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.

24. Red lips

CHAPTER 24- Red lips

Sakura stood in front of the door with a heavy heart, still dressed in her mission attire that was partly covered in dry blood as she hesitated.

She didn't know why, but for some reason she didn't have the heart to push the door open. Maybe it was because she was too scared that once inside she would feel like a six year old little girl again, or perhaps it was because she didn't know how she should face her mother after everything that happened.

Would she be mad?

Sakura sighed, knowing that there was only one way to find out as she reluctantly reached out to grip the doors metal handle before she finally pushed it open and stepped inside.

The pinkette's exhausted eyes instantly caught sight of her father's form laying on the hospital bed by the window, surrounded by all kinds of machines before her eyes fell on the person that was seated next to him, holding tightly onto his hand.

Sakura took a step inside, the sound of her sandals clicking against the marble floor catching her mother's attention as her head snapped to the door, eyes widening when she saw just who entered the room.

"Sakura-chan." She whispered, releasing her husbands hand to jump up from her seat and rush over to pull her daughter into a bone-crushing hug.

Sakura returned the hug just as fiercely, her mothers warm and familiar embrace momentarily allowing her to forget the past hours gruesome events as she buried her face into her neck, her mother's familiar scent calming her nerves.

For minutes they simply stood there in each others embrace, her mother crying in her arms as Sakura soothingly rubbed her back, unable to shed any more tears after everything that happened that night.

"I am so glad to see you." Her mother sniffed as she pulled away, rubbing her eyes in hope of ridding them of any more tears that threatened to leak them as she looked at her daughter.

The moment she did however her eyes narrowed, the exhaustion on Sakura's face clearly visible as her eyes traveled down to her clothes, a gasp leaving her lips at the condition they were in.

"What happened?" She asked, the worry that brightened her eyes not dimming even when Sakura offered her a smile that she knew didn't reach her eyes.

"I just returned from a mission, there's no need to worry." She assured her mother, knowing that she wouldn't believe her but hoping that she would let it slide this once.

"The blood?" Her mother asked, lips pursed as Sakura froze, averting her eyes from her mother's.

"It's not mine." She told her, voice low and words bittersweet on her lips as her eyes fell on her father's unconscious form. Her mother didn't need to know that she'd rather wanted it to be hers than his. "I take that Tsunade-shishou filled you in?"

Her mother nodded as they made their way over to his bed, Mebuki sitting down on the chair next to it as Sakura remained standing next to her.

She swiftly checked the clipboard that was laying on the table next to his bed, eyes skimming over the words and test results before she sighed.

It was as Tsunade had said. He was stable but still in danger and even though there still was a chance for him to recover, it was very low.

Sakura softly placed the clipboard back onto the table, eyes falling on her father's face for the first time ever since she saw him in the emergency room. He looked less pale, but it seemed like the wrinkles on his face deepened, the exhaustion evident as she gently reached out to brush some of his hair out of his face.

"He'll make it."

Sakura let out a small sigh, her mother's words spoken with an amount of certainty that she wished she would possess. She wanted nothing more than to believe it, than to be able to clutch onto that small spark of hope that he would get better but during the past years of being a kunoichi and medic, Sakura had learned the hard way that hope was a dangerous thing that could, eventually, fully break one.

The pinkette spent one more hour in her mother's company, talking about anything and everything, but when it came to the topic as to how exactly her father got into this condition, she didn't have the heart to tell her that the fire was no accident.

She didn't want her to worry about her well being as well and decided that this piece of information should remain part of the burden she carried.

When she finally managed to convince her mother to go home and meet up with Ino's mother the next day to get her mind off her father, Sakura made her way towards the outpatient ward.

"Sakura-chan!" She heard her name being called the moment she rounded the corner, her eyes greeted by the sight of Sasuke and Naruto standing in front of the very room that she had been looking for.

Sakura allowed herself to smile as she approached them, hoping that it didn't look as fake as it felt.

"Hey guys." She returned, eyes sliding from Naruto to Sasuke, who was leaning with his back against the wall next to the door, arms crossed above his chest. "Any news?"

"Tsunade is giving him an earful." Naruto informed her with a grin that told her that he was more than amused that for once, he wasn't at the receiving end of the Godaime's wrath. "Other than that, he seems to be fine."

Sakura nodded, shoulders slightly sagging with relief as Sasuke elaborated. "Susanoo shielded him from the worst, but he is pretty low on chakra and got a broken rib that Godaime-sama probably healed already."

Sakura pursed her lips, knowing that he got away with nothing more than a scare but then again, so did she.

A scare that had deeply imprinted itself in her mind.

Just then Tsunade exited the room, face scrunched up in a frown as she muttered something about stubborn Uchiha's under her breath before she let out a deep sigh and rubbed her temples.

"Baa-chan, did you keep him alive?" Naruto asked, his teasing grin brightening up his face as Tsunade glared daggers at him.

"Want me to break you a rib too?" She snapped and Naruto swiftly shook his head, his grin turning sheepish as Sasuke shook his head at his blonde friend.

Tsunade's eyes then fell on Sakura who was looking at the door with a solemn face, her own expression turning into a frown as she caught sight of the state her disciple was in.

Itachi had briefly filled her in on what had happened and that the mission turned out to be a success but judging by Sakura's expression, there was obviously something that he didn't tell her.

Tsunade sighed as she turned to look at the boys, face stern as put her hands on her hips. "Get out of my sight you two, you look like hell."

Sasuke pushed himself off the wall, knowing better than to disobey Tsunade's orders especially if she was in a bad mood and grabbed Naruto by the neck, the blonde protesting in his hold before Sasuke briefly stopped, questioning eyes falling on Sakura who in return shook her head.

"It's fine, you can go first."

Sasuke, albeit reluctant, nodded and made his way out of the hospital with a cursing Naruto that offered her a shout of goodbye, Sakura returning it with a half-hearted wave before she turned back to meet Tsunade's disapproving look.

"You got ten minutes, so use them wisely." Tsunade told her, eyes hard as she pursed her lips into a thin line. "If you won't stop worrying about him, you'll get wrinkles that even my jutsu won't be able to get rid of."

Sakura's lips curled upwards into a half smile. "Thank you, shishou."

Tsunade merely shook her head in return and made a shooing motion with her hands as she walked past her, muttering something about young love that had Sakura roll her eyes before she entered the room.

The moment she stepped inside her eyes instantly found him. The dim light of the nightstand bathed the room in a soft, yellow light and yet, she could see him clearer than ever. His back was turned to her, his shirt pulled over his head as he struggled to get his now bandaged arm through it.

Sakura remained silent as she moved towards him, knowing that he must have heard her by now before she gently grabbed the back of his shirt and carefully pulled it over his arm, Itachi tensing at her unexpected touch.

Silence filled the room as Sakura helped him finish dressing, her small hands smoothing the wrinkles out of his shirt before she stilled.

The warmth his body radiated under her palms reminded her that he was well and with her, her hands turning into fists as she tried to fight the icy shiver that run through her body.

"Sakura."

His voice was soft, the apologetic whisper of her name worsening the ache in her chest as Sakura tightened her hold on his shirt and closed her eyes.

"Shut up." She muttered, anger taking over the fragments of fear that remained as she fought to keep from breaking his ribs right then and there. "Just shut up."

She felt him turn around, her grip on his shirt loosening as her arms fell back to her sides, gaze now downcast as she stared at the floor, the feeling of his eyes on her fueling her anger.

He said nothing, merely looked at her as she clenched her fists and bit her lower lip in anger, refusing to let him see the pain in her eyes that he caused.

"Why?" Sakura whispered, the cold anger in her voice clearly audible as she once more asked. "Just why would you do that?"

"To save you." Came his curt reply, his soft-spoken words causing Sakura to grit her teeth, irritation gnawing at her from the inside.

"Save me?" She asked, finally lifting her burning emerald eyes to his. "Do you even realize what you did to me?"

Itachi remained silent, his onyx eyes softening as he looked at the distraught pinkette with a heavy heart. He knew that his decision had brought her pain, but it was necessary and he would do it all over again if he had to.

"Sakura." He once more tried but she merely growled in return.

"Don't you dare Sakura me." She hissed, her anger now fully taking the best of her as she glared at him in a way that made Itachi wonder just how deeply he had hurt her. "I watched you get blown up!"

Itachi remained silent again, knowing better than to say anything as the pinkette shook with anger.

"I had to look for you in all that mess, praying that you were alive thanks to some miracle because you pushed me away and decided to stay behind!" She snapped, tears pricking in her eyes as she felt the adrenaline rush through her veins at full speed.

She wouldn't have been half as worried about him surviving if it weren't for the fact that he was low on chakra when he invoked Susanoo. She was mad, she was hurt, and damn if she would let this incident go by without giving him an earful.

"We need him alive."

Sakura's eyes widened as she looked at him, his words reaching her but her mind not making any sense of them.

"What?" She whispered, the disbelief her voice carried almost making Itachi regret that he had spoken in the first place.

But it was the truth.

"I stayed behind to keep him from killing himself." Itachi told her, voice low as he took in her glassy green eyes. "Danzo is still alive."

Sakura felt something in her snap at the information, all the pain and anger that she had kept bottled up during the past two days finally bursting. At this point she didn't even care about his reasons anymore, nor about the fact that Danzo was still alive. All she saw was red, all she felt was rage accompanied by a pain that run deeper than anything she had ever known.

"I thought you died!" She called, the tears now freely streaming down her cheeks as she stared up at him, emerald eyes on fire. "Do you even have the slightest idea of how I feel you ignorant jerk? I thought that I lost you because of someone like him!"

Itachi's heart broke at the sight of her tears, the raw pain in her eyes cutting him like a knife as he reached out to gently caress her face.

"Sakura." He softly called but she shook her head, jerking her head out of his hold as she took a step back.

"No." She returned, teary eyes narrowed as she glared at him. "No."

Itachi was in front of her within the blink of an eye, gently, yet firmly grabbing her shoulders as Sakura growled lowly and encircled her hands around his wrists, zapping them with chakra as she pulled them off of her when his grip loosened.

Itachi narrowed his eyes in displeasure as Sakura's anger spiked and she took another step back. "Stay away, Uchiha."

Just as she had uttered her warning did she suddenly find herself in his arms, the familiar sensation causing her chest to clench as her tears turned hot.

"Let me go." She growled, struggling against his grip despite of knowing that it was to no avail, the only effect it had being that he tightened his hold on her. Sakura punched her fists against his chest, the tears increasing as she felt her throat tighten. "Itachi, let go."

"No."

Sakura bit hard on her trembling lower lip as her struggles slowly ceased, her exhaustion taking over as she felt her heart clench tightly in her chest.

"I hate you." She whispered, her voice breaking at the end as she felt him tighten his hold on her, chin resting at the crown of her head.

"I know." He lowly returned, hating himself for being the one responsible for her tears and pain as he finally felt her relax in his arms.

Sakura held tightly onto the front of his shirt, forehead leaning against his shoulder as she felt numb once more, only one thought running through her mind.

"I thought you were dead."

She felt Itachi pull back, the Uchiha heir gently grabbing her chin and tilting it upwards to look at her. His onyx eyes hardened as he took in her tear-stricken face, his heart breaking at the sight of her blood-shot eyes as he leaned forwards so that his nose was brushing against hers, lips only inches apart.

"I'll always come back to you." He told her, eyes boring into hers with an intensity that made her feel weaker than ever. "No matter how long it may take me, I will always return to you."

"Promise." Sakura whispered, knowing that it was irrational and that a mere promise could never keep him by her side if fate decided to take him from her and yet, she needed to hear it from him. If the thought of loosing him already was this great, she didn't want to imagine what it must feel like when it actually happened.

She couldn't.

Itachi leaned forwards and captured her lips into a soft kiss, the taste of her tears mingling with the sweetness of her lips as he pulled her closer against him.

When he finally pulled back he leaned his forehead against hers, onyx eyes hard as he looked at her. He meant every word and intended to keep his promise, no matter what it would take him to do so. He would not allow her to suffer because of him any longer and even though he knew that as a shinobi his life would always be at risk, he would not allow it to take him from her, or her from him.

Not now, not ever.

"Always."

X

"I don't think that it's a good idea."

"I don't care, stay still."

"Sakura-chan, I really don't think-"

"It's fine, no one will find out."

"Now that just sounded wrong."

Sakura rolled her eyes at his comment before they once more narrowed in concentration, the tips of her fingers running up his temple until they found the perfect spot and stopped.

She looked down at the male that was laying on the office desk, looking uncertainly up at the pinkette that was leaning over him.

If only he had shut his mouth-

"Ready?" She asked, the chakra that was gathering at the tip of her fingers warming his temples as he gulped.

"No."

"Perfect."

With that, she allowed her chakra to enter his eyes. She pursed her lips in thought as she focused on his nerves and the small inflammation in his chakra pathways that lead to his eyes. It was not unusual, considering that the Sharingan put a huge strain on the optical nerves especially the more frequently they used it.

It was by pure chance that she had met Shisui when she was about to leave Itachi's office, the Uchiha looking for his cousin who was currently away taking care of some Clan matters. It was when he complained about an annoying sting in his eyes that Sakura decided to take a closer look at them and when she caught sight of the small crimson dot in his dark eyes that seemed similar to the one she had seen in Itachi's on the cruise weeks ago, she practically slammed him on the table and demanded for him to stay still.

She felt Shisui shift beneath her touch and frowned. "Careful, one wrong move and you'll end up blind."

Shisui instantly stilled, gulping uneasily before he muttered something about a stapler digging into his back that made Sakura smile.

So far, nothing seemed out of the ordinary but that still didn't explain the small dot in their eyes that was accompanied by a sting in their eyes.

"Weird." She mumbled, blowing a strand of hair out of her face as she looked for any parts where the inflammation was worse, but there seemed to be none.

"What do you mean, weird?" Shisui asked, sounding offended as he slowly relaxed under her touch. Sakura's chakra had a way of calming one and despite of the stapler that was still rather painfully digging into his back, he found himself loosen up.

"There's nothing." She revealed, but for some reason she sounded rather disappointed about it, much to his confusion.

"Isn't that a good thing?" He asked, clearly puzzled as Sakura sighed and slowly withdrew her chakra from his nerves.

"Depends on how you look at it." She returned with a sigh and just as she spoke these words she heard the office doors fly open.

Shisui snapped his head to the side to look who entered when a sharp sting followed his movement, earning a hiss from him. Sakura removed her fingers from his head and flicked his forehead in disapproval, face etched into a frown.

"I told you not to move!"

Shisui groaned as he rubbed the now red spot on his forehead as he and Sakura both turned their heads to see Itachi stand in the doorway, looking at them with an arched brow and seeming less surprised and confused than he probably should have.

But it wasn't the sight of him that surprised Sakura, but the one who was standing behind the Uchiha heir with a broad grin on his lips, eyes sparkling at the scene in front of him.

"I told you that you'd be a great inspiration for my novels!"

"Jiraya-sama!" Sakura called, lips turning upwards into a surprised smile as her eyes visibly brightened, the pinkette genuinely happy to see him. "I thought that you left already."

Jiraya's grin widened at her bright expression. "Well, it seems like the two of you caused quite a commotion that I just couldn't ignore."

"Yeah." This time it was Shisui who spoke up as he sat up and rubbed his aching back with a pout. "They're kinda known for that."

Sakura rolled her eyes before she caught Itachi's curious gaze, her smile turning innocent as she shrugged, causing him to shake his head in exasperation.

"Well, it's actually exactly what I need." Jiraya revealed, causing Sakura to lift a brow as she crossed her arms above her chest, Shisui moving off the desk to stand next to Sakura to look at the white-haired sanin in curiosity.

"The Rokudaime Hokage as well as the Godaime Kazekage have been invited to a meeting in Iwagakure." Jiraya said, causing Sakura's eyes to snap to Itachi who in return nodded in confirmation.

"Iwa?" Shisui asked, obviously surprised by the Tsuchikage's sudden invitation.

"I'll leave tonight." Itachi informed them as he moved towards his desk, Sakura narrowing her eyes as she looked at Jiraya in suspicion.

"How do you fit into that puzzle?" The pinkette asked, her suspicions growing when Jiraya's smile turned into a smirk at her attentiveness.

"Ah, yes. Well, I'd actually like to propose something." Jiraya announced, his eyes fixed on Sakura as his eyes sparkled in a way that eerily reminded her of Naruto. "To you, my dearest Sakura-chan."

At that Sakura was unable to hide her surprise, the curios glint in her green eyes visible to the sanin as he smugly grinned.

"If it's the same as the last time we met, my answer is still no." Sakura deadpanned, and Jiraya sheepishly chuckled in return, well aware of the curious look the Hokage sent him from where he was now seated behind his desk once more.

"Oh no, it's about something else." At the looks he received, he swiftly elaborated. "A mission, actually."

"A mission?" Sakura echoed, now clearly interested in the sanin's proposal before she glanced over her shoulder. "You knew about it?"

Itachi shook his head. "It's my first time hearing of it as well."

Sakura hummed as she looked at Jiraya, wondering just what the sanin had to offer. "What kind of mission?"

"A very important and high ranked mission." Jiraya revealed as he clapped his hands together with a grin. "I actually have some business in Iwa and for that, I am in need for some back-up so when I heard about the Hokage's trip, I thought that it would be the best opportunity for me to take care of it."

Sakura arched a brow as she leaned against the front of Itachi's desk. "Quite a nice coincidence, but that still doesn't explain why you want me out of everyone to join you."

Jiraya chuckled as he looked at the pinkette and sideways leaned against a bookshelf that was standing next to the door. "It's an undercover mission at one of Iwa's number one hotspots where shinobi and kunoichi gather to rant about how shitty their lives are. One of my sources told me that we may get to catch a piece of information regarding our attackers, so I figured that chances would be higher to find something if I would go with some company."

Sakura had to admit that an undercover mission did sound quite appealing and on top of that, it would be the perfect opportunity for her to get away from all of the stress for some time. Besides, undercover missions were always pretty fun.

Shisui apparently thought the same for he let out a low whistle, shooting the pinkette an impressed look. "Sounds pretty fun to me."

Sakura inwardly agreed, though she knew that it sounded too good for it not to have any downsides and pinned Jiraya with a scrutinizing look.

"There's a catch."

Jiraya swiftly lifted his hands in a defensive matter, shaking his head vehemently. "Oh no, there's no catch." Then, as an afterthought he added, "Just a favor I'd like to ask of you."

Sakura lifted her brow, not liking the strange gleam that suddenly filled his eyes as she tilted her head lightly aside. "What favor?"

This time Jiraya's grin deepened and it was then that she realized that she would most likely not be too fond of his favor.

Not at all.

"I need you to get me some of Konoha's prettiest kunoichi to accompany us." He announced, not looking the last bit apologetic as he cheekily added. "And I need you to take a really nice outfit with you."

Sakura could practically feel her brow tick in annoyance, the pinkette a second away from asking him just what kind of hotspot exactly it was when Shisui's hand shot up in the air.

"I can do that!" He volunteered and Sakura shot him a dark glare that he pointedly seemed to ignore, much to Jiraya's amusement.

Oh yes, she certainly was Tsunade's student if the deadly aura she emitted was anything to go by.

Then again, the Hokage didn't seem much better either if the way his eyes narrowed dangerously was anything to go by.

"It would be highly appreciated." Jiraya smoothly returned and Shisui gave him a toothy grin before he turned to look at his cousin.

"Don't you need an escort to Iwa anyways?" He asked, already knowing the answer as Itachi let out a small sigh, much to his delight. "I volunteer!"

"You just want to spend time with Ino." Sakura teased, knowing that she had hit the mark when Shisui's eyes widened and he rather pathetically attempted to deny it but at Sakura's amused expression, he eventually gave up and settled for a glare.

"As if you aren't happy that you get to accompany Itachi." He snickered, causing Sakura's eyes to widen comically before she grabbed Shisui by the ear, much to the other two's amusement.

"If you want to keep that ear you better watch your mouth." She snapped, trying to keep the heat out of her cheeks as she looked up at Jiraya, pointedly ignoring Shisui's whining from where he struggled to get out of her death grip.

"As long as the Hokage approves of the mission, I see no reason as to why I shouldn't accept it." She helplessly sighed, face turning into a disapproving frown when she saw Jiraya's expression turn smug. "I'll try to see who of the girls is available."

"You're a real angel, Sakura-chan." Jiraya sweetly returned and the pinkette merely rolled her eyes before she turned to look at Itachi, who met her eyes with amused onyx orbs.

"I'll leave the rest to you then." She announced, lips curling into a small smile despite of her annoyance. "See you tonight?"

"I'll pick you up." Itachi returned, enjoying the way Sakura's smile brightened in content before Shisui let out a groan.

"Could you guys stop flirting when my ear is on the line? I can't feel it anymore!"

Sakura tightened her hold on it in return, the rewarding yelp she received causing her smile to turn smug as she shot the Hokage a wink. "If you'd excuse me, I got to take the trash out."

Itachi smirked as he watched her drag Shisui out of her office, the pinkette giving the sanin a nod as she passed him by before the large doors closed behind her.

The moment they fell shut, pained shouts could be heard and Itachi couldn't help but shake his head with a smirk, eyes sparkling in amusement as Jiraya let out an impressed huff.

"She really is Tsuna's student." He acknowledged, a shudder following his comment before he looked at Itachi with an almost fearful look. "Her temper?"

"Just as bad." Itachi instantly returned and Jiraya's expression fell, eyes filled with compassion.

"My sympathies."

X

"Oh hell yes!"

Sakura smiled at her blonde friend's reaction, the bright grin on her face when Sakura told her about the mission already telling her that she would be in.

They were currently at a food court close to the flower shop, the pinkette having decided to tell her friend as soon as possible so that she could prepare herself and join her to ask the others.

"Do you think Hinata and TenTen are free?" Sakura asked, taking a sip of her drink as Ino's expression turned thoughtful for a long moment, a finger tapping against her chin as she thought.

"TenTen should have returned from her mission two days ago but Hinata is out on a mission with Kiba and Shika." Ino told her and Sakura nodded, relieved that at least Tenten could join them.

"We'll leave for Iwa tonight." Sakura told her, the corner of her lips lifting into a smirk as she innocently added. "Shisui will be Itachi's escort."

Ino's eyes visibly brightened at the information, a dreamy sigh leaving her lips as she placed her chin on her palm. "This will be epic."

Sakura nodded, unable to disagree as she was once more left to wonder just what kind of hotspot would expect them. "Jiraya-sama told me to pack our nicest outfits, so I guess that this so called hotspot in Iwa is going to be a club of sorts."

Ino's eyes widened at the information, Sakura realizing her grave mistake too late as Ino let out a deafening squeal, the pinkette grimacing with a wince.

Ino however paid it no mind and instead grabbed Sakura's hands, eyes shining in a way that the medic knew meant no good.

"You know what that means!"

Sakura lifted a cautious brow in return. "Uh, no?"

Ino rolled her eyes before she pushed her chair back, standing up and pulling a fearful Sakura along with her as she called the one thing Sakura had hoped she wouldn't.

"Shopping time!"

The two went to pick Tenten up and despite of her attempts of convincing Ino that they didn't need to shop new outfits just for that mission, Ino was dead set on finding them something to wear.

They spent the remainder of the day shopping everything Ino deemed absolute necessary, the blonde fully set on going all in and finding the perfect outfit for her friends.

By late evening, they all managed to return home with an outfit suited for the mission and swiftly packed up, Itachi picking Sakura up as he had promised before they walked towards the gates to meet the others.

"There they are!" Sakura heard Tenten call, the brunette waving enthusiastically at the approaching duo.

Everyone was already present when they arrived and Sakura couldn't help but notice the way Shisui was already beaming with excitement.

"Hey guys." Sakura greeted them with a smile before she caught sight of a grinning Jiraya. "Jiraya-sama."

"Ah, Sakura-chan." He returned, eyes lightening up at the sight of her. "I have to say that you did not disappoint me. You really do have an exquisite taste."

"Try anything funny and I'll make sure to remind you just what traveling with Tsunade-shishou was like." Sakura warned and Jiraya's grin froze on his lips, the memory of his teammate's temper still sending shivers down his spine.

"So little faith." He drawled in feigned hurt and Sakura rolled her eyes, the small smile on her lips betraying her annoyance as she glanced at Itachi who was already looking at her.

"It should take us two days to reach Iwa. We'll run through the night and take a two hour break at dawn so that we reach Iwa the following morning." Itachi informed them, earning a nod from the others as they straightened. "Once there, we'll rest and prepare for the night and split up."

"What about me?" Shisui asked, forehead furrowed as he looked at his cousin. "Do I accompany you to the meeting?"

The others turned to look at Itachi, eyes curious as the Uchiha heir shook his head. "The only ones permitted in the meeting will be the Kage's so you'll be joining Jiraya-sama for his missions."

Shisui grinned from ear to ear, clearly happy to join the girls and get some action instead of being stuck in a meeting with his cousin.

Not that Itachi could blame him.

After the briefing they decided to set off, traveling through the night and towards the borders of Fire and the Hidden Waterfall. They managed to travel without any incident until the midnight sky began to slowly lighten, Itachi signalizing the others to set up a camp for the night in a small clearing shortly after so that they could take a break.

During their two hour rest Jiraya volunteered to keep watch for the first hour and Itachi for the second, leaving the others to briefly recharge their energy.

After that, they continued on and managed to reach Iwa after traveling through the following day and night, taking brief breaks to recharge their chakra and get something to eat every once in a while.

"Wow." Tenten mumbled, clearly impressed by the sight of the village. Sakura nodded her head in agreement, the sight of the tall boulders and buildings made out of rock bathed in the early sun rays a stunning sight.

The three males of the group seemed less impressed, having most likely been to Iwa before and Sakura suddenly remembered that Itachi had been a high-ranked member of Anbu before becoming the Hokage.

"We'll stay at one of the inn's that are located by the Tsuchikage residence." Jiraya announced as he lifted his arms above his head and stretched, Tenten stifling a yawn before she tiredly smiled.

"Sounds good to me." She returned, eyes turning hopeful as she asked. "Is there a bathhouse by any chance?"

"There is." Jiraya confirmed with a grin, earning a delighted squeal from Ino and a smile from Sakura. Her sore body could really use a nice, hot bath and it would give them the perfect opportunity to relax and prepare for the night.

The group of six followed Jiraya into the village, the early morning leaving the streets almost empty as they arrived at the inn half an hour later.

Jiraya was the first to step inside as he walked towards the reception desk with a smug smirk, leaning with his elbow against it as he eyed the brunette seated behind it.

"Rumiko-chan, you look as lovely as ever." Jiraya drawled in greeting, shooting her a wink that made the brunette woman that seemed not much older than Sakura erupt into a fit of giggles.

"You're as charming as ever, Jiraya-sama." She smiled before her eyes fell on the two males that flanked him, eyes considerably darkening in pleasure as her innocent smile turned sultry. "And you brought company."

Sakura instantly frowned, eyes narrowing at the way the young woman eyed Itachi as she heard Ino next to her huff. She just hoped that Jiraya would hurry up and get them their keys so that they could leave and take a rest.

She was in no mood to hold Ino back from clawing the receptionists eyes out if it could be helped.

"Ah yes." Jiraya spoke, smirk turning into a cheshire grin as he gestured to the small group. "I am actually accompanied by the Hokage and some of Konoha's most skilled shinobi."

"The Hokage?" The woman asked, mocha eyes lightening up with interest as she leaned her chin onto her palm. "Fascinating."

Sakura could practically feel her brow twitch in annoyance, Tenten snorting somewhere behind her as Shisui covered his laugh behind a cough.

Ino had no chance to be amused because her eyes fell on Shisui next, mocha orbs darkening even further if possible. "I can tell that you brought some very skilled ones indeed."

Ino at this point was bristling with fury and took a step forwards, hiding her anger behind one of the sweetest smiles she could muster, as she looked the receptionist with burning teal eyes.

"I can assure you that he is very skilled in what he does." Ino drawled as she curled herself around Shisui's arm, voice dripping with sweetness as her eyes sharpened. "Too bad that you will never find out because they're not up for grabs and if you don't want that pretty little face of yours to get a make-over you better get us our damn keys already."

Tenten snickered at Shisui's dumb-struck expression, the way Itachi's lips curled upwards into a smirk at Ino's threat causing Sakura to sigh as Jiraya swiftly attempted to calm the situation.

"R-Rumiko-chan, would you be as kind as to send someone to tell the Tsuchikage that the Hokage has arrived?" Jiraya asked with a sheepish smile, trying to break the tension as she brunette woman nodded, not looking the least bit bothered or intimidated by Ino as her lips curled up into a smile once more.

"Of course, Jiraya-sama." She instantly returned, and Sakura couldn't help but note that her voice was a little too sweet for her liking. Mocha eyes then fell on Itachi, the unmistakable glint in them causing Sakura to frown. "I will make sure to personally tell the Hokage once the Tsuchikage has been informed."

"That won't be necessary." Sakura curtly returned, expression holding a light frown as the brunette woman finally took notice of her. She looked at Sakura as if she had noticed her presence only now before her eyes narrowed ever so slightly at the pinkette, this time seemingly taking offense.

"You can tell me!" Jiraya swiftly perked up, clearly not minding getting a visit by the receptionist that by now seemed rather annoyed.

Tenten was watching the exchange with genuine curiosity, the sight of her pink-haired friend's obvious jealousy a pleasant surprise while Itachi fought the urge to smirk at the scene.

The brunette eventually removed her eyes from Sakura, though the girls were sure that it was not because she gave up but rather because she knew better than to try anything with them present before she glanced back at Jiraya.

"Six rooms?"

"Four." Ino sweetly corrected, head resting on Shisui's shoulder who looked more than smug by now. The brunette receptionist rolled her eyes once more before handing Jiraya a set of keys and the white haired male shot her an apologetic smile before he turned towards the others.

"Follow me, kids."

The group did as told and followed Jiraya into the hallway, Sakura striding past Itachi without glancing at him, much to his visible confusion while Ino let go of Shisui's arm with a huff as soon as they passed the reception, shooting him a glare.

"Huh?" He asked, clearly confused as he watched Ino move to walk beside Sakura, catching his cousins equally curious eyes as Tenten let out a sigh and offered the two a small pat on their arms as she passed them by.

"Don't mind them." She told them, the sympathy on her face confusing them only further. "They'll calm down."

"They're mad?" Shisui asked, now completely lost as they rounded a corner. "But we didn't do anything!"

"Hn." Itachi agreed, gaze fixed on Sakura's back as he wondered just why he suddenly found himself at the receiving end of her anger.

Tenten's eyes shone with knowledge that he would never be able to acquire as the brunette shook her head. "It's a girls thing, you guys wouldn't understand."

The group then stopped in front of a staircase, Jiraya looking at them with an arched brow and an amused glint in his eyes.

"So, since we only got four rooms, I guess that some of us didn't feel like spending the night alone." He announced and Sakura exchanged a knowing glance with both Ino and Tenten, the latter smirking as Ino spoke.

The boys seemingly got the wrong idea and even though it was intentional, the girls had their own plan on whom they would be sharing a room with.

"True." Ino returned, a sweet smile on her lips as she moved forwards to grab one of the keys from Jiraya. She then turned around, instantly catching Shisui's smirk and returning it with one of her own as she walked towards him, stopping right in front of the Uchiha before she dangled the keys innocently in front of him.

His smile brightened, but when he reached out to take the keys from her, Ino teasingly pulled them out of reach, a sweet smile on her lips as she spoke.

"Sakura, Tenten, get moving."

Tenten let out a laugh at Shisui's expression, the poor boys' eyes wide with disbelief as Ino turned around and walked towards the staircase. Sakura couldn't help but chuckle at his expression, his disheartened face earning him a small nudge from Sakura as she passed him by. The pinkette then shook her head as she made her way to follow her friends but when she was about to walk upstairs, she suddenly caught a pair of onyx eyes staring at her.

The Uchiha lifted a brow, the darkening of his eyes not going unnoticed by the pinkette who merely offered him a wink in return before she followed her two friends upstairs, leaving behind a trio of confused, if not also highly disappointed males.

Jiraya looked at the three remaining keys in his hands, then back at the Uchiha duo before he let out a long sigh.

"Well, that was disappointing."

Itachi and Shisui never agreed to anything more than that.

X

"Did you see his face?" Tenten giggled as she sunk deeper into the hot water, sighing in content as it soothed her aching muscles.

Ino snorted as she loosened her hair and shook her head so that her light-blonde tresses were spilling over her shoulders and fell straight into the hot water. "Serves him right. I mean, did you see how this receptionist ogled him?"

Sakura run a hand through her already wet pink hair as she moved to rest her back against the wall, enjoying the way the water felt against her skin as Tenten snorted.

"Kinda hard not to, but I think she was rather fond of a certain other Uchiha." Tenten commented, knowing eyes falling on her pink-haired friend who in return stilled. "Ne, Sakura-chan. You didn't seem all too fond of her flirting with the Hokage either. Is there some truth to Ino's previous theory after all?"

At that Ino instantly perked up, the blonde's lips curling into a knowing smirk as she took in Sakura's sudden tense form.

"Oh my dear Tenten, I completely forgot to tell you about whom I stumbled upon in the park a few days ago." Ino drawled and Sakura's expression instantly turned deadly as she glared the blonde who didn't seem to mind the least.

Tenten's eyes widened as she looked at Sakura, mouth agape. "No way."

"Yes way!" Ino returned, laughing at the way Sakura looked ready to pounce at her. "And they were not just taking an innocent stroll either."

By now Sakura's cheeks were covered in a rosy hue, green eyes still narrowed as she growled in warning. "Ino."

Tenten's eyes widened even further if possible before a squeal escaped her. "No way! You made out with the Hokage?"

Sakura groaned as she covered her face with her hands, knowing better than to deny it since she did get caught after all as Ino smirked. "And damn you Haruno if that wasn't one hell of a hot make-out session!"

Sakura sunk deeper in the water, pulling her knees up against her chest in hope of escaping Tenten and Ino's gazes but of course, it was to no avail.

"No wonder you were all jealous down there." Tenten realized, smile turning sly as she crossed her arms above her chest. "So, are you guys a thing or was it a one time thing only?"

Before Sakura could even think of answering Ino spoke, the blonde running her fingers through her long hair. "Didn't you see the way he looked at her on our way here when he thought no one was looking?" She snorted. "That's so not a one-time thing."

"Oh?" Tenten shot Sakura a smug look. "Now that's something. You managed to get the village's hottie that's not only the heir to one of the most powerful clans there is, but also the Hokage!"

"Don't remind me." Sakura muttered, her mind drifting to the brunette at the reception before she frowned. "Did you see the way her eyes glowed when Ino mentioned that he's the Hokage?"

Tenten rolled her eyes at the sudden change of topic but Ino didn't seem to mind as she let out a disgusted huff. "I don't trust her to not break into their rooms in the middle of the night if it means that she'd get either Itachi or Shisui."

At that Sakura couldn't help but snort, lips twisted into a small pout as raven hair flashed her vision. "Itachi didn't even care that she was flirting with him. If anything, he looked like he enjoyed seeing me pissed."

Ino grumbled something under her breath about men and how they were nothing but a drag as Tenten snickered, eyes sparkling with laughter as she looked at her two friends.

"You two really are whipped." She observed with a small sigh, swiftly raising her hands in defense when said two girls turned to shoot her a glare. "What, it's the truth!"

"Says the one who still didn't confess to Neji." Ino snickered and Tenten groaned, cheeks turning a pretty shade of pink.

"Can you guys give it a rest already? Neji and I are just teammates!" The brunette insisted, the pink still visible on her cheeks even when Ino and Sakura exchanged a disbelieving look.

Silence filled the bathhouse for the next few moments, the girls enjoying the hot water and the sweet silence.

That was until Ino suddenly stood, expression determined as she raised a fist. The water reached her hips as she looked at her two surprised friends, blonde long hair clinging to her body as teal eyes burned with purpose.

"Tonight, we'll show them!" She fiercely declared, Sakura and Tenten exchanging uncertain looks before they once more looked at their friend.

"Uh, Ino." Sakura called, unsure of what she should make of her sudden outburst. "Are you okay?"

Ino placed her hands on her hips as she looked down at the two with a disapproving frown.

"Tonight we will show them just what they got on us, forehead. The three of us will make every damn head turn until these damn Uchiha men burst of jealousy!" Ino declared as she looked from one kunoichi to the other, eyes burning. "Let's remind ourselves that we don't need any men to feel good about ourselves!"

Sakura and Tenten exchanged a weary glance, knowing that once Ino was set on something it was rather hard to get her mind off it and considering that their mission was only three more hours away, they were practically doomed.

X

The boys were already waiting downstairs when the sun went down, Shisui dressed in a white button up shirt that enhanced his lean body, his black pants complimenting his muscular legs while Itachi was dressed in his usual black attire, the white Hokage robe over it giving him an air of authority that even Jiraya couldn't deny.

The Toad sage was dressed in his usual outfit, the large scrolls missing as he was leaning with his side against the railing of the staircase as he looked at Itachi.

It was strange to see the Uchiha heir in the familiar robe that both his teammate and his student once wore. It suited him, that he had to admit, and he knew that Itachi was perfectly suited for the position of the Rokudaime Hokage as well. The sight of it however reminded him of all the sacrifices his predecessors were forced to make for the village's sake and he just hoped that Itachi wouldn't have to do the same.

"When does the meeting start?" Shisui conversationally asked Itachi who was casually leaning with his back against the wall.

"Fifteen minutes." The Uchiha heir returned and Shisui nodded, looking up the staircase as he wondered just when the girls would finally arrive.

They have been waiting for ten minutes already and even though he already expected that the girls would likely run a little late, he wondered if Itachi would have to leave first.

"They're surely taking their time." Shisui muttered from where he was standing, arms crossed above his arms as Jiraya merely chuckled in return.

"I'm sure that it'll be worth the wait." He assured the Uchiha and as if on cue, the sound of giggles echoed through the top of the staircase.

The trio straightened at the sound, Itachi pushing himself off the wall as the sound of heels hitting the wooden floors fueled the males curiosity and admittedly, imagination.

Nothing, however, could have possibly prepared them for the sight that greeted them.

"Oh damn." Shisui suddenly muttered and Itachi lifted a brow before he curiously looked at the top of the stairs.

Tenten was the first to walk down the stairs, dressed in a beautiful blue halter dress that barely reached over her knees, her brown shoulder-length hair pulled down into a low bun with two loose strands of hair framing her face.

The matching blue ankle-strap heels she wore added to her height and the light gold eye-make up she wore highlighting her chestnut colored orbs, the innocent smile on her light-pink colored lips as she caught sight of the trio betraying the mischievous glint in her eyes.

Ino followed right behind, descending the stairs with an air of confidence that instantly filled the room. She was dressed in a beautiful purple strapless dress that clung to her body like a second skin, her blonde hair pulled into a high pony-tail that matched her white stiletto's. Her lips were painted in a raspberry color, the light purple smokey eyes drawing attention to her bright teal colored eyes as Shisui found his throat run dry at the sight.

However, it was Sakura who managed to truly gain their attention when she appeared behind Ino and made her way down the stairs.

She was wearing a black, skin-tight sheath dress that was hugging her body in all the right places, its long sleeves tightly clinging to her arms as it reached just an inch above her knees. Her red platform heels perfectly matching her blood red-colored lips, the black and golden smokey eyes highlighting her breathtaking emerald eyes. Her rosy hair was cascading down her shoulder all the way to her lower back in soft curls that complimented her dark dress in a way that added some softness to her otherwise bold outfit.

She looked gorgeous.

"Hey boys." Tenten greeted with a smile as she reached the last step, instantly taking note of their rather stunned expressions as Ino moved to stand next to the brunette and flicked her hair over her shoulder with a smug smirk, very well aware of the way Shisui's eyes were shamelessly roaming her body and enjoying every second of it.

Sakura was the last to finally reach the bottom, blood-red lips tilted upwards into a small smile as Jiraya whistled lowly, the way his eyes shone telling her that he certainly approved of their choice of outfit.

She almost let loose a laugh when she caught sight of Shisui's gaping expression, but her amused expression fell when her eyes finally caught his.

He was already looking at her with an intensity that made her knees feel weak, the way his onyx eyes were shining with a dangerous light as they met hers causing heat to pool in her lower abdomen, her throat suddenly running dry at the way he was looking at her.

His expression was blank, but the hunger in his eyes caused her skin to tingle as she felt her skin grow warm.

The moment, however, was broken when Jiraya spoke up.

"Girls, you certainly outdid yourselves." He announced as he gently took Tenten's hand and lifted it to gently kiss its back in a way that had her roll her eyes with a small smile. "You three look stunning."

Ino placed one hand on her hip as she shifted her weight onto side, a low hum escaping her as she looked Shisui up and down, a curt nod of approval following. "You look quite fine yourselves."

Shisui cleared his throat, obviously trying to force himself back to reality as he looked at Itachi, suddenly very aware of the fact that they were going on a mission with the girls dressed like that.

Judging by the way Itachi's eyes were practically glued on a certain pinkette, his cousin was thinking along the same lines.

"I suddenly don't think that this is such a good idea anymore." Shisui announced, his throat still slightly dry as Ino's eyes narrowed into dangerous slits.

"I think it's a great idea." She returned as she started to walk towards the exit, pointedly huffing as she passed him on her way out before her gaze fell on Jiraya. "What are you waiting for?"

Jiraya followed the blonde with a grin, his eyes clearly appreciating the sight of her hips swaying from side to side as Shisui swiftly shook his head and muttered a string of curses under his breath.

"Hey, wait up!" He called, leaving Tenten to exchange a knowing smile with Sakura as the two moved to follow them outside but just when Sakura was about to round the corner she felt someone grab her wrist.

Within the blink of an eye she suddenly found herself pushed against the wall, Itachi hovering over her as he looked down at the wide-eyed pinkette.

She looked up at him in surprise, taken of guard by his sudden boldness but before she was able to say anything he slipped his palm onto her neck and pushed her forwards to claim her lips in a hungry kiss.

Sakura gasped against his lips as she felt him place her wrist against her lower back before he pulled her tighter against him, the feeling of her soft body against him making him tighten his hold almost painfully on her wrist.

Sakura's heart was painfully slamming against her rib cage as she couldn't help but surrender to the feeling of his lips and kiss him back just as hard, the blood in her veins running hot.

Itachi was hardly keeping himself under control, her intoxicating scent mingled with her strawberry shampoo and perfume driving him insane as he growled against her lips before he lightly pulled back from her.

Her red-colored lips were parted as she gasped for air, dazed green orbs looking at him through half-lidded eyes in a way that made his eyes darken ever further.

She looked ravishing.

"Itachi?" Sakura breathed, the intensity of his gaze making her throat run dry. The way she whispered his name drove him crazy and Itachi pulled her closer against his body, leaning down to place his hot lips against the crook of her neck, instantly feeling her arch into him as he let loose a low growl.

"Behave." He whispered against her skin before he placed a hot, lingering kiss against it and within the blink of an eye suddenly disappeared, leaving Sakura alone in the hallway.

The pinkette tried to calm her furiously beating heart by placing her hand over her chest as she leaned with her back against the cool wall, blinking as she tried to realize what had just happened.

The second it hit her that Itachi had kissed her and left her once more the pinkette growled lowly, temper sparking as she balled her fists.

That nerve of a guy.

"Behave?" She repeated, a snort following as she straightened her dress and rounded the corner to make her way to the others that were most likely waiting for her already, eyes burning with determination as she finally reached the exit.

When she finally exited Ino was already arguing with Sai, Tenten not daring to ask the pinkette what delayed her upon seeing her murderous expression, the curses she muttered enough to make even a grown male blush as Jiraya let out a low chuckle.

Tenten looked at him with an arched brow, wondering what he found so funny as the sanin eyed the pinkette with knowing eyes, lips curled upwards into a smirk as he let out a sigh.

"Guess Shisui is not the only possessive one." He spoke and Tenten lightly frowned in return, not knowing what to say when Sakura finally reached them.

"Ready?" The pinkette asked, her voice lightly airy what only deepened Jiraya's smirk but she didn't seem to notice as Tenten nodded in return.

"All set to go."

Sakura's glossy lips curled upwards into a smirk. Oh tonight would be so much fun.

X

Itachi couldn't focus.

His mind was always drifting to a certain pinkette and how she managed to drive him crazy once again by doing something as simple as dressing up.

Itachi never bothered to look at a woman twice, regardless of whether she was dressed up or not simply because he didn't care about such things, contrary to Shisui who very much enjoyed watching them.

But with Sakura, it seemed like he couldn't keep his eyes off her. He already knew that she was a very attractive woman and found himself very aware of it in the strangest of situations, be it during training, when she was asleep or when she did something as simple as read a file.

Tonight, however, he found himself painfully aware that not only was she attractive, but most likely the most beautiful woman he had the pleasure of laying his eyes on.

And damn him if the sight of her in that dress and her red- colored lips only didn't make him fall for her even harder.

The Uchiha's have always been rather possessive but in Itachi's case, so far it only applied to Sasuke and his safety, the urge to protect him greater than anything else. Tonight however was the first time he felt possessive of someone else, and for entirely different reasons.

The urge to keep her beauty all to himself overwhelmed him, to hide her from others sight clawing at him from the inside as the thought of others eyes drinking her in made his blood boil.

Itachi didn't like to share, especially what was his.

The thought of Sakura being in a club dressed like this and surrounded by drunk males that would most likely hit on her unnerved him and he inwardly hoped that he would be freed of this meeting rather soon.

He knew that she was safe with Shisui and the others, not to mention that she herself was highly capable of telling others off, but he would be more comfortable if he was with her.

Besides, seeing her telling others off while he was with her would be most amusing to watch.

He took pride in having her by his side. After all she was a true beauty and one of the strongest and most skilled kunoichi he knew of, so who wouldn't be proud to be able to have someone like her at his side?

Then again, even if Sakura was none of that, he would still love her for the hot-tempered, innocent yet intelligent woman she was and would take pride in letting the world know.

Itachi's eyes drifted to the clock that was hanging on the wall behind the Tsuchikage who was currently informing the Kazekage about their future plans on increasing the trade between Suna and Iwa, just waiting to finally be free to get to his little pinkette

X

The music was loudly echoing through the underground club, the dark lights adding to the atmosphere as people of all kind were dancing, drinking or talking to each other.

A long bar was on the left, a seating area that seemed to be reserved for the higher ranked ones in the far back while the rest of the room seemed to serve as the dance floor, even the darkest corners of the room occupied by couples who seemingly enjoyed the dark spot that lent them some privacy.

When they stepped inside, Sakura arched a brow and glanced at Jiraya who merely shot her a grin in return. Ino's eyes considerably brightened at the sight of the rather packed and lively club, Shisui suddenly seeming less motivated than before from where he was standing between her and Ino and Sakura couldn't help but feel lightly bad for him.

Ino would make him suffer tonight, and they both knew it.

"Well, you are free to enjoy yourselves while I talk to some old acquaintances of mine." Jiraya announced with a smirk as his eyes suddenly followed one of the waitresses backsides as she passed by. "I'll be off then, have fun kids!"

Sakura rolled her eyes as she watched Jiraya follow the waitress with a silly grin, the remaining four exchanging an uncertain look before they split up.

Shisui rather noticeably stayed close to Ino as the blonde dove straight for the bar, Tenten having disappeared in the crowd on her way towards the seating area.

That left Sakura on her own, seated at the far end of the bar as she sipped on her drink, emerald eyes scanning the club for anyone that may seem like he could provide her with some information.

After all, it seemed like she would be one of the only ones whose mind was actually on the mission.

Her back was leaned against the bar, one slender leg thrown over the other as she enjoyed the sweet liquid in her glass.

That was, before a voice suddenly filled her ears.

"Hey gorgeous."

Sakura took another sip from her drink, inwardly sighing at the rather cheap approach before she glanced to her right.

Leaning with his elbow on the bar was a tall brunette, his blue eyes shining in the darkness as he eyed her with a deep smirk plastered on his lips.

Sakura could instantly tell that he was drunk by the way his eyes were glossed over and hoped that he would at least be able to offer her something interesting to hear if he already decided to approach her.

"Do you need something?" She asked, tilting her head slightly aside as she forced an innocent smile onto her glossed lips.

His smirk turned into a grin before his blue eyes openly traveled from her face downwards, the brunette blissfully unaware of the way Sakura's grip on the glass tightened in response before they once more found hers.

"Your company, for one." He purred and by now Sakura felt actually annoyed, so the pinkette didn't even bother to hide her disinterest.

"Not interested." The pinkette said, tone flat before she took another sip of her drink. The brunette however didn't seem to get the hint for he took a step closer, chest brushing against her arm as he reached out to gently grab her chin but before just as his thumb brushed against her skin, she caught his wrist in a tight grip, emerald eyes burning with annoyance as she glared up at him.

"I said, not interested."

Despite of the obvious edge in her voice, the brunette didn't seem to get the hint for his grin only brightened in return, eyes shining with poorly concealed lust as he took in her frown.

"Playing hard to get, huh?" He growled, voice laced with lust as he hovered over her, his alcohol breath causing Sakura to scrunch her nose in disgust. "Just how I love it."

Sakura seriously considered just wiping the bar with his stupid face already but before she could turn her thoughts into action, her eyes caught sight of someone who could spare her from making a scene too early on.

"Shisui-kun!"

Said male's head snapped up almost instantly upon hearing the helpless wail, eyes roaming his surroundings before they finally fell on Sakura, eyes darkening as he caught sight of her rather persistent admirer.

The dark-haired Uchiha was at her side within the blink of an eye, body protectively placed between the two to shield Sakura from the brunette's hungry eyes as the Uchiha openly glared at the male.

"Is there any problem, Sakura-chan?" He asked without taking his eyes off the brunette whose arm now fell back to his side once more, though he didn't step away from the pinkette who shot him her best pout.

"He's not leaving." Sakura whined, causing Shisui's expression to darken but before the Uchiha was about to say anything, the brunette beat it to him.

"Look, I don't know who you are but you better back off because I was here first." He announced rather unkindly, clearly too intoxicated to realize just what was going on and Sakura skillfully hid her smirk by taking another sip of her drink as Shisui's frown deepened in return.

"I am her brother." Shisui told him, eyes flashing at the brunette's confused frown. "You got two seconds to get out of my sight and if I see you do as much as look at her again I'll make sure to break your ugly face."

Sakura bit on her lower lip to hide her smile as she watched the brunette hesitate and inwardly applauded him for being so brave to actually consider defying Shisui but as expected, he eventually stepped away from her and left.

The pink-haired kunoichi's lips curled up into an amused smile as she glanced up at her savior and shot him a grateful wink. "Thanks Shisui-kun."

Shisui slumped onto the seat next to her with a groan before he grabbed her drink and threw his head back, gulping it down in one go before he slammed it onto the bar and looked at Sakura with the most exasperated expression she had ever seen on someone's face.

"She's driving me crazy." He told her, voice laced with the very same helplessness that filled his eyes as Sakura's smile turned sympathetic.

"That bad, huh?" She asked, only to receive a ragged sigh in return.

"Bad doesn't even begin to explain just how bad it is." Shisui darkly returned, earning a pat on the shoulder from the pinkette as she sighed.

Just then her eyes caught sight of something, or rather someone, behind him that caused her expression to turn blank, though her eyes sparkled with humor.

"Uh, Shisui?" She said, trying her hardest not to laugh as she pointed at the other end of the bar. "You may want to check this out."

The Uchiha's head turned to look where Sakura was pointing at and when he finally caught sight of what she meant, his eyes widened comically as his face fell in exasperation.

"Oh she can't be serious!" He exclaimed, jumping up from his seat to stalk towards the blonde that was currently dancing on the bar with a drink in her left hand and her dress riding dangerously high, her onlookers whistling in glee. "Ino, get down there!"

Sakura chuckled as she stood up, her friends antics considerably lifting her mood as she decided to get a change of scenery in hope of getting a step closer to finish the mission.

The pinkette run a hand through her long hair as she made her way through the crowd, eyes scanning the club and just when she made her way towards the seating area a voice behind her spoke up.

"Long time no see, doll-face."

Sakura froze in place, eyes widening for the split of a second before they narrowed, the familiar voice setting warning bells off in her mind. She had heard that voice before, the events that followed after their encounter anything but a pleasant memory and Sakura balled her fists before she finally turned around to face the one responsible for one of her most unpleasant memories.

Standing in front of her was a tall silver-haired male, his familiar dark eyes filled with amusement as his lips were twisted into a smirk that Sakura had last seen weeks ago.

In Suna.

The pinkette arched a brow, unable to believe that he was still breathing and as brave as to approach her after their last rather unpleasant encounter, though she decided against allowing her displeasure to show.

Maybe this night would turn out to be of some use after all.

"Seems like you managed to survive." Sakura dryly commented as she crossed her arms above her chest, brow arched. "How did that work out?"

"Considering that you should be dead by now, I could ask you the same." He returned, dark eyes filled with a glint of curiosity that Sakura didn't miss.

The pinkette hummed lowly before she tilted her head aside, expression blank."I was lucky, as you seemingly were considering that the Hokage usually doesn't like to easy on the likes of you."

The silver haired male chuckled upon hearing her words and sideways leaned against the wall, hands shoved into his pockets as he looked at the pinkette with an amused smile. "Don't take it personal, doll-face. I just did as ordered, something that a kunoichi such as yourself should be pretty familiar with."

Sakura snorted as her lips turned upwards into a humorless smile. "Didn't take you as someone who likes to get ordered around."

He offered her a nonchalant shrug in return. "Depends on the circumstances, though I don't appreciate it."

Sakura felt a flash of suspicion curse through her. He didn't strike her as someone who would just mindlessly follow orders and considering that he got caught rather easily, she began to suspect that there was more to it.

"Poisoning the Hokage's advisor must have gotten you quite something out of it." Sakura commented, instantly noticing the way his smirk deepened. "Quite daring, but unfortunately just as stupid."

A low chuckle escaped him as his eyes lightening up with something Sakura realized was approval before he crossed his arms above his chest, mirroring Sakura's posture.

"A pity that you broke my nose that soon." He commented, dark eyes glowing in the dim lights. "You seem as smart as you are fierce, a very nice combo."

A sweet smile made its way onto her lips as the pinkette took a step towards him, her emerald eyes shining in a way that made his skin crawl and promised nothing good. "You seem quite smart yourself, so why would someone as smart as you do something as stupid as that?"

"Why indeed?" He mumbled, eyes dropping to her alluring red lips that curled into a dangerous smirk.

Sakura fought the urge to laugh at the way his eyes grew darker but skillfully concealed her amusement behind a thoughtful expression.

That was just too easy.

"It couldn't have been for the money." She declared, knowing that she was right when his smirk only deepened. "Maybe because you were scared?"

At that he snorted, burning eyes finally lifting to meet her calm gaze with his own hungry one. "The likes of him don't scare me doll-face."

Sakura inwardly high-fived herself, her smirk turning smug as she tilted her head slightly aside. So it had been Orochimaru who had ordered the poisoning after all and even though they had guessed it already, having him confirm it meant that he knew something.

"Yet you were ready to go to such lengths for the likes of him." Sakura observed. "They are higher in status and yet let guys like you do the dirty-work, doesn't seem fair to me."

He now took a step forwards as well, his chest almost brushing against hers as he straightened and looked down at the pinkette with an amused expression. She wasn't sure whether he was beginning to suspect something but judging by the way his posture was as relaxed as ever, his guard was still down.

Much to her delight.

"It's a two sided business, doll-face." He replied, voice dropping a few octaves as he mumbled. "Give and take."

Sakura arched a brow as she innocently held his gaze, the curiosity that brightened her eyes a warning that he seemingly failed to heed. "If not money, what would be worth enough for you to poison me?"

He reached out to gently grab a strand of her hair, gently pulling it towards him before he gently twirled it around his finger.

"Security." He smoothly returned, mildly surprising Sakura as her gaze sharpened. "Things will get ugly pretty soon if someone as powerful as him went as far as to get you poisoned, so it's best to be on the winning side."

Sakura dug her polished nails into her forearms, eyes narrowing upon hearing his words. He was obviously convinced that Orochimaru and the rest would be the ones winning but asking him what the sanin was planning would be of no use since he wouldn't give anything useful away anyways and thus, the pinkette settled for a different approach.

"How are you so certain that his side will be the winning one?" She asked, genuinely curious as her green eyes pierced through his. "You do realize that he is no match for the Hokage."

"He doesn't have to be." The silver haired male calmly returned, seemingly immersed by the strand of her hair. "It seems like he likes to play dirty, and that's something that him and I have in common."

Sakura thinned her lips, knowing that she would most likely get no more out of him. He seemed to not know much about his superiors plans or motives if he guessed Orochimaru's motives, but that didn't mean that she would let him leave just like that.

After all, he may have heard something that could be of some use to them.

Her emerald eyes then caught sight of Tenten making her way towards the bar and the pinkette's eyes sharpened before she once more looked up at her silver haired companion, a plan forming in her mind.

"You know, you never really apologized for poisoning me." Sakura reminded him with a sweet smile as she uncrossed her arms and took another step closer, a slender finger tracing his collarbone in a way that instantly made his eyes darken.

"I am sure that I can find a way to make up for it." He growled, his hands instantly finding her waist before he pulled her against him in a flash, unable to resist the temptation that the pinkette posed and if it weren't for the mission, Sakura would have snickered.

How could the one that managed to poison her be so gullible?

Sakura's sweet smile never left her lips despite of her urge to break both of his hands and his nose again before her finger gently traced his jaw, emerald eyes shining as she placed her other hand flat against his chest.

And then, she grabbed him by the collar and hurled him straight into the bar.

A series of gasps and shouts of surprise followed the second he slid over the counter and hit the wall, a pained groan escaping him as he collapsed on the ground.

Sakura paid them no mind and made her way towards it, the smile ever present on her lips as her eyes sparkled with joy. "I really don't like having others touch me, especially after they poisoned me."

The silver haired male growled as he moved to stand up and Sakura turned to look to the left, catching Tenten's surprised gaze as she pushed her way through the crowd.

Sakura merely offered her friend a smile, the brunette arching a brow before Sakura nodded, a silent message seemingly passing between them that others could only wonder about.

The brunette however instantly got the hint, a grin spreading over her lips before she grabbed the closest guy by the color and without thinking twice, punched him right in the face.

With that, all hell broke loose.

Punches were suddenly flying left and right, people were shouting with glee as a huge fight erupted, Sakura jumping onto the bar as she caught her silver-haired friend attempting to make a run for the door.

"Where do you think you're going?" She asked, voice dropping with sweetness. He turned to look at her with a growl, realizing that escaping would be of no use and that a fight would seemingly be inevitable, but when he stalked towards her with dark eyes filled with determination, her smile suddenly turned into a smirk.

Sakura jumped off the bar and landed right behind him, his growl off annoyance followed by him grabbing his kunai but before he was able to hurl it towards her Sakura grabbed his wrist, twisting it at a painful angle that had him yell out of pain. He attempted to punch her with his other hand but Sakura was faster and grabbed his neck with her other hand before she roughly slammed it against the counter, effectively knocking him out cold.

"Don't take it personal." Sakura cheekily returned, throwing his words back into his face with a smile before she lifted her eyes to scan the crowd.

"Shisui!" She yelled, hoping that he would hear her over the noises of the fight but when there was no reply, the pinkette cursed under her breath and grabbed the unconscious male, wrapped his arms around her shoulders and made her way towards the exit.

She had hoped that the Uchiha would be able to put him under a genjutsu so that he wouldn't wake up until she had gotten him out of there but since there was no sign of him, Sakura would have to hurry and get him out of there before he would regain consciousness by herself.

The pinkette pushed her way through the crowd, grunting when someone bumped into her and caused her to stumble a few steps back and just when she was about to reach the exist, a familiar voice filled her ears.

"Need some help with him?"

Sakura's head snapped up to see Jiraya stand in front of her and before she was able to answer he was already lifting him off her, much to the pinkette's relief.

"Thanks." She breathed, shooting him a grateful smile that he returned with one of his trademark grins.

"I take he's coming with us then?" The sanin asked as he threw the unconscious male over his shoulder like a sack of rice, much to Sakura's amusement.

"He's the one who poisoned me in Suna." Sakura swiftly explained, eyes narrowed as she thought back to their conversation. "Turns out Orochimaru ordered him to do it, so I figured Ibiki might get something out of him."

"Ah." Jiraya said, giving her a wink as he tightened his hold on the male. "I'll make sure to find someone to escort him to Konoha then."

"Thanks." Sakura breathed before her eyes narrowed. "Where are the others?"

Jiraya merely pointed to his right before he turned around to leave, Sakura's eyes trailing over to look to where the sanin had pointed at just to groan.

Standing on one of the tables in the seating area was Ino who was rather animatedly cheering on Shisui who was currently busy punching the living daylights out of some rather big guy while Tenten tried to keep two others from jumping on him as he did.

The pinkette made her way towards her friends, pushing through some sweaty and rather drunk people on her way as she tried to avoid getting hit in the process.

Just as she was about to reach them she felt someone grab her waist from behind, hands firmly settled on her hips in a death grip that had Sakura instantly freeze.

The pinkette clenched her fists before she instinctively rammed her elbow backwards but her attacker instantly twisted her arm behind her back, earning a hiss from her as she shifted her weight to the left to ram her other elbow into his face, just for him to grab that arm as well and immobilize it by pinning it onto her back, earning a low growl from her as she suddenly felt herself getting pushed with her front against the bar.

He leaned against her back to immobilize her by using his weight and Sakura clenched her jaw as she felt a hot breath fan over the shell of her ear, a low growl passing her lips as she attempted to free herself of his grip but when his hold only tightened on her, she tensed.

"Didn't I tell you to behave?"

Sakura instantly stilled, his familiar voice causing her eyes to widen as she realized just who was pinning her against the bar.

Irritation flared inside her as she hooked her leg around his, intending to shift their weight so that she could slam him over the counter but he seemingly read her mind and twirled her around, lifting her onto the counter with her wrists still locked in his death grip behind her back.

Sakura inhaled sharply as she suddenly found herself looking into a familiar pair of onyx eyes, her body pressed against his as he watched her with his trademark smirk.

Sakura's face twisted into a scowl as she held his amused gaze with her own, irritated one, heart hammering against her rib-cage but she refused to let it show. "You really got some nerve to come here after kissing me and just leaving right after again."

Itachi slowly released her wrists and moved his hands to gently rest them on her hips, looking down at her with sparkling eyes.

"Seems like you enjoyed yourself nonetheless." He noted in amusement and Sakura crossed her arms over her chest, a sweet smile on her lips as she looked at the Uchiha heir.

"Yeah, that was until you decided to show up."

Sakura gasped sharply as she suddenly felt him pull her against him in a flash, her hands automatically reaching for his shoulders to steady herself but judging by the way he merely arched a brow, it was exactly what he wanted.

"Is that so?" He mumbled, chest rumbling as Sakura fought to not give into the temptation that went by the name of Uchiha Itachi.

"Yes." Sakura returned, her voice firm but the way her hands lingered on his shoulders and didn't push him away betraying her words.

Itachi leaned forwards with a small hum, lips brushing against her exposed neck as he spoke. "Do you want me to leave?"

"Yes." Sakura returned, her voice coming out slightly more breathless as she tightened her hold on his shoulders.

She felt Itachi smirk against her shoulder before her surroundings blurred and within the blink of an eye she felt her back hitting something soft, Itachi hovering above her with a lifted brow and a smug smirk.

Sakura narrowed her eyes as she realized that they were once more at the inn, and with a low growl the pinkette wrapped her legs around his waist and flipped them over, her hands firmly planted on his chest to keep him down as she looked down at the Uchiha heir with a frown.

"You really are an arrogant jerk."

Itachi's smirk turned into an amused smile as he looked up at the pinkette that was currently straddling him, his arms loosely wrapped his arms around her waist as her emerald eyes were glaring down at her. Her hair was slightly messy, her blood red lips curled downwards in annoyance and Itachi tried his best not to kiss her senseless right then and there.

"How so?" He innocently returned and Sakura's frown deepened.

"You think you can come and go as you please?" She asked, huffing at her own words before she tilted her head aside. "Who said that I wanted to leave the club just because I wanted you to?"

Itachi's eyes darkened before he flipped them over once more, Sakura suddenly finding herself pinned onto the bed by a rather entertained Uchiha.

"Your mission was over, so staying there would have been unnecessary." He lowly mumbled, eyes pointedly dropping to her dress as the corner of his lips pulled upwards. "Especially dressed like that."

Sakura was about to tell him off when all of sudden a better idea hit her. The pinkette hummed lowly as she wrapped her arms around his neck, mirroring his smirk with one of her own as she pulled him closer so that their noses were touching.

"I think I look pretty nice." She mumbled, eyes shining with humor as she looked at his darkening eyes. "Don't you think?"

"My point." Itachi returned, arms protectively wrapped around her waist as Sakura feigned a look of innocence.

"What's so bad about others seeing me a little dressed up?" She asked, heat rushing through her veins at the way he looked at her. "Someone has to admire it, especially when you aren't there to."

Itachi's grip on her tightened the moment these words left her lips before he dropped his lips to her neck to press soft kisses along her throat that made her weak to the bone.

"I don't share." He growled against her throat and Sakura fought back the moan that threatened to pass her lips when she felt his hot breath brush against her skin.

"I don't recall belonging to you." She breathed and just as she spoke these words she felt Itachi's lips crash against hers.

Sakura felt her skin tingle as she kissed him back, the fierceness of his kiss stealing her breath as she fought to keep from giving into him.

After some moments he broke the kiss and slightly pulled back to look into her eyes, the firmness in his onyx orbs causing Sakura's heart to skip a beat.

"You belong to me." He lowly declared, velvet voice causing a shiver to run down the length of her spine as he looked at her. "And I don't share what's mine."

Sakura's eyes softened before she leaned upwards to catch his lips into a sweet kiss, the feeling of his lips against her warming her chest before she forced herself to slightly pull back.

"You sound so sure of yourself." Sakura whispered, her lips brushing against his as she tenderly placed her palms against his throat. "But there is one thing you forgot."

She didn't leave him any time to answer before she flipped him onto his back and placed a chaste kiss against his lips and when she pulled back, her lips curled upwards into a cheshire smirk.

"Mess with me Uchiha, and I'll mess back with you just as bad."

She didn't waste any more time and jumped off him, barely escaping his hold as she rushed to the door and exited his room with a grin, swiftly closing the door behind her before he would be able to follow her.

Sakura sighed in content, a chuckle escaping her lips when she thought of just how priceless his expression must have been. She had finally managed to catch the infamous Itachi off guard, a satisfied smile on her lips as she hurried to make her way towards her room.

Before she was able to take more than three steps however she felt two strong arms pick her up from behind, causing a small eep to escape her as she found herself getting thrown over a rather broad and familiar shoulder.

"Itachi!" She squealed, eyes wide as she realized that he was carrying her back towards his room. He paid her no mind however and went back into his room, slamming the door shut behind him with his foot before he dropped her onto the bed, the pinkette giving him an uneasy smile as she found him looking down at her in a way that made her stomach clench in pleasure.

The Uchiha heir moved to hover over the pinkette, eyes hard as she bit on her lower lip to hide her sheepish smile. She frankly didn't think that he would follow her but it seemed like rather than putting him off, her small escape turned out to have the opposite effect.

The moment she rushed out of the room Itachi's instincts flared, eyes bleeding red at the challenge before he took off to get back what was his. He had to admit that he was impressed by her sly attempt of escaping him but unknown to her, that only fueled his desire to get her back into his arms and Itachi would be damned if he would leave her just like that.

After all, the harder the chase the sweeter the reward.

"You thought I would leave you just like that?" He mumbled as he lowered his face so that it was only inches away from hers, eyes narrowed into dangerous slits as the pinkette offered him a timid smile.

"I told you that I would be sharing a room with the girls." Was her rather pathetic excuse and Sakura inwardly cursed herself for not coming up with something smarter but when Itachi wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her up against him, his lips suddenly curled up in amusement.

This woman was seriously one of a kind. He never planned on letting her share a room with the girls in the first place but he decided to keep that part to himself and merely tightened his hold on the beautiful pink-haired woman beneath him.

"You're staying with me." He lowly declared, eyes darkening and when she opened her mouth to object he swiftly caught her lips with his.

At firs she stubbornly refused to return his kiss but when he growled lowly against her lips and coaxed her mouth open, he knew that he had her.

She finally yielded with a sigh, unable to resist any longer before she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, much to his satisfaction.

"Mine." Itachi mumbled against her lips, the sound of her breathless sigh of agreement that followed making his chest swell with pride.

She was driving him crazy in ways she would never understand, and as Itachi savored the taste of her lips and the feeling of her small, soft body in his arms he knew that this was all he needed to be truly happy.

Her.

And he was set on showing her.

X

Hey guys! I am back with another chapter that was pretty fun to write! I hoped that you enjoyed reading it just as much as I did writing it and if you did, please tell me by dropping a review!

What was your fave part?

Thanks for all the support so far, you don't know how much I appreciate all the reviews, follows and favorites! They really motivate me to update faster:)

See you soon loves!

Xoxo,

Sara