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.

23. ROOT

CHAPTER 23- ROOT

Sakura looked into the mirror, the young woman that stared back at her a pale copy of how she remembered herself. Her rosy hair was damp from the hot shower she just took, the bags under her eyes the result of the days events while her pale face created a stark contrast to the dark shirt that she was wearing, the Uchiha crest on its back giving her very little comfort even as she thought back to when she received it.

This morning suddenly seemed so far away, the day she spent happily strolling through Konoha only a distant memory that now seemed so foreign to her, just like the dull eyes that unblinkingly and almost even mockingly gazed back at her.

Sakura tightened her hold on the sink, knuckles turning white from the pressure as she fought against the urge to simply shatter her reflection into a million pieces.

Her eyes traveled down to her white hands, the dried crimson that covered them only minutes ago now gone from her skin, but not from her memory.

The memory of the way it warmed her cold, shaking hands made her feel nauseous and Sakura once more looked up into her reflection, her eyes dimly glowing with the shame of being covered in her fathers blood.

It was her fault.

Sakura didn't hear the knock on the door, nor the sound of her door opening. too caught up in her own thoughts.

It was when a familiar face suddenly appeared behind hers in the mirror that she reluctantly straightened, the warmth Itachi radiated from where he was standing behind her clearly palpable as she fought against leaning back and simply giving into it.

She deserved no comfort.

"I am sorry." She whispered, her voice coming out more rough than she intended it to. "I didn't hear you."

She felt Itachi rest his hand on her waist and allowed him to lead her out of her bathroom and straight into her bedroom, too exhausted to protest.

When they finally reached her bed Sakura stopped and turned in his hold, intending to insist that she'd stay awake until there were any news of her father's condition but Itachi gently shook his head.

"Sleep." He ordered, the stern command softly spoken as Sakura frowned, clearly opposed to the idea. "You are in no condition to return to the hospital, I will tell you once there are news."

Sakura sighed, knowing that despite of the urge to see her father there was very little that she could do at the hospital other than to wait and thus, she reluctantly nodded.

Itachi watched as she slipped under the sheets, expression blank as she silently settled into bed. She was laying on her side, looking at her wall without as much as uttering a word and Itachi let out a mild sigh.

Her expression was painfully familiar, the haunted look in her eyes one that had stared back at him from the other side of the mirror countless of times before, one that he had sworn he would never allow himself to see on her.

And yet, he failed.

He would make the one responsible for it pay, his fingers itching to finally get themselves on the one he undoubtedly knew was behind it and this time, Itachi would make sure to finally seal his face.

For good.

"I will be back in the morning." Itachi told her, velvet voice breaking the silence in her room as he looked at the medic but as expected, she remained silent.

The Uchiha clenched his fists, his desire to rid Konoha of one certain individual growing rapidly as he turned around, walking out of the room when all of sudden, a small voice behind him spoke.

"Itachi." Sakura whispered his name, her voice causing him to halt in an instant. The Uchiha heir turned around, looking at the pink-haired kunoichi that still had her eyes fixed on the wall, though her fingers were now fisting the sheets tightly in her hands.

"Please stay." She asked in a small voice, and Itachi felt his heart clench in his chest at the way her voice broke at the end of the sentence.

Sakura inwardly cursed herself for being so weak, so helpless and once more having to depend on others to heal her, to lend her the strength she needed to go on and face the next day.

She was scared, so scared that if she woke up the next morning, he would tell her that she had lost the first man she had ever loved, the father whose life she would never trade for anything in the world.

And she hated it.

If only she were stronger, her father would not be hurt, would not have to fight for his life in one of the emergency rooms and she would not be laying here in this bed, feeling so numb and hating herself for asking him to stay.

Sakura could hear soft footsteps approach the bed before the sound of something softly hitting the floor caught her attention, and she realized in surprise that he had most likely taken his weapon holder and vest off before the other side of her bed suddenly dipped.

A heartbeat later she was staring into his familiar eyes, his face not even an arm-length away from her as he looked straight at her.

The way his eyes were dimly shining with understanding made her heart clench painfully in her chest, her hands tightening on the sheets as she fought to keep her pain from surfacing.

"Thank you."

The broken whisper left her lips before she realized it and Itachi's eyes softened, his hand reaching out to brush a lock of hair out of her face before he gently rested his hand on her cheek. Sakura felt undeserving of the tender caress and yet, she couldn't help but give into her selfish desires in her vulnerable state. She wanted him close, needed to feel him to know that he was not only a fragment of her imagination that she created to take away her guilt and pain.

Sakura felt his other arm wrap around her waist before her gently pulled her into his strong arms, his scent filling her nose and instantly calming her nerves as she tightly shut her eyes, refusing to let the tears fall. She moved her hands from the blanket to instead hold onto his shirt, her hand resting over his heart that was steadily beating beneath her touch.

She felt his lips on the back of her head as she buried her face into the crook of his neck, his strong embrace shielding her from the world, from the reality that she wanted nothing more than to escape from.

"Always."

Despite of he pain that weighted her heart down, she found comfort in his hold, no words of comfort or empty promises needed to take away her pain.

She knew that he understood, that what she felt must have been nothing in comparison to what he had gone through countless of times before and the mere knowledge that she was not alone with that feeling was bringing her more comfort than any empty promises ever could.

Ever so slowly, her exhaustion took over and before she could help it, Sakura felt herself getting lulled into a deep, dreamless slumber.

X

"Come again?" Came Naruto's deadly whisper, body shaking as he tightly balled his fists. His usually bright blue eyes were clouded by badly concealed anger as he looked at Itachi who sat behind his desk, holding his gaze with a grave expression.

Itachi had summoned Team 7 as well as Shisui at sunrise to fill them in on what happened and the moment he did, the temperature in the room palpably dropped.

"So you suspect that Danzo is the one behind the fire?" Kakashi inquired, and Itachi nodded.

"It's no coincidence, especially after he took Sakura for questioning at the Root Headquarters." Itachi said, causing Shisui to frown as a thought hit him.

"There was a fire in the civilian quarters a few weeks ago as well." Shisui recalled, lips pursed into a thin line as his expression turned grim. "Do you think he had something to do with that as well?"

"It's possible." Kakashi commented from where he was standing between Sasuke and Naruto, hand on his chin in thought. "As far as I know, Danzo was never too fond of Sakura, right?"

"He has been after her ever since she was named my advisor." Itachi confirmed, chest heavy. "He had been trying to scare her off so that he could get the upper hand ever since. In his eyes, Sakura is a threat to his plans for the village that he needs to get rid off and as soon as that's done, I won't be too hard to take down."

"Why? You're stronger than him." Sasuke objected with a confused frown that earned him a stern look from his big brother.

"If it weren't for Sakura, I would have died two days ago." Itachi curtly reminded him, the harsh truth hitting them right in the face. "It's not about strength, it's about strategically trying to rid everyone around me until I am the only one left to take down."

"So, you think that we're also getting targeted?" Naruto asked, eyes wide with surprise as Itachi nodded.

"It's safe to assume that they'll come after you for being a jinchuuriki." Itachi revealed, his eyes pointedly sliding to Sasuke as he spoke his next words. "You two need to be on high alert."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes, blissfully unaware of why Itachi would think that he also was at risk but judging by the hardness of his brother's eyes, he had his reasons.

Reasons that he knew nothing of.

"Ha, let them try! We can take care of some idiots like that." Naruto grinned, throwing an arm around Sasuke's shoulder as the raven-haired Uchiha in return grunted at the sudden force. "Right, Sasuke?"

"Let me go, dobe." Sasuke growled, and Kakashi crinkled his eye as he looked back at Itachi.

"So, what's the plan?" The copy-nin asked, putting his hands into his pockets as Itachi sighed into his intertwined hands, the upcoming headache already making itself noticeable.

While Sakura slept he had lain awake, thinking of what to do next to ensure that something like this would never happen again. He rather unsurprisingly managed to come up with the solution to their problem, as it was not hard considering that it was practically the only thing left that they could do but unfortunately, it would not be an easy task.

That's why he had summoned Team 7 as well as his cousin.

He needed his most trusted men to do what he was about to do because even the tiniest mistake could have fatal consequences.

"Sakura's mother is attending a wedding at Fire's borders and is therefore currently unaware of what happened to her husband. Naruto, Sasuke I want you two to get her and ensure her safe return by this evening." Itachi ordered, causing Naruto and Sasuke to nod in unison as Itachi's eyes slid over to Kakashi and Shisui. "I want you two to go to the burnt factory and get every piece of evidence available to prove Danzo's involvement. After you're done, keep an eye on Danzo and ensure that he doesn't plan anything else. I expect all of you here by late evening so that we can discuss the next and final step."

"Final step?" Naruto asked, the way Itachi's eyes darkened dangerously not going unnoticed by him as he glanced at Sasuke, who arched a curious brow himself.

Kakshi and Shisui nodded, obviously having caught on to what Itachi was indicating before the Hokage looked at the unknowing duo, lips thinning and expression grave.

"Tonight, we will take down Danzo and rid the village of root."

Naruto and Sasuke stiffened, clearly taken by surprise as Shisui heavily sighed, shaking his head. "It's finally come to that."

Sasuke turned his head to look at his cousin in silent question but instead of him, it was Kakashi who spoke up.

"Root has been a rather touchy subject for the past years. Godaime-sama had also thought about dissolving it for various reasons but in the end, she was unable to do so because of the lack of evidence she had." Kakashi explained, causing Naruto's blue eyes to widen once more in shock.

"Wow, sounds like a pain." He commented, and Shisui nodded.

"Especially since Root's loyalty lies to Danzo first." He reminded them, earning a confused look from Sasuke that Shisui couldn't really blame him for. "With Root, even Itachi's words weight less than Danzo's."

Sasuke remained silent, lost in thought upon hearing this new piece of information. He was slowly beginning to realize just how much there was that he had yet to find out about the village he lived in and for Sakura to have been thrown into all of this, he was slowly beginning to see just how dangerous and exhausting being both the Hokage and his advisor could be.

Sasuke lifted his eyes to look at his brother just to see that he was already looking at him, onyx eyes suddenly looking more exhausted than Sasuke remembered them to.

He always thought that Itachi was more than suited to be the Hokage and now, he realized why. If someone could rid the village of all the dirt it would be him, and with Sakura by his side to keep him sane, they made a lethal team to anyone who had anything but Konoha's welfare on their mind.

Like Danzo.

"You got your orders, and I expect you to not disappoint me." Itachi told them, expression hard as he looked at the four males in front of him. He knew that he was making the right decision, but the day that expected them would not be an easy one and since there were still some things that he needed to take care of before that, he decided that everything else could be discussed later. "You're dismissed."

His office cleared within the blink of an eye and Itachi closed his eyes, the dull ache still evident. He still was far from fully recovered and he needed to be in a good condition for tonight, so that left him with little other to do than to rest.

But how was he supposed to calmly rest with all that would happen in a few hours time?

Itachi left his office and made his way to the hospital, the shadows that the early morning sun cast over the sleeping village shielding him from the naked eye until he reached it.

He instantly made his way towards where he would know he would find Tsunade at, the way to her office more familiar than he'd liked, especially given the circumstances.

The moment he reached her office he firmly knocked on the door and fortunately for him, he didn't have to wait long until a familiar voice reached his ears.

"Come in."

Itachi pushed the door open and stepped inside, Tsunade not even bothering to look up from the papers on her desk as he closed the door behind himself and leaned with his back against it.

Tsunade sighed as she put one of the papers in front of her onto a staple to her right, her honey orbs then landing on Itachi.

"I expected you to drop by within the next hour or so." Tsunade commented, expression serious that allowed Itachi no insight as to how Sakura's father's condition may be. He knew that it was intentional since Tsunade never was one to chit-chat or beat around the bush, so he suspected that things may be as bad as he feared.

"How is he?" He asked, deep voice cutting through the heavy silence that had followed Tsunade's words. The blonde in return sighed heavily, her expression falling and for a moment, Itachi felt himself stiffen.

"I won't lie to you Itachi, it looks bad." Tsunade revealed, and Itachi's expression turned grim, having already expected something along the lines. "He is stable, but not out of danger. The next days will be crucial and chances are high that he won't wake up from his comatose state even if he manages to survive the next days."

Itachi sighed, heart heavy as his thoughts drifted to the pink-haired medic. Her broken expression the day before told him that she as well knew that things were bad, but he had hoped that he would be able to bring her better news than that.

"He'll survive." He mumbled, more to himself than to Tsunade but the blonde heard it nonetheless and heaved another sigh.

"How is she?" The Godaime asked, the concern that dimmed her eyes betraying her stern expression.

Itachi moved his eyes to fix them on the window instead, the rising sun bathing the village in its warmth as his eyes hardened. "Not well." He admitted, voice low as he added in an afterthought. "She shouldn't have to go through all of this."

Tsunade nodded, silently agreeing with him as she leaned back in her seat. "I assume that you won't let this incident go by without doing anything about him?"

Itachi's eye's sharpened before they once more fell on Tsunade, the determination mixed with anger answer enough for the blonde.

Tsunade's lips curled upwards into a dry smile, clearly satisfied by his silent answer. "About time that this rat gets what he deserves."

"He will." Itachi promised, voice barely above a whisper as bright green eyes flashed before his eyes. "I should have tried harder to keep her away."

Despite of the graveness of the situation, Tsunade allowed herself to snort. "You think she would have listened? That's exactly why I suggested Sakura for the position, she isn't one to back out of something if she can help it."

Itachi's eyes flashed dangerously for the split of a second as he gazed at the blonde, his disapproval visible. "And because of that she is suffering now."

"Whereas it's true that she doesn't deserve anything of what had happened to her, she's the best person for the job." Tsunade snapped, honey orbs darkening. "Neither of you are to blame for anything that happened Uchiha, it comes with being a shinobi and as horrible as it is, it's inevitable."

Itachi tightened his hold on his forearm, his crossed arms tensing as he held Tsunade's gaze. A heavy moment of silence followed her words, the undeniable truth they held bittersweet as he lightly clenched his jaw.

"I am responsible for her." He lowly reminded the blonde, the words leaving a bitter taste in his mouth as he spoke them. "She may be the best for the job, but it's my duty to shield her from such incidents as best as I possibly can, inevitable or not. "

Tsunade straightened her lips, expression suddenly loosing its hard edge as she looked at the young male in front of her with knowing, honey orbs.

"So it finally happened."

Itachi caught her eyes, unaware of what she was suddenly talking about as he remained silent and waited for the Godaime to elaborate. The blonde weighted him down with a long, heavy look, her expression unreadable as she took him in, her eyes searching his for an answer that he had yet to find the question to before she finally spoke.

"You care for her, Itachi." Tsunade realized, tilting her head lightly aside as a mixture of fascination and relief brightened her eyes.

"I do." He replied without hesitation, seeing no sense in denying the truth as he had no intention to hide it in the first place.

His words filled her with warmth as Tsunade allowed her lips to curl upwards into a sly smirk. So it had finally happened, then.

Itachi Uchiha had fallen for someone, and that someone just happened to be her disciple. It was no real surprise to her, considering that she had already suspected it weeks ago. One could withstand her students charm for only so long and considering that they were polar opposites, and yet complemented each other in a way that eerily reminded her of the Yondaime and his wife, it was a deadly match.

Daring, yet deadly once it did happened.

She knew that Sakura would be what Itachi needed. She had always been fond of Itachi and knew of his tragic upbringing, of all the horror he was forced to witness at such a young age and when he was named the Hokage, she knew that he would not disappoint them.

Still, she had her reasons when she suggested Sakura for the position of his advisor. Admittedly, she did hope that Sakura would be able to break Itachi's mask and see what most didn't, but it was not the only reason as to why she suggested her for the position.

Konoha needed someone like Sakura in the upper ranks, and Itachi needed someone as frank and honest as her to keep him sane. Her political knowledge, intelligence as well as experience both on the field as well as in the hospital would be of great aid. Her stubbornness would help her with the council members and Clan elders, her spotless reputation a nice bonus if anyone would ever question her capability.

Lastly, together with Itachi she would be able to lend Naruto a hand once he would be ready to become the Hokage.

"So I was right after all." She drawled, expression smug. "Although I have to admit that it happened faster than I expected."

Itachi arched a brow, the mild humor that filled his eyes not going unnoticed by the blonde that was seated behind her desk. He wasn't surprised by her words, but then again it was Tsunade and if the Godaime was one thing, then it was sly.

"Hn."

Tsunade's smirk turned into a genuine smile as she watched Itachi's expression turn fond. She knew that he was aware of how things could get even more dangerous for them, considering that if people were to find out about it Sakura would be a target for anyone that would try to get to Itachi.

Then again, knowing Itachi he would most likely kill anyone that would even do as much as look at her the wrong way before he would allow anyone to hurt her or, even worse, take her away from him.

"I am glad." Tsunade confessed, the love that she held for the pinkette evident by the way her voice turned more gentle. "At least I know that I don't have to give you the talk about how you better not hurt her."

Itachi tilted his head aside, curiosity flickering in his eyes at the Godaime's statement. Of course a talk of this nature would be needless since he didn't plan on either hurting her nor letting her go, but that didn't mean that he didn't expect to get one from Tsunade nonetheless, considering how protective she was of Sakura.

Tsunade, catching his curiosity sighed, a bittersweet smile on her lips as she spoke. "No other Clan treasures love as much as yours. When a member of the Uchiha Clan knows love, it's as if the feeling they were blocking out arise, as it is with you, so I know that you're not going to hurt her or allow her to get hurt. Once you find someone and decide to get over yourself to officially court them, it's safe to assume that it's permanent."

Her words echoed in his mind and once more Itachi found himself wondering just how much the legendary slug princess knew. Her words were true after all, he couldn't name one Uchiha that got divorced and even though it most likely did happen once or twice in special cases, it was rare and never because they regret their choice.

The Uchiha blocked out their feelings until they come across the one that managed to get through the barrier and once they do, there's no going back.

"An Uchiha's love is even stronger than that of a Senju." Tsunade reminded him, eyes softening as concern briefly flickered in her honey orbs. "When their love gets taken away however, their rage is just as big as their love, what makes the Uchiha's one of the most powerful and dangerous Clans, as you already know."

Itachi curtly nodded, his mother having once told him the same years ago. Before he could comment on it however, there was a knock on the door and Itachi took it as his cue to leave.

"I'll make sure it never gets this far." He assured her, earning a nod from Tsunade as her lips quirked upwards into a small smile once more.

"I expect no less from you."

With that, Itachi disappeared from her office, leaving Tsunade to look out of her window as her mind drifted to the past, a familiar face flickering in front of her eyes that caused her heart to clench painfully in her chest.

X

Itachi was sitting on the bed next to her sleeping form, shamelessly drinking in her beauty. She was laying on her back, her long hair spread over the pillows as the sheets comfortingly hugged her body.

Her plump, rosy lips were lightly parted as she softly breathed, expression peaceful as he looked at her beautiful face. He reached out to gently caress her cheek, eyes darkening as he felt a warmth overcome him with a force that surprised him. The urge to keep her safe suddenly intensified, his protectiveness of her multiplying as her tear-filled eyes flashed in his mind. She was his to protect, her pain his duty to take away and her happiness his very own.

"Itachi?"

Her small voice made his attention snap back to the pinkette just to catch her clouded eyes with his own dark ones. Her forehead was slightly furrowed in concern and Itachi's eyes softened as he gently run his thumb over her cheekbone.

"How did you sleep?" He asked, velvet voice sending a shiver down her spine as Sakura sighed.

"Well." She admitted, her eyes shining with guilt. "I am sorry that I made you stay last night, did you get any sleep?"

For a moment Itachi could only look at her, his heart warming although he inwardly wondered just how she could be concerned about him with all that was going on in her life.

"I did." He assured her, watching a small smile ghost over her lips as she sat up, head throbbing with the headache that she knew she would be unable to avoid. As her eyes then fell on him and she noticed that he was already wearing his vest, she looked up at him in mild surprise.

"You have been out already?"

Itachi nodded, carefully watching her expression turn from surprised to glum as she realized where he must have been.

"How is he?" She whispered as she attempted to keep her expression blank, but the concern in her eyes gave her away. When Itachi's expression turned grim, Sakura felt a sharp pang in her chest, sheer fear causing the blood in her veins to freeze as she prepared herself to hear the words that would break her.

"He is stable, but Tsunade-sama said that the next days will be crucial." Itachi spoke, and he could practically see the relief that washed over her upon hearing that he had survived the past night.

Sakura didn't trust her voice and thus, merely mustered a curt nod as she lowered her eyes onto her hands that were resting on her lap.

She was relieved to hear that her father was alright and yet, she knew very well how bad it looked for him, so she wouldn't allow herself to hope too much just yet.

"I sent Naruto and Sasuke to fetch your mother." Itachi informed her and Sakura merely nodded once more, not wanting to think of what her mothers reaction would be when Sasuke and Naruto would tell her what happened.

"The factory?"

"Kakashi and Shisui are investigating it." He informed her, black eyes filled with determination as he looked at her. "By tomorrow morning, Danzo will be taken care of."

Sakura frowned, emerald eyes darkening as she looked at Itachi in a way that already warned him of what her next words would be.

"I want to be part of the team." She announced, and judging by the way Itachi's eyes narrowed at her request, he was anything but too fond of the idea of having her join them.

"No." He flat out refused, confirming her suspicions as she fisted her sheets, eyes burning with irritation.

"Why not?" She asked, not understanding why he would leave her out of everyone behind. "I have every right to be part of that team."

Itachi's lips turned into a thin line at the irritation that sparked in her eyes, easily recognizing her infamous temper flaring.

"He most likely expects you to come with us." Itachi curtly reasoned. "We don't know what kind of trap he may have prepared."

"I don't care." Sakura snapped, her patience running thin as she clenched her jaw. "I can't just sit here and wait while you guys take care of the man that almost killed my father!"

"Sakura." Itachi called, his voice having lost its hard edge as he looked at her. He could understand where she was coming from, but he wasn't willing to let her run straight into danger and trouble just because she wanted revenge. "I won't put your safety at risk, especially after what happened with your father."

Sakura's knuckles turned white as she looked at him, green eyes filled with a mixture of anger and pain. "You don't understand." She whispered, her pain leaking into her voice as her heart clenched painfully in her chest. "You didn't see him Itachi. I saw my father covered in blood, heard his heartbeat slowly fade and watched the life practically leave him! You can't expect me to sit back and let you guys take care of everything when it was me whom he threatened, and my father whom he attacked. It's my fight, and I won't let anyone take that away from me."

Itachi frowned as he looked at Sakura, the pain in her eyes clearly evident as he inwardly sighed. He knew that she was right, but he still didn't think that having her join was the right thing. Leaving her behind would hurt her even worse and even though she was more than capable for joining them, it was Danzo and his schemes that worried him.

Even though he and the others would be with her, there was no telling in what would happen and the mere thought of Danzo getting his hands on her had his fingers itch with the urge to rip the council members head off of his shoulders.

In the end, even if he did leave Sakura behind she may go against his orders and simply follow them, what would turn out to be even worse than taking her with them in the first place where he could at least keep an eye on her and ensure her safety.

"Alright." Itachi finally relented, although visibly reluctant. His expression was blank, eyes stern as his eyes found Sakura's. "But I expect you to not stray from our plan, regardless of how much Danzo may provoke you."

Sakura mutely nodded, her hold on the sheets loosening as she visibly relaxed. Her gaze softened as she looked at the tense Uchiha in front of her, his expression giving away his disapproval as she reached out to gently rest her hand over his.

"Thank you, Itachi." Sakura whispered.

For worrying, for helping me, for comforting me, for staying with me, for caring for me.

"For everything."

Itachi felt her soft, smaller hand over his and inwardly wondered just how she could have such an effect on him. He was still opposed to the idea, but the way her lips curled upwards into a small smile reminded him that at least, it would be worth it.

Itachi moved his free hand to place it on the back of her head before he tilted it towards him, his lips brushing against her forehead in a way that made Sakura melt.

"Anything for you."

X

Kakashi frowned as he made his way towards Itachi's office, hands buried in his pockets as he kept his eyes on the ground. He just returned from keeping an eye on Danzo and fortunately for them, it seemed like he had no intention of leaving the Headquarters anytime soon. Shisui volunteered to stay behind so that he could notify them if anything were to happen or if Danzo were to leave sooner than expected, so that left Kakashi with meeting up with the others.

But that was not what had him concerned.

The object that rested in his hands burned against his skin, its symbol familiar as he wondered just what it really was that they were after.

"Kakashi-sensei?"

Kakashi lifted his eyes just in time to see Sakura standing in the middle of the hallway, lips tilted upwards into a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She was dressed in her usual outfit, her gloves firmly in place and headband keeping her long rosy hair out of her face.

To anyone else, she may looked like the usual Sakura they all knew but Kakashi could easily see that it wasn't the case.

Her body was tense, her smile forced and her eyes dull, all of the thoughts that occupied her mind keeping her from fully being in the present.

"Sakura-chan." He greeted her student as he approached her, voice filled with his usual enthusiasm as he crinkled his eye. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Sakura started to walk with him, emerald eyes sparkling at the irony of his words. "As if I'd leave all the fun to you guys."

Kakashi hummed, knowing that it was only the half-truth but decided against commenting on it. "So, I take that Hokage-sama filled you in already?"

Sakura nodded, thinking back to her morning with Itachi. He had left shortly after, his Hokage duties calling for his attention. He most likely had to make the needed preparations for their upcoming mission because taking down one of Konoha's organizations and its leader who was a council member was not something that sounded like easy paper-work.

Sakura spent the rest of her morning with Ino who had rather unceremoniously barged in upon hearing the news of her father, the blonde set on consoling her best friend and trying to get the incident off her mind by going on a shopping spree with her.

"It's going to be quite some news." Sakura half-heartedly joked, the weight of her words reminding her of just what exactly they were going to do. Taking down a council member and a whole organization that consisted of his followers would be the talk of the week, if not even the month and even though many were not too fond of Danzo, she was sure that he still had some followers that wouldn't look too kindly upon that.

"Trust me, it's something that most of the village has been waiting for." Kakashi reassured her as he reached out to gently place a hand on her head, visible eye once more crinkling. "It's been long overdue."

This time Sakura couldn't fight the small smile, the knot in her chest slightly loosening as she looked up at Kakashi and eventually nodded.

Kakashi smiled beneath his mask, his eye-crinkle dimming lightly as he looked at his protegee with a more serious expression. "It'll be fine, Sakura-chan."

He was very well aware of her tendency to worry herself to death over various things, her too kind heart having most likely robbed her of sleep over what had happened and because of that, he knew how important it was to remind her that none of it was her fault, despite of what she may think.

Sakura knew that he didn't just mean the mission and the pinkette sighed, her fathers face flashing in front of her eyes as she pursed her lips. "I hope so."

Kakashi gently ruffled her hair before the duo reached the Hokage's office door, the guards stepping aside to let them in.

Sakura and Kakashi exchanged a look before he motioned for her to go first, causing Sakura to roll her eyes at him before she firmly knocked on the door, waited for a moment, and pushed it open.

Just as she took the first step inside she heard someone shout her name and before she could move out of the way, she found herself engulfed into a pair of familiar, strong arms.

Yellow flashed her vision as she eeped, bracing her hands against his shoulders as he lifted her up and squeezed her in a way that left her short of breath.

"Naruto." She wheezed, nails digging into his shoulder as she weakly smiled. "Air."

"Dobe, let her go." Came Sasuke's voice from somewhere inside the office and Naruto did as told, letting her back down onto the ground as he pulled back, baby-blue eyes looking at her in concern.

"You okay, Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked, voice low as he tightly held onto her upper arms.

Sakura reached out to gently pat his cheek, chest warming at his obvious worry as she sighed. "I am fine, Naruto. How about you let me in first?"

The blonde took a moment to look at her in confusion, as if he didn't know what she meant before his eyes widened and a sheepish smile made its way onto his lips.

"Sorry." He chuckled as he let her go, allowing Sakura to walk past him into the office while giving him one last pat on the shoulder, Naruto following her inside as the door behind them closed.

Sakura's eyes fell on Sasuke next, his dark orbs softening in a way that she knew wanted to make sure that she was alright, making Sakura offer him a reassuring smile in return at his concern.

The pinkette moved to stand next to Kakashi, Naruto standing to her left as her gaze finally lifted to catch his.

He was already looking at her, the silent question in his eyes getting answered by a firm nod from the pinkette as the ghost of a smile passed over her lips, one that she found she only reserved for him.

Itachi returned her nod, his eyes then falling on Sasuke. "You did as told?"

Sasuke nodded, eyes never once leaving his brother as he spoke. "She's at the hospital, Tsunade-sama is currently with her."

Sakura felt some of the tension leave her body, knowing that her mother was in good hands as Itachi turned to look at Kakashi next.

The copy-nin stepped forward and pulled his hand out of his pocket, the object in his grip painfully familiar as he laid it onto the Hokage desk. All eyes fell on the familiar white flower, it's petals covered in ash as it innocently laid on the Hokage's desk.

"We found this where Kizashi's office was at." Kakashi spoke, voice grave as he looked at Itachi. "There were marks on some of the furniture that was spared by the fire that lead us to believe that he was attacked before the fire. He was most likely knocked unconscious first before they started the fire that eventually spread through the factory."

Sakura clenched her fist from where she was standing but kept her eyes fixed on Itachi whose eyes narrowed dangerously at the information.

"I see." He spoke, eyes falling onto the Kiku on his desk as if it held the answers to his questions. "Anything else?"

"One of the guards that was knocked out shortly before the fire said that he saw someone in a black coat and an animal mask enter the factory but when he was about to follow him, he suddenly lost consciousness." Kakashi revealed and Itachi nodded, his suspicions confirmed.

"Why would they reveal themselves?" Sasuke suddenly inquired, voicing his very own thoughts as silence followed his question.

"To warn me."

All eyes fell on the last person the expected to speak up, her expression blank as she looked at Itachi. Her posture was straight, eyes not giving any of her feelings away as she firmly held his now curious gaze.

"Warn you?" Naruto asked, face scrunched up in confusion. "Why would he risk his position just to warn you? Weren't the creepy flowers and your injured father warning enough?"

Even though voiced rather frankly, Sakura knew that she couldn't blame Naruto for simply speaking what was on his mind and even though she could understand his confusion, she didn't necessarily want to tell everyone about what Danzo held against her.

"He is sure that the Hokage would never dare go against him because of the commotion it would cause and the rumors it would start." Sakura curtly returned, pointedly leaving out any more details.

Itachi, of course, noticed that she was deliberately leaving some things out but assumed that she had her reasons for not stating them in front of everyone, so he decided to let it go until after the meeting.

"We will be going in teams." Itachi suddenly declared, his mind set as he looked at the group in front of him. "I have summoned some groups of the police force to back us up in case Danzo's men try to distract us and pave him a way out." His eyes then sharpened, expression grave. "Despite of how he may seem, he is not to be underestimated."

"You got your father to back us up?" Naruto lifted a brow, clearly surprised that he was willing to cooperate, Sasuke seeming equally as surprised as him.

"Ridding Konoha of Danzo was something many have deemed necessary years ago already, but as he is a member of the council much more evidence is needed to successfully convict him than with others." Kakashi explained, eye crinkling ever so slightly. "Besides, Danzo's aversion towards the Uchiha clan is common knowledge, so I am sure that Fugaku-san was not too opposed of the idea to lend a hand, if only to set a point."

Itachi's lip turned upwards into an amused smirk. It seemed like Kakashi's observation skills were as outstanding as ever. "Getting arrested by the ones you claim to be the true threat to the village seems painful to one's ego indeed."

"He has been plotting against the Uchiha's for ages." Sasuke put in, much to Naruto's surprise as the blue-eyed jinchuuriki turned to look at Itachi.

"He did?"

Itachi nodded, expression once more turning serious. "He did, but it's not the reason as to why we are going to arrest him tonight." He sternly reminded them. "The Godaime has already gathered some evidence during her time as the active Hokage, as did I during the past months from various sources that can and will be used against Danzo, and Sakura's incident just called for a quicker arrest. We have initially planned to do so by the end of the year, but it seems like he gets more bold by the day, so we should not waste any more time."

"So, we'll be going in teams?" Naruto asked, and Itachi nodded as he looked at the blonde, his blue eyes shining in a way that momentarily reminded Itachi of his predecessor.

"Exactly. You and Kakashi will go with Unit five and six and secure the eastern wing while Sasuke and Shisui take over the western with units one and three. Units two and four will be outside and on stand-by while Sakura and I'll take care of Danzo. My father will be giving you a swift briefing once the units arrive so that everything will be going as planned."

The group of four nodded, the seriousness of the situation slowly beginning to sink in as the tension in the office rose. Itachi carefully eyed each one of them, knowing that he had made the right decision and chose the right people to join him on his mission.

"My father is already expecting you at the compound. Sakura and I will meet you at the Headquarters in half an hour, but our arrival marks the missions beginning so there will be no time to talk." Itachi revealed, expression loosing some of its hardness as he looked at them. "Be careful, we'll see each other after the mission for the report, in good condition I hope."

Kakashi gave Itachi a lazy salute and turned to look at Naruto and Sasuke, jerking his head into the direction of the door before he glanced at the still silent Sakura whose eyes were fixed on the window behind Itachi, expression determined.

"Be a good girl and listen to him." Kakashi told her, his voice kind but words carrying a meaning that Sakura didn't fail to get. She knew that he was concerned about her temper and didn't want her to do anything that may have consequences and even though she knew that he only meant well, Sakura didn't have the heart to make any half-hearted promises that she wasn't sure she could keep.

So instead, the pinkette turned her head to look at Kakashi and gave him a small smile. "I shouldn't be the one you should worry about considering who you got teamed up with."

"Hey!" Naruto called, visibly offended as he crossed his arms above his chest with a pout. "I can listen to orders."At the look he received from the others, his pout deepened as he added. "Sometimes."

Sasuke shook his head as he moved towards the door, shooting Sakura one last look that she returned with a reassuring smile as Naruto followed Sasuke outside with one last wave at Sakura.

Kakashi rested his hand on her shoulder as he passed her by as a silent gesture of support that Sakura highly appreciated before he as well left the office, leaving Sakura and Itachi alone once more.

The pinkette sighed as she slumped her shoulders, already feeling his gaze boring holes into the back of her skull before she turned around to catch Itachi's already curious eyes with hers.

"You want to know what he said." She assumed, Itachi confirming her assumption by nodding as he motioned to the empty seat opposite of him as he leaned back.

Sakura hesitated, unsure of whether she should really tell him. It wasn't like she wanted to keep anything from him, but she didn't want to necessarily burden him with more than needed.

She inwardly huffed. Was that how Itachi felt whenever he kept something from her?

A wave of guilt overcame her at the irony as she moved to take a seat, Itachi's eyes never once leaving her. He had easily seen her hesitation, but he knew that it was not based on mistrust, but rather concern and that was enough to fuel his curiosity.

What could Danzo have possibly told Sakura to put her on edge to this extend?

"What do you want to know?" Sakura asked, wondering if there was anything that she should answer first but Itachi merely shook his head.

"I don't want you to tell me because you feel like you need to." Itachi clarified, expression serious as his words warmed her heart. "Rather than that, I want you to tell me whatever you are willing to share because you want to."

Sakura couldn't help the smile that took over her lips as she looked at him and inwardly wondered just how he could be so considerate and all she always thought he wasn't.

He kept on surprising her with his thoughtfulness, his consideration regarding her opinion, thoughts and feelings amazing her every time.

Sakura frowned lightly as she hummed. "I guess I should start with him barging into my office while I was gone. I really should consider placing my own guards in front of my office door, now that I think of it."

"They do come in handy." Itachi commented with a smirk and Sakura rolled her eyes in return as she remembered whom she was talking to.

"Right, Hokage." She muttered, though the amused sparkle in her eyes gave her amusement by his comment away. "Well, when I returned to my office he was already there waiting for me. He told me that he wanted to question me."

Itachi narrowed his eyes, not having expected Danzo to be so blunt. "For what reason?"

"Disclosure of information to individuals that wish to harm Konoha." Sakura revealed, watching Itachi's eyes darken dangerously. The pinkette nodded, knowing that an accusation such as this was not to be treated lightly and for Danzo to groundlessly accuse her, a loyal kunoichi of Konoha of something like that was unacceptable. "He said that his sources have gathered evidences that back up their claims, but that he wanted to clear this situation in case it's a misunderstanding."

"Sources?" Itachi mumbled as he straightened, not liking what he was hearing. It seemed like Danzo had someone watch them, as he had already expected, but that wasn't what didn't sit well with him. He had a feeling that he knew where this was going and when Sakura's expression turned guilty, he realized what it was that had been bothering her for the past day.

"When I refused to go with him, he told me that he'd be forced to make this issue bigger until I decide to cooperate." Sakura explained, her lips curling downwards as she hesitated before continuing. "He told me that not many would be happy to find out that you provided me with the information that I allegedly disclosed because of our rather personal relationship."

Itachi's eyes flashed in the dim light of his office, his anger fueled even though his expression remained blank. Now he finally understood why Sakura had gone with him and when he looked at the pinkette, her guilt-clouded eyes piercing through him like a hot knife, he was reminded of all the reasons as to why he didn't want her to get involved in any of this in the first place.

It was a good thing that Danzo would be taken care of before he could start any rumors that may cause him more work than he liked. He was sure that Danzo would try to use this accusation to drag Sakura down with him but as the accusation is baseless, it was more than likely that no one would pay attention to it.

"He also asked about Kisame." Sakura swiftly continued when she saw his face darken, his mood visibly worsening and considering that they were twenty minutes away from a mission, she tried to tell him everything as fast as she could. At least then he would still have some time left to cool down, or at least so she hoped.

"Hn." Itachi returned, brows furrowing. "It seems like he got someone to keep an eye on us."

Sakura nodded, having had the same suspicions ever since the questioning as she bit the inside of her cheek, knowing that her next words would be anything but pleasing to hear.

"Before I left, there was something that he asked me." Sakura said, the hesitance in her voice audible as Itachi onyx eyes caught hers. He remained silent, patiently waiting for her to continue but when she did, he felt the blood in his veins run cold.

"He asked me how far I would go for my loved ones."

"That's not an option." Hiruzen calmly returned, the finality in his voice allowing Itachi to release the breath that he was holding. "We will not let a child be responsible for the sins the village committed."

Itachi clenched his fist as the voices in his mind increased, the echoes of his past haunting him as the question he was asked years ago was once more thrown into his face.

"How far would you go to protect your loved ones?" His raspy voice echoed from before him as Itachi didn't dare lift his head, fists shaking as he shut his eyes close. "For this village's sake, would you go as far as to rid it from the one's you hold dear?"

"Itachi?"

His attention snapped back to Sakura, her voice breaking through the torturous whispers in his head as he clenched his fist. He was aware of the concern in her emerald eyes but his face remained stoic as he straightened in his seat, onyx holding emerald.

"He will be held accountable for everything he did, and planned to do, I will make sure of it." Itachi declared, the deadly intent that oozed off him causing a shiver to run down her spine. His expression was blank and yet his aura screamed death, the coldness that suddenly hardened his eyes reminding Sakura of why Itachi was one of the most feared shinobi there was. She knew what caused it, the memory he had shared with her at the monument still fresh in her mind as her eyes softened in sympathy.

It was then that she realized just how much Itachi needed this night as well, maybe even more than she did.

"I know." She spoke, voice barely above a whisper as she held his gaze with knowing eyes. Silence followed her words as they looked at one another, the apprehension of what was to come looming over them like a thick cloud.

Sakura watched Itachi rise from his seat, face unreadable as he wordlessly looked down at her. He then extended his hand, offering it to the pinkette who gazed at it for a long moment before she finally slipped hers into his.

He gently pulled her onto her feet, his hand not letting go of hers as they faced one another, hands intertwined over his desk.

"Prepared, Haruno-san?"

As she stared into his eyes, there was no trace left of the man that she had come to known over the past weeks. No, the man standing in front of her was the one feared by countless of shinobi, the aura he radiated one of authority that no one would be able to deny. It was the ruthless and cold Uchiha heir the rumors were all about, the prodigy that everyone whispered of and the Hokage many admired.

He was all that and yet, it changed nothing.

As she looked at him, she realized that she didn't come to care for him because of his soft and considering side only. Even seeing him like that, knowing that he was also everything the rumors were about still couldn't change the fact that her heart cared for him.

All of him.

Her rosy lips curled upwards into a small smile, her hand on his tightening as her emerald eyes glowed in the dim light. Regardless of what side of him he would show her, she would care for it just as his heart cared for hers. She wouldn't blend it out and ignore it in favor of his other ones, but instead accept it and gift it all the love it lacked for the past years to make up for them.

So when she spoke, her voice so soft that he almost missed it, she promised to not only him, but also herself.

"Always, Hokage-sama."

X

"Any questions?" Fugaku asked, obviously satisfied by the silence he received in return before he curtly nodded. "Alright then, let's go."

The squads that consisted of five members of the Police force together with its leaders moved towards their target, soundlessly moving through the sleeping village as the shadows of the night lent them cover.

They reached the Headquarters within minutes, everyone instantly moving to their assigned positions as they waited for their signs.

Naruto looked at Kakashi from where he was laying with his stomach on a nearby roof, the copy-nin's eyes fixed on the four guards in front of the Headquarters main entrance.

"When do you think they'll arrive?" He whispered, his excitement for the upcoming battle taking the best out of him as Kakashi shrugged from where he was laying next to Naruto.

Sakura and Itachi's arrival would be signalized by Fugaku and the moment they did, they would move and the actual mission would start.

Naruto couldn't wait to get his hands on anyone that dared to block his way, his anger directed at the council member for what he had done to Sakura and her father causing the adrenaline that rushed through his veins to run hot.

He wouldn't forgive anyone that dared to hurt his friends or family, and Danzo would pay for what he had done.

They spent the next moments in silence, waiting for their signal and just when Naruto was about to ask Kakashi when he thought Sakura and Itachi would arrive for a second time, he felt the air around them shift palpably.

It was time.

"Move." Kakashi hissed under his breath, already on his feet as he disappeared into a blur. Naruto instantly followed, not wasting any time as the two took on the right two guards, knocking them unconscious before they were able to do as much as utter a sound while Sasuke and Shisui took out the left duo.

Sasuke caught Kakashi's eye and the copy-nin nodded before he lifted a finger in the air, signalizing the others that they would go inside before the four of them entered the headquarters, their squads following close behind.

Itachi watched the scene unfold from where he was standing between his father and Sakura, eyes hard as his gaze was fixed on Kakashi's retreating back.

"How long should it take them to clear the wings?" Sakura asked, voice low as she crouched on the roof with glowing green eyes. Fugaku crossed his arms as he kept his eyes on the entrance, expression stern as he considered her question.

"Three minutes, four at most." He eventually said, Sakura nodding as she kept her gaze fixed on the Headquarters.

The tall building was as broad Konoha's training hall, the rusty gray gates surrounding it as deterrent as the building itself.

All eyes were fixed on the building, patiently waiting for the signal from the first two groups and after one minute, a dim light could be seen coming from a window in the western wing.

"Sasuke and Shisui did it." Fugaku lowly announced, his eyes then moving to the still dark eastern wing. He had expected his son's squad to be the first one, Shisui and him having most likely used the Sharingan to knock the guards out while Kakashi and Naruto would have to do it the traditional way.

Sakura prepared herself, eyes unmoving from where they were fixed on the window. Her body was tense, adrenaline rushing through her veins as she prepared herself.

Two heartbeats have passed until there finally was a flicker of dim green light and instinctively she moved, speeding towards the entrance in a blur. She could feel the air next to her shift, signalizing her that her partner was by her side as they entered the eerily silent Headquarters.

The entrance hall was drenched in darkness, no guards to be seen as three hallways stemmed off it.

The one leading to the eastern the eastern where Kakashi and Naruto were keeping watch at, the western were Shisui and Sasuke were at, and the northern that would lead them towards their target.

Itachi walked straight forwards, crossing the hall without making a sound as Sakura followed, emerald eyes scanning their surroundings for any threat as they entered the northers hallway.

The hallway was dimly lit by torches that hung on the wall, the warm orange light they emitted reminding her of Orochimaru's hideout as they reached a point where the corridors parted in four different direction, two staircases leading down while one lead straight ahead and another upstairs.

Sakura glanced at Itachi, the silent question in her eyes getting answered by Itachi wordlessly lifting a finger.

Up.

She nodded, walking the first steps up when all of sudden, two members of Root met her halfway. The second their eyes met all four moved, Sakura grabbing the first by the collar and harshly knocking him against the wall as she gave the second a kick hard in the stomach, successfully knocking him a few steps back. As she released the first and stepped towards him he was already back on his feet, but just as he lifted his fist he suddenly stilled, eyes widening beneath his mask before he collapsed.

Sakura wasted no time and swiftly jumped up the remaining stairs, knowing that Itachi would take care of them by shielding their bodies with a genjutsu as she finally reached the top.

She swiftly scanned the area to make sure that it was clear, easily spotting a few Root agents as they walked through the upper floor or headed towards one of the other wings.

They luckily didn't notice her as she felt Itachi's familiar presence right behind her, his chest brushing against her back as she turned her head to look up at him.

His eyes moved from her towards the flight of stairs that lead towards the last floor, the one where she assumed Danzo's office was located at and Sakura nodded.

Itachi moved up the stairs in a blur, taking cover in the dark shadows that the light of the torches didn't touch as Sakura followed him.

When they finally reached the top without any more encounters, they found themselves standing in what seemed to be a reception hall. There were two desk, unoccupied due to the late hour and huge office doors that strangely reminded her of Itachi's very own that presented the last barrier between Danzo and them.

The Uchiha heirs hands slipped into a set of seals, Sakura unable to recognize them due to the speed but when she felt the air behind her tense, she realized that he put up a barrier that would keep others from intruding.

Itachi then moved forward, strides purpose filled as he approached the door, the black in his crimson eyes already spinning as Sakura channeled her chakra into her fists, the pace of her heartbeat picking slightly up.

The moment they reached it, Sakura and Itachi came to a halt, the pinkette exchanging one last look with the Uchiha heir before he nodded and the pinkette clenched her fist.

She inhaled a shaky breath, staring at the doors in front of her for one long moment, the adrenaline in her veins tingling her skin as she clenched her jaw.

Then, she slammed her fists into the center of the door.

The wood beneath her fist groaned pitifully as it gave in, the doors parting as they flew open wide to reveal the council members office. They loudly slammed against the walls, the noise undoubtedly alarming others but knowing that Itachi had put up a barrier on top of the staircase to keep them from interfering for at least some minutes, the kunoichi remained perfectly calm.

Sakura's eyes instantly found him seated behind his desk, not seeming the least surprised by their entrance as he kept his eyes fixed on the file on his desk, not bothering to acknowledge their presence.

A heavy silence followed as the duo eyed the council member who, after some long moments, eventually lifted his eyes to meet their steely gazes.

"The Hokage and his advisor." He greeted, raspy voice laced with amusement as his eyes narrowed. "I take that you're here for a reason."

Sakura frowned at his nonchalance, fists shaking as her eyes sparked. Itachi remained cool, expression blank as he caught Danzo's smug gaze with his own hard one.

"You are under arrest for ordering illegal missions to be carried out without the Hokage's consent, misusing your position as a council member to disclose top secret information about the village as well as threatening my advisor and attacking her family." Itachi announced, his aura screaming superiority as his every word dripped with authority even Danzo would be unable to deny.

Sakura remained silent, knowing that it wasn't her place to speak yet as she watched Danzo chuckle lowly, the sound causing goosebumps to cover her skin as Itachi remained unfazed.

"That's a lot you managed to come up with." Danzo acknowledged, eyes shining as he looked at Itachi. "But you have no evidence."

"Yuto Kazuhara, Shira Yamasaki, Tora Izuhana." Itachi spoke, eyes flickering in content when he caught Danzo's smile dim upon hearing the names. "All former members of Root that have aided me in gathering enough reports and evidence to put you behind bars for the rest of your life for ordering the assassination of many innocent people you claimed to be a threat to Konoha." His black eyes then sharpened. "Hoshigaki Kisame and Jiraya also were a great help in finding enough evidence to prove that you have disclosed information to Orochimaru that resulted in most of the attacks that killed our men."

By now Danzo was fully frowning, eyes shining with mild anger as he looked at Itachi. "It seems like you have done quite some research."

Itachi didn't allow himself to show his smugness as he furrowed his brows and continued, fully ignoring his comment. "Lastly, the attack on Haruno Kizashi after my advisors refusal to cooperate with you. You attempted blackmail by threatening her with the safety of her loved ones so that she would be forced to betray the village for your personal gain." Itachi's voice then dropped as the air around them chilled. "Just as you did all these years ago when you attempted the Uchiha massacre to be carried out by me."

Silence followed his words, the air thickening as Danzo stared at Itachi for a long moment before his eyes finally fell on the silent pinkette that was standing next to him.

"The sacrifices of the likes are what allows us to live in peace." Danzo declared, eyes narrowing as he looked at her. "The Uchiha massacre would have been the ultimate sacrifice, as your betrayal would have been. You would have maintained the village's peace but by refusing to do so, you both are responsible for every life lost in the village."

Itachi's eyes flashed crimson, body tensing as his chakra surrounded him like a thick blanket, the power it held unlike anything Sakura had ever felt before.

"It's because of the likes of you and your twisted ideals that our men have died." Itachi returned, voice echoing through the room as he frowned. "And for that, you'll be held accountable."

Danzo furrowed his forehead as he rose from his seat. "Attacking a valued member of the council will be your downfall, Uchiha."

Itachi's red eyes merely sharpened as he held the council members gaze with his own hard one. "Your time is over Danzo. Refusing to follow us would only make matters worse for you."

Danzo huffed at his Itachi's words, eyes darkening.

"I will continue to fight against any threat to Konoha." Danzo declared, eyes moving from Itachi to the pinkette as the temperature around them dropped. "And you won't be able to stop me from doing so."

With that, it started.

Danzo's hands formed into a series of seals, Itachi instantly acting as he darted forwards just when Sakura sped towards the council member from the right.

"Fuuton: Shinkuugyoku!" Danzo roared before he pressed his lips together and released bullets of air, directed at the duo that swiftly dodged them, one of them managing to graze Sakura's shoulder as she hissed at the sharp pain.

She continued forward but Itachi was faster, having reached Danzo a heartbeat sooner but when he was about to grab the council member, he disappeared into thin air.

Itachi narrowed his eyes and he spun around just to see Danzo standing by the entrance of the office, a smug smirk on his lips as he looked at the frowning duo.

Sakura instantly noticed that something was off and when her eyes fell on his now exposed right arm she sharply inhaled, wide eyes snapping to Itachi whose entire body stiffened.

"It can't be." Sakura whispered, the shock that cursed through her body followed by a wave of disgust as her eyes snapped back to the council member.

Danzo chuckled as he held up his arm, the Sharingan implanted into it staring back at them almost mockingly.

"Consider this my last warning." Danzo spoke, voice smug as he looked from Sakura to Itachi. "Cease your behavior, or you'll live to regret it."

"You're sick!" Sakura hissed, a shiver running down the length of her spine as she tightly clenched her fists. Her body was shaking out of anger, the mere thought of how he must have acquired the eyes making her feel beyond nauseous as her temper flared. "Talking about loyalty to Konoha when you rob its villagers of their Blood-trait!"

"They have been sacrifices made for the greater good." Danzo calmly returned, causing Sakura to widen her eyes in disbelief. It seemed like he was convinced that he was in the right, fully believing that there was nothing wrong with what he had done as he looked at the pinkette with a mild frown. Itachi remained eerily silent, the anger he radiated off in waves making Sakura purse her lips into a thin line as she glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes.

She couldn't even imagine how much anger he felt if she already felt beyond furious and disgusted by it.

"You claim the Uchiha's to be a threat, go as far as to even order a massacre and then rob them of their Blood trait to use their power?" Sakura inquired, voice rising with every word she spoke as her face scrunched up in disgust. "You are nothing but pathetic and undeserving of associating yourself with Konoha."

Danzo's frown deepened at her words, his ego obviously struck by them as he growled lowly. "You never knew how to respect your elders." His eyes sharpened as one of the Sharingan glistened in his office light. "Allow me to teach you that lesson as a parting gift."

Sakura felt Itachi move before she saw him, the raven-haired Hokage suddenly standing in front of Danzo within the blink of an eye. Sakura swiftly formed a series of seals, an annoyed growl escaping her throat as she watched Danzo skillfully dodge Itachi's attacks.

"Kage bunshin no jutsu!"

The instant her clones appeared she charged, fists glowing as she closed in on Danzo. The council member caught sight of her out of the corner of his eyes and frowned before he jumped away from Itachi, landing a safe distance away from the Uchiha as Sakura's clones attacked, Danzo easily making them disappear one by one with the help of Shuriken and Kunai that he hid beneath his robes.

As they all seemingly disappeared and the three of them were the only ones left, Danzo shot Sakura a clearly unimpressed look.

"Another reason as to why you're unfit for-"

His words were cut off by a glowing fist that hit him right in the face, knocking him against the wall as Sakura allowed her last shadow-clone to fade into thin air.

She dusted off her hands with a roll of her eyes as she caught his scowl from where he was getting on his knees.

"All these Sharingan and you can't tell the difference between talking to a Shadow Clone or the real deal." Sakura snorted, eyes twinkling with mirth as her eyes sharpened and she mockingly returned. "Another reason as to why you're unfit for the position of council member."

Itachi moved to stand next to her, eyes never leaving Danzo as he lowly spoke. "They're coming. The barrier will only hold for a minute longer, so we should hurry."

Sakura nodded as she flexed her fist, the punch she delivered having taken some of her pent up anger away as she glanced at Itachi. "I'll take the eyes, you the sight."

Itachi seemingly understood her message and nodded, agreeing that it would be the fastest way to rid Konoha of Danzo as said male growled.

"You really should have minded your own business."

All of sudden the office was shaking and Sakura swiftly channeled chakra into her feet to keep steady, Itachi doing the same as Danzo charged towards them, Itachi meeting him halfway with a Kunai in his hand.

The moment they met Itachi dug the kunai deep into his heart, Danzo grabbing his neck before Sakura kicked Danzo in the side, the council member once more loosing his footing as he fell onto the ground a few steps away.

Itachi narrowed his eyes as he turned to look at Danzo, suddenly feeling slightly more weary as he approached him.

The council member shakily moved back on his feet, pulling the Kunai out of his chest as if it was nothing but a small splinter before he carefully watched Itachi approach him.

Itachi could tell that there was something wrong with him and when he finally reached Danzo and lifted his hand to reach out and circle it around his throat, he stilled.

As if paralyzed, Itachi lost control over his body, the realization of what Danzo must have done causing him to frown as he looked at the once more smirking council member.

"Itachi?" Sakura called out in concern, wondering why he suddenly stopped. It was when she caught sight of burning markings crawling over the back of his hands that her eyes widened and she realized what was going on.

Sakura moved, intending to dart towards Danzo when a kunai suddenly whipped past her face, only narrowly missing her. She stopped halfway, turning her head just in time to see a handful of Root members storm into the office, Itachi's barrier having finally yielded.

Sakura muttered a string of curses under her breath as she glanced at Itachi, wondering whether he would be fine on his own before she formed a set of seals and created a new set of Shadow clones.

She knew that Root members were highly skilled Shinobi and that it would be hard for her to take them out on her own, but she would have to try to buy Itachi some time.

"Let's get this over with." She muttered before she clenched her fist, a loud growl passing her lips as she charged.

Danzo circled the now paralyzed Itachi with curious eyes, the Sharingan he stole glistening on his arm as Itachi, onyx eyes following his every move while he fought to keep his annoyance from showing.

"I always knew that you Uchiha would pose nothing but trouble, but it seems like it's finally gotten out of hand." Danzo announced, once more stopping in front of Itachi as he grabbed the Kunai the Uchiha had previously stabbed him with and pointed its tip towards his chest. His eyes darkened, the disgust in them obvious as he growled. "For the sake of Konoha, I can't let you live!"

Just when the tip of the Kunai was about to pierce his skin, an orange chakra barrier prevented it from tearing through his flesh. Danzo frowned as he tried to apply more strength, the annoyance that took over him leaving him unable to recognize the source of the chakra in time.

It was when he felt Itachi's chakra signature burst free and filling the entire room, overwhelming every being in the office that he finally realized his mistake and tried to move.

Too late.

The sudden steam of chakra that burst free from him knocked Danzo straight through the wall and onto the balcony, the roof shattering under the pressure of it as Itachi felt his control over his body return to him.

Sakura dodged a kick aimed for her side and blocked a fist with her bare hand as she felt Itachi's chakra burst free. When she heard the roof above her groan in protest she swiftly glanced upwards just in time to see it crumble, a broken piece of it speeding towards her. Sakura swiftly jumped away from her attackers before she lifted her glowing hands in the air, much to their confusion.

The moment the huge piece that came flying towards her she used her additional strength to catch it, digging her fingers into the rough metal before she hurled it at the now wide eyed members of ROOT with a mild grin.

The metal hit all four of them at once and knocked them right through the opposite wall and out of the Headquarters. Sakura smirked in satisfaction as she turned around to check on Itachi just in time to see him step onto the balcony, Susanoo hovering above him in all its dangerous yet beautiful glory.

She swiftly walked through the now devastated office, stopping a few steps behind Itachi as she watched Danzo struggle to get on his feet, breathing heavily.

Itachi seemed as calm as ever, Susanoo glowing like the brightest flames as he looked down at Danzo, crimson eyes shining with a mixture of disgust and anger.

"You should have known better than to attack us." Itachi mumbled, voice cutting through the silence like a knife. The distant sound of battle could be heard and he assumed that his brother and the rest were currently trying to keep the remaining members present at the Headquarters occupied. "You should have acknowledged your mistakes and atoned for them in prison without causing such a commotion."

Danzo let out a ragged breath as he looked up at Itachi, the hatred he held for the Uchiha heir shining brightly in his eyes as he clenched his fists.

"I am not going to rot in prison for trying to rid Konoha of its threats and poisonous members." Danzo spat and Sakura merely shook her head from where she was standing behind Itachi, expression solemn as she stepped forwards.

"Your twisted ideals are the reason for all of the pain and sufferings Konoha's shinobi had to endure for the past years." Sakura spoke, her voice grave as she clenched her fists. "Countless of innocent lives have been taken and many more are still endangered because of your sick vision of peace and you cooperating with Orochimaru. How can you say that all of this would eventually result in peace?"

"You don't understand!" Danzo bellowed in rage, eyes wide as the eyes on his arms sparked. "The sacrifices are needed. Konoha has to rid itself of the ones poisoning it, that's what ROOT's very essence lays in!"

"You're taking innocent lives!" Sakura shouted in return, her fury finally taking the best of her as she took a menacing step forwards, emerald eyes burning with anger and disgust. "None of these people deserved to die. They have been nothing but loyal shinobi that loved their village and you sacrificed them to maintain a peace that your own actions are destroying!"

Sakura's eyes then darkened, fists shaking as she glowered at the council member that was shaking in rage. "You almost killed my father because I was a threat to your delusional plans of gaining the upper hand and ridding Konoha of Itachi and everyone whom you believed to be a threat while you have been the real threat to the village all along!"

Itachi took a step forwards as well, Susanoo looming over him as the Uchiha heir as he decided to finally put an end to it. Danzo wouldn't see reason no matter how hard they'd try and in order to truly make him atone for his sins, they would have to take him with them.

Alive.

Itachi could feel his chakra gradually decrease, the consequence of summoning such a large amount at once after being caught in the genjutsu with Sakura days ago as the sting in his eyes slowly started to become more prominent.

"Haruno." He called, eyes fixed on Danzo before they pointedly slid to his Sharingan- covered arm. "It's time."

Sakura gritted her teeth but nodded nonetheless, her anger still steadily pumping through her veins as she grabbed a kunai from her weapon holster that was strapped on her thigh and tightly held it in her hand.

Danzo growled as he took another step back, realizing that he was fighting a losing battle as he stood on the edge of the balcony. As he watched the unlikely duo in front of him he realized that he had no other choice than to take on his last resort, but it would be worth it if it meant that he would drag them down with them,

The second Sakura and Itachi moved, Danzo jumped backwards onto the balcony's railing and removed his top, revealing jet black markings on his chest that grew bigger within a second.

"I will rid Konoha of you, even if it means giving my own life!" Danzo roared, Itachi's eyes widening in surprise as he realized what Danzo was about to do before his eyes fell on Sakura.

Without a second thought Itachi grabbed the equally shocked pinkette and gave her a hard shove, hurling her over the balcony as he roughly grabbed Danzo by the neck.

Sakura twisted her body to land on the roof of a nearby house, her feet digging into its tiles as her head snapped up just in time to watch the upper floor of the Headquarter blow up in one black explosion. Her heart stilled as the entire building shook from the aftermath of the explosion, the place that Itachi and Danzo have been standing on mere seconds ago engulfed in black flames and thick smoke.

Her ears were ringing from the sound of the explosion, her chest tightening painfully as she realized what had just happened. The shouts of alarm from Fugaku and his men a few meters behind her didn't reach her as Sakura's body suddenly moved on its own accord, her surroundings blurring as her heartbeat echoed loudly in her ears.

The adrenaline that rushed through her veins left her unable to feel anything as she darted towards the now burning Headquarters, sheer fear gripping her like an icy hand as she channeled her chakra into her feet and run the walls of the building up, heading straight towards the smoke.

She didn't dare breath as she reached the burning balcony, the entire floor having collapsed and collided with the floor beneath it.

Sakura covered her mouth as her panic-stricken emerald eyes scanned the devastated floor for any sign of Itachi, trying to inhale as little of the smoke as he could while she hastily made her way over the broken rocks and parts of the floor.

The smoke was scratching her lungs and she let out a cough, eyes watering but whether it was out of fear of because of the smoke, she didn't know.

"Itachi!" Sakura called, her panicked voice filling the room as she felt her heartbeat speed up to a painful pace. The heat that the flames emitted licked her skin but Sakura felt numb tot he pain, heart painfully pounding against her rib-cage as she frantically looked for the Uchiha heir.

She could feel her throat tighten when still couldn't find him, the force of the explosion having nearly demolished all of the two floors and buried everything underneath its piles of metal and rock.

And maybe even him.

"Itachi!" She once more called, the urgency in her voice scaring herself as her eyes darted from one pile to another, frantically searching for him.

"Sakura!"

Sakura's heart nearly stopped when she heard someone call her name but when she turned around to look at the source, her relief was short-lived. Through the smoke she caught sight of Shisui and realized that it was him who returned her call, the anxiety in her rising as she looked at him.

"Shisui." She called out, tears now freely streaming down her face as she looked at him with fear-stricken eyes. "I can't find him!"
Shisui jumped over the last pile of burning metal before he gently grabbed Sakura's upper arms, the sight of the distraught pinkette breaking his heart as he felt his own clench with fear for his cousin that he professionally concealed.

His Sharingan was steadily spinning in his eyes as he swiftly scanned his surroundings in hope of finding his cousin but so far, there was no sight of him.

"Don't worry, I am here." Shisui reassured her before he gently grabbed the pinkette's face. "You got to listen to me, okay?"

Sakura nodded, noticing for the first time just how badly she was shaking. Shisui gave her a small smile as he squeezed her arms, forcing himself to think clear for both of their sakes.

"You'll take the back, I'll take the front." Shisui told her and Sakura mutely nodded once more, already feeling slightly light-headed from all the smoke she inhaled as Shisui's hold on her tightened. "We'll find him."

As Shisui let the pinkette go, he prayed to the Hokage's that they would find Itachi before they would have to pause the search to prevent themselves from getting poisoned. He doubted that he could drag Sakura away from here without getting his jaw broken and if she would manage to find Itachi before him, he hoped that his cousins heart would still be beating.

Sakura's eyes scanned her surroundings for any signs of the Uchiha heir, the panic that gripped her unlike anything she ever felt before as the image of his shocked, crimson orbs seconds before the explosion flashed in front of her eyes.

He had known.

He had known and had pushed her out of the way to save her nonetheless.

Another cough was forced from her lungs as she entered an area where the smoke was thicker, her eyes watering as she kept her eyes open despite of the burning sensation. She looked to where the remains of Danzo's desk were and just when she was about to move towards the balcony once more, she felt something brush against her chakra that caused her to freeze.

Sakura's breath stilled, eyes widening as she tried to hold onto the small spark as her emerald eyes hastily scanned her surroundings for any sign of what she sensed. She took a step towards the broken desk, the signature weak but familiar as her chest burned with a spark of hope.

It was when she was standing in front of it that she was able to make out his dark silhouette, covered in a dim orange glow as he was slouched against a peace of the wall that remained. His lower body was covered by a pile of metal, eyes closed and face covered in scratches.

The blood in her veins froze as her weak legs moved before she even realized it herself, eyes seeing nothing but him as fell onto her knees and grabbed Itachi's still form by the shoulders.

"Itachi." She whispered in disbelief, eyes wide in horror and hands trembling as she shook him. "Itachi!"

His shirt was ripped, chest covered in a broad burning mark as his eyes were closed. Sakura shakily reached out to check on his pulse and wanted to cry out in relief when she felt the weak, yet steady thump against her finger.

It was weak, but it was there.

"Shisui!" She called, the urgency in her voice alarming even herself as she shakily reached out to grab the metal that covered his legs and with some help of her chakra, lifted it off of him before she swiftly tossed it aside, the metal luckily not weighting too much so that his legs were left unharmed.

She didn't notice that she had cut her palm in the process of lifting the metal, the stinging sensation drowning under the pain she felt in her chest as she rested her now bleeding hand on Itachi's cheek. His skin was hot under her touch, the small cut on his cheekbone bleeding as Sakura gulped down the lump that had formed itself in her throat and removed her hand from his face to shake him once more.

She needed to get him out of there.

"Itachi." She once more tried, hands fisting the remainders of his shirt as she felt her stomach clench with fear. "Please, wake up."

It seemed like the Hokage's had pity with her and decided to grant her wish because the moment her plea passed her lips Itachi's eyes slowly opened to reveal a pair of dazed onyx orbs.

Sakura's heart skipped a painful beat as she realized that he was slowly regaining consciousness and the pinkette instantly channeled her chakra into her hands, placing them over the burn on his chest as a small smile ghosted over her lips.

"You're awake." She uttered in disbelief, voice laced with relief despite of the pain that filled her eyes. Itachi narrowed his eyes, lifting a weak arm despite of his muscle's protests to reach out and place his hand on her tear-stricken cheeks. He moved his thumb to gently wipe away her tears, eyes softening at her pained expression that he was responsible for.

He opened his mouth to speak but Sakura merely shook her head, brows furrowing in disapproval as she looked at him. "Don't. You're in no condition to speak, we need to get you out of here."

Just then she heard Shisui call her name from somewhere behind her, the Uchiha reaching them within the next moments as he looked at his younger cousin with clear relief.

"You really know how to scare someone." Shisui muttered as he glared at his cousin, Itachi merely closing his eyes because of the painful ache in them in return.

"Danzo." Itachi muttered, his voice hoarse as he once more opened his eyes to be greeted by Sakura and Shisui's frowns.

Shisui was about to ask what his cousin meant when Itachi turned his head to look to his left, Shisui's gaze following his and when he finally found what Itachi had been looking at, his eyes widened.

Realization dawned on him as he once more turned to look at Itachi, the silent question in his eyes answered by a curt nod from the Uchiha heir as he frowned.

"Sakura." Shisui suddenly spoke, voice grave as the pinkette turned her head to look at him. "Get him out of here."

Sakura, although noticing that something was wrong judging by the fact that Shisui was staying behind nodded, the green hue that surrounded her hands slowly fading before she looked at Itachi.

"We'll have to jump." She told him, voice strained as Itachi nodded. Sakura wrapped his arm over her shoulders and pulled him up, wrapping the other around his waist to steady him before she looked at Shisui.

He merely offered her a reassuring smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, the suspicion that filled Sakura's emerald eyes not going unnoticed by him before he watched her turn around and leave.

A cough escaped her as she moved towards the edge, her hold on Itachi tightening as she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.

"Ready?" She whispered, the soft nod she received the only boost of energy she needed before she jumped.

As she neared the ground, she channeled chakra into her feet to cushion their fall and when her feet once more hit the ground, she instantly found herself surrounded by dozen of people.

She didn't know who it was that took Itachi from her before she fell onto her knees, a wave of dizziness overcoming her as she placed a hand against her forehead.

Her vision blurred when she felt someone grab her shoulders, concerned blue eyes entering her vision before she felt herself getting pulled into someone's arms, their voices blocked out by the ringing in her ears as Naruto's familiar scent filled her nose. She was able to make out Sasuke standing behind Naruto, his expression grim as his eyes openly displayed his concern for his teammate as he looked down at her.

As Sakura numbly sat on the ground, her teammate's strong arms around her she felt the knot in her chest loosening and reality slowly return to her.

Itachi was safe, and they completed the mission.

They did it.

Sakura let out a shaky breath as she finally leaned into Naruto's embrace, taking comfort in her teammate's arms as she buried her face in his neck so that they would be unable to see the tears that rolled down her cheeks.

She repeated the sentence like a mantra in hope of it finally taking away the fear she still felt, to stop the shaking of her hands as she held tightly onto the front of Naruto's shirt.

The shock from the sudden explosion still sat deep, all the fear, pain and panic from the past two days finally catching up with her as Sakura shivered in the blonde's arms.

No sound escaped the pinkette as she allowed her tears to silently roll down her cheeks, the knowledge that these two days would forever haunt her leaving her painfully empty.

X

Done! This was probably the longest chapter I have ever written and to say that I am proud of it would be an understatement.

I want to thank you for all the nice reviews for the last chapters! I am beyond happy that you like it so far, especially now that the plot is starting to thicken. Now that Danzo is out of the way, one may think that they only got Orochimaru and Madara left, but let me tell you that a LOT more is going to happen. It would way too boring to simply take everyone out one by one, now wouldn't it;)

Please review this chapter as well and tell me whether you liked it and if yes, what your favorite part of it was!

See you soon loves.

Love,

Sara.