Here's Chapter 6. Enjoy.
CHAPTER 6-The Investigation
Sakura punched the wall in frustration. She was so close to finding her mother's killer and that rat Kabuto sacrificed himself to keep Orochimaru safe.
After reporting to headquarters, Sakura went home. She was preparing some tea when she heard a knock on her door.
When she opened the door she gasped; it was Uchiha Madara, Fugaku's brother. Madara had long spiky black hair and onyx eyes. He was wearing a black suit and was carrying a briefcase. He was the one who taught Sakura all the fighting moves, the weapons info and more. He was the one who helped Sakura that day, when her mother was killed.
Flashback
The ANBU were taking Matsumoto Yuki's body back to headquarters for investigation. Madara, the head of the ANBU squad who was investigating the case, pulled off his orange swirls mask, "What is the time of death?"
"Around noon sir," said a squad member. "The cuts marks on her body indicate she had been stabbed numerous times so it probably an attack by a gang. The people around heard a child scream and came rushing to see what it was. They found the body but saw no child."
Fugaku, Minato, Hiashi, Hizashi, Shikaku and Inoichi shook their heads. The people started to cry at the loss of the red flame of hope. It started to rain.
"Even the heavens weep for Yuki." Minato said as he looked up into the sky.
After everyone had left, the presidents of the five major companies and the ANBU squad stayed behind to investigate more.
Madara then heard something from behind the bushes; someone crying and sniffling. He went towards the sound of cries and found a pink haired girl hugging her knees and crying.
When she saw Madara, her eyes widened with fear.
Madara lifted the child in his arms and shushed her. Soon, the presidents came as well.
"She must have been the child who screamed," said Minato, as he rubbed the child's head. "What's your name?"
"S-Sakura." The child mumbled shakily.
"Well Sakura," said Shikaku. "You're going to be alright."
"Where's my mommy?" the child asked suddenly.
"We'll take you to your mother." Inoichi said softly.
"S-she was in the bushes," Sakura said as tears streamed down her cheeks. "Blood, lots of b-b-blood." She started to sob again. Madara lulled her to sleep.
"She said her mother was-" Hizashi started to say.
"Yuki," said Hiashi. "But Yuki's husband died a few months after their marriage."
"Maybe Yuki was pregnant," said Fugaku. "And this must be her and Kenji's child."
Madara looked at the sleeping child in his arms. This little girl, Sakura, didn't know she was the descendant of a powerful clan.
"Uchiha-sama." said Sakura.
Madara smirked, "Hello Sakura. May I come in?"
Sakura nodded as Madara stepped inside. Sakura brought two cups of tea and sat next to Madara on the couch.
"When did you return?" asked Sakura.
"Right now," said Madara. "Travelling was fun but I came back because my brother asked for my assistance."
"I guess Fugaku-san told you about the current issues at ANBU headquarters." said Sakura. Madara nodded.
"You've grown to be a beauty," said Madara. "Just like your mother. Maybe even better."
Sakura blushed, "I'm just doing my job, Uchiha-sama."
"Are you still after your mother's killer?" Only Madara knew about Sakura investigating her mother's case. Madara helped her out in every way he could.
Sakura nodded grimly, "I'm not progressing." She told him about the incident with Kabuto and the paper bomb explosion."
"That scum sacrificed himself to remain loyal to that snake bastard," said Sakura. "I was so close . . . "
Madara put a hand on her shoulder, "Patience is the key Sakura. You'll solve the case, definitely you will. That reminds me . . ."
Madara reached for his briefcase and pulled out a sheet of paper, "This might interest you."
Sakura read the paper and her eyes widened, "This is . . . How did you . . ."
"I have my ways," said Madara. "I've been tracking Orochimaru as well. Turns out he has been supplying drugs to drug dealers and importing chemicals for his experiments. Here are the few places he has been to. Maybe if you go there, you'll find the snake man himself."
Sakura looked at Madara with gratitude, "Thank you Uchiha-sama. I don't know how to repay you."
Madara chuckled, "Solve your mother's case. That'll be the best payment you can give me."
He checked his watch and stood up, "I should get going. The presidents want to have a meeting with me regarding this topic. It was nice seeing you Sakura; keep up the good work.
Also, if I were you, I'd check out that place before the clues are gone. You should go first thing tomorrow morning to check it out. You have my permission to go; don't worry, I'll explain it to the presidents." Sakura thanked Madara again. Madara left and Sakura closed the door.
She grabbed the sheet of paper and went to her room. She went to her walk-in closet and went to the very back. She moved her raincoats away to reveal a purple circle consisting of several black ringlets; the Rinnegan. She pressed the pattern with her palm.
The wall opened to reveal a secret passage. 'This time, I will not fail!' Sakura thought as she entered the secret passage.
Naruto, Shikamaru, Neji, Hinata, Tenten and Ino were over at Sasuke's house. The girls were watching T.V while Neji meditated. Sasuke and Naruto were bickering and Shikamaru was taking a nap.
The door opened to reveal Madara. Sasuke stood up, "Madara."
Madara smirked, "After so many years, is that how you greet your dear uncle?"
"Hn." Sasuke said as he shoved his hand into his pocket.
"Madara-san!" Naruto exclaimed. "How was your journey?"
"Just fine," replied Madara. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a coupon; a ramen coupon. "Here; if you give this coupon to a ramen shop, you'll get an all you can eat ramen buffet for a whole day. This is a rare coupon but I managed to get one for you."
Naruto grinned, "Madara-san you're the best!"
Mikoto came into the room. She smiled at Madara as she dried her hands on a towel, "Madara, good to see you. How was your trip?"
"Nice to see you too Mikoto," said Madara. "The trip was excellent, thank you."
"Would you like some tea?" asked Mikoto.
Madara shook his head, "No thank you Mikoto. I have to get going soon."
Fugaku stepped into the room, "Madara."
Madara nodded, "Hello, brother."
"Shall we leave then?" said Fugaku. Madara nodded and looked at the gang, "It was nice seeing you again. I'll take you guys out for ice cream this weekend."
"ICE CREAM!" Naruto beamed. Madara chuckled as he left the house with Fugaku.
Naruto turned to Sasuke, "Man, I wish Madara-san was my uncle!"
"Hn." Sasuke said as he rolled his eyes.
The truth was Sasuke thought his uncle was somewhat weird. He would tell Sasuke that 'The Uchiha Company was a still a bud that would bloom one day.' Sasuke thought his uncle was encouraging him for the future but those words seemed to have a double meaning to Sasuke; a meaning he didn't understand.
Sasuke sighed as Ino and Naruto fought for the remote.
"Troublesome." Shikamaru muttered with a yawn.
"Is that so?" Madara said after hearing the story from Fugaku. The presidents were having a meeting with Madara. Madara was the head of the ANBU and knew everything about all the companies.
"If we set up ANBU everywhere," said Minato. "The people will know something's up and it'll only brew panic."
"We could send them in disguise," said Inoichi. "Just like Sakura."
"No," said Madara. "It's not wise to get the ANBU involved around the places where Orochimaru has been; I'm pretty sure that snake is expecting that. I have been tracking him for a while and found some places he's been to. I've sent an agent there to investigate."
"Who did you send?" asked Shikaku.
"Haruno Sakura." Madara said as he sipped his water.
"But that's insane!" exclaimed Hiashi. "If anyone found out she was the child of Matsumoto Yuki . . ."
"Sakura's old enough to take care of herself," said Madara. "She deserves a chance. It's true she's a Matsumoto by blood but that's all the more reason to send her on this mission. The Matsumotos are considered to be a strong clan, after all."
Fugaku sent for Itachi and soon, Itachi came at the door. When he saw Madara, he glared.
"Hello Itachi," said Madara. "Look at you; ANBU investigation squad captain. I remember when I had that post . . ."
"Why are you here?" Itachi cut in.
"Itachi that's no way to greet your uncle," Fugaku said sternly. "He's here to help us with the case."
Itachi's jaw tightened, "How nice."
"Is it wise, Madara?" Hizashi said with a sigh.
"Sakura is a Matsumoto, that's true," said Minato. "But she's still a child."
Madara waved his hand, "I trained her and I am saying this with sheer honesty, Sakura is ready for this. I know she'll not fail; she will bring back information on Orochimaru."
"You're sending Sakura on a mission to find Orochimaru?" Itachi said baffled. He looked at Fugaku. "Father-"
"I know she is young," said Fugaku. "But Madara trained her personally so I know she is strong. Plus, she's one of the most skilled agents we have."
"But we can't risk her," said Itachi. "We need her around if Orochimaru attacks again. Let me go instead of her or at least let me go with her."
Fugaku was about to speak but Madara cut him off, "I, as the head of the ANBU squads, firmly remain with the decision of Sakura going on this mission alone. If you defy my orders, you will be off the ANBU team got it?"
Itachi clenched his fists and sighed, "Yes sir."
"Itachi," said Fugaku. "I want you to look after Sasuke and the other heirs while Sakura is away. It will only be until Sakura returns."
"Yes father." said Itachi. He bowed to the presidents and gave Madara one last glare before he left the room.
Itachi closed the door behind him. He didn't like Madara one bit; he felt there was suspicious about his uncle, something dark and evil.
Yuki was like a second mother to him. She was the one who named him, the one who took care of him and the one who convinced Fugaku to let him follow his dreams of joining the ANBU. She personally trained him, made him strong and he wouldn't be who he was today if it weren't for Yuki. He had to protect Yuki's daughter, he owed it to her.
Sakura was like a little sister to him and was one of the most skilled agents of his squad. He didn't like the idea of Madara using Sakura for something dangerous. It was true that ANBUs went on dangerous missions but Sakura was special; she was a Matsumoto, the last of her clan. If something happened to her on the mission, the legacy would die with her.
But his father and Madara had forbidden him from going with Sakura.
Then, something caught his eye; Madara's briefcase. Itachi opened it and ran through a folder. It was all about ANBU members. One paper caught his attention. It had a list of names and a couple of places; the names of drug dealers and the places where Orochimaru had been.
Itachi smirked and took a picture of the paper before putting it back. He then went to get a printout of the picture. He had a plan.
Sasuke was bored out of his mind.
Ino and Naruto were still bickering about the channels and Shikamaru, who had just woken up, had come back from the kitchen with a glass of water.
Neji and Tenten were playing chess and Hinata was watching. Sasuke sighed as he gazed out of the window. He thought about Sakura.
He still hadn't figured Sakura out. Itachi told him he already knew the answer. But what was it? Sasuke groaned. The confusion was giving him a major migraine.
He heard a car pull up; it was Itachi. Itachi came into the house and gestured for Sasuke to follow him into the kitchen.
"Hn." Sasuke said flatly. "What do you want?"
"I have a job for you," said Itachi. "It's risky but I guess you'll get the answers you want."
There was a brief silence before Sasuke spoke.
"I'm in," said Sasuke. "Besides, there's nothing better to do."
"It's about Sakura," said Itachi. "Madara's sending her out on her own to investigate on Orochimaru." He handed Sasuke a paper.
"He's probably sending her to those places," Itachi said pointing to the paper. "The nearest one is the old cosmetic factory in the land of tea. Sakura's probably going there first. I want you to follow her and keep her out of trouble."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, "Why are you giving me this?"
Itachi shrugged, "A lot of reasons which you don't need to know of. I know that Sakura will play an important role in your life so I want you to play a role in hers as well."
Sasuke put aside what Itachi said for a while and folded the paper. He then tucked the paper in his pocket.
"When is she leaving?" he asked.
"First thing tomorrow morning," said Itachi. "If I were you, I'd try going earlier than her."
Sasuke smirked, "You do know you're risking your own brother's life, right?"
Itachi chuckled, "You'd find a way to get to Sakura. It's best if I guide you instead of letting yourself get into trouble."
Me: Sui-chan and Ita-kun are busy because they're working really hard for the next chapter.
-from the other room- Suigetsu: I'M WINNING!
Me: What?
-Goes to the other room to find Suigetsu and Itachi playing video games-
Itachi: -groans- I told you to keep it down you idiot.
Suigetsu: -laughs sheepishly- Oops, my bad.
Me:-death glare-
Suigetsu and Itachi: O.O we're doomed.
-Suigetsu and Itachi cry out in pain while Psy-chan goes Gangsta on them-
Hinata: Um . . . p-please review. ^_^