking a shower and she knew it would be best to just inform him.
"Neji…I'm stepping out for a while. I'll be back shortly," she said and left only when she heard an audible 'Hn'.
It did not take her very long to get to the Shushuya. Izumo was waiting for her outside the restaurant.
"Good morning," he greeted and Tenten smiled.
"It's been a while," she said to the man who nodded.
"So what have you got on Basilisk?" Tenten asked.
"How did you know about Kabuto's gang…I never told you about that…" Izumo said.
"I did a little research," Tenten said, smirking.
"Okay…well I found Kabuto's current location – he's in Oakwood in the US," Izumo said.
Tenten was not surprised. He did belong to a gang which meant it was likely that they would have been in Oakwood – for the race…unless they had other intentions.
"Anything else?" Tenten pressed on.
"Yeah – the rest of Neon would like to see you…" Izumo stated. Tenten nodded and agreed to see the gangsters right away. She was also eager to see their new weapons…
LATER – 7:55 PM
Sakura could not believe what she was doing – meeting with someone she did not even know and trust. She moved her left hand to her side to ensure her handgun was intact. She pushed the door open and entered The Diner. Her eyes scanned the café in search of anyone who seemed to be waiting for someone. Her cell phone rang and she recognized the number on the screen – it belonged to the woman called 'Guren'.
"Yeah," Sakura answered.
"I see you've made your choice. Keep walking down this corridor. I'm wearing a black leather jacket – not hard to miss," Guren stated and then the call was disconnected. Sakura found the woman with ease.
"I'm glad you made up your mind, Mrs. Uchiha," Guren said, extending a hand to formerly greet Sakura. Sakura shook her hand and said, "I'm sure you didn't call me here for small talk and chatter."
"I see – you want to get right down to business. I understand you wanna take down Orochimaru and his subordinates as well," Guren began. Sakura nodded.
"I can help you," Guren continued, "I'm not an agent or anything related to one. I work for an organization called Ninjutsu Ops. It's an illegal organization of assassins like me who are paid by gang members and business men at a hefty price to assassinate people who are standing in their way or anything of that sort."
"Okay, what does this have to do with me, huh? Why does an assassin want to help me? What's the hefty price?" Sakura questioned Guren.
"You won't owe me anything," Guren stated calmly, "We both have our reasons for getting this man and that's all that matters."
"Yeah, like I would be stupid enough to believe something like this from a person I don't know at all," Sakura said through gritted teeth.
Guren then realized that she would have to tell Sakura everything in order to earn Sakura's trust.
"Well I guess it's only fair that you know, after all I know your reason…" Guren said and Sakura was more confused than ever.
"Orochimaru and his subordinates killed my son, Yukimaru when he was eight," Guren said in a low tone. Sakura looked at the woman, scanning her face for any show; any evidence that could prove that Guren was lying…but there was nothing. Guren had lost her most precious thing…and that was not a lie…
Sakura saw just how similar she and Guren were but yet they were so different – rather complicated. Sakura was able to place herself in Guren's shoes and saw that if she were to lose Kagerou, her world would be just like Guren's – empty and dead. But still, Sakura could not even come to understand the pain Guren was going through…she did not want to.
"Yukimaru was eight when Orochimaru killed him. I was in the house when it all happened. Yukimaru always loved the flowers in the garden I used to have – that's where he was when Orochimaru took him. My husband was an assassin. He screwed up on a mission – a mission in which his client (A/N: the person who hires them) was Orochimaru. Aoshi, my husband, could not completely kill the family he was assigned to kill – he couldn't kill an innocent little boy…who reminded him of Yukimaru. At that time I was a regular housewife and I had no knowledge of what my husband's occupation was – I thought he was an accountant. Because he couldn't complete his mission properly, Orochimaru – that insane son of a bitch; that monster – decided to kill my son," Guren explained, "Years after Yukimaru's death, Aoshi died while tracking Orochimaru. He was killed by Kimimaro – one of Orochimaru's subordinates."
"I'm sorry to hear about your son," Sakura said, honestly.
"It's your choice Sakura," Guren told her, "It's your choice – whether or not you wanna work alongside me. I can help you…under one condition – you must tell no one."
"With your help, just how long would it take to eliminate Orochimaru?" Sakura asked.
"At least a month…if we're careful," Guren answered.
"Then I'm in," Sakura said.
"Now that you've made you're decision, there's something else I need to tell you – The FBI are on your trail. This morning an Agent by the name of Ino Yamanaka came in asking about you," Guren informed Sakura.
"Yeah…she saw me earlier. I'm aware of her," Sakura said, getting up, "So when will we meet again?"
"As soon as possible – I'll call you," Guren told her and both exited the café.
"Uchiha…Uchiha…when the hell did Tsunade mention that name," Ino muttered to herself, frustrated. All day she had been enflaming her brain, trying to remember what Tsunade said when she mentioned the name 'Uchiha'. She groaned and yelled at herself, "Ino why are you so stupid!!" Then, she remembered something, making her feel like smacking herself with a book. She herself had carried the files containing Sakura and Tenten's mission to the filing cabinets about a week before Tsunade and the rest of her family died…
1 WEEK BEFORE TSUNADE'S DEATH
"Ino Yamanaka," Tsunade called out to the platinum blonde agent, "These files contain a copy of Sakura and Tenten's new mission involving Uchiha and the rest of his damn gang. I want you to take them up to the filing cabinet."
"Yeah…sure thing," Ino responded.
"…Uchiha Case…oh you've got it…" Tsunade muttered as she pointed at Ino. Tsunade was clearing up her desk, putting the Case Files in order. "Just keep in mind that I handed you those files – I tend to forget those things sometimes…the old age is finally catching up," Tsunade told Ino.
"Um…Mrs. Senju, do you need help with your desk? I can always come back and give you a hand," Ino offered.
"No…but thanks anyway. Just return those files to the cabinets," Tsunade replied.
Ino cursed. Those files were at the Bureau – way out of her reach. There was no way she could go back there with a proper excuse for Danzo.
'Kakashi…' she thought and grabbed her phone. She knew that what she was about to do would be extremely risky, but took the chance anyway and dialed Kakashi's cell number.
"Hello, Hatake," Ino said, "Okay what I'm about to tell you is completely true…" And then, she told him everything she heard from Danzo and Orochimaru including the story about the files. Thankfully Kakashi believed what Ino said and agreed to help. He was relieved to know that Sakura and Tenten could not have possibly killed their own family. But both Kakashi and Ino knew that this did not change the fact that other agents were on the look out for Sakura and her sister.
"Where should I meet you to hand over the files?" Kakashi asked.
"There's a place called The Diner in Oakwood City – meet me there tomorrow at nine in the evening," Ino said and then the call was ended. Ino was glad to know that she was not alone in this…
Sakura reached for the doorknob of her bedroom but pulled away immediately when the door opened swiftly from the inside. It revealed an angry Sasuke.
"Get in," he said harshly and Sakura complied. Sasuke slammed the door before turning to face her, his eyes glaring.
"Where were you," he asked roughly.
"I…needed to get something from the supermarket –"
"Don't give me that fucking crap, Sakura," Sasuke said angrily.
"I'm sorry I didn't allow Itachi to accom –" she began but was cut off again.
"Stop acting like you didn't know what the fuck happened, Sakura!" Sasuke bellowed. Then, it hit her – she had forgotten to pick up Kagerou from the Daycare Centre. Her hands automatically moved to her face, covering her mouth and her eyes widened. She could not even bring herself to imagine just how hurt Kagerou must have been feeling. Sakura cursed herself – but what would that do? Sakura's thoughts were on the meeting with Guren and the encounter with Ino a little too much; so much that she had forgotten her daughter!
"W-Where is she?" Sakura asked after a long pause.
"Itachi is bringing her home. You shouldn't even think about seeing her tonight. I don't think she'd want to see you," Sasuke said coldly before exiting the room.
Sakura let her body fall backwards onto the bed. The tears were beginning to flow uncontrollably now and she did not even bother to wipe them away. She had the thought that Kagerou would hate her. And that was the only thing she could think of. She lost her…her own daughter. No, Kagerou's soul had not departed from this world but yes, Sakura lost her; her most precious thing…
The End of chapter 15…
NOTE: To the reviewer by the name of Sonia – Your comment did not bother me in any way (I don't have a conscience most of the time which contributes to this greatly) however I'm impressed that you reviewed the previous chapters as well. Did you do that so I would get the required amount of reviews?
I shall explain why I demand 15 reviews for each Chapter: Judging by the amount of good comments, I'd conclude that the story/chapter is on the right track; grasping your attentions etc.; judging by the amount of bad comments I'd be able to tell how much I need to improve and what exactly I'd need to improve. And this all falls on a scale of 15 reviews. See?
Right, so you know the drill: + 15 reviews for this chapter and that should give a total of 258 reviews (the reason why I put the total no. of reviews is so that you'd know if I got 15 reviews or not)
Thanks for those who reviewed the previous chapter. I've already started working on Chapter 16.
CHAPTER 16 – A One Sided Love: 24th July 2009 (We'll see what Neji and Tenten have to go through in Japan AND: Does Kagerou really hate her mother?)
ANNOUNCEMENT: On July 30th 2009 Kakashi Gaiden will be a 1 hour animated special (for those of you who didn't know).
--Iz. M. Winchester.