II.

Act 1, Scene 2

"The stroke of death if a lovers pinch, Which hurts and is desired" - Shakespeare (Anthony & Cleopatra)

SASUKE

Blood.

Gore.

Hysteria.

Silence.

Repeat.

This is the cycle that I've had to live with the entirety of my life.

While some tend to lean towards the greater side of existence, whether it be finding the perfect job, falling in love, or creating a family, my motive has always immensely differed from the rest of my acquaintances. From a young age, I knew exactly how my life would play out, and I had no plan to change it. In order to not succumb to societal norms, which evidently lead to failure if not done correctly, I betrayed everyone I knew. The parents who raised me, the friends who supported me, the teachers who taught me - I disappeared from it all. It was simply a conscious choice that I made in order to guarantee success.

I joined the infamous assassin organization known as The Black Knights when I was twelve, just old enough to find the strength within myself to go through with it. Ever since I joined the clan, my life completely changed from the unembellished little boy living in the countryside to one of the most feared people around Konoha. The leader of the organization, whom everyone refers to as Boss since he doesn't disclose his real name to anyone, took me under his wing once he saw I had potential. His personal training sessions were hard and long, consisting of various physical, mental, and emotional challenges. From sunrise to sunset, I worked until my knuckles bled, until my muscles were sore, until every ounce of energy was utterly exhausted. At the time, I knew how lucky I was to have Boss as my teacher anyway, so I couldn't complain much.

On my fifteenth birthday, Boss wanted to have a word with me. At first, I had thought that he wanted to congratulate me separately in regards to my birthday. However, once we were secluded in his office, all I can recall him telling me was that I was "ready". I knew exactly what he meant by that.

Thus, all the years of training paid off, and I was finally appointed various missions to do around Seoul. From the start, they were small, D-ranked missions, whether it be stealing a loaf of bread from a local vendor, or taking money from a rich housewife's purse. But, that's not what I wanted to do. I didn't want to do petty crimes that I could do with my eyes closed. I knew I had the potential to do better, grander missions that could truly solidify my name in The Black Knights. After begging Boss numerous amount of times for dangerous, but thrilling missions, he finally granted my wish a little after my sixteenth birthday. Knowing my fear of failure and how much I strive to only see success, he entrusted me with one of the hardest assignments known to any assassin alike.

That is why I cannot fail.

"I have employed you with the direst of missions," Boss informs me on a rainy night at the compound.

With a furrowed brow, but a racing heart, I bite my lip a bit at what he could possibly assign me. Knowing how high his expectations are for me makes me feel all the more pressure. But, I can't lose. I have to do this, I think to myself with determination running through my veins.

"The Hyuga Clan," he starts. It sends an electric shock through my body. "You know the history better than anyone here."

I swallow with a dry throat. It's no secret that the relationship between the Hyuga Clan and The Black Knights is obsolete. The two clans have been at each other's throats for decades, and the Royal War is what really put an end to any treaty that could have potentially happened. The Royal War destroyed villages, tore families apart, and ripped apart thriving communities. Although the Royal Kingdom of Konoha won, there will be bloodshed once more to obtain sweet, addicting revenge.

"The Princess of the Royal Kingdom of Konoha goes by the name of - "

"Hyuga Hinata," I interrupt as my teeth grit together. "There's no need for introductions; I know the entire family like the back of my hand." My blood boils even at the thought of that worthless family.

Boss smirks wryly at me, but it goes away as quickly as it came. "Hyuga Hinata has had a million-dollar bounty on her head since the very day she was born. No other assassin from any organization has been able to secure it. But you..." He quietly stands from the desk he sat at, his large, bulky hands grasping onto the fine mahogany wood for balance. We make eye contact, and from that point, I knew exactly what he wants from me.

"You have the potential to finally take that bounty from the Hyuga Clan's hands. You are the only one who can do it. Don't fuck this up."

The next day after his assignment, I started the preparation in order to make sure I have everything I could possibly need. After a full day of extra training and getting all of my supplies together, I knew I was ready.

Thus, as I remain crouched while blending in with the nearby darkness, I take in a hefty deep breath. I analyze my surroundings and I'm quickly reminded of how fast time flies by. Currently seated in front of the Royal Kingdom, stories beneath Princess Hinata's bedroom window, I feel my heartbeat quicken with each passing second. Then, I remember that my hands are occupied with tools to help with my infiltration. Observing the tools, Boss's voice resounds through my head once again: "I'm appointing you with a grappling hook, rope, and gloves to ensure no trace of your existence. Once successfully entering her palace, suffocate in her sleep as quietly as possible. Wait a few more minutes to make sure she's not responding, then, quickly take your leave. Like a true Black Knight."

Grasping the grappling hook, I gulp. I only have one chance to do this. If this fails, who knows what could happen to me. Who knows what the clan will think of me - what Boss will think of me. He'd no longer trust me - he'd turn his back completely to me. I can't let that happen.

With a new sense of resolve coursing through my body, I stand from my crouched position. With the window positioned in my sight for perfect execution, I know it's time for infiltration. As sweat begins to pile on my forehead with a rigorous heart, I swiftly sling the hook in one motion upwards towards the window. The hook perfectly takes hold of the brick windowsill. With a slight tug at the rope to make sure it's secure, I start pulling myself up the rope. Not even halfway do I feel myself getting tired, but I have to persevere. I've trained my whole life for a mission like this. I can't back down so easily.

The window gets closer and closer, but the ground strays further away from my touch, and then, my sight. The worse thing for me to do is look down, so I only avert my gaze to the destination. Finally, after what seemed like hours of training my upper body strength, I arrived at the window sill of Princess Hinata's window. Due to the fact that her window is so high up in the sky, it holds no locks to prohibit entry. This only makes my job easier.

I push my hand against the stained glass to open it slightly ajar. Immediately, I'm faced with a sleeping Hyuga Hinata who rests soundly under the florescent moonlight. At the sight of her, I feel my whole body stop to take in her essence. From her midnight blue, long, silky hair, to her milky white skin, and her defined features. Even though she was resting into the night, she looked like some femme fatal in a classic romantic movie. It was almost...overwhelming.

However, before I can get any further with my thoughts, I quickly snap myself out of my reverie. I must focus on this.

With that, I hop from the opened window and softly land on her bed with a silent thud. It didn't wrestle her at all as she still remains sleeping like a newborn infant. However, after realizing just how close I am to her, everything within me shuts down once again. To put simply, I've never met the precious princess, let alone see her in person - only pictures. But, even pictures don't do her fresh visuals justice. No wonder she has everyone around her finger...it all makes sense now.

And, yet, no matter how hard I try to fight the urge of staring at her, my body resists more and more. Why can't I take this perfect moment to strike? Why am I stuck in place? This can't be happening to me...

I despise the Hyuga Clan so much that my heart burns, but what am I good for if their mere princess makes me feel like some lovesick zombie? Why am I feeling like this?

Just like that, my worst nightmare happened: Princess Hyuga Hinata woke up. Our eyes connect, and for a split second, there's an unforsaken language between the both of us that I can't quite explain. Her pale violet eyes hold such innocence and chaste that my own orbs can't seem to pull away. But, even with this silent conversation going on, the world before me crumbles from existence. There's no turning back. I've failed the mission.

Before I know it, bad turns to worse in an instant once her mouth opens to emit screams that could only be heard in horror movies. Instinctively, I begin to search for a way out. Remembering I entered through the window, the only way to escape is through said window. She registers rather quickly that the window is in my sights and she tries to grab at me, but I'm much too fast for her frail hands.

I jump out of the window which reveals an entirely different world than the one I was just in. Sirens indicating security alarms from all over the palace turned out to be my background music as I'm met with rapid winds while I slide down the rope with ease. I seize the rope of the grappling hook that's attached to my waistband of materials, which causes my body to jerk as I come to an abrupt stop just right beneath the darkness of the trees. While the trees shield my being from being seen by the guards, I'm able to rapidly gather all of my gear. I pull at the rope that connected me with Hinata's windowsill, resulting in the hook falling down at dangerous speeds. I catch it right above my head and quickly attach it to my waistband. Anxiety and fear are the only emotions running through my system, but I have to ignore every ounce of it if I want to escape out of here alive. I rapidly gather all of my gear before any guards could notice my trace. With a few adjustments to my gear to ensure security and safety, I bolt off into the night. The alarms don't stop; if anything, they just get more prevalent. No matter how much I try to not mind it, the ringing has now welcomed itself inside my ear canal.

On the trail back to my own compound, all I could think about was the failure I bestowed upon myself. It's such a rookie mistake to allow the victim to wake up right before the attack. Not only did I fail the mission horribly, but I also have to report it all to Boss.

At that moment, I felt the most fear that I have felt all night. Speaking with Boss is risky in itself, but reporting wrongdoings that I did during the mission...it's just plain shameful. However, even with all of these limitations that have embraced me in a tight hold, I know I must mask it. I must deal with the consequences that I put my own self through, and I must do so like a true Black Knight.

However, all things must come to a resolution at some point or another. I arrived at the compound after about ten minutes of running. Even with the heavyweight of the gear equipped on my waistband, that's nothing compared to what I may deal with now.

Metal gates surround the compound, ensuring the utmost protection. Electric barb wires align the tops of the gates that shock thousands of volts of power a second. Although the compound holds a rather intimidating feel, they are quite bare with absolutely no design; except for a small, hardly noticeable keypad that must be used in order to get inside.

I enter in my number code, which is a code that Boss assigns every assassin here. For most, Boss only refers to them as those numbers. For few, such as myself, we get the luxury of Boss calling us only by our last names. I don't mind it given that everyone who's here is here for the same reason as the next: power, money, and prosperity. Due to that reason, the assassins here are nothing more than animals that are highly obedient and very useful in times of need. Nothing more than an acquaintance that I would maybe nod at or wave to a few times here and there.

After the keypad authorizes my visit, the metal gates open with an eerie, mechanical roar. As I walk through the entrance, security guards employed by the organization are on standby, awaiting any possible misfortune that may happen. The guards and I exchange a silent nod in recognition. With that, I'm finally able to go on my way towards Boss's main office.

Boss's office rests in the middle of the compound on a grassy green hill, visible for the entire public to see. The hierarchy within the clan is as transparent as water, which is why everyone strives to be their best to impress anyone they need to. Due to the fact that I'd been surrounded by this class structure for the entirety of my life, I knew that I could not succumb to such a fate. I must be on the top, no matter what it takes. Even if it means getting a limb or two cut off from Boss because of this failed mission...

Stone stairs aligned with various flowers guide the way towards Boss's entrance. The stairs are not an easy feat, as there are exactly 205 to count. That's the least of my worries at this moment. My heart was pounding at least twenty miles an hour and all of my muscles felt like jelly. I can't let this side of me show...

Arriving at the top of the office took a lot more out of me than usual. I'm immediately faced with a servant for Boss, Achinaga, 2034. He's been very loyal to Boss for many years for a number of reasons. I suppose the biggest reason is that he has established a name for himself, but not in a good way.

Achinaga quickly acknowledges me. "Uchiha, 1001, what are you here for?" he asks, his face expressionless.

"I have a word I would like to share with Boss."

Achinaga nods, opens the door slightly to inform Boss, and Boss quickly calls me in. The large door shuts behind me causing a rattle within the office. It only made me more anxious. Once I am finally able to face him, something struck a chord inside of me. He's...smiling...

"Ah yes, Uchiha. It's always a pleasure to see my favorite assassin here," Boss speaks up with a hint of happiness emitting from his voice. On half of me, it's relieving. The other, absolutely terrified.

I know I can't avoid the unspeakable anymore. I have to tell Boss what really happened - how I utterly failed the mission at hand. I'm not sure if I'm ready for the ridicule that will take place afterward. But, hopefully, he'll appreciate the fact that I told him upfront and straightforwardly, like a true Black Knight.

"Boss...I have...something to inform you," I can't help but mumble out.

The small amount of happiness that was present in Boss's face has now completely disappeared. Instead, his eyes hold a curious hint in them. "My...what would this information consist of, Uchiha?"

I have to say it...Just get it over with, Sasuke!

"Boss...I'm sorry...I-I failed the mission to assassinate Princess Hyuga Hinata..." My head lowers without me even realizing it. Now, the anxiety has worsened by a million, and all I can think about is what Boss has to say to me. It could be anything at this point. All I have is me to blame...

It's silent for a moment or two. Then, all of a sudden, he breaks out into a fit of laughter.

Quickly, I look up, my eyes as wide as saucers, my eyebrows raised to the tops of my head. I was absolutely speechless. Although he seems to be having the time of his life, all I could feel was fear. He could kill me at any point, any time, without leaving a single trace...He has the power to erase anybody he pleases with a snap of his fingers...Yet, he's laughing because I failed the mission?! Just...who is this man...?

"Oh, you must excuse my rude manners, Uchiha," he finally speaks up. He begins to stand and I'm practically shaking at this point. "You're not the one to blame - I am."

I gasp. His fault...? What is he saying? "Boss, don't be ridiculous - "

"I know I shouldn't have assigned you such big of a mission. I was actually planning on telling you to forget the mission, but you were nowhere to be seen," he explains himself.

He didn't seem to be lying at all. Rather...he was as truthful as he can be!

It completely shocked me all the way down to my core. Why is he not slicing me in half?! Why hasn't he banished me from the compound?! If this were any other person, Boss would've... I close my eyes at the memory of Boss eliminating skillful assassins just because they made one mistake. Sadly, some of those assassins were very close to me since I had met them when I first joined the organization. When I heard the devastating news, I went to the training area and punched trees all night long. My hands were basically unusable for weeks. I had to keep wraps and bandages on them at all times. It hurt to eat, bathe, even sleep; I had to get through it though, especially since I was still going through Boss's training during that time.

However, every time I think about the lives lost at Boss's hands, it pains me slightly. And now...Boss has given me an extra chance. I couldn't help the guilt that ran through me, but I quickly mask it. Perhaps they deserved to die. If Boss saw them as a waste of space, so be it.

"Uchiha, you have always been such a loyal and hardworking one. Which is why..." Boss steadily stalks over to me just until we're a few feet away from each other. "I have appointed you with a new mission."

My heart dropped instantly. How could Boss have appointed me a new mission when I didn't even succeed with the first one? It didn't make any sense. Then again, nothing in my life up to this point has made any sense. I need to accept this mission. I need to show Boss that I'm worthy and reliable.

Looking directly into Boss's dark eyes, I nod sternly. "I'll do anything to redeem myself, Boss. Just give me the word."

Boss chuckles deeply at me. "That's what I like to hear." He turns around, his back facing towards me as he looks out the window, gazing into the night sky. "We attack at dusk."

We...?

Time had felt like it stopped.

What could he mean by that...?

"We will ambush the Hyuga Clan and assassinate their princess once and for all...tonight."

a/n: if you liked this chapter please be sure to comment, favorite, and follow! if i made any sort of writing errors pls comment and I'll fix then right away. until next time!