Immersion

by SaraNero

With Uchiha Itachi being named the Rokudaime Hokage Sakura Haruno has been assigned to be his right-hand-man and advisor. Now, the pinkette had not only to deal with Tsunade at the Hospital, but an Uchiha who obviously took joy out of driving her insane and messing with her mind. Non-Massacre.

22. Date

CHAPTER 22- Date

It was shortly after sunrise when Sakura finally stirred.

The first thing she noticed was the familiar warmth that engulfed her, her pillow rising and falling in a steady rhythm as a light weight was draped around her waist.

Sakura allowed herself to succumb to the warm feeling, enjoying it for a moment longer before her eyes finally fluttered open to reveal dazed emerald orbs.

She wasn't surprised to find that the moment her vision cleared, she found herself staring into the sleeping face of Itachi.

It seemed like waking up next to him was slowly becoming more frequent.

For the following moments Sakura merely watched him, immersed by the sight of the sunlight caressing his admittedly rather attractive features.

She always knew that Itachi was a really attractive man, but she never actually paid much attention to it since in her eyes, all he would ever be was her teammate's big brother.

Or at least, that's what she thought until recently.

Now, Sakura realized that she was in a position that many girls had always dreamed of and even though others would have most likely felt their ego's stroked at the knowledge, she didn't.

Instead, she felt humbled.

She was waking up in the arms of Konoha's strongest and most feared shinobi who had shown her what laid beneath that feared facade that he wore most of the time.

She managed to see and get to know the real Itachi. The infuriating, arrogant and yet selfless and caring Itachi that she had come to fall for.

So, what was making it so hard for her to simply give into him?

Fear. She heard a small voice in the back of her mind whisper. You're scared that he'll get taken away from you.

It made no sense, really. As a kunoichi, she knew that chances were high that she would lose some of the people she held very dear and yet, to give her very heart away and give someone her all would create a bond that she knew would be near unbreakable.

Especially with someone like Itachi.

So what would she do if she were to lose him?

Sakura's eyes softened as she sighed, the sound breaking through the heavy silence that filled the room.

She knew that leaving him now would be the same as loosing him later on. She was already too far gone to back out now and if she would ruin her own happiness out of fear of what may happen, she would never be truly happy, just as Kakashi had said.

So, instead of ruining her happiness, she would live in the now and cherish as well as enjoy every moment as best as she could.

With him.

Her mind made up, Sakura allowed herself to smile, a burden that she had carried around for the past week falling from her heart. Despite of her still being low on chakra, she knew that she would be unable to go back to sleep once she was already awake and thus, Sakura decided to go look if either Sasuke or Shisui were already awake.

Sakura moved to gently remove Itachi's arm off her without him noticing and much to her surprise, she managed to roll out of his stone grip without actually waking him.

She assumed that it was because he was almost as drained of chakra as she was and that his body needed all the rest it could get after being overworked by all the chakra and the genjutsu he was stuck with.

His body now needed to regenerate its own chakra and slowly get back into order, what would take some time.

Sakura silently stood up and ran a hand through her hair in hope of getting it to look less messy than she feared it did before she soundlessly made her way out of Itachi's room.

She inwardly thanked the Kage's that she had already been to the mansion a handful of times before with Naruto and knew her way around so that there would be no awkward encounters before she headed towards Sasuke's room.

"Haruno-san."

Then again, maybe she thanked them too early.

Sakura stilled upon hearing the voice behind her and inwardly sighed, hoping that her morning would not start with an argument before she finally turned around and forced a polite smile onto her lips.

"Fugaku-san." She greeted, not having expected to run into him out of everyone who lived at this mansion. "I was just about to inform Sasuke about Itachi's condition."

Fugaku curtly nodded from where he was standing on the other end of the corridor, dressed in his police uniform as he watched her with his usual stern expression, though Sakura noticed that something about him seemed off.

"I take that Itachi is fully healed, then?" He asked, earning a nod from Sakura in return, her smile now easier to maintain.

"As promised." She firmly returned, the message her words carried not missing Fugaku. She could have sworn that the ghost of a smirk passed over his lips but before Sakura could determine whether it was just her imagination or reality, it disappeared.

"It seems like I have underestimated you." Fugaku admitted, and Sakura had a hard time concealing the shock she felt upon hearing his words, the surprised spark in her emerald eyes giving it away. "You have gone to lengths that not many would have been willing to just to save my sons live and for that, I thank you."

The pinkette noticed the way Fugaku's eyes shined with approval, his stern expression slightly softer than before, allowing her to see just how much he actually cared for his sons despite of his rather strange way to show it.

After all, he was still just a father.

"It's my duty to do anything in my power to help those in need." Sakura returned, voice firm yet eyes soft as she added, "Besides, I don't plan on letting him die on my watch, not if I can prevent it."

Fugaku nodded, clearly pleased by her answer. "You saved the Hokage's live Haruno, you can be proud of yourself."

"I didn't do it because of his position with either the village or your Clan." She clarified, expression solemn as her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "I did it because I don't let the people I care about die if I can prevent it, regardless of how far I have to go in order to do it."

Fugaku remained silent for the following moments, the tension around them clearly palpable before he finally sighed.

"I know." He spoke, deep voice echoing through the empty corridor as his expression once more turned serious. "That's what makes you not only a skilled medic, but also an excellent kunoichi. You are an enrichment to both of my sons lives, Haruno, and I hope that you keep it this way."

Sakura's eyes widened for the split of a second, green eyes filled with surprise before they softened, lips twisting into a genuine smile as she inclined her head.

"Thank you, Fugaku-san. I won't disappoint you." Sakura promised, the determination her voice held enough for Fugaku to know that she would keep her word.

"I know you won't." He returned and when Sakura lifted her eyes, she watched Fugaku leave with the very same smirk on his lips that she could have sworn she'd previously imagined.

Sakura didn't know for how long she was standing in the corridor for, dumbly staring at the spot Fugaku had stood as she tried to process everything that had just happened.

Did that really just happen or was her mind just playing tricks on her?

Sakura heard the door behind her open, followed by familiar footsteps before a very tired looking Sasuke moved to stand next to her.

"What was all that about?" He asked, voice rough from sleep as he rubbed his eyes, Sakura merely shaking her head in return.

"I think I just had the weirdest talk with your father." Sakura told him, expression turning into a frown as she looked at Sasuke, who was looking at her in confusion. "Tell me, did you ever see your father smirk?"

Sasuke looked at the pinkette as if she had grown a second head and reached out to place his palm against her forehead, expression serious.

"No fever." He muttered, more to himself than to her at what Sakura merely slapped his hand away.

"I am serious!" She insisted while Sasuke merely rolled his eyes and walked past her towards the kitchen, muttering something about Itachi's influence on her under his breath that Sakura barely managed to pick up.

The pinkette growled lowly and followed her teammate, swatting him upside the head upon what he shot her glare that she returned with a smirk.

Sasuke shook his head as they entered the kitchen, the smell of the breakfast his mother prepared filling his nostrils and taking some of his annoyance away in an instance.

"Morning, Okaa-san." Sasuke grumbled, catching his mother's attention as she turned around with a surprised smile.

"Good morning!" She greeted, a bright smile on her face as she walked over to plant a swift kiss on her son's cheek before she engulfed Sakura into a tight hug.

"Morning, Mikoto-san." Sakura greeted with a smile as the Matriarch pulled back, face glowing as she looked at the pinkette with bright eyes.

"Take a seat you two, breakfast will be ready soon." Mikoto told them with a smile as she moved back towards the oven, Sasuke doing as told as he sat down at the table while Sakura shook her head.

"I'll help you." She offered, but Mikoto merely waved her head with a smile. "Nonsense dear, you need all the rest you can get. Besides, it's as good as done anyways."

Sakura frowned, not liking the thought of Mikoto doing everything herself but the look she received from Sasuke accompanied by the shake of his head told her that she should most likely give it a rest.

With a sigh, she sat down next to Sasuke who busied himself by plopping a slice of tomato into his mouth. Sakura merely shook her head at his teammate who in return arched his brow, silently daring her to comment on his love for tomatoes at what Sakura merely rolled her eyes.

Just then a rather drowsy looking Shisui entered the room, his hair a mess as rubbed his eyes.

"Morning." He mumbled as he gave Mikoto a kiss on her cheek and plopped down next to Sakura, tired eyes falling on the pinkette. "You look like shit."

"Shisui!" Mikoto scolded from her position at the stove but Sakura merely snorted, more than used to his behavior.

"Speak for yourself, you look even worse than Ino before the swellings of her infamous facials go down." She commented, earning a snort from Sasuke and a pout from Shisui.

"Always so mean to me, Sakura-chan." Shisui muttered, earning a wink from said pinkette as she stole one of Sasuke's tomatoes from him and plopped them into her mouth.

"Leave her alone, poor Sakura-chan spent most of the past day healing your cousin." Mikoto chided as she placed the food on the table and sat down next to Sasuke.

Shisui's eyes narrowed as he grabbed his chopsticks and picked up a piece of grilled fish. "How did that work out anyways? Sasuke just told me that you managed to break the genjutsu."

"Genjutsu?" Mikoto asked in surprise as her eyes fell on Sakura, whose expression turned grim.

"On our last mission, Itachi got hit by one of the scalpels." Sakura explained, feeling both Sasuke and Shisui next to her stiffen at the piece of information before she continued. "I managed to heal him, but it seems like some of its chakra particles managed to mix themselves with his own so that I didn't sense them. Someone managed to activate the chakra that by then managed to once more spread through his body and set off the Sharingan, creating a genjutsu that locked Itachi inside of it."

"Creepy." Shisui shuddered, not wishing to be in his cousins shoes as he continued to much on his fish while Sasuke frowned.

"How did you manage to break it then?" Mikoto asked, lips thinned as Sakura's expression turned grim.

"After I managed to extract most of the foreign chakra of his body and healed his wound, something still kept me from getting to the chakra in his eyes that set his Sharingan off in the first place." She explained, her appetite lost as she thought back to the previous days events. "I managed to break through one of the nerves and used this second to get into the Sharingan. Once in there, I managed to find Itachi and boosted his chakra with my own so that he could break the barrier, flush all of the remaining foreign chakra out and activate the Sharingan."

"That's why I felt your signature drop and his rise just before you returned." Sasuke realized, and Sakura nodded.

"He used that moment to activate the Sharingan and get us out of there." Sakura confirmed, earning a proud smile from Mikoto.

"You did beyond well." Mikoto praised, earning a grateful smile from Sakura. "I can't thank you enough for doing all of this."

"There is no need to thank me, Mikoto-san." Sakura returned, shaking her head. "I would do it again in a heartbeat."

Mikoto offered her a gentle smile before she sighed. "Eat up, then. You need all the energy you can get after almost draining yourself of chakra." Her expression then turned thoughtful. "I am surprised that you're already awake, it's still early in the morning."

Before Sakura was able to speak up, Shisui hummed, a knowing smirk on his face as he looked at Sakura. "I am sure that she had a good night sleeps."

Sakura tensed as she felt Sasuke next to her stiffen, her eyes narrowing as she caught Shisui's knowing gaze with her own. She had already feared that someone may have checked in on them and saw them, but out of everyone it just had to be Shisui.

Deciding not to give into his attempt of provoking her, Sakura shot Shisui a smile that dripped with sweetness. "I did, actually."

Shisui nodded, professionally hiding his smile behind his glass of water as he spoke. "When I checked on you after Sasuke woke me, you did seem pretty comfortable. Can't blame you for sleeping as well as you did."

Sakura tightened her hold on the chop-sticks and tried her best not to ram them into his thighs as her smile turned strained. "Well, can't blame a girl for using the chance of getting a good nights sleep when she sees it, can you?"

Shisui shook his head, seemingly agreeing with her as he turned to look at Mikoto who was watching the exchange with a curious glint in her eyes.

"Did you know that Itachi was a cuddler?"

Sakura's chopsticks snapped into two as Sasuke choked on his tomato, her eyes shining with deadly intent as she looked at Shisui who had a hard time containing his laughter.

Mikoto, much to Sakura's horror, instantly caught on and arched a brow at her nephew, lips curling up into a smirk. "Is he now?"

Shisui nodded. "He is. You should have seen him yesterday, arms all possessively wrapped around poor little-"

Sakura jammed her broken chopstick into his thigh, effectively cutting off his ramblings as Shisui's eyes widened and flew to Sakura, who was shooting him an innocent smile.

"You were saying?"

Shisui, knowing that the glint in Sakura's eyes promised nothing but pain offered her a weak grin in return. "Are you still eating your fish?"

Mikoto chuckled at the children's antics and watched Sakura throw Shisui a dark glare in amusement. It seemed like things were going better than she had formerly anticipated and she had to admit that she couldn't be more happy.

Just then Itachi entered the kitchen and within the split of a second, chaos erupted.

Shisui's eyes brightened upon seeing his cousin and opened his mouth but before he was able to say anything, Sakura yanked him back by the back of his shirt and shoved a spoon of rice into his mouth to silence him, her elbow accidentally hitting Sasuke in the ribs, causing him to choke on another piece of tomato.

As Sasuke shakily reached out for a glass of water he accidentally knocked it over, causing the water to spill all over Sakura's white shirt.

The pinkette eeped and jumped in place at the cool sensation, hitting her knee on the table in the process as Shisui tried to swallow the rice without choking on it.

Mikoto laughed at the scene in front of her while Itachi merely arched a brow and shot his mother a questioning look who in return shook her head.

His eyes then caught Sakura seated between his little brother and cousin the room who was busy trying to dry her shirt, muttering something under her breath as her cheeks took on a light shade of pink, much to Itachi's confusion as he mildly wondered just what he had missed.

"I should probably get changed." Sakura mumbled, standing up from the table and intending to go to Sasuke's room to take one of his shirts when Itachi spoke from where he was now leaning against the door-frame.

"Take one of mine."

Sakura tensed and came to a halt behind Shisui, eyes finally snapping to Itachi who was already looking at her, eyes firm.

"No need, I'll just take one of-"

"Sakura." Itachi interrupted her, voice firm and expression serious. "You'll take mine."

Sakura clenched her jaw, Shisui's snicker fueling her annoyance as he looked at the duo in amusement. "Slept well cousin?"

Itachi narrowed his eyes at the comment and when Sakura averted her eyes from him, obviously keeping herself from kicking Shisui in the back because of Mikoto, Itachi finally understood what all of that was about.

Lips curling upwards into an amused smirk, the Uchiha heir once more caught the pinkette's eyes as he spoke.

"I don't think that I have slept this well in quite some time."

Sakura visibly stiffened upon hearing his words before she rolled her eyes, muttering something about men and their egos as she passed by Itachi without sparing him a glance and made her way upstairs to change.

Itachi looked after her, laughter sparkling in his eyes before he moved to sit down between his mother and Sasuke.

"You look well." His mother commented as she handed him a bowl filled with rice and vegetables. "Seems like Sakura-chan really did a great job at patching you up, hm?"

Itachi didn't miss the way his mother's lips curled upwards into a sly smile nor the way Shisui shot him a knowing look, urging Itachi to arch a brow as he looked at Sasuke, who merely shrugged.

"She did." Itachi confirmed as he began to eat, the soreness in his eyes still evident but not as much as before. He mostly felt exhausted and drained, most likely because of his lack of chakra and guessed that Sakura probably felt just as tired as he did, considering that she did most of the work.

Just as the thought hit him, the the pinkette once more entered the room, now dressed in a black, slightly over sized shirt as she wordlessly sat back down on her former seat and continued to eat, pointedly avoiding anyone's eye.

Itachi however noticed with great amusement that while she didn't even glance at him, she had indeed chosen to wear one of his shirts and when his eyes found Shisui's own amused ones, he smirked in content.

"Spare your smirk, Uchiha." Sakura muttered without even looking, only fueling his amusement as he chuckled lowly, confirming her suspicions. Sakura lifted her eyes to shoot him a glare but when she saw the way his eyes softened the moment they met, she didn't have the heart to stay mad at him.

And damn did he know.

Sakura shook her head as they continued to eat, the silence occasionally broken by light chatter that either Mikoto or Shisui started and Sasuke and Itachi only participated in if directly spoken to, Sakura partaking once or twice before she helped Mikoto with doing the dishes.

The two women fell into a comfortable chatter as the boys left the kitchen, Sasuke returning after ten minutes and dressed in his training attire.

"I'll be at the Training field with Kakashi if you need anything." Sasuke told his teammate just as she put the last plate into the cupboard, nodding as she turned around and pulled him into a hug that he returned with a sigh and a light pat on her back.

"Don't get your nose broken again and tell the boys I said hi." Sakura told him as she pulled back, Sasuke rolling his eyes as he nodded nonetheless and left the kitchen, leaving the two women once again alone.

"Thanks Sakura-chan, but I really could have done it alone." Mikoto insisted, but Sakura merely shook her head with a smile.

"It's the least I could do." She assured Mikoto before she glanced out of the window and saw the sun standing high in the baby blue sky, a sigh passing her lips as she realized that it was almost noon. "It's already gotten late, I should probably go back home."

"Why don't you stay for lunch? I am sure that they boys wouldn't mind." Mikoto offered, but Sakura shook her head.

"Maybe another time, I still need to talk to Tsunade about why I didn't return after my lunch break yesterday." Sakura told her, a light frown on her face as she looked at the Uchiha matriarch. "Where have they run off to anyways?"

"Shisui left five minutes ago." A voice behind her spoke, sounding much closer than she had expected and when she turned around to look at him, she almost bumped her nose against his chin as her eyes flew up in surprise.

"Do you really need to stand this close to tell me?" Sakura asked, barely noticing Mikoto giving Itachi a pat on his shoulder as she left the room, leaving her alone with him.

The Uchiha heir took a tentative step forwards at which Sakura took one back, her back hitting the kitchen counter as she eyed him warily.

Itachi merely smirked in content as he placed both of his hands on the counter, caging her in as he tilted his head aside in a way that made Sakura's heart flutter at the close proximity.

"You're coming with me."

Sakura blinked, clearly surprised by his words frowned, visibly confused. "What?"

Itachi's smirk deepened, the innocence her eyes held making him want to kiss her senseless but as he knew that she was still not ready, he elaborated. "We are going to spent the day together."

Sakura blinked, slowly processing his words before she furrowed her brows in confusion."We just found out that we are up against one of your ancestors, barely managed to get you out of his genjutsu and instead of coming up with a plan to stop him you want to spend the day together?"

Itachi merely nodded, much to Sakura's confusion as she eyed him with suspicion. "Just what is going on in that mind of yours, Uchiha?"

Itachi's smirk turned into an innocent smile and Sakura could tell that he would not reveal any more and thus, she eventually sighed.

"Fine, just let me go to my apartment first so that I can change." She yielded, but Itachi merely lifted a brow.

"Haven't you gone out in my brothers shirts before as well?" Itachi challenged, knowing very well that she did as Sakura frowned in return.

"Well, yes, but-"

"Then you'll keep mine on." Itachi announced, the finality in his tone deepening Sakura's frown and even though she opened her mouth to object, the way his eyes softened made her close it again.

"Fine." She huffed, crossing her arms above her chest as she shot him a half-hearted glare. "But don't get used to it."

Itachi chuckled in return as he moved a step back, holding out a hand to Sakura as she straightened. After warily eyeing his hand for a few moments she eventually slipped her smaller one into his, allowing herself to get pulled after Itachi as he interlaced them.

Sakura couldn't help but stare at his back in curiosity, the Uchiha crest mockingly staring back at her as she inwardly wondered just what has gotten him into such a good mood.

As they left the mansion and exited the compound, Sakura noticed that he still hadn't let go of her hand and couldn't help but look up at him in surprise.

Was he really going to walk through Konoha while holding hands with her?

That practically screamed awkward encounters and rumors that would forever haunt her.

Sakura experimentally tried to remove her hand from his but when he felt her try to pull away, he merely tightened his hold on her.

When she looked up at him with an arched brow, he merely shot her one of his infamous smirks as he lead her towards wherever he planned on taking her.

It was shortly after noon and thus, the streets were packed with people of all kinds as they either bought some food, tried to sell their goods or went on with their daily routines.

"Where are we going?" Sakura curiously asked as she noticed that he was taking her to a lesser busy part of the village that was close to the civilian district.

"You'll see soon enough." Was all he offered her, fueling her curiosity as she allowed him to guide her.

As they walked, hands intertwined Sakura couldn't help but marvel at the nice weather. The sky was a beautiful shade of baby-blue, the late summer air crisp as the sun rays warmed her skin. It was the perfect weather for a walk and even though going for a walk with Itachi wasn't really on her agenda for today, she couldn't say that she minded.

It felt strangely comfortable to have him this close to her and even though it still felt a little weird to walk around in his shirt, she figured that it wasn't much different from the times she wore Sasuke's whenever she felt lazy.

Or at least, that was what she told herself.

They continued to walk through the streets of Konoha for some more minutes before Itachi stopped in front of one of the small shops that were aligned on the street. Sakura's eyes flickered from Itachi to the sign over the door, surprise brightening them when she read where he had taken her to.

"A bookstore?" She asked, earning a curt nod from Itachi as he gently tugged her after him as he opened the creaky wooden door and entered, Sakura silently following behind.

The moment she stepped inside she was greeted by the smell of paper and ink, the bell that chimed above her ringing softly through the remotely busy store that seemed to be the size of the Hokage towers entrance hall.

Wooden bookshelves were aligned against the walls, a handful of tables and chair scattered in the room as the window opposite side of the entrance bathed the store in a warm light that instantly made one feel at home.

"Itachi-kun!" She heard a raspy voice call out, taking her by surprise as an elderly looking woman approached them, wrinkled face holding a kind smile as she looked at them. "What a nice surprise."

Itachi inclined his face, features softening as he gazed at the smaller woman that stopped in front of them. "It's been some time, Honoka-san."

"It has indeed." She agreed, her eyes then falling on Sakura as her eyes flickered in mild surprise. "And you brought company! Oh my, I didn't think that I'd live to see the day you'd take someone along, a pretty girl nonetheless."

Itachi fought the urge to roll his eyes as Sakura let out a light chuckle, already liking the old woman as she spoke. "Sakura Haruno. It's a pleasure to meet you, Honoka-san."

"The pleasure is all mine, dear." She kindly returned before her eyes once more fell on Itachi. "I assume that you want to take her to the archive?"

Itachi once more inclined his head, Honoka's eyes brightening as she chuckled. "A place that I am sure the Godaime's apprentice will find more than pleasing."

Sakura's eyes flashed with surprise. She hadn't expected the old woman to recognize her but before she was able to ask her how she knew, Itachi spoke.

"I am sure." He agreed, voice soft as he glanced down at Sakura. "Follow me."

Sakura shot Honoka one last smile that the older woman returned with a wink before she followed Itachi through the book store. He lead her towards a door that was located at the far back of the room, hidden between two bookshelves and dropped her hand when they reached it.

Sakura watched with great interest how Itachi quickly formed a row of seals, a light clicking sound reaching her ears when his fingers slipped into the last sign.

Sakura arched a brow at Itachi that he merely returned with a mild smirk as he proceeded to push the door open, Sakura following him like a shadow as they entered the room.

The pinkette couldn't help but inhale sharply at the marvelous sight that greeted her once she was inside. In comparison to the room before, this one was considerably larger, a dozen of shelves aligned to the creme-colored walls as a chandelier hung from its ceiling, the diamonds sparkling in the sunlight that filtered through the tall windows between the shelves.

Sakura turned her head to look at Itachi who was leaning with his back against the now closed door, arms crossed above his chest as he looked at her, clearly content with her reaction.

"This is the archives that contains memoirs, diaries and reports of all kind from former Shinobi and Kunoichi of the village." Itachi explained, pleased by the way Sakura's green eyes brightened up upon hearing his words. "I figured that you may like it."

"It's amazing!" Sakura breathed as she run her finger along the back of the books, excitement filling her eyes as she looked up at Itachi. "Is it really alright for me to simply look at them?"

Itachi nodded, smirk turning into a warm smile as he took in her glowing face. She looked beautiful, dressed in his shirt as her long, rosy locks cascaded over her shoulder as her delicate hand fingered one of the books thick leather cover.

"You may pick whatever one you like." Itachi told her, his velvet voice echoing through the archive. "After you finish it, you can come and may choose another."

Sakura shot him a brilliant smile, her excitement taking over as she turned to look at all the shelves that awaited her. She was sure that she would be visiting this place a lot of more times in the future and maybe, Itachi would even accompany her on a trip or two.

Her smile unconsciously brightened at the thought as she started to scan the shelves, taking out memoirs, diaries and different abandoned thesis's while Itachi calmly watched her.

It took her almost half an hour until she found one that seemingly called for her, the worn diary weighting almost nothing in her hands as she run her hand over its slightly damaged azure cover.

Reminiscence- my cursed blessing.

The cursive lettered title was neatly placed in the middle of the cover, no authors name to be found as her eyes snapped up to Itachi, lips curled upwards into a smile.

"I think that I'll take this one." She decided, earning a nod from the Uchiha heir as he pushed himself off the door and met Sakura halfway, eyes falling on the familiar diary in her hands.

He inwardly smirked at her choice, but kept his expression blank. "Good choice, I am certain that you'll enjoy reading it."

"Have you already read it?" Sakura asked as they made their way outside, Itachi gently pushing her forwards by placing his hand on her lower back.

"Once." He admitted as he heard the door behind him click shut, the seal activating once more as they approached the front counter.

"Really?" Sakura asked, mildly surprised as she glanced up at him. "Didn't take you as one who enjoyed philosophy."

Itachi turned his head to meet her gaze, onyx eyes shining in a mysterious light as the corner of his lips tugged upwards. "Among others."

Sakura huffed out of amusement as they reached Honoka, the elderly woman greeting her with an amiable smile before her eyes fell on the book in Sakura's hands, eyes flickering with content.

"Well chosen, dear." She noted, nodding her head in approval as her brown orbs knowingly glanced at Itachi. "Did you recommend it to her?"

"She chose it herself." He informed her, causing Honoka to chuckle lightly as she turned to look at the clueless pinkette.

"Your first time here and you already chose his favorite book." She remarked, exhaling a pleased breath as she looked at the couple in front of her. "You really are a nice match for our Itachi."

Sakura could already picture Itachi's smug expression without even having to look at him and, not knowing what she should reply to such a compliment, merely set on inclining her head with a smile.

"We'll return once she finished reading it." Itachi informed Honoka, Sakura not missing the way he indicated that he would accompanying her once more in the future as she was suddenly aware of his strong hand resting innocently on her back.

"I look forward to it." Honoka spoke, voice soft as she looked at Sakura. "Keep an eye on him, will you? He can be quite a troublemaker at times."

Itachi's expression remained impassive whereas Sakura couldn't help but chuckle at her comment. "I assure you, I am very much aware of his tendency to attract trouble wherever he goes."

"Sounds familiar." She heard him mumble in return, making her roll her eyes as Honoka let out a raspy laugh.

"Well then children, I won't keep you any longer." She chuckled, shooting the two a wink. "Enjoy your day."

"It was nice meeting you, Honoka-san!" Sakura called with a wave of her hand as Itachi lead her out of the bookstore, hand still on her back.

When they once more found themselves in front of the bookstore, Sakura turned to look up at Itachi with a radiant smile, the book carefully placed in one of her weapon-holders pockets.

"Well, that was nice." Sakura said, eyes sparkling in a way Itachi couldn't get enough of. "So, where to next?"

Itachi felt his insides warm at her obvious delight, glad that he was the cause for it as he removed his hand from her back to extend it once more.

This time Sakura slipped her hand into his without a second thought, the feeling of his bigger hand holding hers causing her heart to flutter as she allowed him to lead her towards their next destination.

They spent the walk in a comfortable silence as they made their way towards Konoha's market, slipping into the crowd without gaining too much attention.

Itachi made sure to to tighten his hand on Sakura so that they wouldn't get parted, the pinkette trailing after him feeling more at ease knowing that they were easily blending in with the crowd and not gaining too much attention.

"Thief!" A woman suddenly shrieked, hands flying in the air in panic as Sakura caught sight of a man darting away from the apple stand, a pink fluffy handbag in his hands that didn't look like it belonged to him.

Sakura turned her head to look at Itachi, onyx eyes already looking at her as her lips curled upwards into a smirk. "Wanna bet who catches him first?"

Itachi mirrored her smirk and hummed in agreement, eyes shining at the challenge. "Depends on the reward."

Sakura rolled her eyes, a light grin on her lips as she tilted her head aside. "I am sure that the winner will think of something nice."

Itachi looked down at the medic with a spark in his eyes that Sakura knew meant trouble. His eyes darkened as they dropped to her lips before they once more caught hers, his smirk deepening as he saw her eyes narrow. "Certainly."

Sakura moved the instant he did, both turning into a blur as they raced towards their unknowing target.

The pinkette felt the familiar rush of adrenaline run through her veins as she exited the crowd and jumped onto the nearby roof, eyes never leaving the thief that was now running towards the more run down district of Konoha.

The moment he rounded a corner however, two more figures joined him to run alongside him, each holding a bag of their own that caused Sakura to arch a brow.

Seems like they worked in a team.

Sakura increased her speed so that she was slightly ahead of them, eyes never leaving the trio as she jumped down from the roof and landed in front of them with the grace of a cat, successfully making them stop with a surprised yelp.

"Hey guys." She greeted, one hand placed on her hip as her pink lips twisted into a charming smile. "I think you got something that doesn't belong to you."

The trio narrowed their eyes at Sakura as two of them exchanged a weary glance, the third, blonde-haired one openly glaring at her. "Get out of our way, doll. Wouldn't want to get your pretty face messed up, would you?"

Sakura lifted her brow at his blunt threat, clearly amused as she caught sight of a black blur on the roof next to her, smile turning into a grin as she looked at the blonde. "I wouldn't worry about that. Now, how about you spare me the work and just hand over the bags?"

The blonde merely snickered in return, obviously unaware of whom he was up against as he taunted. "I'm sorry doll-face, but can't do." His eyes then darkened as he smirked. "If you want them so badly, how about you come with me? I am sure that I can show you a lot of nicer things than this bag."

Sakura could practically feel Itachi's aura flare up, a light laugh escaping her at the naive male in front of her before she sighed.

"I'm afraid that I can't do that." She told him with feigned disappointment, emerald eyes catching onyx behind the trio as she sighed. "There's someone I promised to spend the day with."

"So?" The blonde asked with a smug smirk, unaware of the pair of black orbs that was boring into the back of his skull. "I am sure that whoever they are won't be able to give you as much as a good time as I can."

Sakura's eyes sparked with amusement. She almost felt bad for these idiots but then again, they should have known better than to steal in the first place.

"What do you say, Hokage-sama?" Sakura called, profusely enjoying the way they visibly tensed, the duo's eyes widening in fear as they felt a rather powerful chakra signature behind them flare to life. "Should I take on their offer?"

Itachi's blank expression didn't falter as he looked straight at the blonde, eyes flickering with mild amusement as he took in his suddenly stiff posture, all signs of his former cockiness gone.

"There's no need." He spoke, voice low yet firm. "Allow me to show you how you give a kunoichi a good time."

He moved faster than the eye could see and Sakura instantly followed suit, not wanting to let him win as they charged at the trio that was anything but prepared.

The moment Sakura and Itachi vanished from sight, they broke into a run, each into a different direction in a rather futile attempt to escape.

Sakura grinned as she darted after the one that looked like he would pass out of fear any second, jumping into the air and effortlessly kicking him in his back.

The brunette landed face-first on the dirt, all air leaving his lungs as his wide, fear stricken eyes lifted to see a smug looking Sakura stand in front of him, a yellow bag dangling from her hand as she shot him a wink.

"Thanks for that."

A yell a couple of meters away then caught her attention and Sakura looked to the right just in time to see a horrified looking red-head scramble onto his feet, the blue bag he formerly carried nowhere in sight as he rushed past her with a whimper.

Sakura run a hand through her long pink hair as she caught sight of Itachi exiting a nearby alley and the moment their eyes met, they sparked as a silent message passed between them.

Sakura slung the bag over her shoulder the moment Itachi did and within the split of a second, they disappeared into a blur, taking off into the direction where the arrogant blonde had taken off into.

The pinkette grinned with glee as she caught sight of the blonde rounding a corner, the pink bag in his hand briefly entering her sight as she run after him, all of her senses on high alert.

She easily caught up with him, years of training lending her the speed she needed and once she was only inches away from him, her fingers already brushing against his collar a wooden chair slammed sideways into him, effectively knocking him against the wall of the alley with a pained yelp.

Sakura didn't waste her time by turning her head to look where the chair had come from and instead, stalked towards the blonde that was slowly moving onto his knees with a groan and a rather bloody nose.

The sound of her sandals clicking filled the now silent alley as she closed in on him, a victorious smile on her lips as she crouched down to snatch the pink bag from him.

The blonde opened his eyes to look at the pink-haired beauty, her raven-haired shadow leaning against the opposite wall of the alley as he watched him with sharp black eyes.

He knew that he was not going to get out of this one.

"You should really take on his advice." Sakura's lips curled upwards into a smug smirk. "This is how you give a girl a nice time."

The pinkette then moved to stand up and made her way back towards Itachi, eyes gleaming as she barely heard the blonde behind her move and make a run for it.

"That was fun!" She exclaimed, emerald eyes shining with glee as Itachi pushed himself off the wall. Leave it to Sakura to enjoy chasing down criminals and thieves.

"Hn." Itachi softly agreed, moving towards her. "Let's return these bags to their owners."

Sakura nodded and, to his mild surprise, grabbed his hand before he could even offer it to her, a dazzling smile on her lips as she led him out of the alley.

"Of course Hokage-sama." Sakura teased, his blank face that followed her words earning him a chuckle from the pinkette.

Shaking his head lightly at her, he gently squeezed her hand as they walked back towards the market to return the stolen bags to their owners.

After that was done, the duo proceeded to walk towards the park that was near the cemetery, stopping by one of the food courts to get themselves something to eat.

"So, the fearsome Uchiha Itachi has a sweet tooth?" Sakura commented, taking a bite off of her dango as she glanced at Itachi, who had already finished his and was now silently walking beside her. "How interesting."

Itachi merely shrugged as they walked by the small steam of water that was running through the park, the sky turning a beautiful mixture of orange and pink as the sun slowly started to set. They had spent most of the day in each others company and Sakura had to admit that she really enjoyed this day so far.

It was the first time that they spent time together without worrying about anything, stressing about tasks that needed to be done or with one of them injured.

Sakura glanced at Itachi and couldn't help but feel a wave of warmth rush over her at his peaceful expression and before she could stop herself, she spoke.

"You look happy."

Itachi turned his head to look at her as they continued to stroll through the park, the pinkette having now also finished her Dango as he gazed at her for a long moment.

"I am happy." Itachi confirmed, onyx eyes shining with honesty as Sakura found herself captivated by them.

"How?" She softly wondered, genuinely curious. "With all that's going on, how can you be happy?"

Itachi stopped in the middle on the small bridge that they were passing, causing Sakura to halt as well as he looked at her, expression serious.

"I don't allow my happiness to be dependent on the bad things that are going on my life, I make it dependent on the good things." He started, voice firm as he looked down at the very woman that managed to become that very happiness. The one that he would never let go of, regardless of how bad the darkness in his life might try to claim it. "I am happy because of you, the only good thing I have left in this life and as long as I have this one thing, I will be happy regardless of how many things may go on."

Sakura felt her heart painfully clench at his words, the sincerity in his voice causing a shiver to run over her skin as she looked up at him. The way his black eyes were shining in the soft light the descending sun cast over his face increased the warmth that settled in her stomach and Sakura hesitantly reached out to rest her palm against his cheek, emerald orbs glowing in the light as her heart fluttered inside her chest.

She could instantly feel him relax under her touch and Sakura couldn't help but wonder how she was able to have such an effect on Konoha's most feared Shinobi.

"How?" She asked, voice barely above a whisper as she helplessly looked into his eyes. "All I did so far was increase the burden on your shoulders."

Itachi's eyes narrowed as he used his free hand to rest it against the base of her neck. "If anything, you lessened it."

Sakura frowned ever so lightly and opened her mouth to protest when Itachi let go of her hand and used that moment to push her forward and captured her lips in his.

Sakura lightly gasped against his lips out of surprise but within a second, she relaxed in his hold and kissed him back.

His lips were firm against hers and Sakura found herself melting against them, her heart fluttering in her chest as she felt him pull her tighter against him.

The Uchiha heir savored the sweet taste of her lips, the way she almost instantly relaxed in his arms filling him with content as he reluctantly pulled back and leaned his forehead against hers, eyes hard.

Sakura opened her eyes to reveal dazed green orbs, brows furrowed in confusion as to why he suddenly pulled away before she felt his hand on her neck gently nudge her closer towards him, their lips almost brushing against another as he spoke.

"Never doubt the influence you have on me, Sakura." Itachi sternly ordered, velvet voice rough as his eyes bore into hers.

Sakura let out a shaky breath, taken aback by the sudden intensity in his eyes as she felt the air between him become more intense.

"How?" Was all that managed to pass her lips, but Itachi instantly understood and softly moved his hand from her neck to caress her cheek instead.

How can I keep you happy if all I do is make things worse?

"Don't go." He told her, expression dead serious as he looked straight into her. "Stay."

Sakura felt her heart skip a painful beat at his demand and looked at him for a long moment, all of her previous fears having dissolved into thin air as she heard him utter his request.

A request that she was more than willing to fulfill.

When she felt his grip on her waist slowly slacken, she realized that he must have taken her silence as hesitation and Sakura allowed her lips to curl upwards into a soft smile.

"Of course." She mumbled, feeling her heart flutter in her chest as she leaned forwards to gently press her lips against his. She instantly felt Itachi capture hers in return, this time not holding back as he kissed her with an urgency that made her knees buckle.

He could feel her smile softly against his lips and right then, Itachi felt like he had everything one could want right then and there in his arms.

And he would be damned if he'd let anyone take it away from him.

"Oh my god, Sakura!"

Unfortunately, it seemed like he hadn't taken everything into consideration, or rather everyone.

Sakura tensed in his arms, the familiar voice causing the blood in her veins to freeze as she pulled away from Itachi and turned her head to find the last two people she could possibly want to catch them like this.

"Ino?"

Said blonde merely stared at them with wide eyes and mouth hanging wide open in shock as Shisui used his free hand to fist-pump the air in glee, a triumphant shout of "finally!" following as his other arm was wrapped around Ino's shoulder in a way that seemed rather intimate.

She could feel Itachi pull her closer, causing her to glance up at him just in time to catch the flicker of annoyance in his eyes upon being interrupted, the way he fought the corner of his lips to tug upwards however giving away his amusement.

"Yamanaka-san." He coolly returned, feeling Sakura tense even further in his arms as his eyes slid to his older cousin. "Shisui."

Sakura could practically feel the irritation radiate off Ino in waves as she shrugged Shisui's arm off of her and marched towards Sakura, completely ignoring Itachi as she grabbed her best friend by her upper arm and yanked her out of Itachi's arms.

The pinkette let out a startled yelp and shot Itachi a helpless glance that he merely returned with a smirk, leaving her to shoot him a look of betrayal before she looked at the back of Ino's blonde head that was currently dragging her off the bridge and away from the Uchiha duo.

"Ino, what are you-"

"One more word forehead and there will be blood."

Sakura instantly shut her mouth, knowing better than to irritate Ino any further. Throwing one last helpless look over her shoulder at the Uchiha males that were watching them leave with obvious amusement, Sakura pouted and mentally prepared herself for what was bound to come.

Shisui's laughter followed them out of the park as Sakura silently followed Ino until she found herself pushed onto a random bench, a furious looking Ino glaring down at her as she gritted her teeth.

Sakura, knowing that caution was required offered Ino a weak smile. "Ino, I can expla-"

"You are having a steamy office affair with the Hokage and didn't tell me?" The blonde screeched, and Sakura paled as random by passers looked at them with funny expressions.

The pinkette groaned, hiding her face behind her hands as she inwardly cursed Itachi for putting her into such a position in the first place.

And that guy even had the nerve to simply hand her over to Ino despite of knowing that she would most likely skin her alive.

Traitor.

"Ino!" Sakura wailed, obviously not in the mood for fighting with her. "I am not having a steamy office affair with Itachi!"

"Oh, really?" Ino huffed, eyes burning as she glared down at Sakura. "Could have fooled me with the way you were practically sucking each others face off!"

"Pig!" Sakura hissed, clearly embarrassed by the looks they received. "It's nothing like that!"

Ino snorted as she crossed her arms above her chest and impatiently tapped her foot on the ground. "What exactly is it then?"

"It's way more complicated than that!" Sakura insisted, a sigh following her words as she slumped back into the bench, all of sudden feeling the weight of what happened settle over her.

With a sigh, she started to explain.

She told Ino everything, started by the teasing, the growing tension and affection, him telling her his intentions to make her his and ending with what had just happened.

By the end of the story Ino seemed visibly calmer and even though she was still slightly pissed that Sakura didn't tell her any of that sooner and that she had to find out by stumbling across them, Ino knew that her friend had her reasons and that she couldn't really blame her considering that all of it happened not too long ago and was rather fresh.

"I just didn't want anyone to know before we figured out what we had and what we wanted for the future." Sakura finished, the exasperation in her voice audible as Ino shot her friend a sympathetic look.

"So, you guys are an item now." Ino more stated than asked, and Sakura couldn't help but feel herself flush lightly under her friends scrutinizing eyes.

"I guess." Sakura mumbled, slightly embarrassed as she looked up at Ino with a sigh. "Happy now?"

Ino continued to look down at Sakura with hard eyes and a blank expression before she suddenly let out a high-pitched squeal and tugged Sakura up so that she could engulf her friend into a tight hug.

"Sakura Haruno, you are finally dating someone and on top of it all, it's the freaking hotter than hell Hokage!" Ino shouted, the happiness in her voice clearly audible. "Girl you hit the jackpot!"

Sakura felt the air leave her lungs from the pressure that Ino used to hug her and couldn't help but roll her eyes at her friends antics before she hugged her back, chest warming as she found herself smiling along with Ino.

It seemed like things may go better than planned after all.

X

The next afternoon, Sakura smiled as she walked through the corridors of the Hospital. She just finished a rather complicated surgery together with Shizune and was on her way back to her office to take a quick nap and reload her chakra until her next surgery in an hour when someone called for her.

"Haruno-san!"

The voice echoed through the corridors of the third floor as Sakura's head snapped upwards from where she was passing the reception desk. A nurse was approaching her, a concerned frown on his face that had Sakura frown.

"Kiro-kun, what's the matter?" Sakura asked, unable to recall the last time she had seen him so tense, the young male stopping in front of her as she noticed the way he was holding onto the patients chart to the point that his knuckles turned white.

"There is someone waiting for you in your office." He told her, sounding rather nervous as Sakura arched a brow, lips pursing into a thin line. She didn't have any appointments left and couldn't recall expecting any visitors, and judging by the expression on Kiro's face it seemed to be someone rather important.

"Alright, thanks Kiro-kun." Sakura told the young male with a small smile before she continued to walk down the corridor, aware of the concerned looks that were being sent her way.

It didn't take her long until she reached the corridor that led towards her office and when she spotted two root guards in front of her door, she felt herself tense.

That explained Kiro's reaction.

Sakura frowned, allowing her displeasure to show as she approached her office with confident strides, the sound of her heels hitting the marble floor echoing through the corridor and instantly gaining the guards attention.

"Gentlemen." Sakura greeted with a curt nod of her head that they returned, stepping aside to let her through.

She didn't bother to put in her pass code, knowing that Kiro had most likely let her visitor in already and merely pushed her door open to enter.

The moment the door to her office swung open and revealed her visitor standing by the window, his back facing her, Sakura felt the air in her office grow palpably tense.

Just whom she needed.

The pinkette closed the door behind her and remained standing in the entrance of her office, eyes fixed on her guest as she felt a wave of apprehension overcome her.

"Shimura-san." Sakura greeted, her voice polite yet expression stern. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Danzo turned around from where he was standing in the window, hands clasped behind his back as he looked at Sakura with a small smile.

"Haruno-san." He returned, his raspy voice causing goosebumps to cover her skin. "It's been some time."

Sakura nodded but remained silent, deciding against commenting that it's been a rather nice while without him as she forced her expression to remain blank and professional.

Danzo didn't seem to mind for he allowed his eyes to roam her office, humming lowly in what Sakura assumed he thought was appreciation but the kunoichi knew that he was looking for anything that may pose to be a problem.

Like cameras.

"I know that you are not appreciating my visit." Danzo started, and Sakura had to fight the smirk that tugged at her lips. "But I have a reason for being here."

Sakura lifted a brow and heard the door behind her open, the two guards entering her office moving to silently stand behind her, Danzo's eyes finally falling on her once more.

"Haruno Sakura, we would like you to come with us for a small questioning at the Root Headquarters." Danzo announced, and this time Sakura didn't bother to conceal the suspicion that flashed in her eyes.

"A questioning?" Sakura dryly returned, eyes narrowing. "For what reason?"

Danzo's lips quirked upwards into a smug smirk, eyes shining in content as he spoke. "We have reasons to believe that you are misusing the power your position provides you with and disclose information of Konoha to individuals that wish to use it against the village."

Sakura looked at Danzo as if he'd grown a second head, the disbelief in her eyes clearly visible before her anger sparked.

"This is ridiculous." She declared, temper sparking as she looked at Danzo. "These accusations are unfounded and groundless."

Danzo seemed rather unbothered by her words and merely furrowed his brows in return. "Our sources have the needed proofs to back up our claims. We just want to clear up any misunderstandings before things may get out of hand, so I'd advise you to accompany us to Roots Headquarters so that this issue will be swiftly solved."

Sakura balled her fists, rage gripping her as she glared at Danzo. She was highly aware that the two guards behind her were prepared to take her by force if she refused, as well as the fact that Danzo was doing this for his own, personal reasons that she had yet to figure out.

She realized that this may be the perfect opportunity to find out just what Danzo's role in this was and with some luck, she may even be able to get her hands on some information that could burden him.

That still didn't mean that she would give into his ridiculous demands and go with them simply because he wanted to.

"What if I refuse?" Sakura calmly returned, arching a brow at his smugness. "You can't just barge into my office, throw some baseless accusations at me and expect me to follow you."

"If you don't cooperate you, we will be forced to make this issue bigger until you decide to cooperate." Danzo firmly returned, and Sakura's green eyes narrowed into dangerous slits.

"You dare threaten me in my very own office?" Sakura asked, her voice a mixture of disbelief and anger as she huffed. "You really are a fool if you think that anyone would believe your ridiculous accusations, especially the Rokudaime as well as the Godaime Hokage."

Danzo's eyes sparked at her words, the challenge obviously fueling his amusement as he lowly chuckled. "You have neglected to think about the Rokudaime's image once Konoha's citizens find out that he provided you with the information you disclosed due to your rather personal relationship. Do you think Konoha's citizens would look kindly on that?"

Sakura stiffened at his words, heart plummeting downwards as her face fell. Realization of what exactly his plan was hit her with full force and even though she wanted to do nothing more than to break his nose for his audacity, she knew that he had her cornered.

And he knew that as well as she did.

Sakura clenched her jaw, emerald eyes shining with disgust as she regarded Danzo with a long, heavy glare.

"You really think you got it all figured out, do you?" Sakura spoke, voice barely above a whisper as her expression sobered. "I know why you want him gone so bad, and believe me when I say that you are just wasting your time. No one will ever believe you, nor will anyone ever support you in what you plan to do."

Danzo's expression turned serious as his eyes narrowed, her words having seemingly struck a cord. "Will you willingly accompany us, Haruno-san, or do we have to take you by force?"

Sakura held her chin high, face blank as she squarely looked at the council member with poorly hidden aversion in her eyes. "I'll be allowed to leave as soon as the questioning is over?"

Danzo nodded. "We will just ask you some question. There are no charges that will be pressed if you answer them all to our satisfaction."

Sakura inwardly huffed, knowing that there were no charges to press in the first placer and that all of this was just one huge bluff but for the sake of Itachi, she would be willing to play along Danzo's little game for now.

She didn't want to cause him any more trouble by being involved in some nasty rumor that may make people question him, especially after everything he did for the village.

So with a heavy sigh, and a glare directed at the smirking Danzo opposite of her, she relented.

"Alright, I agree to the questioning."

X

Itachi was sitting behind his desk, the genin team in front of him shifting uncomfortably under his gaze.

The trio just returned from their first mission and now had to give their report, their team leader looking almost as nervous as they did.

"You failed." Itachi stated, instantly picking up the way the two boys straightened and the young girl continued to shift her weight from side to side without looking up at him.

"Yes, Hokage-sama." Their team leader, a young male not older than twenty-six stiffly returned, eyes fixed on the window behind Itachi.

Itachi fought the urge to sigh at the nervous male and turned to look at the young genin girl that refused to look at him.

Her red hair was pulled back into a small braid, blue eyes stubbornly fixed on the ground as she bit on her lower lip.

His eyes then slid over to the two boys, the brunette boy looking as if he would wet himself any moment whereas the black-haired boy that he recognized to be of his clan looked at him in shame.

"Why did you fail?" Itachi asked, his question pointedly directed at the young children that had them tense and exchange uncertain looks.

They obviously didn't like the idea of betraying one another other by giving away who was at fault for their failed mission, Itachi mildly noted in content, before the young girl eventually spoke up.

"I got caught." She admitted in a whisper, keeping her eyes fixed on the ground in shame. "The dogs noticed me but I wasn't fast enough."

Itachi nodded, already knowing the reson from their sensei's mission report as he intertwined his hands in front of him. His eyes then slid to the blonde boy who paled at suddenly being the newfound center of attention.

"You tried to divert their attention." Itachi said, at what the blonde swiftly nodded. Itachi hummed and looked at the young Uchiha next. "And you tried to get the object into safety."

"Yes, Hokage-sama." The black-haired boy returned, his voice soft as she looked at Itachi with a small frown.

Itachi looked at the young team in front of him, his stern expression betrayed by the satisfaction in his eyes.

"You did well."

The trio's head snapped up to look at Itachi in surprise, clearly having expected anything but to get praised.

"You wanted to ensure your teammate's safety while trying to successfully complete the mission." Itachi recalled, eyes turning to look from one genin to the other. "You may have failed the mission, but not your teammate."

The trio exchanged surprised looks, the weight of Itachi's words settling over them as the young girl eventually broke into a small smile.

Itachi then looked at their sensei who looked visibly relieved and fixed him with a stern expression. "I want you to train their stamina and expect better results on their next mission."

"Yes, Hokage-sama!"

Itachi nodded, satisfied as a knock suddenly echoed through the office before the wide doors flew open before he had the chance to allow them to enter. The Uchiha narrowed his eyes at the sudden intrusion, remembering to have told the guards to keep anyone from entering but when he saw just who it was that entered, he frowned.

"Godaime-sama." He acknowledged, instantly noticing that her face held the very same frown his held. Itachi turned to look at the shinobi and dismissed him with a nod, the team leader instantly doing as told and motioning for his team to leave the office.

The young girl shot Itachi one last grateful smile over her shoulder that he returned with a softening of his eyes, their sensei bowing deeply to Tsunade on his way out that she returned with a nod before the door finally closed, leaving the former and the current Hokage on their own.

Tsunade sighed as she looked at Itachi, expression grave and eyes sparkling with anger as she looked at the Rokudaime with a look that he didn't like the least.

"We got a problem."

Itachi in return thinned his lips, frown deepening as he felt a sense of apprehension overcome him. It had to be quite the problem if Tsunade personally sought him out and for the split of a moment, a flash of pink entered his vision.

"Sakura." Itachi instantly spoke, the name leaving his lips before he could stop himself and when he saw Tsunade's honey orbs darken, he tensed.

"She's been absent from the hospital without notice for at least three hours." Tsunade explained, voice firm. "A nurse informed me about her absence and told me that no one has seen her ever since her visitors left."

Itachi's eyes flashed dangerously, the blood in his veins growing hot as his gaze sharpened. "Visitors?"

Tsunade pursed her lips and nodded grimly as she looked him straight in the eye, knowing that her next words would open a whole new string of problems for them.

"Danzo got her."

Itachi saw red.

X

Sakura was seated on the metal chair in the middle of the otherwise empty room, Danzo circling her like an animal would its prey.

Sakura openly glared at him, tired of sitting in this chair for the past hour and answering questions that were in no way related to their accusations.

So far, he only wanted her to verify past mission-related information that could easily be found in any of her reports, but Sakura kept her answers as curt as possible nonetheless.

She knew that this was only a preparation for the real questioning, but Sakura was ready for anything that he may throw at her. She wouldn't be a kunoichi if she couldn't handle a questioning without giving any real information away.

"You know Hoshigaki Kisame." Danzo suddenly spoke, and Sakura inwardly smirked.

So now the real questioning begun.

The pinkette's face remained impassive, her eyes lazily following Danzo when he stopped in front of her, no doubt trying to read her expression when Sakura gave him a curt nod.

"I have seen his profile in the Bingo Book before." She told him, the lie leaving her lips without any hesitation as she held Danzo's gaze, who in return narrowed his eyes.

"You have met up with him during the Hokage's latest mission that you accompanied him on." Danzo once more tried, but Sakura merely narrowed her eyes in feigned confusion.

"Of what use would meeting up with a criminal be?" She drily asked, and Danzo frowned.

"Disclosure of information, to name one," He returned, and Sakura fought the urge to sigh. For being a council member he certainly lacked questioning techniques required for getting any information out of a kunoichi her level.

"Neither the Hokage nor I have encountered any criminals on our last mission." Sakura calmly returned, her words curt yet firm. "We didn't disclose any information, and the only thing we found were the dead bodies of our men. There was no trace of a hideout."

Danzo's frown deepened, seemingly disgruntled but he continued to stare her down nonetheless. "How do you think did our men get killed then?"

Sakura narrowed her brows at the question. "They each had Chakra scalpels stuck in their bodies, so it's safe to assume that their killers are the same as the ones that attacked the others."

"So you mean to say that the rumors regarding the hideout may have been true and that when they went after them, they alarmed our enemy enough to leave?" Danzo summarized, earning a curt nod from Sakura in return.

"That would be the only logical explanation." Sakura confirmed, and she could tell that Danzo didn't like that she managed to evade the topic regarding Kisame so easily.

"Very well then." Danzo muttered, holding his arms behind his back as he once more started to circle her. "So you think that rather than giving them information, you are one of their targets?"

Sakura's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Considering that I got poisoned, attacked at the hospital and broken into my apartment, it wouldn't be too far fetched to assume that."

"Aren't you and the Godaime the only ones to be able to access the Hospitals security wards?" Danzo inquired, and Sakura fixed him with a light frown. "So it's improbable that someone would be able to break through them without getting some help from the inside."

"Even our wards have weaknesses that can be breached if one invests enough time by looking into them." Sakura returned, temper sparking. "As you probably know, whoever planned the attack must have done so for month. The attackers hide-outs, the security breach as well as their targets, it was all carefully planned."

Danzo hummed lowly, seemingly not too convinced by her words. "Why would they waste their time in attacking someone as insignificant like the Hokage's advisor then? They could have targeted the Godaime, or even the Rokudaime himself."

Sakura forced her expression once more to conceal the anger that she felt running through her veins upon realizing what he was indicating and looked Danzo straight in the eye. "You think that I have helped them with the attack to gain Mikoto-sama's and the Rokudaime's trust."

Danzo couldn't help the small smile that took over his lips as she spoke. "Did you?"

Sakura clenched her fist that was innocently resting on her lap, the mere question itself enough to make her want to punch his smug smile of his lips for even suggesting something as offending and disgusting as that.

"I never did anything that may have aided anyone in harming Konoha or its citizens, nor do I plan on doing so." Sakura returned, voice grave as she held Danzo's gaze. "I would never betray the village, nor others trust in me."

She could easily see the irritation spark in his gaze at the honesty in her voice, and Sakura wondered just when he would get the hint and realize that all of this was just a waste of time.

"Would you now?" Danzo challenged, voice having dropped a few octaves as he looked her deep in the eye. "Even if it would be for the sake of both yours and your loved ones safety?"

Sakura tensed, his tone causing goosebumps to cover her skin. Something about the way his dark eyes glistened in the dim light that filled the gray-colored interrogation room didn't sit well with her, and Sakura feared that the way the temperature in the room palpably dropped was anything but a good sign.

"Is that a threat?" Sakura scowled, but Danzo in return merely tilted his head aside.

"It's a question." Danzo smugly returned, obviously pleased by her reaction. "Would a kunoichi of your rank and position go as far as to betray her own village if it meant protecting her loved ones?"

Sakura knew that this was the question he had been wanting to ask her for probably quite some time and yet, she couldn't help but feel like any answer she may give have consequences that, in the end, would come to haunt her.

"Any threat to my loved ones is also a threat to the village, as well as the other way around." Sakura declared, voice firm as her emerald eyes burned with determination. She knew that he realized that her words were directed at him, and by the way his smirk only widened, he had already expected her answer. "I will do anything in my power to get rid of anything that may pose a threat to either the village or my loved ones."

A heavy silence followed her words, the weight they carried settling over them like a thick blanket as they firmly held one another's gaze, neither willing to break it.

A low, raspy chuckle eventually broke the tense silence and Danzo shook his head, obviously humored by the pink-haired kunoichi in front of him.

"It would be easier if you wouldn't." Danzo commented, taking one step closer to Sakura, the glint in his eyes darkening as Sakura narrowed her eyes. "Sometimes, what you may consider a threat is only the consequence of one's own foolish actions."

Sakura instantly got the hint and arched a daring brow. "So you are chastising me for accepting the offer of being the Hokage's advisor?"

Danzo's expression turned innocent as he hummed lowly. "One could never punish you for becoming the Hokage's advisor." His expression then darkened. "However, any actions you take in that position that any of us don't approve of may be chastised if we ever deem it fit."

Upon hearing his words, Sakura let out a disbelieving huff. "You are giving yourself too much credit, Shimura-san. The only one capable of doing so is the Hokage, it would do you well to remember your position."

Danzo's eyes flashed dangerously in the dim light as his lips tilted downwards, her words having seemingly hit home. "You underestimate me, Haruno-san. In time, your ties to the Rokudaime will bring you nothing but misfortune, but you will soon come to realize that yourself."

"I think that we are done here." Sakura snapped, rising from her seat so that she was standing in front of Danzo, the deadly frown on her face enough to chill the air in the room. "My personal life is not up for discussion. I answered everything you wanted to know, and I think we can both agree that any of these accusations are invalid."

Danzo's expression remained grim, but eventually the council member realized that any further questions would be pointless and gave Sakura a nod, lifting a hand to signalize his guards to open the doors.

They instantly did as told and with one last glare directed at Danzo, the pinkette wasted no time and strode out of the room, failing to catch the way his lips curled upwards into a satisfied smirk that promised trouble.

X

Itachi strode into Roots Headquarters despite of the guards attempts to stop him and grabbed the closest one by the neck, slamming him roughly against the wall as his eyes flashed dangerously in the low light.

"Where is she?" He muttered, voice dangerously low as he squeezed the guards throat. It wasthe middle of the night and so far, he had turned the entire village upside down with the help of Kakashi and some other members of Anbu in hoped of finding Sakura while Tsunade decided to stay behind in case she would return to the hospital.

He had saved Roots Headquarters for last, knowing that if he were to barge in there without having looked everywhere else for the pinkette first, Danzo would not let him in or tell him anything in the first place.

As much as he hated it, Root was Danzo's territory and even though he was the Hokage, he knew that the members of roots loyalty was first and foremost to Danzo.

It was something that he had been trying to change for the past months but judging by the way the blank-faced shinobi in his grip remained silent, he would probably have to hurry up.

Knowing that it would only be a waste of time to try and get something out of him, Itachi tossed him aside and continued to stalk deeper into the building, his strides filled with purpose and eyes shining with deadly intent.

He should have known that Danzo would only cause trouble, his aversion towards Sakura more than clear ever since she was named his advisor but he had not expected the council member to be so bold as to take her.

Itachi's frown deepened.

He would pay for it, and as soon as Itachi had gathered all the evidence he needed, he would ensure Danzo's downfall. The council member had tested his patience for too long and even though many already doubted Danzo's motives and actions, Itachi couldn't just remove him from the council without having any evidence.

It seemed, however, that he kept on adding reasons on Itachi's list by himself so that did spare him some work.

When Itachi was about to throw the doors that lead towards the main hall open, guards rushed to block his way, dozen of shinobi circling him with their emotionless eyes.

Itachi's frown deepened as he stopped, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the building coming to an halt creating an eery silence that followed.

"I thought that I have made myself clear the last time, Shimura." Itachi spoke, his voice low and the threat clearly audible as it echoed through the wide, dark corridors.

For a moment, there was silence and Itachi felt his irritation spark when Danzo finally spoke.

"She's not here anymore." He revealed, and Itachi narrowed his eyes, not bothering to turn around to face him. "I assume that she returned to the hospital."

Itachi frowned, suspicion shining brightly in his onyx eyes as he stared at the guards that were blocking his way. "She was never supposed to be here in the first place."

He heard Danzo shift from where he was standing s couple of feet behind him, shielded by his guards. "She may require your presence at the Hospital, Hokage-sama."

Itachi's eyes sparked and within the blink of the eye, he was holding Danzo up by the throat, blank expression replaced by one filled with cold anger. He could hear the guards move and feel the tips of their weapons brush against his back, but Itachi paid them no mind and kept his attention solely focused on the male.

Danzo's dry smile was enough to rouse his anger, his concern for the medic growing and when he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper and yet deep enough to chill one to the bone, his deadly intent was more than audible.

"What did you do?"

X

It was almost midnight when Sakura finally returned to the hospital, the day's events occupying her mind as she made her way towards her office. She was wide awake, sleep the last thing on her mind as she intended to take her mind off of Danzo's words by the one thing she was best at.

Healing people.

"Haruno!"

Sakura's head snapped upwards at the shout and when she saw a livid-looking Tsunade stalk towards her, she inwardly sighed. Could her day get any worse?

"Tsunade-shishou." Sakura returned, sounding more exhausted than she expected to be when the blonde sanin stopped in front of her with concerned, honey orbs.

"Are you alright?" She asked, frowning as she looked the pinkette over, expression still holding anger as her honey eyes snapped upwards to catch Sakura's mildly confused gaze.

"I am." She returned, her voice laced with the same confusion that filled her eyes. "Is something the matter?"

Tsunade narrowed her eyes as she looked at her apprentice. The young girl looked quite troubled but other than that, she seemed to be in a good condition, much to her relief. One never knew with Danzo and the mere fact that Sakura returned this fast, unharmed nonehteless, was a pleasant and unexpected surprise.

"I know where you've been." Tsunade revealed, her voice firm and yet not unkind. "We've been looking for you."

Sakura's eyes widened for the split of a second before they softened, guilt clouding them. "I am sorry shishou, I didn't mean to worry you. It was rather unexpected and I didn't really have a choice other than to go." She apologized, as an afterthought adding, "I am fine."

Tsunade sighed, unable to blame the girl for something that she had no say in. "It's not your fault. Let's go to my office so that I can tell the others that you're back and alright. As soon as Itachi returns, you can tell us what happened."

Sakura nodded, grateful for her support as she offered Tsunade a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. The Godaime instantly noticed but decided against commenting on it, instead placing a hand on the medics shoulder in a silent show of support. She turned around, ready to go back to her office when someone behind them called for them.

"Tsunade-sama, Sakura-san!" Someone called, Tsunade and Sakura turning their heads to look at the approaching nurse in surprise.

"Hitori-san, what's the matter?" Tsunade asked, a frown marring her face as she took in the nurse's wide eyes.

"There's an emergency." Hitori explained, her eyes uncertainly darting to Sakura for the split of a moment, causing the pinkette to frown before she looked back at Tsunade. "There was a fire in one of the factories in the civilian parts of the village. Many are only mildly injured but others are in a more critical condition."

The blood in Sakura's veins run cold, her heart clenching painfully in her chest as her eyes widened. She looked at Hitori, the way her nervous eyes drifted to Sakura every few seconds telling her all she needed to know and in that moment, she could have sworn that time around her stopped.

Tsunade, instantly noticing Sakura's reaction narrowed her eyes as she looked at Hitori, expression grave. "How many are in critical condition?"

"Seven." Hitori swiftly returned, swallowing hard as she visibly hesitated before adding, "One of them being Haruno Kizashi."

The moment the name left her lips, Tsunade saw a blur of pink pass her by and after muttering a string of curses, she followed the pinkette towards the emergency room.

"Call Shizune and Usui." Tsunade yelled, Hitori swiftly nodding as she as well rushed off to do as told.

Sakura barely realized when she had finally reached the emergency ward where doctors were hastily rushing from room to room, yelling orders at visibly overwhelmed nurses that were struggling to keep up.

Sakura's wide eyes scanned the crowd, hands shaking as she grabbed a random nurse by the shoulder.

"Haruno Kizashi." She breathed, eyes filled with urgency. "Where is he?"

The nurse, looking considerably intimidated by Sakura pointed off to a room on the far right and without sparing her another glance, Sakura rushed towards it and threw the door open.

The sight that met her eyes stilled her heart.

Laying in the middle of the room on one of the tables was her father, covered in blood with a deep gash across his chest and light burn marks along his arms.

His hair was covered in smoke and dirt, his eyes closed and face pale as one of the medics was screaming at the nurses to move faster as he was currently treating a wound on her fathers head.

Her legs moved before she realized it and within the split of a second she was standing by her fathers side, eyes wide and filled with disbelief as she pressed glowing hands on the bloody gash on his upper torso.

"What's his state?" She hollered over the busy noise, the other medic that she recognized to be Saito looking at her with a grim expression that made her heart break.

"Severe Brain Hemorrhage as well as multiple organ failure, two broken ribs and a broken leg." He swiftly informed her, the adrenaline that was pumping through her veins leaving her deaf to anything but what Saito was saying, the words repeating themselves in her mind like a mantra as her vision blurred with unshed tears.

It looked bad, real bad and yet, she forced herself to push more chakra into her shaking hands.

"I-I need blood." She ordered, the sound of the door opening barely registering in her mind as she tried to gulp down the lump that had formed itself in her throat. "Asuka, I need you to keep an eye on his vitals!"

"Sakura." A stern, yet soft voice behind her called and Sakura shook her head, expression determined as she looked up at the nurse opposite of her.

"Pulse?" Sakura asked, earning a nervous look from the blonde nurse opposite of her.

"Atrial fibrillation."

Sakura bit on her lower lip as she glanced at her fathers calm face, no trace of pain on it as she gritted her teeth. This couldn't be happening, this couldn't be true, she had just seen her father days ago when she had visited her parents, how could this happen?
"Sakura." The voice repeated, this time more firm as she felt herself stiffen under the hold on her shoulder.

"No, I can't leave him!" Sakura snapped, head whirling around to catch her mentors sympathetic, yet hard eyes as she brokenly whispered. "He needs me."

"I will take care of him." Tsunade promised, gently yet firmly pulling her away from her father as Sakura halfheartedly protested. "Go home and get yourself cleaned up. I'll send someone to fetch you as soon as it's over."

Sakura, visibly reluctant to leave her father's side shot him one last, long look before she lowered her head and did as told. She knew that Tsunade was right and that if anyone would manage to save his life, it would be Tsunade, but even that knowledge was unable to put her at ease as she made her way out of the room.

Her entire body felt numb, her surroundings surreal as she exited the room, a nurse closing the door behind her as Sakura was left standing in the middle of the white, busy corridor, staring blankly at her shaking, blood-covered hands.

Blood that belonged to no other than her father.

All around her nurses and doctors were frantically rushing from room to room but Sakura was unable to pay them any attention as she felt her vision blur.

"Sakura."

His voice barely reached her, the sound almost drowning under the ringing that filled her ears Sakura lifted her emerald eyes to catch the pair of concerned onyx at the end of the hallway.

She didn't know how long they were standing there, or when he had moved, but the moment she felt his strong arms around her and inhaled his familiar scent, she allowed her tears to fall freely.

No sound escaped her as she stared blankly at the wall, head tucked under his chin as he provided her with the silent support she needed as her hot tears rolled down her cheeks.

All she could do was stand there, helpless and fragile like a little girl in the arms of the man she loved, praying that her fathers live would be saved by her mentor.

X

A/N: Done! I would have updated earlier but I haven't been able to use my Laptop for the past two weeks so, so I apologize for the delay! This chapter was honestly hard to write, but I hope that my hard work paid off and that you enjoyed this chapter nonetheless!

Please leave a review and tell me if you did, I would like to hear your thoughts and assumptions regarding what happened, and what may happen in future chapters!

As always, thanks for the great support, all of the reviews and your kind words!

I will make sure to update soon, so stay tuned:)

Much love,

Sara.