When she had reached the front gates, the guards almost immediately told her to turn away. Sakura had nearly started crying again but managed to stop herself from sheer will alone. Instead she channeled the energy of the woman Tsunade Senju, their interactions earlier that day spurring Sakura to demand an audience. Sakura took a deep inhale of air, stomped her foot and started yelling every thought that crossed her mind. Almost immediately she was surrounded by villagers who wanted to know what was wrong. Playing to her strengths Sakura pointed to the guards and informed all onlookers that she was being refused access to her friend because she was not an Uchiha. Something changed after that. The villagers' eyes became colder as they started mumbling words like "bullies", "traitor clan" and "bigoted". Sakura was unsure how the second two were relevant but it seemed to do the trick.

One of the guards at the family gate pushed a few of the villagers away and agreed to send a messenger hawk to whomever she was requesting. By the time the guards had her seated and missive written the surrounding villagers had disappeared. That left her quite alone in her witnessing of the guard's reaction as she stated Itachi's name. One paused and looked back at the message, nearly crumpling it up in his hand. The second one stopped him but with a disheartened look on his face. Three seconds later the bird was sent. So then she waited. The one who had attempted to stop the letter had resumed his post but the second stayed with her. Once the bird was out of sight he said, "I believe your friend is away on mission as I have not seen him in the compound. Perhaps it is best that you return home for the day."

Sakura glared up at him immediately. She was not going to let another person stop her from doing what she needed to. "I want to see my friend. I need to talk to him about something important."

The man looked back at the sky as if anticipating a quick return. A few seconds later he said, "All messages to Itachi, unless mission related, are sent to his father first. If you are able, wait for the young heir to find you. His father is not typically welcoming."

Sakura crossed her arms defiantly, her body displaying the mental fortitude of her choice. "I faced the Hokage today, I can take on anything." Sakura said this with far more bravado than she actually felt. But to secure her standing she stuck out her tongue at the older gentleman as if that somehow proved her bravery.

They sat in silence after that, the man standing and returning to his post but with her constantly in his line of vision. Just a few minutes later a return reply was sent back to them. The bird was granting her entry with the instruction that a guard escort her to the main house. It was not signed or offered any indication as to who had written it.

The second guard who had spoken to her was the one who walked her. They were quiet the entire time. Throughout that walk it was as if something sad overwhelmed her. She was unsure if it was her energy or his. The feeling itself did not make sense. There were people selling items, children playing ball and laughter everywhere. Somehow it still felt lonely walking along the Uchiha streets though. Eventually Sakura was led down a path that had less houses and far more land surrounding it. No kunai were strewn about the front yard like there had been in the other buildings. Instead this place was immaculate and detailed perfectly.

Together they walked up the steps, the man knocking as they reached the front door. Seconds passed before it creaked open. A handsome man with longer hair tied back from his face greeted the two new comers. He looked much like Itachi but wore more traditional wear than she had witnessed her friend in. His arms were folded into his yukata and his expression far more stern than she had ever seen on anything other than a statue. It was a brief look though as almost immediately a palm was placed on her head, pushing her gaze down to the ground with force. Turning just slightly to her left Sakura saw that the guard was bowing and forcing her to do the same. After a few seconds they both rose. It was in that moment she realized just who she was speaking to. This was the head of the Uchiha clan and Itachi's father.

The man glanced briefly at her then motioned for the guard to leave. The man hesitated though as if concerned she would need an escort out. Fugaku Uchiha just said, "I assure you, I will escort her personally if it is needed."

With that the man left and Sakura was ushered into what she assumed was a study. Like a good girl she took off her shoes upon entering the house and followed silently. Once seated Sakura looked around expectantly but did not see Itachi anywhere. When her eyes settled back on Fugaku he was pouring himself tea. Sakura immediately noticed that there was only one cup turned over out of the set.

"Is Itachi home?" she tried.

Fugaku still did not make eye contact as he poured, "No, he is on mission but I am quite able to speak to you in his stead. I have been informed of your interactions with my son on multiple occasions."

Sakura suddenly felt like she was back in that interrogation room. What he said appeared reasonable, but his curt delivery was something more. Sakura, for the first real time started doubting herself for coming here. Seconds of absolute silence ticked by and she eventually tried again. "I just wanted-"

But he cut her off as if her words meant nothing, "It has been some time since my son has brought home a stray. Dirty filthy creatures who he finds entertaining for a bit, but quickly grows bored of. He is well aware that only certain standards are worthy of his time but I have found an amusing indulgence can lead to entertaining dinner conversations. You have by far outranked the rest in that regard."

Sakura had been insulted before, on many occasions in fact. Never before had she felt so small though, so filthy by just existing. Her immediate need was to defend herself; to defend this new friendship with his son. What about their interactions Itachi had shared with his family was another matter entirely. "Itachi and I are friends, and I want to speak with my friend. What you are saying is wrong and mean."

Fugaku just lifted his tea and took a small sip. A moment later he looked at her as if in passing, then amusement. "Sakura Haruno, a girl with no skill, no promise of anything important and no family to back her. Given what little is known about your mother before she died you are likely the product of a whoring gone without proper protection. You cannot possibly be under the assumption that he saw something special in you. He was born to lead a village, not indulge others whims. Surely you have by now reflected on just how odd your pairing is."

Sakura's jaw clenched tightly with absolute anger. If her teeth were ground any more they would likely crack. There were no words that she could get out though. It was as if her mouth was wired shut by anger, hurt and indignation alone.

Fugaku continued, clearing not caring about her personal reactions to his words. "I must say that I am pleased I have encouraged these interactions though. They have taught him important lessons of what those who are less than struggle with. It is needed information to help him reach his goals as a leader. For that you have served your purpose well, despite his recent boredom with you."

This was the next moment, the moment that looking back hurt the worst. Sakura's child mind could not fully comprehend the forethought that went into a ninja's mental attacks. She could not even fathom the way a fully grown man had set to destroy a little girls' aspirations with such a benign gesture. For in that moment Fugaku looked at her with what appeared to be genuine interest and said, "I digress, what was it you wished me to convey to my boy?"

In that instance everything he had said felt like common knowledge to everyone but her. Each insult had felt like a running joke that she was a part of and willingly played the dunce in. Sakura had never felt more like and outsider and a tolerated pet at once. She was so insignificant and worthless that the insults were his normal speech. Fugaku felt no need to apologize because this was how people in this household typically spoke of her. Was this how Itachi talked about her as well? Is this how he portrayed her to his family? With such little regard?

Suddenly Sakura felt the overwhelming urge to cry. To cry about the loss of friendship. The loss of trust. The loss of self respect that shattered in that very moment. Somehow her small self gathered what courage and decorum that was left in her body. Instead of displaying the internal explosion occurring Sakura attempted to pull it all inward. By doing this though her body caved in more, the defeated arch in posture for the first time appearing. With this her eyes narrowed to the ground and her voice dropped in volume by at least two octaves. Fugaku Uchiha did not externally acknowledged any change in how she now unconsciously presented herself either. To do so would have been a kindness that would undo all the pain his words had done. Sakura stated in a more demure tone than she had used all day. "Please inform Itachi that I will be leaving the village, and that I will miss our times together. That I hope he writes me and stays safe on missions."

Fugaku nodded his head briefly before stating, "I will inform him of your departure first thing upon his return. You must know though that he will likely not write you. He has more pressing matters now that he is older. And as we know, he is growing less interested in the relationship as you yourself can see from his more frequent absences to the dango shop."

Sakura felt a second punch to her soul and carefully pushed back more tears. She did not say another word though, just nodded in acceptance. Part of her stated that it would be difficult to find her anyways, that she was going to travel the world and would forget all about him as well. Part of her swore at herself for ever trusting the mean Uchiha boy. A larger part of her still wanted to cry. Silently she stood, careful not to give any indication that words still hurt her. Instead Sakura looked at the floor and thanked Fugaku Uchiha for his time. He walked her to the door and waited until she had rounded the nearest house. That is when the tears truly began. Instinctively Sakura began running to the place she had last felt safe. Ironically it was the tree where Sakura and Itachi typically met.

Were she older and more aware of the infighting within the village Sakura would have stayed to see what the head of house did next. Had she had either the skill or knowledge Sakura would have seen a very different picture. But she was a child stepping into adult games. Because of this Sakura was unaware of Fugaku reprimanding the guard who had stayed behind to make sure the pink haired daredevil was treated well by his patriarch. Despite the clear order to leave. What she also missed was the altering of the Uchiha guest records for the day.

When Itachi returned from mission two months later and he asked around about a pink haired orphan things went as Fugaku had planned. No message was conveyed to him by guard or father. Just the rumors she had been offered an opportunity to travel the world and left not even a full day later. Her younger friends had received letters over the next few months, but never was one addressed to him. Perhaps this is what hurt him the most. Over the years she had been a constant reprieve from his life. Most recently she had been a truly welcomed friend that he found himself thinking more and more on when on mission. Just this last one he had spent twenty minutes debating whether to buy her a pendant he had seen in a shop window. Clearly, this feeling of camaraderie between them had not ben mutual.

So Itachi closed himself off even more. He burrowed into his instinct to be separate from others with extremely limited attachments. Itachi fully dedicated himself to the village because at the end of the day what else did he have? Who else could possibly want to be a part of this thing he called his life?

Kakashi was calm, which was what concerned both Naruto and Sasuke the most. Under no circumstances should such a deadly man be so calm when the one person in this world he cared about was not only missing but on a hitlist for Danzo.

Sasuke glanced across the room and found that he was unaware of who to sit by or speak to next. They were in the compound, his family living room actually, and no one was speaking. Sitting here were groups of people he had never thought possible working together. In various corners sat the different sects, the previously opposed individuals. Never before did he think it possible that Uchiha and Senju would work for a common goal outside of missions. Their history was to ugly and long for him to ever think this possible.

Tsunade, who was sitting cross legged in the corner stated, "I mean I feel like booze are a necessary item for this particular meeting. It is ridiculous that nothing is out yet."

Fugaku's eyes narrowed in judgement. His alpha energy and sheer outrage at her being here permeated the room. They had said very few things so far but everyone could feel it building. Everyone except perhaps Kakashi, who continued to act as if he were cloud gazing without a care in the world. Before anyone could further contemplate how Kakashi was doing on the inside Fugaku stated, "We are taking down an enemy, a clear mind would be best."

Tsunade sniffed righteously, "Screw Danzo, I meant it for us having to sit near each other. I'm moments away from punching you and alcohol seems to be the fastest way for you to preserve your face."

Fugaku nearly stood at that but kept his temper in check, "Just like a Senju to lord over my clan and threaten us. You will forever hold our history over us like it was yesterday. This is why we never should have-"

Tsunade uncrossed her legs and leaned forward threateningly, "If my great grandfather could get over all the shit between our clans and up until his dying breath consider Madara his best friend you bet I do not give a flying fuck about wars from hundreds of years ago. I do not like you because of the crap you said to my 8-year-old daughter in an effort to keep trash away from your precious prodigy son. In case you have forgotten your lordship I was the one she stayed with after your little talk with her. I got a detailed rendition of all that you did. Personally I think Itachi taking over is the best possible thing for your family because unlike you he is not a short sighted tyrant. I genuinely hope your clan triples in size if only to prove to you how worthless all your resentment and scheming has been. I hope you croak tomorrow you old tosser."

Fugaku actually stalled on that one, the rest of the room silent as they mentally started to put together what pieces they could. After a few more minutes Fugaku had a flash of vulnerability and asked, "All these years, you have fought me on everything because-"

Tsunade cut him off, "You are a fucker who thought it okay to browbeat my kid because your son had a damn crush on her. Who the fuck goes out of their way to break a childhood friendship like that other than a shit loving cock sucker. The only difference I see between you and Danzo is that I somewhat like a few of the people around you."

This was the first time Mikoto had said anything that night. Kakashi had shown up with Sasuke and Naruto in tow, both boys channeling a silent tense anger. Without a word she directed them to the living area and poured three cups of tea. Before the last cup was full the front door drew her attention again. Shisui angrily walked in and stomped over to the same table. Together the four men sat in silence, each having a purpose for being there that had yet to be conveyed to her. Then a miracle upon miracles occurred, Mikoto's back kitchen door opened and in walked Tsunade Senju. A Senju in her home unannounced and also looking mad as hell. Unfortunately that is the moment that Fugaku exited his study after sensing uninvited people in his home. In that one cursed moment Tsunade snapped, "Is there any possible way your son could stop kidnapping my daughter? Because we have a crisis here and other people may want to keep her alive too."

Sasuke had turned to Kakashi then and stated, "I swear he was someone different. I have never seen Sharingan eyes like that and he didn't care about stealth or anything. He just pitched the room in wind and darkness. Next thing I know she was just gone."

Naruto turned on Sasuke then, "Your stupid brother is going to get his face smashed in. You are going to get your stupid face smashed in. How could you just let him take her?"

Sasuke whirled on his teammate then, "Oh please attack him, I would love to see you have your ass handed to you. I do not know in what universe you think either one of us could take him down on our own. It all happened in half a second."

Kakashi then placed both palms on each boy's head, pushing them back into a more reasonable position. He then forcibly turned their heads towards their cups of tea. Only once the tension had left both of their forms did Kakashi release them. He turned towards Fugaku and said, "It appears we have a common enemy. Danzo had placed a hit on Sakura for her roll in helping your clan. He wishes to instigate a war to seize power but also to excommunicate your clan from the village. When this plan was uncovered Itachi may have had some impulsive reactions. After learning of Danzo's poisoning attempt this morning he kidnapped said daughter of mine without any indication of where they went." With this Kakashi nodded to Shisui.

The usually friendly Uchiha scowled and stated, "I searched everywhere, they have disappeared."

Kakashi looked back at the room, "We are here because Danzo is a problem none of us are willing to risk anymore. He has crossed to many lines and cares nothing for our people no matter what he tells himself. This needs to end."

That is when more tea had been offered and corners had been claimed. Tsunade had proceeded to glare and Fugaku had continued to demand people leave his home. Then their confrontation happened. Mikoto had remained silent throughout all of this as she absorbed information.

Like a good hostess she had made sure all were comfortable as she processed. She had become close to Sakura over these last few months. To know that Sakura was the daughter of Kakashi only endeared her further to the Uchiha matriarch. What solidified her loyalty to Sakura though were the memories from years past. A flash of Itachi asking about a girl who was clearly outside of the clan. A small child who broke her son's leg. Shisui making jokes about a little orphan girl Itachi was obsessed with. Itachi depressed for weeks and his eventual pull from the family. Mikoto turned towards her husband slowly and asked, "Fugaku?"

For the first time since this unofficial meeting had started Fugaku Uchiha was clearly uncomfortable. Instead of answering the question though he stated firmly, "I was unaware of who she was at the time."

Mikoto seemed to block out all others in the room as she continued to understand what had likely occurred. Mikoto was not unawares of her husbands ways. Determined to stay out of the politics the woman had never asked to many questions. In this moment she was deeply regretting her past choices. "Fugaku, what did you do?"

This time the discomfort was truly present as he showed visible signs of scratching his arm out of anxiety, "Mikoto, Itachi was everything our clan needed. I could not have him distracted by some civilian child. Their friendship was harmful not only to his career but also to his role as heir. I as clan head was under obligation to protect our people."

Tsunade laughed out loud at that one, "Fat luck that did you. Your boy is still chasing after her like a pup wanting a bone. Good plan Fugaku, send the mean Uchiha head in to make her think she is worthless and a joke to your son. Poor girl spent the first month crying every night when with me."

Clearly Tsuande was okay with Mikoto's revelation and egging on further discussion.

Mikoto's eyes narrowed further as events continued to line up within her memory, "The day before Tsunade had left you were different. You ushered Sasuke and I out of the house so quickly I thought an emergency had occurred. Was that when you spoke with her? Are you truly that jaded Fugaku? You were destroying a little girl because she had the audacity to be friends with our son? You personally went to the gates to watch Tsunade leave that next morning. Was that you making sure that your target left? You know how miserable Itachi was when he came back. It was almost six months before we saw his smile again. Sasuke was the only one who could get anything remotely human out of him."

Fugaku seemed to stiffen at that, "And that is why I did it. It was not because they were friends Mikoto. He liked her. He was the heir to our legacy and he was skipping clan meetings to be with her. To teach her a jutsu. To eat dango with her while she worked. It was bad enough that Kakashi was teaching him and undermining everything I instilled but this nothing girl would not weaken us. The village council barely listened to us and Danzo was killing off half our clan on reckless missions. Can you imagine if as they aged he decided to court her?"

Mikoto glowered in disgust, "You are a disgrace to this family Fugaku."

Fugaku slammed his hands down on the table, "I made a mistake. There are pressures as clan head that no one understands. I receive missives every day about deaths I must inform our kin of. Of higher taxes and hate crimes against our families. Itachi is greater than all of us and I could not risk it. I could not risk our clan being used or manipulated for any reason. I have spent my life protecting the people I love Mikoto. For all I knew she was another ploy sent by people like Danzo."

Silence ensued. Much to everyone's surprise, but oddly true to fashion, Naruto was the one who broke the silence. "I take it back…" Naruto looked Sasuke dead in the eyes and said, "your father in the one who is going to get his face smashed in."

Shisui is the one who laughed at that one. It was as if the tension from the day needed this moment as Shisui said, "I think the amount of crow he is going to have to eat when Itachi does get up the guts to ask her out is going to hurt way worse then any reconstructive surgery Tsunade is going to have to perform."

Sasuke's face contorted in disgust, "Everyone needs to stop pairing them. Just leave my friends alone, they are mine."

Shisui smirked at Sasuke, "Technically she knew Itachi first. Like from way back all the way to age three. Then we have me who met her like a year later. Then of course we have your father and his lovely display of affection. Officially speaking that makes you fourth in line to her non sharable friendship. Really Sasuke, do catch up on your teammates history and stop embarrassing yourself."

Sasuke scowled but before he could say anything Mikoto spoke again. This time it was to Tsunade and Kakashi directly. In a deep and formal bow Mikoto stated, "Please accept my apology on the behalf of my family. I could not be more ashamed of everything that has occurred. Your daughter has saved half our clan and been one of my youngest son's most faithful friends. I do not think I will ever be able to apologize enough for the actions of my husband. To think he treated a child that way, but also the daughter of one of my oldest friends is truly horrific to hear."

It was a silent few seconds of settling that occurred. It would have been generations ago that a Uchiha had so humbly approached an Senju. But this was not the dynamic that needed to be addressed. Instead it was the well built silver haired man that rose to his feet. Gracefully moving to the still bowed woman Kakashi reached out with his gloved hands. Slowly he lifted his old friends chin, tears now welling in her eyes. Once she was standing tall again and composed he said, "They found each other again. Despite the lives we live and the barriers thrown at us they found each other again. Fugaku and Sakura's past is between them. Not you, or I or anyone else in this room. We have all made mistakes and will make plenty more. Our challenge now is to protect the ones we love whatever way we can. My only question to you today is, will you help me protect what I love? Will you help my daughter?"

Mikoto's eyes teared again, "With all my heart."

He glanced then at Fugaku, his stare unsurprised to see the matching resolve. Whether that light showing in his eyes came from guilt, determination or thankfulness was unclear. Fugaku openly answered, "With everything I have."

Kakashi smiled slowly, his eye crinkling in the familiar way. Carefully he released the hands of Mikoto, the comfort of his long dead teammate still shining in her smile. Looking at the room he motioned to the doorway where two new figures stood. Almost immediately the remaining ninja's in the room stood in shock, no one having sensed them due to their concealed chakra and distracting speeches.

Sakura and Itachi both looked at the room with a determined stare before Kakashi asked, "So what plan did you two come up with?"

Sakura stood before the Hokage and surrounding council members with one goal in mind. Her life had been based around reaching aspirations others thought her incapable of. Success had never come to her on some preplanned platter. No, her life had been full of struggles, dedication and practice. Hardship was nothing new to her, unfortunately neither was outsmarting bullies. So here she was, playing her part once again.

The Hokage frowned at her disapprovingly, "Sakura, it is unacceptable that he took you from your room that way. Danzo was in the middle of an investigation about your own safety as you are kidnapped right under everyone's noses. You have to understand how many people that upset as well as actively delayed investigation into what occurred at the hospital."

Danzo crossed his arms, no longer needing to say much as the Hokage did it for him.

The elder man continued, "Adding that his intel initially indicated that it was Uchiha that were the driving forces behind the potential attack made things far worse."

Sakura purposefully added contemplation and worry to her face as her leader continued. Sarutobi was aware of the movement against Danzo over the years. Her own mentor had been a driving force it attempting to remove the blinds from the Hokage's eyes, so she needed to play this right. Anything out of what exactly what was planned would look suspicious.

"And Itachi is not even here, what could he possibly be doing other than working with his village?" finished Sarutobi.

Sakura visibly took a deep breath and said, "Truthfully I believe he is being reprimanded by his mother right now. I have no doubt he would be here if he could. Mikoto is not one to let things like kidnapping an unconscious woman go easily."

It was the plan to make them seem human. This unreachable standard of vigilant warrior was not the image of the Uchiha needed right now. At least not yet. Instead Sakura turned directly towards Danzo as she bit a very small portion of her bottom lip. Eventually Sakura asked, "Have you made any new headway on the investigation?"

Danzo seemed slightly surprised that she had asked. He undoubtedly figured she would be denying any involvement of the Uchiha from the get go. As of this moment Sakura had been very careful to not say anything in either direction. It was a ploy she had hoped at least one perceptive eye in this room would notice. Catching himself quickly Danzo stated, "Unfortunately I have not made much headway. The previous contacts about inner clan rumblings I had are no longer forthcoming. Not a sign I find promising in terms of disproving guilt."

Sakura dropped her gaze to the floor for half a second before returning to the Hokage's seat. After a few more second, and back to her normal air of authority Sakura stated, "As you can see I am quite fine. It was clearly an overreaction and I have no doubt an apology from Itachi is on the way."

The Hokage frowned, "Sakura, I know you are close with the clan but are you wishing to press charges at this time? Clan head or not this was far from a simple prank among peers."

Sakura shook her head no in response and thanked them for their time. In an effort to make herself more available though she loitered in the building. It was important that she remain busy while on task. So she went to various clerks and asked for a copy of all mission lists she had been requested for over the last six months. She also was sure to quietly speak with a few people in darker hallways, even if it was something as simple as talking about the weather.

Eventually she left, but only about 10 minutes before she knew the village council was due for a break. After a few short minutes Sakura was turning the corner and about to cut through a park when she was stopped. Two Anbu had jumped in front of her, their speed shocking her slightly. She did not pull out any weapons, just moved to a defensive stance that would permit a fast getaway. Nothing was said or done for over a minute, but eventually she heard the patter of a familiar gate. One strong step, a faster weaker one and then the sound of a cane.

Keeping her eyes on the Anbu, her life was still at risk after all, Sakura turned briefly as she watched Danzo slowly walk towards her. He had undoubtedly left the meeting a few minutes early once he was informed she had left the building. Sakura turned her side to the two Anbu, her instincts knowing better than to fully turn from an enemy. If they were cornering her like this then Sakura was definitely counting them as the enemy. Keeping her eyes shifting Sakura stated but with a questioning after tone, "Yes?"

Danzo's eyes narrowed as he remained a steady arms length away from her. With his men to her side she had no doubt that if he were willing a public display with questions in his direction she would be dead by now. Sharply he stated, "You were not entirely honest in that interview. For the sake of my friend and his blind faith I let it go."

Sakura stiffened as she pulled forth some of her true frustration with this man. "I did not once lie in that room. I refuse to lie to my Hokage like some insubordinate genin hoping to avoid a reprimand."

This time he stomped his cane, as if drawing her attention to be solely on him instead of his stationed men. "You are a good ninja Sakura, but loyal to those who have not earned it. You were neutral in every one of your statements which does not hold true to past encounters when involving Sasuke in any way. Coincidence perhaps but paired with your investigation following your meeting with us it is safe to say you did not share something."

Sakura frowned as she took a threatening step forward. Even now she would not cower to his questions. The Anbu to her closest side stepped in conjunction with her and she knew now where that invisible boundary was. Eyes shifting back to Danzo Sakura resumed her former position. After a few second of gaining her composure Sakura permitted herself to speak, though she made sure a bit more hesitance bled through. "I do not want to believe it, that someone could be that upset, but I am aware that not all Uchiha are happy with the changes. I just…" Sakura glanced again at the Anbu before returning to Danzo. After a few more seconds she shared, "We have not typically gotten along. I understand why, as I come from a medic perspective and you entirely ninja, so I am sharing this purely because it would be idiotic to dismiss."

Danzo's eyes remained steady and he dared not break eye contact with her. Sakura closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. After a few more second she stated, "Why would Itachi kidnap me if there was no threat? Accidents happen all the time in the hospital but he immediately assumed it was a threat on my life without any second thoughts. It made me think that perhaps there is more that I am not aware of, that there is something as clan head he knows that he is not sharing."

Danzo stepped forward slightly, leaning on his cane as he continued with his own shallow breathing. Quietly he asked, "Did you confront the young clan head about your concerns?"

Sakura scoffed loudly, "Of course I did. He denied everything while still refusing most conversations other than telling me to rest so he could return to work."

Danzo leaned back again as if disappointed in her lack of answers. Sakura knew her prey though. She knew that Danzo needed to work for his victory and prove himself superior above all others. This is why she was going to leave a scattered bread trail for him to follow. He would need to be smart to find this particular rabbit, not realizing that he was actually the hunted in this story. Sakura blinked slowly, to purposefully draw attention to her unease. Carefully he looked at her again and she drew him in. "People often underestimate me, as did Itachi while I healed myself internally. I only got a glance at what he was working on before he returned but with the force he was writing I knew it was important. It was already sealed but the letter was clearly addressed to his father."

Danzo contemplated that further, "It would seem logical he would request aide from his father following your kidnap. Fugaku knows the city laws even better than most of the council."

Sakura looked incredulous as she said, "Yes, because they are so close."

Danzo looked unconvinced.

Sakura shook her own head, "Like I said, I did not lie in that room. I have no hard proof of anything but just because I believe in a unified village does not mean I ignore my gut instincts. Something was wrong about how that was handled and I know better than to bring speculation to anyone I usually would ask. Sasuke would never out his family, Naruto wont hear anything negative about the Uchiha's unless he himself is saying it and Kakashi has ties to Mikoto."

Danzo glanced at her hands which still held her last few detail requests. Sakura glanced down at her own arms. She had purposefully grabbed the files related to past missions with her on an Uchiha team. It was to appear as if she was gathering information on a possible suspect. Instead of answering any lingering questions in the air Sakura remained silent herself. After a few more seconds Danzo stated, "While it is not much, it is wise that you are cautious. Their sharingan is born of grief and anger. They are a family prone to it by genkkai alone."

Sakura bristled, "One potentially bad seed does not undo all the good of an entire clan."

Danzo clicked his tongue disapprovingly, "Yet here you are, not trusting the clan head."

Sakura purposefully kept her mouth shut following that.

At this Danzo flicked his gaze to the Anbu. Within seconds they had departed from her immediate line of vision. Sakura had no doubt that they were still within easy distance if she attempted anything. It was a silent show of trust that he did not have them within choking distance of her. Or maybe it was to try and ease her into trusting him. "I will be discreet in my questioning, but it does appear we have the same concerns. I know you are loyal to Sasuke which has involved you in their politics. Ms. Haruno, I do hope that if you learn of anything more you will seek me out. I wish nothing more than to protect our village and its people."

With this she watched him leave. He gave no change in his gate, no excitement in his step but Sakura knew. She knew with all of her heart that Danzo had taken the bait. He would follow this trail because there was a chance it could get him what he wanted. That her words had confirmed what he had already convinced himself to be true. That the Uchiha were corrupt and he needed to be the one to purge them from this city. That the Hokage was weak with a blindness towards their secretive nature therefore making him unfit to lead.

Sakura continued her course to the Hyuuga estate. It would be noted by his spies that she did not go to her apartment or her father's home. Instead she silently took her so called 'research' to the largest clan to regularly oppose the Uchiha. A strong hold within itself with well trained eyes at every turn.

It would be noted that Sakura was re-evaluating her allies.

Firevixen73 – And we are almost there! Can you believe it? Tell me what you think about this turn of events and what you would like to see. Please no flames. I have a rough draft of what the ending could be but as always am open to your thoughts. I know a lot of people were also hoping for the story behind Fugaku and Sakura as well.