Men of the Sea
Chapter 3
Sakura rubbed her eyes once her meeting had been dismissed. Ino sympathetically put a hand on Sakura's shoulder. The point of this trip was to secure a relationship with Minerals Resources, a Lithium supplier run by the Hoshigaki family. MR was currently the go-to for Lithium, a material used in most tech's batteries.
MR had a good quality product at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, the CEO felt snubbed by Fugaku Uchiha not sending one of his sons to the meeting and refused to negotiate terms with her.
"You are conducting business on Uchiha Enterprise's behalf?" "Yes." The man sneered at her, seemingly disgusted. "You have pink hair. How am I supposed to take you seriously? How are any of us supposed to take you seriously?" He asked while looking at the other board members who sat at the large oval desk. "My hair color does not dictate my ability to perform my duties. I assure you, Uchiha-Sama chose me to conduct this meeting on his behalf. I am the head of my department and manage all relations with our suppliers."
"You have pink hair." He said again as if this was of utmost importance. "Yes," Sakura agreed. She wasn't able to rid the note of annoyance from her voice. "Unfortunately, I have a rare genetic disorder that alters the pigment of my hair." Sakura rolls up the sleeve of her white blouse and extends her arm across the large oak desk. Eriko Hoshigaki peers down at her arm and takes note of the faint blush hairs that cover her arm.
He crosses his arms over his chest. Seeming even more perturbed than before. "I will consider supplying Lithium with Uchiha Enterprise once Fugaku Uchiha sends one of his sons. I refuse to conduct business with a pink haired woman."
Sakura felt dejected. Some misogynistic asshole just wasted her time. Fugaku would not be pleased with her for not securing Lithium from MR. Especially since, in a way, it was her fault. He was counting on her to do her part for Uchiha Enterprise. And she failed him. "There was nothing more that you could have done. He had his mind set the moment he saw you." "I know that. But it doesn't change the fact that I failed."
"What are you going to do?" Sakura bit her lower lip in thought. She had no fucking idea. She couldn't go back to Tokyo without securing this relationship. She got to her feet and made a beeline for the front desk of MR's firm.
The receptionist, a young pretty blonde thing, looked up at her wide-eyed. Sakura must have looked like a menace because the young woman stuttered while asking how she may help her. "Eriko Hoshigaki." Nervously, the blond woman stated he was busy. "Tell him Sakura Haruno will not leave until he sees me. And if he wishes to not make a scene or insult Fugaku Uchiha any further than he has, he will meet with me once more."
The woman immediately made the call. "Yes...Hoshigaki, Sir, Sakura Haruno insists… I-I...Yes, Sir." The woman hung up the phone and turned to Sakura. She was sweating. "I was instructed to call security." Sakura arched a brow. The woman uncomfortably shifted in her seat, and Sakura fully took in her appearance.
The woman was scantily dressed. Her blouse had too many buttons undone, her skirt too short, and her pumps too high. She looked cheap. And uncomfortable. Her style choice obviously wasn't self-inflicted. Apparently, Eriko Hoshigaki was misogynistic in more than one way. Hadn't Sakura thought it strange that only men were in the meeting? And how the woman, all dressed as if a treat for the men, were the ones of service to them? Grabbing coffee, nervously walking about as they were whistled at.
"You may call Security," Sakura said with a low chilling tone. "But first, tell me where his office is. You can tell them that I forced it out of you if anyone asks. Someone needs to bring that Bastard's ego down a peg or two." The woman shifted her eyes. "I-I can't just do that." Sakura leaned over the woman's desk. "You can. And you will." The woman seemed close to fainting now.
"Go past me on the left. His office is the last one in the corner. His door will be closed but it's always unlocked." "Thank you for your services. Give me three minutes and make your call." The woman nodded and turned to her computer as if dismissing Sakura all together. "Do what you must," her back was saying to Sakura. The woman's hands shook as she began to type on her computer. Sakura took that as her cue to carry on with her business.
Three minutes.
She'll make it enough time.
The pink haired woman stormed through Hoshigaki's office. The middle-aged man literally jumped out of his seat upon her entrance. "What in the world!?" "You will listen to me," Sakura stated, a hand on her hip, her eyes daring and angry as the door closed behind her. "You may think I am just a woman. But understand I am one of the key decision makers within Uchiha Enterprise. My department is with suppliers for the company. Cellphones, Tablets, Laptops, Computers-they all need a material that you source. By you dismissing the Manager of Resources and requesting Uchiha-Sama sends one of his sons… You're telling me you will risk insulting the man that runs the largest Tech company in the world because you don't like the color of my hair? How short-sighted could you possibly be?"
The man opened his mouth, he was ready to retaliate. She didn't allow him to do so. "I have three college degrees in Chemistry and Engineering, Hoshigaki-San. This includes a doctorate in Biomaterial engineering. I am qualified for my job and deserve respect for my profession." Hoshigaki looked to be nearly having a fit. He rounded his desk and stood before her. "Get out," he shouted. She simply crossed her arms. "Give me a reason beyond the discontent of my gender and hair color for not even negotiating terms with Uchiha Enterprise, which, I must add, will bring your company up in stock and International recognition as a supplier of Lithium."
He reached out to her, grabbed her by the hair, and pushed her into the seat in front of his desk.
She obliged only out of curiosity. What was he going to do? Well, he put his hands on her. So, she had assault now under her belt as far as how to leverage the situation. He pulled back his hand and slapped her. She cocked a brow. Really, her expression remarked. You, really just slapped me? "Listen here you stuck up bitch. I run this company. Who do you think you are to tell me what I should and need to do? Who do you think you are?!" He put a hand on her shoulder and pulled her to the edge of her seat.
She was slightly stunned at his reaction. She didn't think he had the gall to put his hands on her in the first place. But this? His hand was now on her chin. She was forced to look at him. "How are you going to pay for your insolence?"
He smiled at her.
His thumb brushed against her full lips. He moved his body closer to her, his groin practically in her face.
Sakura had enough.
She pushed his hand away. He moved to strike her again. She caught his wrist mid-air. It was at this point security came in. "Sir."
"What are you standing around for? Restrain her! Teach this bitch some manners." They hesitated. "I think not," Ino said, entering the room with a phone pressed against her ear.
Eriko looked agitated.
"I am currently on the phone with our lawyer. Eriko Hoshigaki, we need to have an in-depth conversation of your manners."
Twenty minutes later, Sakura still had an ice packet to her cheek. "The board members are a bit in a pickle. Their asshole CEO physically assaulted, sexually harassed, had undermind your authority, and technically insulted one of the largest potential partnerships in Mineral Resources' existence."
"Yea," Sakura said with a sigh.
"Are you going to press charges?" Ino asks, sweeping pink hair from Sakura's emerald eyes. "No." Ino blinked. She obviously wasn't fully surprised. But still, she wanted to hear her reasoning. "In the boardroom," was all Sakura said.
"Haruno-San." A man in glasses respectfully inclined. She nodded. Ino took the ice packet.
"We're ready for you."
Sasuke POV
Sasuke Uchiha was in a considerably good mood when he came into the office. A decent morning fuck could do that to a man. He waltzed into the large impressive skyscraper of Uchiha Enterprise with a cocky grin and a custom made designer black suit. Taking the elevator to the top floor, he casually walked into his father's office.
Fugaku Uchiha didn't immediately regard his youngest son. He was busy talking to Sasuke's older brother, Itachi, and Shisu, their cousin who was also one of the company's lawyers. "Is she alright?" Itachi asked with concern. "She is fine. He roughed her up a bit. But security came to before he could assault her any further." "We should obviously press charges," Shisu stated in a serious tone.
"Sakura refuses to do so. Apparently, she made quite an impression with Mineral Resources board and they have decided to go through with the partnership with us. They've gone as far as following our agreements to a 'T' to show gratitude for our leniency on this incredibly serious matter."
"What are you talking about?" Sasuke asked, making his appearance known. All three men turned to him. A stern expression mirrored on each of their faces. "Look who decided to show up," Shisu stated, obvious discontent laced within his words. "Little brother." Itachi cooly greeted. "Sasuke." His father regarded, obviously not pleased with his tardiness. "You're late."
"I got caught up," Sasuke said nonchalantly. "With what? A harlot in your bed?" Itachi asked while turning his back to him. Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "What were you guys talking about when I came in?"
He had heard Sakura's name. What did she get into now?
"Sakura was attacked," Shisu stated as easily as mentioning the sky was blue.
"What!?"
"Today she met with the CEO and board of Mineral Resources. Apparently, Hoshigaki refused to speak to her based on her appearance and gender. Our headstrong Sakura decided to speak to him privately of his behavior towards her and the disrespect he expressed towards Uchiha Enterprise. Disliking what she had to say, he struck her."
Sasuke couldn't help himself, he felt pissed. "Where is she now?" "She's heading back to her hotel." "We're suing them, right?" "Sakura refuses. Instead, she demanded an immediate meeting with their board and salvaged our deal. We are now Mineral Resources only relation when it comes to outsourcing Lithium." "But what about the CEO!?" "He was terminated," Itachi responded, still not looking at Sasuke.
"Sakura is good at what she does. She used the situation to her advantage. She's a wonderful asset to Uchiha Enterprise." A hum of agreeance went between Fugaku and Shisu.
"Have you spoken to her? Is she alright?"
Sasuke thought back to when they were kids. Sakura was such a crybaby then. Always needing to be saved. He often did all the saving. Sakura must be shaken by the experience. He would call her. But she didn't have her phone. Ino had her phone, though. He could call her!
Itachi rose to his feet. He was heading to the door just behind Sasuke. But he stopped when they were standing shoulder to shoulder. Itachi, while older, was slightly shorter than Sasuke. Though, it made him no less intimidating. Itachi turned to him, and a shiver went through the younger Uchiha. "Your caring act might fool father. But truly, you're making me sick."
And then he left.
Sasuke stared down at his black Italian leather shoes.
They were impeccably shined.
"Sasuke, sit." Fugaku extended a hand towards the seat Itachi had just vacated. The youngest Uchiha obliged.
"Uncle, I'll take my leave too. We'll discuss this matter at a different time."
And then there were two.
"You're making tardiness a habit," Fugaku told Sasuke. "I got caught up," Sasuke repeated. "No more of this, Sasuke. Your actions reflect upon me too. And this company. Don't make me demote you." Sasuke couldn't help but feel like a small child, with the way his father was scolding him. "What happened to Sakura?" Sasuke asked, changing the subject. "I already told you."
"You told me she was struck. But how so?" "He pulled her hair, slapped her, attempted to restrain her, and insinuated lewd sexual acts were in order to accommodate for her incompetence." Sasuke felt his nostrils flare. "WHAT!?"
"She handled the situation fine. And luckily Security and Ino intervened with this terrible incident."
'But what if they hadn't?' Sasuke wondered, his hands gripped his knees tightly.
"Speaking of Sakura," Fugaku began, effectively bringing Sasuke out of his thoughts, "We need to discuss your wedding. Have you thought of a date? It's been over a decade since the engagement." Sasuke felt his face darken. The change did not go amiss to the sharp eyes of Fugaku Uchiha.
"Tell me, Sasuke. Do you not love Sakura anymore?" "Anymore?" he asked through gritted teeth. "When you were younger you two were inseparable. Alongside with the Naruto Uzumaki kid, I thought you three would be joined together at the hip till the end of your days. When I agreed with my longtime friend, Sakura's father, Hatake, for you two to wed… I thought it would be the right thing. But, as time has passed, I have realized that maybe I was wrong." "Father?"
"I have heard of your behavior, Sasuke. And I have to say, I am very much disappointed." Sasuke lowered his gaze. "Sakura is a good woman. She is caring, hardworking, fearless, and beautiful. You can't find anything better." "I will do what you want of me," Sasuke stated clearly. "But what do you want to do?"
It was the first time his Father ever asked him this question. What did he want to do?
"I don't want to marry her."
"And can you give me a reason as to why?"
"I. Just. Don't. Want. Her."
Fugaku leaned back within his large leather office chair. "I see."
"We've known each other our entire lives. I don't want to be stuck with her."
"What do you suspect is out there?" Fugaku asked a coy grin on his thin lips. "Something better? Because I can assure you, you're going to be disappointed if that's your self-appointed mission." "I don't want her," Sasuke repeated again.
"A pity." the elder Uchiha said with a slight nod. "Fine then. I'll release you of the task. The engagement between the two of you is off." "What?" Sasuke asked, unsure if this was a dream, a trick, or a mixture of the two.
"I can't help but wonder if the stress of marrying Sakura is influencing your behavior. You've become careless and sloppy at work, Sasuke. I want to do what's right for my son."
"And what of Sakura?"
"She is a brilliant asset to this company. And she is important to me. I look at her as a daughter already. Despite this unfortunate turn of events... I gave Sakura's father my word. We had a vision of our kids together. And it will happen. It was his dying wish."
'Dying wish-?'
"Father, what are you saying?"
"I am saying, Sakura will become an Uchiha. I have talked to your brother and he's expressed an interest in our sweet Sakura already. I have made a decision, Sasuke. She will now be engaged to Itachi. "