A Shinobi Story

by Hack Interrupted

Team seven befriends a beautiful wanderer and she makes Konoha her home. Spoilers

6. Chapter 6

In the Snake Pit

Kabuto and his party arrived back in Hidden Sound just after dark. He instructed Sinichi to take Haru to the infirmary while he reported to Orochimaru. Orochimaru looked impatient with him the minute Kabuto stepped into his room. "Orochimaru sama, we have returned with Haru san."

"Oh? And how is my guest Kabuto kun? Where is my guest ne?"

Kabuto swallowed hard. "I sedated her. Sinichi has taken her to the infirmary. Haru san has sustained some mild injuries. It's nothing I can't handle."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes at Kabuto. "You better handle it Kabuto. I want my special guest in her special room by lights out. I will be bringing Sasuke kun by her room tonight. I don't care if she's asleep but it better godamn not look like you incompetent fools beat her up!"

Kabuto nodded. "Hai Orochimaru sama. I will see to Haru immediately." Kabuto got out of there as fast as he could. He had a feeling Orochimaru sama was going to be pissed at him about Haru's injuries. When I find out which one of them threw those kunai… Kabuto hurried down the hall to the infirmary to see to their guest.

Sinichi was waiting by the door. He had put Haru up on the bed, she was still out cold. Kabuto stepped in to his theatre and waved a hand dismissively at Sinichi without even looking at the fool. "Get out. I have a patient. Wait in the hall or something." Sinichi grunted and went out. Kabuto sighed and went to the woman on the bed. He untied her knees and took his sash back.

First he would take care of her injuries, and then he would have to find attire for Sasuke's friend. Kabuto pulled a stool over by the bed and sat down. He turned Haru over on her side so he could heal her wounds. He started with the one on her arm using his chakra to close the kunai hole. Kabuto smiled. You just love it when I put my chakra in you don't you Haru san? He chuckled to himself. Haru was going to have to stay sedated, at least for a little while. She wasn't going to be a happy camper when she woke up.

"And then Orochimaru sama will take care of you Haru san," he forewarned his unconscious patient. "When you meet him, I advise you to be nice."

By nine o' clock Kabuto had Haru healed, dressed in a clean shinobi uniform and asleep in her bed in her assigned room. Haru's bedroom door only opened from the outside. Kabuto had just given her a second dose of sedative when he heard Orochimaru in the hall. He was talking to someone. Orochimaru sama and Sasuke kun. Kabuto straightened and faced the door at Haru's bedside.

The door to the room opened and Sasuke looked in. From the threshold he saw Kabuto. He was standing over"Nani?" It was Haru nee chan asleep on the bed.

Orochimaru smiled behind Sasuke. "Are you not happy to see your old friend ne Sasuke kun?" he taunted.

Sasuke stepped threateningly toward the bed glaring at Kabuto. "What is Haru doing here? What have you done to her?"

"Haru san is sleeping comfortably," Kabuto was sure to cover his ass.

Orochimaru laughed delighted. "It's wonderful ne Sasuke kun? Haru chan accepted my invitation to visit Hidden Sound and to come and see you."

Sasuke turned his hateful glare on Orochimaru. He had an idea why Haru was here. "She accepted your invitation or did you kidnap her?"

"I can assure you that Haru chose to be here." Orochimaru stepped to the foot of Haru's bed and looked her over. He smiled contentedly at Sarutobi's pet gypsy. "Aren't you glad to see her Sasuke kun? I can't wait to meet Haru chan myself."

Sasuke straightened keeping his eyes fixed flatly on Orochimaru. "Send her back to Konoha. I don't want her here."

"But I do," Orochimaru put just the right amount of warning in his voice. "If you don't want her to be your friend Sasuke kun I will make her mine." The Uchiha snarled at him and Orochimaru chuckled amused.

"Kakashi sensei and Naruto will come looking for Haru," Sasuke growled. He didn't want Haru in this dangerous place. People had a way of ending up dead around here.

"Naruto kun has gone off with Jiraiya and Kakashi kun," Orochimaru shrugged his shoulders. He smiled at the frustrated boy in front of. "What do you think your sensei sees in Haru chan ne Sasuke? Her big," Orochimaru looked at his new prisoner, "heart?"

Orochimaru wasn't looking for Haru's heart. Sasuke rolled his eyes over to Kabuto. He was also grinning at Haru. Deme… Sasuke grit his teeth.

He didn't get a response from Sasuke so Orochimaru asked Kabuto. "What do you think Kabuto kun?" he favored his subordinate with a sinister grin.

Kabuto could see what his master wanted from the corner of his eye. He reached over and took Haru's chin in her hand tipping her face towards him. He smiled at his sleeping patient. "Well she does have a very pretty mouth."

Sasuke moved so fast Kabuto almost had no time to react. Sasuke slapped Kabuto's hand away from Haru and ninja jumped back. Sasuke fixed his Sharingan on Kabuto. "Don't you ever touch her again you slimy fuck. I'll fucking kill you. I can see your moves Kabuto!"

Orochimaru laughed. This was most enjoyable. Sasuke kun was every bit as protective of Haru as Orochimaru had hoped he would be. "Take it easy Sasuke kun. Kabuto is the one taking care of our guest after all."

Sasuke snapped his head around and faced Orochimaru. That meant Kabuto had dressed Haru in the Sound shinobi uniform. Sleazy bastard did you get an eyeful? "No, that's unacceptable. I will not leave Haru in his care."

Orochimaru let his smile fall away. "Haru chan is my guest. I will be the one to decide what is best for her."

Sasuke was beyond pissed now. Getting Haru out of here was probably going to be a real pain in the ass. It would take some time to come up with a plan. He had to make sure Haru would be safe until he could get her out. "I want time with Haru. Every day. Access to her whenever I want." He faced the medical ninja. "And you, don't fucking touch her. I mean it Kabuto."

Kabuto glared at Sasuke. "Didn't Haru san tell you we were friends Sasuke kun? I sat by her side in the hospital while we waited for word of your condition," he patronized.

"Kakashi sensei told me about you; piece of shit. Don't fuck with Haru san, I'll kill you."

"I think we can come to an arrangement don't you Sasuke kun?" Orochimaru commanded the boy's attention away from Kabuto. He wanted to keep his servant alive that was why Haru was here.

"I want to see her first thing in the morning. If she has to wake up here I'd like to be the first one she sees. You two are probably going to scare the hell out of her. I want to prepare her for where she is."

Orochimaru nodded. "That can be arranged. I can give you the morning to visit with Haru chan, but you have training to do in the afternoon."

"And what will Haru be doing while I'm training?" Sasuke questioned.

"I will see to Haru chan. There is no need to worry Sasuke kun."

Sasuke was worried though. He was sure Haru was going to be afraid. Can I even trust Orochimaru not to hurt her? For now he had no choice. "I want to see her when I'm done with my training for the day."

Orochimaru smiled conceding. "Done." He couldn't wait to see where this was going. Things were about to get more interesting.

As he was promised Sasuke was the first person Haru saw when she finally woke up in the morning. She blinked up at the familiar face hovering over her. "Sasuke…?"

"Haru nee chan. It's good to see you."

Haru sat up staring at Sasuke. "Sasuke kun…" Haru looked him over. He looked sound. "You're alright Sasuke?"

Her concern quilted him. "I'm fine Haru."

Haru looked back at Sasuke's face. "Everyone has been…so worried about you Sasuke." There was something different about him, but she couldn't say what. "We're in Hidden Sound aren't we?"

Sasuke sighed. "Yes we are. Orochimaru is here and so is Kabuto. You are going to have to meet them Haru, but I don't want you to be afraid. I'm not going to let either one of them hurt you. Understand?"

Haru was afraid. "Orochimaru…"

"Oy Haru san," Sasuke didn't want her spacing out. "Don't think about that now. We have the morning together. Why don't you tell me how everyone back home is doing ne? How is Kakashi sensei?"

The mention of Kakashi brought a sad smile to her lips. Kakashi…when can I see him again? "He misses you. We've left your room the same for you."

"What do you mean Haru san? Don't tell me you're still cleaning my old place."

"It's my place now Sasuke. Me and Kakashi and…Happi my ninken… These people hurt my dog Sasuke." Haru missed her home miserably. She missed Kakashi and she wanted to know Happi was alright.

He swallowed the lump in his throat. "I'm sorry Haru san. I hope your dog will be alright. I'll see what I can do to find out her condition. I'll have the one who hurt her severely punished."

Haru looked into Sasuke's glowing eyes. "I just want to know if she's okay." There was defiantly something different about Sasuke. "Kakashi?"

Sasuke shook his head. "No, there is no way to contact him. A spy would not risk going anywhere near Hatake Kakashi."

She felt her heart break a little more. Why does this have to happen…now of all times… "Kakashi and I… he was going to ask me to marry him. I was going to say yes."

His guilt and happiness fought in his stomach. "That's wonderful news Haru." Sasuke smiled at her. "Don't worry I'll make sure you see Kakashi again soon. I just need a little time to figure out how to bust you out of here. You can be patient ne Haru nee chan?"

Bust out? She felt hope in this dark place. Sasuke was going to help her get out of here and back home. It was almost too much to hope that he would come back to Konoha with her. Haru nodded. "Hai Sasuke kun."

Haru seemed to ease up some and Sasuke let out a quiet sigh. "Well then Haru, while we wait for our breakfast why don't you tell me more about Konoha?" Haru did.

She told Sasuke a lot of things before he left her to go do his training. Naruto and Sakura were also training with sannin. Rock Lee's operation had been a total success. He was back to his team and his training. The new hokage really worked her people, even Haru. Haru was working at the academy just like a chunin instructor. It sounded to Sasuke like Haru and Kakashi were living very happily together. They were ready to get married maybe even start a family of something other then ninken.

He was furious Orochimaru had Haru torn out of her life and brought her here. She didn't belong in Hidden Sound; she belonged in Konoha with Kakashi sensei. Sasuke promised himself he wouldn't let this go on. He would find a way to get his friend the hell out of here.

Sasuke hadn't been gone very long when the guard outside opened the door again. Kabuto came in smiling at Haru. He kept his hands where she could see them. "Konnichiwa Haru san," he greeted. Haru stared at him distrustfully and said nothing. "Come now Haru san, you should know by now that I'm not going to hurt you."

Looking at him she could remember the way Iruka had screamed. "You hurt Iruka and Naruto too."

"Yes but they are not you my dear Haru san. You and I are much better friend's ne?" his smile never faltered.

Haru narrowed her eyes at Kabuto. "We aint friends."

"I think you should seriously rethink that Haru san. I am the one that took care of you. I used my very own chakra to heal your wounds. I ask you, is that the act of a man that would harm you?"

Haru rubbed at where Kabuto healed her arm. "What do you want?"

"I have come to escort you to Orochimaru sama. He has been waiting to meet you." He thought he saw the intimidation in her eyes. Kabuto stepped closer to Haru so that he was looking down at her. "Daijoubu Haru san, Orochimaru is looking forward to seeing you. I'm sure you'll find him most fascinating."

Haru rolled her eyes up to Kabuto's eerie grin. They're gonna do something to me… She swallowed hard. "What's going to happen to me?"

Kabuto took a deep breath and let it out patiently. "I'm a medical specialist Haru san; you have nothing to fear when I'm around. You can come to me for a paper cut and I'll promptly fix your boo boo." He smiled at her. Haru looked scared. "Orochimaru sama won't hurt you. Nothing is going to happen to you with me around. No worries."

Haru was pretty sure she wouldn't be asking Kabuto to fix any boo boo for her. He had done a good job with her wounds though. She barely knew she had even been hurt. The same hands that had healed her had been used to hurt Iruka and Naruto. She thought keeping her distance from Kabuto was a great idea. She stood up and he stepped back. Haru flat eyed his patronizing smile. "You're going to protect me huh?" she doubted that. Whatever Orochimaru was going to do to Haru, Kabuto would likely just sit back and watch. If she was still alive after he would probably take care of her.

Kabuto straightened and tried to look serious. "Of course Haru san; with my very life if Orochimaru commands it. Soon enough you will realize that I am the very best friend you could have here in Hidden Sound."

In the back of her mind Haru could still hear Iruka screaming. "I'm here for Sasuke. I don't want anything to do with you."

We'll see. "I will certainly respect your privacy Haru san. I'll try not to make myself a nuisance to you." He bowed politely and took a step back toward the door. "If your ready Orochimaru sama is waiting."

She didn't want to go meet Orochimaru any more then she wanted to be trapped here. There wasn't much choice. Haru stepped up beside Kabuto. "Lead the way."

Kabuto led Haru through the maze of corridors to Orochimaru's room. The pair stepped into the dimly lit room and Kabuto greeted, "Konnichiwa Orochimaru sama. I have brought Haru san to meet you."

Haru walked beside Kabuto staring at the shadow figure sitting at the far end of the room. Orochimaru…they got a little closer and Haru forgot all about hating Kabuto. She reached over and grabbed his arm as she fell a half step behind letting him go first.

Kabuto smiled satisfied. He loved being right almost as much as he liked having the pretty Haru san hanging on his arm. His master looked pleased watching the display. Kabuto stopped them before Orochimaru. "Haru san, this is Orochimaru sama."

"Konnichiwa Haru chan," Orochimaru greeted with a smile.

Haru forced her eyes to the face of the man addressing her. She looked up into his golden snake eyes. Holy…shit…he's really fuckin scary! For a minute her mouth just hung open and she was unable to form words. "Uh…"

Orochimaru chuckled. Haru was clearly in awe of him. "Daijoubu desu. You are my guest Haru chan. I have invited you here for a reason."

Her grip on Kabuto's arm tightened but Haru found her voice. "What do you want from me?"

"It's Sasuke kun. I think he is in need of a friend. Someone not from Sound, someone he can trust. I thought that maybe you could look after Sasuke kun for a while. You have taken care of him before ne Haru chan?"

Sasuke… "What did you do to Sasuke?" Haru stared at Orochimaru's weird eyes. "Did that cursed seal thing you did to him mess him up? You…"

Kabuto felt Haru's fingernails dig into his skin. He looked at her sidelong. She was afraid alright, but something even stronger then that seemed to be emanating from Haru. It was murderous intent and it was directed at Orochimaru. Kabuto rolled his eyes back to his master. Orochimaru seemed to be enjoying the woman's reaction to him. "Sasuke kun could use a trusted friend right now Haru san, that is why you're here."

Orochimaru ignored Kabuto's attempt to smooth things over. "You certainly are well informed Haru chan. So who was it that told you about me ne? That old geezer Sarutobi sensei? Tsunade hime? Or perhaps it was your lover Hatake Kakashi?"

Haru startled. Old man hokage… "You…killed the old man…" Haru started shaking.

He kept his eyes on hers as Orochimaru stood up. "That's right I did."

Part of her wanted to fly at Orochimaru and claw his freaky eyes out. Common sense ruled for the moment and Haru shrunk back a step away from Orochimaru. "You just want to steal Sasuke's body!"

"You really are well informed."

Haru was teetering on the edge of panic. "Kakashi told me everything about you and Sasuke!" Kakashi… Haru tried to think of her love and be brave.

"Kakashi kun ne?" Orochimaru moved closer to the frightened woman. "He seems to keep interfering in my business. It appears you have some very troublesome memories of Konoha Haru chan." Orochimaru caught Haru with his eyes. "I'll just have to fix that."

Kabuto felt the hand on him go slack and fall away. He turned to Haru. She stared straight ahead unmoving caught in Orochimaru's genjutsu. He supposed he should have expected this. Orochimaru would certainly search her mind for information on Konoha. Now that she had released him Kabuto stepped away from Haru.

A minute ago Haru had been staring at scary Orochimaru, but he was gone now and in his place was the biggest snake she had ever seen. She wasn't sure how she knew she just did, if she moved she would die. She stood perfectly still staring at the snake as fear turned her blood cold.

Orochimaru searched Haru's mind for Tsunade first. It was good to know what that mean old bitch was up to these days. It appeared Tsunade hokage worked her people pretty hard. Her ninja were very busy particularly her jonin. Tsunade was also teaching Sakura. From Haru's memories Orochimaru gauged the girl's progress. Sakura chan would be just like Tsunade given enough time. Naruto was gone off with Jiraiya also training with a sannin. "Tsunade," Orochimaru growled. "Playing at being hokage in that pathetic little village."

Kabuto kept an eye on Haru. He had seen more then one weak fool have a heart attack while Orochimaru had them bound in his genjutsu. The woman was pale and still. She was so frightened that she was crying without sound. He wondered how long it was healthy for Haru to let this go on. He looked up at Orochimaru. His master looked peeved. "Orochimaru sama?"

"Don't interrupt me Kabuto!" Orochimaru snapped. Perhaps thinking about his former team mates aggravated Orochimaru more then he liked to admit. He took a cleansing breath and sought out Hatake Kakashi in Haru's mind. He wanted to know just what Kakashi kun had told Haru chan. Orochimaru found what he was looking for and then some. He smiled at the more pleasant memories Haru had of Kakashi. "This girl's memory is pornographic. Kakashi kun is a stamina freak." Orochimaru chuckled amused.

Kabuto frowned; he was starting to get nervous. Orochimaru was taking a long time with Haru. He'll give her a fucking heart attack and then make me fix her. And if I can't… He took a deep breath and waited.

Orochimaru could tell by the kid's impatient sigh that he disapproved of his master taking so long. "Relax Kabuto kun I'm not going to kill her." He smiled at Haru. "That is for someone else to do, not me." he walked over to Haru and put his hand on her face. She was a little cold. "You know what I think my dear Haru chan? I think you know too much, your memory is full of such…" Orochimaru laughed. "It's too bad you can't see some of the things inside of this girl's head Kabuto kun. She's very naughty."

"I'll take your word for it Orochimaru sama." He wanted this to be over.

Orochimaru sighed. "It's too bad really, but I'm just going to make things simple for all of us Kabuto kun. The last memory I shall allow Haru to keep will be of you two waiting at the hospital for word on Sasuke."

Kabuto stared. "You're taking that much of her memory Orochimaru sama?" He was sure such a thing would leave them both weak for a while. "Perhaps its better you go in stages Orochimaru sama."

The sannin rolled his eyes to his subordinate. "I did not ask for your opinion." Kabuto shrunk back and Orochimaru focused on Haru. "It's for the best that I just get rid of all of those memories now. I don't need her pining away for Konoha or Kakashi kun. This will make her stay here in Sound much more pleasant for us all. We can all be…good friends." Orochimaru went back to the time in her memories he wanted to stop at.

As Haru stared at the snake she started to see black dots in front of her eyes. She thought she was going to pass out. She was worried that if she fainted she would move and the snake would eat her.

Orochimaru went back to the afternoon of the preliminaries during the chunin exam. He found the memories of her sitting with Kabuto in the hospital. Kabuto escorted her to a chair and sat down beside her. From that point on Haru would remember nothing until she woke up to a new life here in Sound. Capturing such a huge chunk of memory was tiring. With Haru's memories safely tucked away. Orochimaru released her.

Haru swooned and dropped. Kabuto was under her before she could hit the floor. His fingers went to her neck and he checked her pulse. Her heart was racing, but slowing down now that she had fainted. He looked up at his master. Orochimaru looked tired but spitefully satisfied. "Are you alright Orochimaru sama?"

"Of corse I am you fool." Orochimaru went back to his chair and sat down. He thought Kabuto looked tense. "It will be a while before she wakes up Kabuto kun. While she is resting I want you to find more suitable clothes for Haru chan. I think we all know she wouldn't be caught dead in that outfit. One of the kunoichi around here must have something more…flattering for Haru to wear."

"Hai Orochimaru sama." Kabuto nodded and dropped his eyes to Haru. Shall I put a bow around her for you too Orochimaru sama. His master had stayed in the woman's head for a long time. Perhaps he enjoyed it too much. All of her memories from that night on are gone… "What shall I tell Haru san about where she is when she wakes?"

Orochimaru laughed. "That's the best part Kabuto kun, its completely up to Sasuke. I have freed Haru from many painful memories. The attack on Konoha and the death of Sarutobi sensei, Sasuke kun's betrayal. Do you think he will remind her of these things or will he make up another more pleasant story for her, ne Kabuto kun?"

He could see his master's point. How hard or how easy things were going to be here for Haru was up to Sasuke. Kabuto didn't think he would want her to suffer. "Sou ka." It was likely Sasuke would tell her some made up version of her new truth.

Orochimaru frowned and kept his annoying secrets to himself. "Didn't I say Kabuto kun, we're all going to be good friends."

"Hai Orochimaru sama." When Haru woke up, she would still think he and Sasuke were her friends. Sasuke would likely keep it that way; he wouldn't see the need to pointlessly terrorize her.

"See to Haru chan and be outside of that door when Sasuke comes to see her this evening. I want you to listen to every word very carefully Kabuto, understand?"

"Hai Orochimaru sama." Kabuto scooped Haru up into his arms. He bowed a little and carried Haru out to follow his orders. Color was slowly returning to her cheeks. He tried to get his mind around just how much time Orochimaru had taken away from Haru.

He tried to remember how he has been with Haru so long ago. He thought back to the night he waited with her in the hospital. He had been very friendly; he had even asked her on a date which she politely refused because of Hatake Kakashi but not anymore. Haru and Kakashi had ceased to exist for Haru san. It was probably better for everyone that she wouldn't be missing Kakashi and trying to find a way back to him.

Kabuto remembered that Haru had been angry with Kakashi over Sasuke's horrible condition. Maybe he would just hint to her later that was when she broke things off with that annoying bastard. Sure, he could get Haru to believe that. The rest was up to Sasuke for now if Orochimaru would really leave Haru alone. Kabuto sighed and took Haru to her room. He checked her over just to be sure her vitals were steady again and then he set to his errands. He smiled when he thought about dressing Haru up in something silky. Kabuto would make sure she was most ascetically pleasing to his master.

Orochimaru had learned a lot sifting through the young woman's memories. It didn't appear that Konoha was any threat to him right now. Tsunade had her people watching out for sign of Sound ninja activity, but there were likely very few Konoha ninja in this country. Keeping the fleas close to the dog ne Godaime hokage. His lip curled into a snarl at the thought of that miserable bitch Tsunade as Konoha's hokage.

He thought about the fight the three sannin had when they had reunited just before Jiraiya and Tsunade went running home to Konoha. If I had been able to use my arms… Had Orochimaru been in better form he would have killed them all. Tsunade would not have been able to lay a hand on him. He remembered the burn of that rotten woman's beating well. Orochimaru hissed disgustedly through his teeth. "Tsunade."

Neither Sakura nor Naruto were of any consequence right now. The brats were being protected and trained by his former team mates. Orochimaru was quite sure that Sasuke would be superior to both of them when next the children met. Sasuke might not even be Sasuke anymore. In another year or so Orochimaru would take that body and it would have the perfect set of Sharingan eyes; just like Itachi. He couldn't wait to kill Itachi wearing Sasuke's body. He was sure the look on Itachi's face would be priceless.

Haru knew a little about the Uchiha; the old geezer had told her a few interesting things about the ninja in Konoha. Sarutobi sensei told Haru all about Yondaime, his team and his sacrifice for the village. The monster sealed for now inside of Naruto. She knew a little bit about another monster too; Sabaku no Gara. Sand and Leaf were friends again. Big surprise that two such pathetic villages should become allies. Orochimaru suspected that if Sand hadn't made Gara kazakage yet, they would soon enough. It didn't matter much anyway if Akatsuki got their way in a few years both Naruto and Gara would become their prey. Orochimaru wouldn't interfere. He would let Akatsuki do the dirty work for him. All he had to do was sit back and let his enemies fight each other.

He relaxed back into his chair. Manipulating such a big selection of memory had been tiring work. It would have been easier on both of them if Haru hadn't fought to hold on to her memories. It was all because of that brat Kakashi kun. Orochimaru doubted Kakashi would be content to just let his lover go. Haru had a deep and most passionate relationship with the jonin. Kakashi was all grown up now; he had found the woman he was going to share his life with. He even got her a ninken. Kakashi was indeed quite serious about this woman. He would come looking for her.

If given enough time Orochimaru was sure Kakashi would find a way to Haru. It was best that before Kakashi could come to Sound, Haru should be dead. She was here to be Sasuke's eyes, nothing more. Orochimaru didn't want to have to kill Kabuto to obtain the perfect eyes himself once he took Sasuke's body. There was no need to sacrifice his servant if Sasuke would make the eyes complete for him. He was sure the Uchiha would resist, Orochimaru was counting on it.

The more Sasuke protected her the more he cared about her. It would be Sasuke's lies that would be the reality of Haru's world. Haru would become the one closest to Sasuke's heart. And then it's good by Haru chan. Orochimaru grinned. He would find a way to encourage his container to kill his lovely little friend. Orochimaru would have his eyes.

The effects of the genjutsu lingered a bit. Haru had some very vivid memories. Mostly it was her and Kakashi. She loved the jonin passionately, apparently several times in one night. Orochimaru saw it all. He had never experienced a relationship like theirs himself. It was interesting to say the least. A woman like that even made Orochimaru sweat a little bit. He sighed tiredly and closed his eyes.

He would rest here a while and regain himself. He would wait for Kabuto to bring word of Sasuke's lies. Orochimaru let himself slip into a relaxed state. He stopped trying to make sense of Haru's memories. He let them wash over him so that he could purge them from the forefront of his mind. It wasn't a bad way to spend the afternoon.

Kabuto got lucky when it came to finding clothes for Haru. Orochimaru often used his kunoichi as political spies. They were well dressed. Kabuto selected a long but revealing dress for Haru to wear. It was low cut and the slit in the skirt went well up her thigh. To be decent he slipped the matching red panties on Haru with a smile. He didn't mind taking care of Haru at all. Kabuto settled Haru comfortably on her bed and stepped out in the hall to wait for Sasuke.

Sasuke arrived right after he finished his training. Kabuto stood with Jenichi in the hall outside of Haru's room. Sasuke glared at Kabuto first and then growled at Jenichi, "What are you waiting for fool? Open the door."

Jenichi opened the door for Sasuke and stepped aside. He bowed a little to hide his smile. Sasuke stepped past him and went in to see his friend.

Sasuke stared at Haru as the door swung shut behind him. She wasn't wearing a Sound uniform anymore; she seemed to be asleep on her bed. Sasuke moved closer looking at the dress she was wearing. Sasuke frowned. "Haru?" he sat on the bed beside her and put a hand on her shoulder. Sasuke gave her a shake. "Haru, wake up. It's Sasuke. I want to talk to you."

Haru felt herself being shaken awake. She heard Sasuke's voice. "Sasuke…" Haru opened her eyes. Sasuke was looking down at her. She blinked at him and sat up. Something wasn't right about him. "Sasuke…you're not hurt at all? But…" there was more to it then that.

"It was just training Haru." She looked confused. "Are you alright?"

Haru didn't recognize this room. She stared at Sasuke and realized what was different about him. It looked like he had grown. "What's going on here Sasuke? Where are we?"

Something was wrong. "I told you this morning Haru…"

Haru shook her head. "Did I faint or something? I don't remember…anything."

Doesn't remember? What? "Haru, what is the last thing you remember?" he had the sinking feeling Haru met Orochimaru this afternoon. His fury was building.

Haru thought about it and answered honestly. "Waiting at the hospital with Kabuto san, waiting for them to come and tell us you were alright. Did I… pass out or hit my head?"

The hospital…but that was almost a year ago…Sasuke stood up and was to the door in a few quick strides. He slammed his fist against it. "Open this door now Kabuto!" The door cracked open and Sasuke stepped out in the hall. Haru called out to him as the door swung shut behind him. Sasuke fixed his Sharingan on Kabuto. "What did you do to her?" he growled low in his throat.

Kabuto straightened. "I haven't done anything to," Sasuke didn't let him finish.

Sasuke grabbed the front of Kabuto's shirt and slammed him into the wall. "What did Orochimaru do to her?"

Kabuto had to calm Sasuke before someone got hurt. "Sasuke kun, Orochimaru has done a great service to Haru san. He has freed her from many unpleasant memories."

He twisted Kabuto's shirt in his fist. "What did he do? Did he steal Haru's memories? Are you telling me that she has lost the last year of her life!"

"Orochimaru took Haru san back to the night of the preliminaries during the chunin exams. From that point on her memories have been erased. Think about this very carefully Sasuke kun. Haru no longer has the frightening memories of the attack on Konoha; she no longer carries the sorrow over the death of Sandaime hokage or the pain of your betrayal of your friends."

It was one thing that her darkest memories were gone, but what about all of the good things? Haru's happy memories of her friends, her dog, her life with Kakashi. "What about Kakashi sensei ne? What about their life together!"

"It as if it never happened. It's better for her this way Sasuke kun. Haru san no longer has any reason to suffer. She doesn't know what she's missing. She isn't even afraid of me or Orochimaru sama right now. Will you tell her the truth and make her live in fear and doubt?" he felt Sasuke's hold on him slacken, but Kabuto stayed focused on unpredictable brat. "Haru san is a clean slate right now. She doesn't know that scary bad guys have captured her, she doesn't have to."

Sasuke let go of Kabuto and stepped back. "You bastards. You…fucking piece of shit …bastards." He stared at his fists wondering what the hell to do. It sounded like Orochimaru had done some kind of genjutsu to Haru. Sasuke wondered if her memory was literally erased or if he was suppressing it somehow. Could Tsunade counter what Orochimaru had done to Haru the way she had with Sasuke and Kakashi when they fell under Itachi's eyes? He took a deep breath keeping that within the realm of possibilities.

Kabuto stood waiting and watching the Uchiha think. He was sure Sasuke was thinking about the medical specialist and legendary sannin Tsunade. Even if you could get Haru back to Tsunade hime it could take her a lifetime to undo Orochimaru sama's genjutsu, if she ever could at all. "Sasuke kun?"

"Just what the fuck am I supposed to tell her ne?" he cut his eyes up to Kabuto. Sasuke hated him, he wanted to kill him but it wasn't really an option now. After Sasuke got Haru out of Sound he would come back and kill Kabuto then. "She can clearly see that not only am I just fine, I've grown and I've aged. How am I supposed to explaine that?"

Kabuto was ready with all of the answers the brat would ever need. "Haru san has been suffering from bouts of amnesia brought on by a mysterious ailment that causes extremely high fevers. She's been sick for about a year now, but we've all taken splendid care of her. You most of all Sasuke kun."

"Tell her she's been sick?" Sasuke pondered. It seemed like something Haru would believe. She had no reason to doubt him now that she couldn't remember the way he left Konoha. Kabuto could probably spin off some fabricated medical explanation and back Sasuke up. "Lie to her."

"I'll help you in any way I can Sasuke kun. Haru also remembers me as her friend. I don't want her to have to live in fear of me or Orochimaru sama. I think it would be rather cruel don't you?"

It was a sad truth and Sasuke saw the full scope of Orochimaru's plans. He had put Sasuke in the position where he had to lie to Haru; it was the humane thing to do but a betrayal none the less. He thought about what Haru had lost. The way her eyes lit up when she talked about Kakashi; her soft smile when she talked about her ninken. It stabbed at his heart to think she had lost so much happiness. "Orochimaru…I'll deal with him myself." Sasuke took another calming breath and straightened. He didn't want to look stressed when he went in to see Haru. He had already decided he wasn't going to let anything scare her anymore.

Kabuto thought it likely that it would be Orochimaru dealing with Sasuke. The brilliance of Orochimaru's plan wasn't wasted on Kabuto. He stepped away from the wall ready to follow Sasuke into Haru's room. "I'll back you up Sasuke kun."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at the medical ninja. He wasn't quite through with this bastard yet. "Just what in the hell is Haru wearing ne Kabuto? You put that on her didn't you?"

"Orochimaru sama ordered me to find more suitable attire for Haru san. Something she would be more comfortable wearing." He held back his smile. He could see how angry Sasuke had become.

"You call that more suitable?"

"Haru san has always dressed…shall we say flirty? It was as close as I could get to her normal clothes. I tried my best Sasuke kun."

Sasuke's fist twitched. Pig. Did you get a good look? "Oy Kabuto, just because Haru san thinks you're her friend that doesn't mean I want you hanging around her. I still mean what I said about Haru. If you fuck with her I will kill you." He favored Kabuto with a death glare. "And don't you ever change her clothes again. If Haru can't dress herself you come and get me. Do I make myself clear?"

Kabuto nodded. "Perfectly clear Sasuke kun." He was sure Orochimaru would be glad to hear how protective of Haru Sasuke was. Kabuto was amused Sasuke saw him as such a threat. Hands off sensei's girl ne Sasuke kun?

Sasuke turned back towards Haru's door and braced himself for the lies he was about to tell her. Forgive me Haru…Kakashi sensei. I'll find a way to make this right again. I promised Haru I would get her home and I will. "Open the door." Jenichi did and Sasuke stepped back into Haru's room with Kabuto behind him.

Haru got to her feet when Sasuke came in immediately noticing how much taller he was now. Behind him was another familiar face. "Kabuto san?"

"It's good to see you up again Haru san," Kabuto started off the lie.

"What do you mean?" She looked at Sasuke. "What's going on?"

Sasuke opened his mouth and the lies poured out. "Haru san, you've been sick a lot lately. I'm afraid that it has affected your memory."

"Nani yo Sasuke? What are you talking about, I feel fine."

Kabuto cleared his throat and stepped forward. It was time to dazzle the simpletons with some flashy terminology. "Haru san if I may, I am the medical ninja that has been seeing over your case. It appears you contracted a very rare disease. It originates in Rock country. You've been there yes?"

"Yes of course. With my da."

"It's an unpredictable ailment that bides its time in the bloodstream. It took a while to catch up to you but once it did," Kabuto fixed her with a sad stare. "Your fevers were very bad Haru san. I did my best to see to you but unfortunately I could not fully control all of the effects of the disease. Your memory simply wouldn't stay and each new bout of fever seemed to eradicate all of the memories you had just made." He sighed tiredly. "A mild sort of brain damage I'm afraid."

Haru's mouth fell open and she stared at Kabuto stunned. "I have brain damage!"

Kabuto raised a hand and adjusted his glasses. "It isn't as bad as you might think. It appears that only since the onset of the first fever have you been unable to retain memory."

"The first fever?"

"Hai," lying was far too easy. "We were waiting for word on Sasuke kun in the hospital when you collapsed."

That would explain why time seemed to have moved on. She looked back at Sasuke. "You have been taking care of me?"

Sasuke nodded. "Of course Haru."

She frowned a little. "This isn't your house."

"No. We're in the village of Hidden Sound. I'm training here with Orochimaru. I brought you with me Haru and Kabuto has tended to your illness." Sasuke felt his stomach roll over.

Haru was trying to put it all together. We're not in Konoha? "What about the others? Sakura, Naruto and Kakashi? What about the chunin exams?"

"I didn't take the final exam. You got sick and I was taking care of you."

Sasuke took care of me? What about Kakashi? "What about…what happened with me and Kakashi? I thought we…"

Kabuto suddenly had a great idea. "He left you when you fell ill Haru san. Sasuke kun was very upset with him, he brought you here with him when he came to do his training. I'm sorry." He bowed a little ignoring the hateful look Sasuke was giving him.

He left me? That hurt a little. "Oh," she mumbled. Haru smiled at Sasuke feeling a little guilty. "I've probably asked you all of this before haven't I."

It was a double edged sword that Haru had accepted their lies as the truth. Haru was alright and Sasuke could try to make her fabricated life comfortable for her. No Haru, Kakashi sensei would never leave you. The two of you have something that very few people find in this world; true love. He tried to smile at her. "It's alright Haru. I'm just glad to see you on your feet again."

Haru went to Sasuke and hugged him. "Thank you for taking care of me Sasuke."

Sasuke tried not to hug her back too hard. His heart ached for her and for Kakashi sensei. "Daijoubu Haru, I will always take care of you."

Kabuto stood back smiling satisfied. The brat looked like he wanted to cry. Suck it up Sasuke kun, this is all your fault anyway. You're the one that came to Orochimaru sama. He stood back watching them for a while. When he was sure he had the scope of Haru's new life down he went to report to Orochimaru.

Iruka packed up the rest of the reports he found pertaining to Orochimaru, the village of Hidden Sound, and Yakushi Kabuto. It had taken him hours to sort through the mountains of the previous hokage's paperwork, but it would be worth it if Kakashi could find something in the reports to help lead him to Haru. Iruka prayed to his ancestors that she was alright. Kakashi was convinced Haru had been taken to Sound to die. They needed to find her before that could happen. Iruka hurried to Kakashi's place with the new material.

Kakashi was seated at the kitchen table finishing a cup of noodles. It was all he had been eating at home since Haru disappeared. Scattered across the table were scrolls, maps, and his own notes. He heard Iruka at the door and yelled for him to come in. "Oy Iruka," Kakashi greeted as Iruka came into the kitchen.

"I brought the rest of what I could find," he said coming in and setting the stack on the table. "Not a lot of new information I'm afraid but there is a better record of Kabuto's progress as a ninja." Iruka couldn't help but frown thinking back to the way the punk had severed the muscle and tendons behind his knees so easily.

Kakashi saw that far away look in Iruka's eyes again. "Oy Iruka, you eat yet? Want a cup of noodles?"

Iruka tried to smile. "No thanks Kakashi."

"Then how about a drink?" Kakashi stood up and went to the cupboard. He pulled out a couple of glasses and grabbed the bottle of sake off the counter. He went back to the table and sat down. Kakashi poured them each a drink and slid a glass over to Iruka. It looked like the chunin could use it.

For a minute Iruka just stared into his sake. "Kanpai," he picked up his drink and downed half of it in a single swallow.

Kakashi nodded and sipped his own drink. "Tsunade sama has scouts in Rice country. There has been some Sound ninja activity there, but nothing much to go on. Orochimaru's guys don't leave a trail." He sighed quietly and started sifting through the new material Iruka brought to him.

The sake mixed with the guilt in Iruka's stomach. "It's my fault," he mumbled quietly.

"Don't start that shit again Iruka. We both know there was nothing you could do."

"If it had been you with Haru instead of me she'd still be here. Haru is gone because of me. I wasn't strong enough to protect her. I…"

Kakashi reached over and topped off Iruka's drink. Iruka spoke the truth, but it cut Kakashi to hear it. He was sure Iruka did his best, just like Happi had. "Hana says I can bring Happi home by the end of the week."

Iruka smiled wistfully. "That ninken did a better job of protecting Haru then I did."

The new information Iruka brought wasn't very helpful for finding Sound. It did have more details about Yakushi Kabuto though. Kakashi hated to think of Haru anywhere near that bastard. Sasuke, you better be protecting Haru. If you don't… Kakashi took a sizeable swallow of his sake. "Quit your bellyaching Iruka, you did what you could. Stop beating yourself up over it."

"Sorry Kakashi," Iruka chased his apology with another swallow of sake. He sat quietly for a moment watching his friend read over the notes on the ninja that had crippled Iruka. He hated the sight of the kids face and Iruka looked away. Haru had been wounded when they were attacked, but it was likely Kabuto treated her injuries. He was an exceptional medical ninja and one smart little bastard. Scattering Haru's clothes had given the Sound ninja time to make their escape. Iruka frowned and sipped his sake. Finding Haru's clothes meant that the sleaze had seen Haru in a state of undress.

Kabuto had done a good job of hiding his true skill level from his senseis. The kid made sure he didn't stick out at all. Of course not, he was a good spy. Kakashi's eyes moved up the page to the picture of Haru's kidnapper. He was sure that when he saw Kabuto again, Kakashi would kill him. Kakashi sighed and relaxed a little. He sipped his drink letting his mind work through the not so new information. Iruka was looking at him morosely again. It was a look Kakashi had seen quite a lot these past three weeks. He's almost as miserable without her as I am.

The question he asked once every few days popped out of his mouth again. "Sasuke will protect Haru wont he Kakashi?"

Kakashi smiled a little. Iruka needed more reassuring then Sakura did. "I'm sure Sasuke will take good care of Haru until we find her." If he doesn't, I'll kill him. It was a harsh truth, but Kakashi wouldn't let Sasuke get away with betraying him twice. If Haru didn't return home in the same condition she was taken in, somebody was going to forfeit their life. "Daijoubu Iruka, we'll get Haru back soon."

Fortunately for everybody, Haru was doing alright in Sound. She had no reason to distrust Sasuke or Kabuto; no reason to fear their kind host Orochimaru so she didn't. Kabuto came up with most of the more mundane explanations for Haru. This was a military training facility thus she had to be escorted everywhere and locked in her room when she wasn't with him or Sasuke. Kabuto stocked the bookshelf in Haru's room for her and reading occupied a lot of her time.

Haru couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right. The idea of having brain damage was terrifying, but she tried to keep her anxiety to herself. Kabuto and Sasuke had done so much to take care of her, to keep her alive and well. Showing them her worry just wouldn't do so Haru did her best to keep a brave face. Still, it was if something inside of her was missing. In a lot of ways she felt like she had when Haru lost her da, like some big part of her had just been taken away. It was distressing to think what her weird ailment had done to her. She couldn't even remember coming to this place with Sasuke. It hurt to think that Kakashi had walked away from her when she took ill. Considering her condition, she really couldn't blame the guy much.

Sasuke was training this afternoon as Haru sat on her bed trying to pay attention to the book in her lap. To say she was distracted was an understatement. Both Sasuke and Kabuto had explained the workings of this facility to her, but looking through books Haru saw pictures of places she would rather be. When was the last time I saw the sky? A knock at the door tore her from her depressing thoughts.

Kabuto poked his head in Haru's room. "Haru san?"

Haru closed her book and stood up. "Konnichiwa Kabuto san. Please come in."

Kabuto stepped into her room smiling at Haru. "Konnichiwa Haru san. How are you feeling?" He was sure she was fine; her illness wasn't real after all.

"The same as I was when you asked me this morning." Haru dropped her book on the bed. "I think you worry too much Kabuto san. I've felt perfectly fine fore weeks. Just a little bored is all."

Kabuto chuckled adjusting his glasses. "Of course I worry Haru san. I'm your doctor as well as your friend. Your health is of great concern to me." Kabuto had been checking in on Haru a few times a day, mostly when Sasuke wasn't around. The Uchiha didn't like Kabuto around his former sensei's girl, but Kabuto and Haru got along famously. The ninja had been a little surprised to find her good company. Haru was intelligent and they could talk about many things. Playing the part of her friend wasn't too rough on him.

Haru sighed dramatically. "Then you better do something. I'm about to die of boredom." She worked a smile out of Kabuto. "Oy Kabuto, can't we go outside?"

"Go outside?"

"Yeah, you know. Fresh air and sunshine." Haru smiled sweetly at Kabuto. She could usually get her way with him. She thought her caretaker was pretty soft on her. He had been keeping her alive and well for the better part of a year. "How about it Kabuto san?" Haru stepped over to Kabuto and took his arm. "Take me for a walk ne?"

"Uh?" He supposed it would be alright. It wasn't as if Haru was going to run away from him. She was giving him that flirty look he had come to find so interesting these past few weeks. "Alright Haru san, we'll take a walk." He had time before he had to take her to meet Orochimaru this afternoon, why not enjoy it. "Oy Kenichi, open the door."

Kenichi did. Kabuto escorted the woman on his arm through the dim corridors and up a deep flight of stairs to the surface. Haru squinted at the sunlight. She let go of him and ran out into the clearing.

The cherry trees around them were in full bloom. The sun was warm and the grass smelled sweet. Haru turned a little circle looking at nature's beauty. A light wind lifted sakura petals into the air around them. Haru laughed delighted. "It's beautiful don't you think Kabuto san?" she held out her hand and a petal landed on her palm.

Kabuto wasn't the nature nut Haru was; cherry trees didn't impress him much. "Hai Haru san. Very beautiful." He was looking at her not the trees.

Haru sat in the grass taking in a deep breath of fresh air. She smiled up at Kabuto and pat the ground beside her. "Sit with me?"

Kabuto went to Haru and sat down beside her. She seemed happy to be out in the sun. The fresh air was probably good for her. Lieing to Haru had become almost second nature to him so he didn't refrain. "It's been a while since you have been well enough to be outside Haru san."

She nodded a little and looked up at the sky. A few billowy clouds against a beautiful blue. "I've missed it. I can tell."

"So can I." He favored her with a warm smile.

Now that she had him alone and in a seemingly good mood, Haru decided to ask a few questions. "Kabuto, Sasuke doesn't talk much about us coming here. It almost seems to make him angry just thinking about it. Do you know why?"

Kabuto nodded. Once again Haru was playing right into his master's hand. "It's because of the way things were when we left Konoha. Sasuke kun… had a terrible fight with Kakashi. Sasuke was angry at Kakashi for turning his back on you."

"Oh." Haru stared at the trees swaying in the breeze. Kakashi… just thinking about him made her heart ache. "I see."

"Please Haru san, don't worry yourself over such things. It's in the past now and probably best forgotten. Kakashi is a touchy subject for Sasuke kun."

The few times Kabuto talked about Kakashi he made him sound like a first class jerk. "Kakashi was mean to Sasuke?"

"Hai. Kakashi sensei was angry that Sasuke gave up on the chunin exam to look after you. He told Sasuke that you were a waste of time."

Ouch… Haru felt a little stab of pain in her chest. "A waste of time."

As he had predicted, Haru's mood fell. "Daijoubu Haru san. Believe me when I tell you a guy like Hatake Kakashi is no one you should feel sad for losing. Not after what he did…" Kabuto stopped himself to add the right amount of drama to his speech.

She turned and faced Kabuto. It appeared he was keeping something from her. "What do you mean? What did Kakashi do?"

Kabuto took a deep breath and let it out in a longsuffering sigh. Orochimaru was going to take care of Haru's lingering feelings for the Konoha jonin this very afternoon. "I… Orochimaru sama believes he can help you retrieve that memory Haru san. It happened shortly after you fell ill. Kakashi," but rather then finish Kabuto shook his head.

Kabuto had told her a few times Orochimaru sama could try to help her with her lost memories with a special technique. "What happened?"

"Haru san, please. I hate to think of such unpleasant things."

Haru frowned. Unpleasant things ne? "Kabuto, what did he do?"

Kabuto looked Haru right in the eye and lied. "He nearly killed you Haru san."

The breath rushed out of her and Haru stared at Kabuto wide eyed. "…kill me?"

"Perhaps it's better if Orochimaru sama doesn't try to bring forth those memories. They may be too much for you." Kabuto did his best to look miserable. He was totally convincing. "Maybe its better you forget everything about that man."

"Kakashi…but why? I thought we?" It was shattering to hear such a thing. Kakashi kill her? "Why would he do something like that!"

"For interfering with his team." Kabuto stood up and looked at a passing cloud. "Haru san, maybe the memories are best left lost to you."

There was no way she was accepting that as an answer. It was like having a knife in her back. Haru got to her feet. "Bullshit! If Orochimaru sama can help me remember what happened I want to know!" her hand tightened into a fist crushing the flower petal she still held. "Deme Kakashi," she growled.

Perfect. Kabuto rested a hand on Haru's shoulder. "Haru san, are you sure? You don't have to remember it you know."

She scowled up at Kabuto. "If someone had tried to kill you, you would want to know what happened wouldn't you!" Perhaps it was Kakashi's betrayal that had left its mark on her heart. She seemed to feel heartbreak whenever she thought of him, maybe this was why. "I want to know."

Kabuto stared down into her wounded angry eyes. He already knew all about the false memory Orochimaru was planning to put in Haru's head. It would likely scare her away from Hatake Kakashi forever. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. "Haru…"

"Take me to Orochimaru sama. Please Kabuto, if he can help me remember."

Kabuto sighed again. "Very well Haru san. If there is no way that I can change your mind, I will take you." His hand slid down her shoulder to her hand and he took it. Kabuto followed his master's orders and led Haru back into the belly of Hidden Sound.

They made their way through the maze to Orochimaru's receiving room. Kabuto went in with Haru two steps behind him. "Orochimaru sama, Haru san has a favor to ask of you."

Orochimaru smiled at Haru. "Oh? What can I do for you my dear Haru chan?"

Haru stepped away from Kabuto and went to her kindly host. "Orochimaru sama, I was hoping that you could help me find a memory. I know…I know Hatake Kakashi tried to kill me. I want to remember what happened."

"Haru chan, are you quite sure you want to remember something so awful?" the sannin fixed her with a concerned frown.

Haru nodded determined. "I have to know. Please Orochimaru sama, can you help me? Can you make me remember?"

Too easy. Well done Kabuto. "I believe I can, if it is what you truly want."

"It is." She stared at Orochimaru with sad eyes. "I have to know."

Orochimaru nodded. "Say no more Haru chan. Perhaps if you know the truth you will understand why Sasuke kun gets so tense when you talk about Konoha. Maybe it's better this way." Certainly much more convenient. Orochimaru stood up and loomed over Haru. "Poor thing," he caught her with his eyes. Haru froze trapped in his genjutsu. Orochimaru gave Haru the memory he had prepared for her.

It was fuzzy, but Haru could remember being in bed at the hospital in Konoha. She felt terrible; her body ached and burned with fever. Kakashi came in, but didn't speak to her. Instead he went to the window and closed the curtain. He turned to her with a dark look on his face. She watched confused as he came over to the bed realizing with a growing fright that he had taken a kunai from his pouch. What are you doing Kakashi? Haru heard herself ask. Kakashi leaned over her and covered her mouth and nose with his hand. Getting rid of you. You've become a problem for my team. The pain of the kunai stabbing into her chest felt very real. Kakashi's single eye burned with hatred. You didn't really think I'd let a cock tease like you come between Sasuke and his training did you? Stupid bitch. Kakashi pulled the kunai from her chest and readied to stab her again. Haru was crying in pain and fear. Just when Kakashi was about to finish her off Haru heard a familiar voice in the hall. Kabuto was talking to a med nin outside of her door. Haru wanted to call out to him, but she couldn't breathe. Kakashi was suffocating her. And then the world went dark.

With the memory implanted, Orochimaru released Haru. She swooned and he caught her. Haru had come close to fainting, but she was still clinging to consciousness. He felt her hands grab at his shirt. "Poor child," Orochimaru soothed. "To go through such a horrible thing. Such betrayal."

The memory was beyond frightening. It almost felt as if Kakashi was still smothering her. "He…" she panted.

"I know Haru. If it hadn't been for Kabuto kun Kakashi might have succeeded in murdering you." Orochimaru steadied Haru on her feet. Her strength to endure impressed and amused him.

Haru felt crushed, frightened and angry. Kakashi…you bastard! She lifted her wild eyes to Orochimaru's sympathetic stare. "Orochimaru sama…" she wanted to politely thank him for his help but instead Haru burst into tears. She buried her crying face against Orochimaru's chest and hugged him hard.

She couldn't see his face and Orochimaru smiled satisfied. Haru wouldn't be missing the Konoha jonin anymore. "Daijoubu Haru chan. It's all over now, in the past. Hatake Kakashi can't hurt you anymore. You are safe here in Sound. You have Sasuke kun and Kabuto to protect you now. You're safe."

Kabuto stood watching Haru cry all over his master. It was quite the spectacle. Orochimaru looked pleased. "Listen to Orochimaru sama Haru san. You are safe here in Sound with us. I will never let Kakashi near you again."

Orochimaru smiled at his servant. "Truer words were never spoken Haru chan. Have no fear; you don't ever have to see Hatake Kakashi again." And you never will.

By the time Kabuto got Haru back to her room, the horrible reality of what Kakashi had done to her had time to sink in. She couldn't stop shaking and so Kabuto sat on her bed beside her with an arm around her shoulder. "Please Haru san, you must try to calm down. I understand that you're upset."

"Upset!" Haru cut her friend off. She was beside herself with grief and rage. "He fucking stabbed me! Had you not come to see me…!"

"I knew you shouldn't have remembered such a horrible thing." Kabuto wrapped the trembling woman into his arms. He hugged her tight and moved right on to the next phase of his master's plan. "I should have stopped this. I'm so sorry Haru san."

Miserable hateful tears stung her eyes again. Kabuto came in and found me bleeding to death. Had he not used his skills as a medical specialist I would be dead now. "I am so god damned sick of being so god damned weak!" She struggled against him letting her frustration lose. "Everyone always has to protect me! I can't do anything myself!"

"I will protect you Haru. I don't mind at all. Please believe me."

She tried once more to pull away from Kabuto and then gave up. Haru collapsed against her savior. "Kabuto san…"

He held Haru letting her cry on him just as she had Orochimaru. "Kakashi can't get to you here Haru san. That is why Sasuke kun brought you with him to Sound. He didn't want to tell you that. I'm sure you can understand why he kept it secret, you can forgive him ne Haru?"

Haru sniffed back a sob. "Of course I can forgive Sasuke. It's that damn Kakashi I can't, I won't forgive. Shitty bastard!"

"Haru, I'm so sorry you have to go through this." Kabuto almost meant it. He did feel a bit sorry for the woman soaking his shirt with her tears.

"Sasuke brought me with him because Kakashi meant to finish me off, didn't he? The two of them didn't fight about training or the exam. Sasuke wasn't at angry at Kakashi for leaving me, he was mad at him for trying to kill me." She lifted her head and frowned at Kabuto. "That's the real reason I'm here with Sasuke isn't it?"

Kabuto knew that a fake memory wasn't all Orochimaru had left in Haru's mind. He planted all sorts of seeds of doubt and wonder. Haru thought she was unraveling some great mystery and Kabuto nodded. "Hai Haru san."

"Sasuke…why did he keep this from me?"

"You had forgotten about it after your first bout of amnesia. Sasuke kun didn't have the heart to remind you of such a horrible thing."

"Did he ask you to lie to me too?"

Here we go. Kabuto loosened his hold on Haru but kept his arms around her. "Forgive me Haru san, Sasuke kun would have been angry with me again had I told you the truth." He bowed his head and tried to look remorseful.

"Why did you come here with us Kabuto?"

"I was the only one Sasuke kun felt he could trust to look after you."

"What do you mean you didn't want Sasuke angry with you again? Why would he be angry with you? Did you tell me all of this before?"

Kabuto shook his head a little. "No. I would never make you suffer like this. I," Kabuto hesitated for a moment. He lifted his eyes to hers. My, she really is beautiful when she's angry ne? "I made Sasuke kun angry once. I can't tell you why. If he found out I opened my big mouth, he might really kill me this time."

Haru blinked at Kabuto surprised. "Sasuke? What did he do? He hurt you?"

"It's alright Haru san, please don't worry about it."

Haru grabbed Kabuto by the front of the shirt. She was sick of lies and secrets. Haru hated being left in the dark like this. "Tell me damn you. You know something!" she twisted his shirt in his fist. "Stop this Kabuto! Tell me what happened!"

He looked at her with sad eyes. "Please Haru san." He reached up and closed his hand over her fist. "It's better if I say nothing."

"Like it was better I had forgot all about what Kakashi did to me?"

"This is…different Haru." He let his eyes plead with her to back off, but she didn't. That was alright, it was all part of the plan too. Aggression was a good thing.

Haru's hold on Kabuto's shirt slackened. She was angry that he was keeping something else from her, but he looked miserable to be doing it. "What do you mean different?"

"I …" Kabuto took a deep breath and let the lies fly. "I was at fault Haru san. I did something I shouldn't have. Sasuke… he got very angry with me."

Sasuke did seem a little testy when it came to Kabuto. This must be why. He did something that made Sasuke mad. "What did you do Kabuto san?"

"I…that is," he stared down into her eyes convincing her that she was working some terrible secret out of him. "I…fell in love with you Haru san. For a time we…" Kabuto cut his eyes away from hers and turned his head. "As your physician such a thing is completely unacceptable, it's disgraceful. You are my patient. I shouldn't have."

This day was turning out to be full of surprises. Her mouth fell open and for a moment Haru was speechless. Kabuto loves me? That explained why he had been taking care of her for so long. "Kabuto…"

He got to his feet quickly and stepped away from the bed. He kept his back to Haru and his head down. "Sasuke will be furious if he finds out I told you this Haru san. He nearly beat me to death when he found out that you and I had," Kabuto didn't finish. He would let the seeds Orochimaru planted in her head sprout and grow into a new reality. His words were just the bullshit those little seeds needed to fertilize them.

"Found out?" but Haru didn't need any further explanation. It was clear to her that Sasuke had gone after Kabuto when he discovered that her doctor was with her. She knew that most professionals disapproved of a doctor having a relationship with their patient, but being beaten nearly to death was too severe a punishment. Haru swallowed a guilty lump in her throat. "I won't tell Sasuke anything. I don't want you in trouble." She didn't really know what to say. Of course she wanted to protect her friend but we aren't just friends, Kabuto and I. Could this emptiness I feel in my heart be because somehow I am missing him?

"I wish that," again he stopped mid sentence and sighed. "I shouldn't have said anything. I'm sorry." He clenched his hand into a fist for her to see.

Haru slid off the edge of the bed and went to Kabuto. "No, it's okay. I'm glad you told me. I…" he turned around and looked at her. It looked like Kabuto was suffering. It hurt her to think that she was the cause of his pain. He was so kind to her, he took excellent care of her. Now she knew why. He really does love me. Haru stared up into his bereaved eyes and her heart hurt for him. "Kabuto."

"It's alright Haru. I understand that you can't remember. Maybe its better this way. At least we're still friends." He smiled sadly staring down into her eyes. It was getting late and Sasuke would be coming to see Haru soon. He took most of his meals with her theses days. For the moment his mission was accomplished. Any ache in her heart was covered now. Kakashi tried to kill her and her good buddy Kabuto loved her. Such drama was enough to leave anyone with the feelings Haru had now. Her love for Kakashi and her attachment to that shitty little village had been erased. It was time to sit back and watch.

"Of course we are." She tried hard to remember something about her and Kabuto, but there was nothing. Her mind was a blank slate. "I'm sorry I can't remember."

"Daijoubu Haru san." Kabuto reached up and stroked her cheek. "Don't be sorry just know I love you." He leaned over and kissed her forehead. Haru blushed a little and Kabuto smiled. It was time to go. "I have to go. See you tomorrow." Kabuto turned away and wrapped at the door twice. It opened and he stepped out without ever looking back.

Haru stood in the middle of her room and stared at the door. She wouldn't tell Sasuke what she and Kabuto had talked about today. She wasn't going to tell him she remembered what happened to her in Konoha either. He would just get angry at Kabuto and Orochimaru for helping her with her broken brain. She sighed tiredly. It was a lot to take in all at once, but she was trying. For now, Haru would remain as silent as Sasuke had been about it all. It was the best for everyone.

Sasuke spent the evening with Haru. She mentioned that Kabuto had taken her for a walk outside today, but that was all she said about how she spent her afternoon. Sasuke didn't like her hanging Kabuto at all. That guy was constantly filling her head with little bullshit stories about how wonderful they all treated Haru, even Orochimaru. Haru thought they were all so kind to take such good care of her. The thought of it all gave Sasuke a headache.

The more time she spent here in sound, the more she got used to it. If he waited much longer to get Haru out of Sound, she might resist leaving here. It was good that Kabuto had taken her outside. Orochimaru wouldn't let Sasuke do such a thing, but getting her outside of the maze was half the battle. If Haru was already out in the open it wouldn't be that hard to take her and run. He could take out Kabuto and whatever ninja might be on guard duty if he had too. Sasuke would be glad to put an end to that annoying Kabuto.

He would wait and see if a pattern developed. It appeared Kabuto spent the afternoons Sasuke was training in Haru's company. Kabuto was orderly; if he was going to take Haru out of Sound on a regular basis eventually he would settle on a time. When Sasuke figured out his routine he would pick the best time to make their escape.

Haru being outside regularly gave Sasuke one more advantage. Happi my ninken… These people hurt my dog Sasuke. Ninken stuck together. Konoha ninja came into this country often enough. Some of them had dogs. The ninken would be looking for Happi's mistress; they would know Haru's scent. If they found it Kakashi would come.

"I'm glad you got out in the fresh air Haru. You should try to do it more often."

Early the next morning Kabuto came into Haru's room. She had just woke up and was still in bed. "Ohayou Haru san," he smiled at her puffy eyes. "Did I wake you?"

"No, I just haven't moved yet." Haru sat up and rubbed her eyes.

"How are you feeling this morning?" he asked stepping over to the bed.

"Fine." Instinctively she held out her arm to him. He checked her pulse every morning.

Kabuto took her wrist and looked down at his watch. Naturally Haru was just fine. "Good." He let go of her and stepped back. Kabuto looked down at Haru. "You didn't catch a chill being outside yesterday did you?"

"No, I'm fine really." She swung her feet over the side of the bed.

"You slept well?"

Haru sighed and looked up at Kabuto. "Yes. Would you stop worrying so much? If I don't feel well I'll tell you."

Kabuto shrank back a little feigning hurt. "Sorry Haru san. I don't mean to bother you I'm just trying to take care of you."

She saw the way he recoiled and silently cursed herself for being so grouchy in the morning. "I'm sorry Kabuto. I didn't mean to snap at you. I guess I'm not fully awake yet."

He bowed a little. "Please don't worry about it Haru san."

She smiled tiredly up at him. "You're too forgiving you know that?"

Kabuto laughed a little. "If you say so."

"Are you busy this afternoon?" she wanted to make it up to him for being crabby.

"Not really. Is there something I can do for you Haru san?"

"I was just going to ask if you want to hang out. We can talk; maybe you could tell me some more about us."

He was a little surprised she was so interested. Clearly her heart had not forgotten that she had known love. So I have taken Kakashi's place then ne? "I probably shouldn't." He dropped his eyes and tried to look sad.

"I'm not going to tell Sasuke," she assured him. Haru stood up and Kabuto looked at her. "Maybe I'm not all right Kabuto."

Kabuto frowned concerned. "What do you mean Haru san?"

She lifted a hand a rested it over her heart. "I feel like something is missing. Like I have lost something very important to me Kabuto and it hurts. If you know something, if you know why I want you to tell me."

She really must have loved Kakashi very much. Pathetic and pitiful. Kabuto almost felt sorry for her. "Very well Haru san. We can talk this afternoon." Between now and then Kabuto could come up with an acceptable story to tell her about her broken heart. He headed for the door, Kabuto wanted to speak to Orochimaru. He looked over his shoulder at Haru as he wrapped on the door to be let out. "See you soon." Kenichi opened the door and Kabuto went out.

The day seemed to drag by for Haru. She had a long lunch with Sasuke. Haru joked with him asking her to show him how to do some of his Chuck Norris moves. Sasuke laughed at her and told her she was far too frail for such nonsense. He did give the thought of her learning some self defense moves some consideration though. It might come in handy if one of the scumbags around here tried to manhandle her. He left her with "we'll see" and went off for afternoon training.

Sasuke had been gone almost an hour when Kabuto came to talk to Haru. She invited him in and the two sat having afternoon tea. Haru found herself staring at him. She was trying hard to remember what had transpired between them but all she saw was a shadow of nothing. "Kabuto, will you tell me something about us?"

Kabuto nodded. "What do you want to know?"

She smiled a little. "Everything. I remember meeting you and then," Haru shrugged her shoulders. She had already decided she wanted to approach this with a positive attitude.

"I must admit Haru san, I was taken with you from the first moment I saw you. You remember I bumped into you in the hall at the academy the day of the chunin exam? It was no accident. I just wanted to meet you."

She did remember the way she had met him. "I do remember that."

He nodded. "We met just before you fell ill. I liked you a lot and I wanted to do something to help you. I started to assist the medical team looking after you. I guess that's how it all started."

"That's why it was you I heard in the hall when Kakashi…" The puzzle pieces were all starting to fit together.

"Hai. I came in and found you badly injured. The kunai had pierced your right ventricle and you were bleeding out. I was able to contain the bleeding and close the hole in your heart. It was then that I realized that I had to attend to you Haru san. I almost lost you; I didn't want to go through that again. Sasuke kun was furious. He and Kakashi had a vicious fight. Sasuke informed me he was taking you away and it was decided that I would come with you. You became my patient and have been ever since then."

It all made so much more sense now. They were all in Sound together to get away from Kakashi. "I see."

Kabuto had more to tell her so he went on. "As I've told you before, you have had periods of good health. Some lasted a few days and some a few weeks. While I tended to you we got to be close friends Haru and then I," he smiled bashfully down into his tea. "I fell for you. Of course I did my best to keep my feelings to myself, but it was during one of your longer periods of lucidity that my resolve weakened and collapsed. I was so sure that you were really recovered then that I told you what I was feeling for you."

Haru sipped her tea. "What happened?"

He smiled sweetly at her. "We made love."

She startled feeling the blood rush to her face. Haru set her tea cup down. She was no easy conquest. She had been with Shanihmaru for months before they ended up in a more intimate relationship. She must have had some very strong feelings for Kabuto to be with him in such a way. "I…"

"Daijoubu Haru, I know you don't remember." He finished his tea and set the cup aside. "I was overconfident. I thought that you were finally free of your ailment and that we could be together, but it didn't turn out that way. I had you for a few weeks before another fever took you. Sasuke overheard me talking to Orochimaru sama about you. Orochimaru sama was worried about you too, he also knew how much I loved you. Orochimaru sama has always known everything. Sasuke heard me tell him that you and I had become lovers."

"Why did Sasuke get so angry?" Haru asked still trying to collect herself.

"Because I am your doctor and you are very much like a big sister to him. He thought I was taking advantage of you. I tried to explaine to him that we had fallen in love and that is when he attacked me."

How horrible. "I'm sorry Kabuto."

He sighed wistfully. "Don't be sorry Haru san. I'm not."

"He beat you badly though."

"It was the price I paid for being with you Haru san. To me, it was worth it."

She wished that she could remember something about her and Kabuto. It must have been something. She must have loved him too. "I wish that I could remember."

"It's alright Haru. I understand."

She fixed her sad eyes on his. "I loved you."

"I like to think that you did. We had something very special Haru san. It was a happy time for me being with you. I cherish the memories of our time together enough for the both of us."

It sounded as though Kabuto's memories of their fleeting relationship were fond ones. His smile was sad but genuine. She felt terrible not being able to remember what it was that was making him smile. "I'm so sorry Kabuto. I wish that I could remember."

He shook his head. "It's alright. Probably better that you don't I guess. It isn't as if we could," he laughed a little. "Sasuke would kill me if I ever put a hand on you again."

Haru didn't like the sound of that at all. She could understand the whole patient doctor thing, but she had feelings enough for Kabuto to be his lover. Sasuke had no right to interfere in her life that way. She frowned a little. "I don't see how it's any of Sasuke's business what we do."

Kabuto reached over and rested his hand over the one she had balanced on her knee. "Haru san please. Sasuke is only looking out for you."

"What about you? What about your feelings Kabuto or mine?"

Her reaction was perfect and Kabuto reacted in kind. "Your feelings? Haru san could it be that you," Kabuto shook his head. "No, of course not. What am I thinking? How could you possibly still feel something for me? It was months ago and you have been ill quite a lot since then."

She hated depressing him like this. "Can you really forget loving someone? Is it not you that my heart is missing?" She was desperate to have her mind back. It was frustrating not remembering such important things.

He looked at her with eyes full of hope. "Do you think you feel something for me Haru san?"

"I…" she was frustrated and nervous searching her feelings for the way she perceived Kabuto. She trusted him, she wanted to protect him, and she enjoyed talking with him. "I can't say what it is Kabuto but I know I feel something."

He smiled delighted. It was so easy and so much fun leading Haru right into his master's trap. "Yokkata," Kabuto hugged Haru into his arms. He buried his face in her hair smelling the perfume he had brought her. It smelled nice on her, sexy.

It was a little unnerving to be held by Kabuto like this and Haru felt her cheeks heating up. She smiled a little knowing she had made him happy. She only wished that there was more she could do to repay his kindness and ease his heartache. Haru hugged him back. "My poor Kabuto. I'm so sorry."

Kabuto hid his devious grin in Haru's hair. It felt nice holding her like this. Haru was a well developed woman and Kabuto had outfitted her with a tastefully revealing wardrobe. He enjoyed the feel of the cleavage pushing against him, her smooth bare arms around him. He nestled his face in her hair bringing his lips close to her neck. "Please don't worry about me Haru. I'm alright so long as I can still see you. I just want to take care of you." He pressed his lips against her carotid artery and felt her pulse quicken. Kabuto pulled away from her enough to look down into her eyes. He was pleased to see that she was blushing. He had done a decent job of flustering her.

She felt him kiss her neck and then he was smiling down at her gazing deep into her eyes. Her heart beat a little faster and she was sure her cheeks were red. Haru blinked up at him. "Kabuto san…"

"You know Haru, I am glad I told you. It feels like such a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I don't feel so guilty for missing you anymore."

Miss me… She had to accept that her memories of being with Kabuto were lost. It wasn't something she would ask Orochimaru for help with, it was far too embarrassing far too intimate. The only real choice Haru had now was to make new memories. She smiled up at Kabuto. "You don't have to miss me Kabuto. We can spend some time together."

"Sasuke kun would not approve Haru san."

"Sasuke doesn't have to know."

And he didn't until it was too late.

Orochimaru took full advantage of Haru's 'lucid phase'. Over the next few weeks Haru spent her mornings learning from Sasuke. The boy had decided to teach Haru a little self defense. The fool had no idea how badly it was she needed that kind of training. Kabuto spent his afternoons with Haru. They were getting along splendidly. The couple dropped by on Orochimaru frequently. The sannin and his subordinate told Haru happy stories of things she couldn't remember. It was just as Orochimaru had said. They were all good friends indeed.

It was early afternoon when Kabuto brought Haru to visit with Orochimaru. The young woman was in high spirits today. While training today she had flipped Sasuke over her shoulder. She was beaming with pride at her triumph. Orochimaru laughed delighted. "That's wonderful Haru chan. You certainly are becoming strong. Are you going to be a ninja too?" Her excited giggle made him smile.

"I don't think I'm ready for any of the tough stuff just yet."

Orochimaru eyed her curiously. "Oh? And what if I told you there was a way to become much stronger much faster ne Haru chan?"

Haru lifted a brow. "Isn't that cheating Orochimaru sama?"

The sannin laughed amused. "So what if it is. I too would like to see you become strong enough to defend yourself my dear Haru chan. If for some reason you should ever meet Hatake Kakashi again I would feel better knowing that you could protect yourself from him; kill him if you had to."

Haru forgot all about flipping Sasuke. Strong enough to defend myself against Kakashi. Haru frowned. It sounded impossible. "There's no way I could ever get better then that shitty bastard Kakashi."

"Haru chan, I have a lot of power and that power is mine to give. How do you think Sasuke kun got so strong ne? I gave him something, a seal of sorts to bring out his true power. It has made a huge difference in his training. I could do the same for you."

Kabuto frowned. It sounded like his master was offering Haru a cursed seal. Certainly Orochimaru wasn't going to put a cursed seal on Haru, was he? Kabuto estimated the chances of her surviving something like that were less then thirty percent. What is he doing? He doesn't really want to…

"But I'm not a ninja," but that didn't mean she wasn't interested. She moved a little closer to Orochimaru. He was smiling compassionately at her.

"That doesn't matter Haru chan. You're training will move along quite quickly with my power to aid you. You're a very smart girl. I'm sure I could teach you some genjutsu, enough that you could escape your enemies; perhaps even put them to sleep and kill them." He knew how tempting his offer was.

"Can you really?"

Orochimaru rose from his seat and stood in front of his pet gypsy. How easily I turned your dog Sarutobi sensei. I hope you're watching from hell. "I can give you something very special. I only give it to a few important people." He lifted his hand and swept the hair away from her shoulder. "I will give it to you Haru chan if you want me to."

Haru had experienced Orochimaru's genjutsu before. It didn't hurt and she wasn't afraid. Orochimaru was offering her power and training, just what she needed to be able to protect herself. "Yes Orochimaru sama. That would be…"

Kabuto stood by worried watching his master. "Orochimaru sama?"

"You heard her Kabuto. Haru has asked for my help. You know I can't refuse my dear Haru chan." Orochimaru saw the ninja cringe from the corner of his eye and focused his attention back on Haru. "It seems that Kabuto kun still underestimates you Haru chan, but not me." Orochimaru smiled as he hugged Haru to him. "I know perfectly well what you're capable of handling. That incredible stamina of yours will give you the most enduring chakra. And you're so smart Haru chan. You will be most easy to teach."

He means to but before Kabuto could finish the thought Orochimaru sank his teeth into Haru's neck. It was too late to stop him. Shit!

Haru flinched as Orochimaru drew his teeth out of her. His serpentine tongue licked the blood from her wound. Haru swooned and fainted. Orochimaru smiled at the woman he held up against him. His new slave started to tremble as the cursed seal took hold. You, just like Sasuke belong to me now. Orochimaru chuckled.

Kabuto could see how pale Haru was. He saw her fingers twitching as her nervous system was sent into shock. He lifted his eyes to Orochimaru. He really thinks Haru can survive this? Maybe not alone, but with a medical specialist to tend to her the chances increased exponentially. That wasn't all either. Haru had both strong will and stamina. She wouldn't be converting that into chakra because she never used it. The only thing she could really do with her chakra was the jutsu the perverted kyuubi brat taught her. With no chakra to resist the cursed seal it would take hold on Haru much easier. It made her an almost perfect specimen.

Orochimaru watched the seal set. The first part will be over soon enough Haru. "Kabuto, take her." His subordinate hurried over to take Haru.

Kabuto held Haru up against him with one arm and checked her carotid pulse. Her heart rate was erratic and her skin was heating up with fever. He looked up at his master. Orochimaru was watching him from the corner of his eye.

"Make sure she doesn't die Kabuto. Remember it's your life at stake if Haru cannot be the sacrifice for my perfect eyes."

Kabuto swept Haru into his arms. He needed to get her to the infirmary. "Hai Orochimaru sama." He bowed his head and carried Haru out.

Kabuto hurried to the infirmary with Haru. He set her on the bed and hustled for a syringe full of an anti convulsaory agent. The last thing he needed was for Haru to have a seizure in her brain. Damn Orochimaru Sama, what were you thinking? He gave her the injection and tossed the syringe aside annoyed. His fingers moved quickly undoing the buttons on her dress. She was going to have to be put in one of those horrid hospital nightgowns; she was going to need an I.V. and a heart monitor.

He moved quickly to make his patient more accessible. Kabuto took her temperature and her blood pressure. Both were ridiculously high. "Kuso," he grumbled under his breath. He hooked her up to the heart monitor and moved back to the drug cabinet to find something he could give her for the fever that wouldn't react badly to what he had just given her. He grabbed a bottle of pain reliever and a bottle of muscle relaxer from the cabinet. No matter what, he was going to keep Haru very still, very comfortable and very alive.

With the next round of injections administered Kabuto sat down on the stool beside the bed. He looked at the heart monitor reading the pattern he saw there. Kabuto concentrated his chakra in his left hand and laid it over Haru's heart still watching the monitor. "Don't worry Haru san," he said to his unconscious patient. The drugs were quickly taking effect and she was relaxing. Kabuto slowly used his chakra to manipulate her heart rate. "I'll take care of you love, just like I promised I would."

Haru wasn't in her room when Sasuke arrived to have dinner with her. Sinichi informed him that she was down in the infirmary, but he didn't know why. Sasuke hurried through the maze to the infirmary. He had a sinking feeling in his stomach. Have they done something to Haru? Kabuto or Orochimaru? He got his answer shortly after he arrived. Haru was in bed and Kabuto was sitting beside her. The tired looking ninja looked up at him. "Kabuto, what happened?" Sasuke asked hurrying in.

Kabuto was tired. He had spent three long hours with his hand over her heart. "She's going to be alright. It was a little touch and go there for a while."

"What the hell happened to her?" Sasuke roared. He reached the bed and noticed two things immediately. Kabuto had changed her clothes again. She was in a hospital gown. It was undercut enough for Sasuke to see the mark behind Haru's neck. The mark of a cursed seal. No! It can't be!

Kabuto was too fatigued to move faster then Sasuke. The Uchiha turned on him and grabbed him by the front of his shirt. Kabuto fell off the stool and landed with the furious brat on top of him. Sasuke pounded Kabuto off the floor. "Sasuke wait!"

"What did you do to her you bastards!" he brought a fist back and let it fly forward. Kabuto couldn't stop the punch in his condition and Sasuke's fist slammed into Kabuto's nose. He broke his nose and his glasses.

For a second Kabuto was blinded by the sudden pain of his broken nose. Son of a bitch! "Sasuke wait please!" He stopped the Uchiha's fist before he could be struck again. "I'm taking care of Haru san. I saved her life!"

"Why? Why does Haru have a cursed seal?" He shook Kabuto violently by the fistful of shirt he still held. "Why the fuck is there a cursed seal on Haru!"

"Orochimaru sama gave it to her."

No shit asshole. In one fluid move Sasuke stood up pulling Kabuto up with him. He threw the medical ninja back and Kabuto went crashing into the medicine cabinet. The glass shattered and rained down on him. "Tell me why! Why did he do this to her?"

Not only was his nose gushing a torrent of blood down his face, the glass from the cabinet had scratched its way down into his shirt. He could feel blood running down his back. You little bastard Sasuke! Kabuto grit his teeth. "Haru san asked him to."

Sasuke blinked stunned. "It's a lie."

Kabuto peeled off his shattered glasses and tried to focus. It would be tough to fight Sasuke in this condition. He had used up most of his chakra during his vigil over Haru and he couldn't see clearly. "It's not a lie. Haru san trusts Orochimaru sama. She loves him. He offered her power and she took it. She wants to become stronger."

Sasuke was reeling. He knew Haru wasn't afraid of Orochimaru but he had failed to see just how close to the snake Haru had become. "A cursed seal could have killed her."

"That is what I am here for. I have seen Haru through this and she is resting comfortably. She is going to be alright." Kabuto straightened feeling shards of glass fall out of his shirt.

Sasuke turned around and checked Haru. She was hooked up to a steadily beeping monitor. It looked like she was sleeping peacefully. His eyes went to the seal on her skin. "You're telling me Haru chose this?" Sasuke hissed through his teeth in disgust.

Kabuto raised a hand to his nose and used a little chakra to stop the bleeding. "Haru wishes to be able to take care of herself you know that Sasuke kun. It frustrates her that we have to protect her."

He snapped his head around and glared at Kabuto over his shoulder. "You call this protecting her you sick fuck!"

Kabuto frowned. He had just about enough of Sasuke's crap. "I just spent the last three hours using all of my chakra to keep her heart beating! I did everything I could for Haru san as I always have. The cursed seal was a decision made between her and Orochimaru sama. I couldn't have stopped it even if I wanted to and you know it. All I could do was take care of her afterward which I have!"

Orochimaru… "Why didn't you send for me?"

"Because I have been too busy keeping from going into cardiac arrest. Haru is my top priority not you Sasuke kun." He glared at the Sasuke's fuzzy shape hatefully. The brat had no appreciation for all of Kabuto's hard work.

"You knew he was going to do this to her."

Kabuto wiped some of the blood from his face. "No, I did not."

"Why did he do it?"

"I already told you, she asked him to. You can ask her yourself when she wakes up if you don't believe me."

Haru asked him for power? Why would she do such a stupid dangerous thing! His eyes moved back to Haru's sleeping face. "You guys have really done a first class job of fucking Haru up. Are you proud of yourself Kabuto? Do you get a kick out of seeing that bastard do this to an innocent woman? Your friend?" he sneered.

"You may not believe it Sasuke, but I do feel bad for Haru. I wish I could have known her under different circumstances. Despite what you may think I do like her. She is a good friend," it wasn't a total lie. Kabuto had come to enjoy Haru's company. She even flirted with him sometimes. Haru was fun to be with. Too bad she has to die for you Kabuto narrowed his eyes at Sasuke trying to see if he was still looking at him with Sharingan eyes.

Sasuke took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. "How much longer before Haru wakes up?"

"I've sedated her. She's a little doped up. It's likely she'll sleep right through the night." Kabuto was tired and Sasuke's punch had left his face aching. Still he intended to stay with Haru until he was perfectly certain that she was alright. Maybe Sasuke's annoying little jabs had bent Kabuto's feelings a little. "I'll take care of Haru san. She's in good hands with me. I will make sure that she's alright. There is no reason for you to stay." Go run to Orochimaru sama so he can bitch slap you asshole.

Sasuke did indeed want a word with Orochimaru. He was calming down enough to go do that very thing. He looked over Haru once more. She would be alright with Kabuto looking after her. Sasuke hated him, but Kabuto was a skilled medical specialist. "I'll be back to see Haru first thing in the morning." He walked out of the wrecked up room without another look at Kabuto.

"Keh," Kabuto grumbled under his breath. He shook the glass out of his shirt and went to the drawer for a towel to clean his face. Kabuto tossed his broken glasses up on the counter. He had a spare pair, but they were back in his room and he couldn't leave Haru alone just yet. He went to the sink to clean himself up looking over the mess Sasuke had made in here. Some medicine bottles had tumbled from the cabinet and shattered on the floor. There was broken glass everywhere. Kabuto cleaned up his face and then he cleaned up the room.

Tired and irritated he went to his seat by Haru again. He lifted his hand to his nose to fix it, but stopped himself. He thought that maybe the better idea was to let Haru see what Sasuke had done to him. It would defiantly sway her his way; make Kabuto's lies all that much more believable. By morning Kabuto would have two black eyes. After Haru saw him, he would take care of his face then. He would be rested by then and his chakra would be replenished. He could spend one night breathing through his mouth to win Haru's favor. He smiled a little at his sleeping patient. Haru was going to feel sorry for him, probably be angry at Sasuke too. Good. Kabuto wondered if she would hug him again. He thought she would. Tomorrow should be a better day.

Sasuke spent two hours searching the maze for Orochimaru before he gave up. Clearly the sannin didn't want to be found. Sasuke was tired, hungry and wretchedly pissed. He got something to eat and headed off to bed. He would deal with Orochimaru's treachery tomorrow after he checked in on Haru. He trusted Kabuto to see to Haru's health, but that was all. Sasuke was sure the medical ninja had filled Haru's head with lies and bullshit. Kabuto was largely responsible for Haru's great trust in him and Orochimaru. It made Sasuke glad that he had blasted the ninja in the face.

Sasuke would speak to Haru in the morning. He would find a way to get her away from those bastards. He would find a way to get her out of Sound. He was sure Kakashi was looking for her. Sasuke just hoped that his former sensei would be able to deal with his woman the way she was now. Sasuke had no idea how much worse things were about to get.

Haru awoke early the next morning. The first thing she became aware of was that she wasn't sleeping in her own room. She let her tired eyes focus on the infirmary she was in. What am I doing here? She sat up noticing a broken pair of glasses, Kabuto's glasses on the counter. She turned her head and saw her friend asleep in a chair at the foot of her bed. Her eyes widened in surprise at the condition his face was in. What the! "Kabuto?"

Kabuto was on the verge of waking up when he heard Haru call out to him. He opened his eyes and looked over at her. "Haru san." He sat up straight. "How are you feeling?"

She felt fine even if she was a little unnerved that she was in the infirmary. "I feel fine. What the hell happened? Why am I here and your face?"

Kabuto got up and went to Haru's side. He sat down on the bed beside her knees. "You fainted yesterday. I was very worried. I've been looking after you. I was so afraid your remission was over." He smiled at her even though it hurt his face some. "I'm so glad you're alright Haru."

Fainted? She took a deep breath glad that it hadn't been serious. She didn't want to lose the memories she had just rediscovered. She looked over Kabuto's bruised face. It looked like his nose was broken and he was without his glasses. "What happened to your face?"

He smiled sadly and dropped his eyes. "It's nothing Haru san. I'll take care of it later on this morning."

She frowned. "Why did you not heal your face when it happened?"

"I…did not have enough chakra."

"Why not? What is going on Kabuto? Why are you all beat up?"

Kabuto took her hand and gazed into Haru's eyes. "After you collapsed yesterday, your body showed signs of your ailment returning. I used all of my chakra to fight it off Haru. You've come so far this time I couldn't bare losing you again."

Kabuto used all of his chakra saving me. "Your face, what happened?"

He shook his head. "It's alright Haru. Don't worry about it."

"You promised me no more secrets Kabuto. Tell me what happened."

Haru looked worried and a little angry. Kabuto was satisfied he was working the right reaction out of her. "Sasuke kun…hit me. Last night."

Haru startled. "What? Why?"

"Because I had to dress you in a hospital nightgown Haru. Sasuke has been most adamant that I …not see your body since…" There was no need for a lengthy explanation. Haru was smart enough to fill in the blanks herself. Kabuto followed in Orochimaru's footsteps letting Haru's brilliant mind work against her and in their favor.

Because of me? Haru was shocked and angry. Kabuto had taken care of her, used all of his strength to save her from her mind rotting disease and her friend Sasuke had thanked him by breaking his nose. "Why that…"

"Please Haru san, don't worry about it," Kabuto soothed. Playing the victim was easy. "Sasuke only has your best interests in his heart."

Haru frowned at Kabuto. "You were treating me not fucking me! What's wrong with him? Why is he so," but Kabuto didn't give her the chance to finish her rant. He pressed his lips to hers and kissed her softly.

He had to calm her down and kissing her seemed like a good way to take her mind off of her anger. Kabuto meant to give Haru a quick, chaste peck, but the moment his lips met hers that ceased to be an option. His mouth lingered against hers longer then he intended. Kabuto pulled away from Haru staring down into her eyes. He could feel his heart beating harder then it should be in his chest. "Haru…"

She could feel the heat in her cheeks. He kissed me. It hadn't been unpleasant either. She thought his face was a little red too, but it was hard to tell with it as bruised up as it was. "Kabuto san."

What the hell…was that? Kabuto stood up quickly and turned away from Haru. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

She stared at his back. Kabuto appeared upset. "It's alright Kabuto san."

He took a deep breath and let it out in a long sigh. He would worry about his mysterious feelings for his patient later. Right now the best course of action was to get her back to her room so that she could confront Sasuke. He turned around and faced her. Haru was watching him curiously. "If you're feeling alright Haru I can take you back to your room. I'm afraid I have some work to do this morning and I'm sure Sasuke will be looking for you. He was very worried about you last night."

Yeah so worried he beat up my doctor. Haru wanted a word with Sasuke alright. The sooner the better. She would make sure he never hit Kabuto again. "Yes, thank you Kabuto." She took the hand he extended to her and stood on her own two feet. Today was going to change things for her and Sasuke. Enough was enough. Haru would put a stop to her friend's tyranny once and for all.

Kabuto took Haru back to her room and left her there. She dressed and waited for Sasuke to come. Her dress left the mark Orochimaru had given her exposed and Haru stared at it in the mirror. It looked like a weird little tattoo. It didn't hurt at all though. Orochimaru was awesome when it came to his techniques. She wondered if she was stronger now and if so by how much. She was admiring her mark when Sasuke came in.

"Haru, you're alright?" Sasuke asked right away as he came into Haru's room. She looked alright and she was on her feet.

She looked away from the mirror to Sasuke. "I'm fine thanks to Kabuto san." She frowned a little and straightened. "You hit him."

Sasuke returned her frown. "What makes you think so?"

"He has a broken nose Sasuke. He used all his chakra on me and couldn't heal himself last night. I saw what you did to his face this morning." She could feel herself getting angry. Beating up Kabuto was just one more thing her friend was going to keep from her.

Shit. Kabuto was playing Haru against him. Sasuke changed the subject quickly. "Why do you have Orochimaru's cursed seal Haru?"

She wasn't going to let Sasuke get away with this. "You leave Kabuto alone, do you understand me Sasuke."

"Keh, it's you that needs to leave Kabuto alone Haru. That bastard is dangerous."

"How can you say such a thing?" She took a threatening step toward Sasuke. "Kabuto has done nothing but take care of me."

Sasuke felt his stomach roll over. Kabuto had done an outstanding job of convincing Haru he was her friend. "He's a liar and he's manipulating you."

Haru shook her head. She could see now how much Sasuke hated her friend. "Bullshit."

Frustrated Sasuke advanced on Haru. "It's not bullshit! He's just using you Haru!"

That was more then enough for her. She could remember what Kabuto had told her about the way Sasuke had reacted to their coupling. He thought I was taking advantage of you. "Enough Sasuke! Kabuto would never use me. Our relationship isn't like that at all. Kabuto takes care of me."

"Because Orochimaru ordered him to!" Sasuke's hand clenched into a tight fist.

Haru had to be careful not to say too much. She didn't want to get Kabuto in trouble again. "Sasuke," she growled at him. "You leave Kabuto alone."

Sasuke couldn't help but wonder just how friendly Kabuto was getting with Kakashi's woman. He could remember the way the ninja had leered at her the night Orochimaru led him to this room for the first time. "You stay away from Kabuto Haru. That guy is probably just trying to get in your pants!"

To her pleasant surprise Haru was much faster then she had been a day ago. Her hand connected with the side of Sasuke's face before he even saw it coming. "Shut up!"

Sasuke was stunned. She hit me… he looked up into her angry eyes. She hit me because of Kabuto? What the hell… He reacted almost instinctively grabbing Haru by the arms. "Deme Haru, you listen to me! You stay away from that bastard. You are Kakashi sensei's woman!"

His words were just as harsh as the slap she had just given him. Haru's lip curled into a snarl. "You bastard. How dare you call me his woman after what he did to me?"

"Kakashi didn't leave you Haru," Sasuke confessed.

"No shit, he just tried to kill me!"

Nani? "What are you talking about Haru?"

She narrowed her eyes at Sasuke. "Orochimaru sama helped me get that memory back. I know what Kakashi did!"

Orochimaru…His grip on Haru tightened. "It's a lie. Kakashi sensei would never hurt you Haru he loves you and you love him."

"I hate him," she screamed in Sasuke's face. "If I ever see that shitty bastard again I'll kill him! Orochimaru sama is going to make me strong and then I will have my revenge!"

She's lost her fucking mind. Orochimaru did this to her. Sasuke moved quickly; he threw Haru down on her bed and went to the door. "Let me out now Kenichi!"

Haru sat up furious. "Sasuke, where are you going?" She scrambled to her feet as Sasuke went out. Haru rushed to the door and it slammed in her face. She hit it with her fist. "Sasuke! Come back here!" She was a mix of angry emotions. For him to say she was Kakashi's woman was infuriating. She was also concerned for Kabuto and Orochimaru. Sasuke was likely going to confront one or both of them. "Kenichi! I know you can hear me. Open this godamn door now!"

Kenichi wasn't sure what was going on, but he knew he couldn't let Haru out without an escort. "Sorry Haru chan no can do." He called through the door.

Haru kicked the door. "Kenichi!" There was a sudden sharp and stabbing pain in the vicinity of her new little tattoo. She ignored it for the moment and slammed both fists into the door. "Kenichi you better!" but she was unable to finish. Searing pain gripped her entire body. It felt like her heart and lungs were being squeezed. Shit what is this? Haru fell to her knees struggling to breath. "Kabuto," she gasped crying out to her only hope. "Kabuto help me!" Darkness swallowed Haru and she fell over unconscious.

Sasuke went straight to Orochimaru's room. The sannin was there talking with the now healed Kabuto. Orochimaru looked up at his container and smiled. "Ohayou Sasuke kun."

Sasuke approached Orochimaru keeping an eye on Kabuto. "What have you done to Haru you bastard?"

"Nothing she didn't ask me to," Orochimaru said through his grin. Sasuke looked quite angry. Beside him Kabuto straightened watching the Uchiha.

"Why does Haru have a cursed seal? Why would you do that to her?"

Orochimaru folded his hands in his lap. "Haru chan desires to become stronger. She asked me to help her and so I did."

Sasuke balled his hands into fists. "She could have died."

"Not with Kabuto looking after her. Did you know he kept her alive with his chakra? Of course you did. He told you that last night before you so cruelly hit the man responsible for keeping out dear Haru chan alive." Orochimaru was rather pleased the Uchiha had hit Kabuto. His subordinate earned himself Haru's deepest sympathy this morning. The sannin was sure that Haru was just dieing to protect her dear Kabuto from mean old Sasuke. The thought made him laugh.

"Deme," Sasuke grit his teeth and glared at Orochimaru. "Why does Haru hate Kakashi sensei? What have you done?"

Orochimaru shrugged as if it the answer was obvious. "I let Haru chan remember the horrible way Kakashi kun tried to kill her. Has she told you about it Sasuke kun? Quite tragic really. Poor little Haru chan deceived and betrayed by the man she loved."

His Sharingan came out. "You bastard. How could you!"

"I already told you Sasuke kun, I will decide what is best for Haru."

"Haru loves Kakashi sensei!" he wondered how vile the fake memory Orochimaru planted in Haru's head was. If the sannin was smiling and Haru was screaming for revenge it must be pretty bad.

Kabuto held his tongue. It was the best thing to do when Orochimaru and Sasuke got arguing. Sasuke was irate, but Orochimaru was calm. There was nothing to worry about. He watched Sasuke seething at his master wondering how his talk with Haru went this morning. Haru doesn't love that stuck up son of a bitch anymore Sasuke.

"No she does not," Orochimaru corrected him. "She loves all of us now instead. It's much better this way Sasuke kun, for everyone."

"You rape her mind and call that better?" Sasuke retorted. "Better for you and your lap dog maybe," his hate filled eyes glanced briefly at Kabuto. "So help me if you've…"

Kabuto covered his ass. Calmly he replied, "I can assure you Sasuke kun, I have been a gentleman to Haru san."

Orochimaru laughed amused. "Easy Sasuke kun. Kabuto kun is Haru chan's friend. He takes very good care of her. He even embellishes the lies you tell her. Kabuto kun makes you sound like such a nice guy."

Sasuke was pretty sure that was a lie. Haru was mad at him over Kabuto's broken face. "Don't think I'll believe either of you for a minute."

Their conversation was interrupted when Sinichi burst into Orochimaru's room. "Forgive the intrusion Orochimaru sama," he spurted bowing quickly. His eyes went to the medical ninja. "Kabuto kun, its Haru chan. She has collapsed."

Kabuto didn't wait for orders, he got moving. He hurried to Sinichi. "When?"

Sinichi had run all the way here. "Just now. Kenichi is with her."

Kabuto hurried out without ever looking back. Sinichi bowed again and followed. Sasuke stood where he was for a moment frozen. Haru…what happened?

Orochimaru stood. "You provoked Haru into a fight before you came here didn't you Sasuke kun?"

He looked back at the sannin. They had fought this morning, Haru had even hit him. "The cursed seal."

"It is not complete. You know that. There is only one way to end her suffering now Sasuke kun. Haru chan is going to have to die, at least once."

He blinked at Orochimaru aghast. "Level two? Haru?"

"Of course. She'll make a much better sparring partner that way. Don't you think Sasuke kun?"

"You…" I won't do it! No matter how much Orochimaru wants it, I won't kill Haru! "I don't want any part of this! I refuse to allow it!"

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes at Sasuke. "You will refuse me nothing just as I will refuse my dear Haru chan nothing. You wouldn't want Haru to have an accident now would you Sasuke kun? To die so young and full of life would be tragic."

"You expect me to kill her anyway." His chest hurt. Sasuke had lost this fight. Haru had been completely taken in by Orochimaru. He was making her one of his own.

"Perhaps in time, but for now Haru chan deserves to live. She had incredible stamina Sasuke kun, I'm sure you've noticed. We can train her to be an excellent Sound ninja."

He had to think this through carefully. Yes, Haru would be much stronger at stage two. Maybe even strong enough to fight her way out of here with Sasuke. The sannin in Konoha could seal away her power once Sasuke found a way to get her back there. If I don't go along with Orochimaru, he'll kill Haru now. Sasuke straightened and came to another damning decision. "Then you give her to me. I will be Haru's sensei."

Orochimaru smiled pleased. Their training would bring Sasuke and Haru closer. "As you wish. Haru will be yours to train."

Disgusted and angry Sasuke turned away from Orochimaru and headed out to go check on Haru. She might be upset with him, but he needed to see her. He wanted to check her over with his Sharingan. Damnit Haru…Kakashi sensei, forgive me. I have no choice.

Orochimaru watched Sasuke go. His plan was moving along as smooth as water on a placid lake. He would get his best at creating a barrier, the brothers three to give Haru her first death immediately. He smiled at the thought. Things had been much more lively since Haru had come to Sound and they were about to become even more interesting. Sarutobi sensei's little pet certainly had a way of riling his boys up. Kabuto had tore out of here like his ass was on fire and his hair was catching. Orochimaru laughed. Getting attached are you Kabuto kun? Good, very good. Keep your little girlfriend alive and well for me… and for Sasuke.

Haru's collapse wasn't anything too serious. She had inadvertently started converting stamina to chakra after hitting Sasuke causing the cursed seal to react. Unable to take such pain she had fainted. Kabuto was checking her over when Sasuke came in. The medical nin was holding her wrist and staring at his watch. Sasuke stood by the door watching him. "She's going to die you know."

"Not on my watch," Kabuto grumbled back. He let go of her wrist and bent over her to check her pupils.

"If I don't do what Orochimaru wants he'll kill her and if I do what he wants then I'll kill her."

Kabuto huffed an irritated sigh. "You do whatever the hell you want anyway don't you Sasuke." Haru's eyes looked fine. She should wake soon.

"Which one of us do you want to kill her?" Sasuke pressed.

Kabuto straightened and frowned at Sasuke. "What makes you think I want anyone to kill my patient?"

"You know why she's here. Haru dies at my hand and my Sharingan will be complete." He stared at the medical specialist hoping that maybe some of what Kabuto had told him last night was true.

Kabuto hadn't lost sight of why he brought Haru to sound, to Sasuke. "What do you want from me Sasuke? Shall I stand aside and let you kill Haru right now? Will that shut you up?" He was still angry over the broken nose. He found himself unexpectedly irritated by Sasuke's little reminder as well. Kabuto was beginning to resent the Uchiha Haru had to die for.

Sasuke fixed his Sharingan on Kabuto. The ninja looked edgy. "Would you? Do you mind watching me snap her neck?"

Kabuto frowned. He's not serious is he? No, Sasuke wants to protect her. "I'd rather leave the room if that is your business here. I spent a lot of energy keeping her alive last night. It would be rather annoying to have gone through all of that just so you could waltz in here and kill her."

"Is Haru your friend?" Sasuke moved slowly toward the bed.

"Of course she is."

"But you have no problem letting her die?" he kept advancing on Kabuto and Haru.

Kabuto felt the first bead of sweat on his brow. What the hell is he doing? Sasuke looked downright malicious. "It's not for me to decide."

Sasuke stopped beside Kabuto glaring at him. "Then get the hell out of my way." He turned his eyes down on Haru and reached for her throat.

Kabuto's heart skipped a beat. He's going to do it right now! He's going to kill her? Kabuto saw Sasuke's hand tighten around Haru's neck. "Sasuke?"

"A painless way to die, going in your sleep." Sasuke squeezed Haru's throat cutting off her air supply. He didn't want to hurt her, but he had to test Kabuto.

Kabuto's eyes widened in horror. Sasuke was really going to kill Haru right in front of him. No! He had to move fast before the Uchiha snapped her neck. He grabbed Sasuke's arm with one hand and tried prying his fingers off Haru's neck with the other. "Stop it Sasuke! You're going to kill her!"

Sasuke let Kabuto pry his hand off Haru and then turned on the medical ninja. He threw Kabuto back into the bookshelf. "Whose side are you on you little shit? Isn't this what Orochimaru wants? Are you defying your master?"

Kabuto had to catch his breath. He could hear his heart pounding in his ears. "I would never defy Orochimaru sama!"

"Then why did you stop me?" Sasuke read his every twitch with his Sharingan. Kabuto was quite distressed.

Kabuto frowned. "I told you, I don't want to see you do it."

Sasuke moved closer to Kabuto dropping his voice to barely above a whisper. "You don't want her to die do you Kabuto? Haru has become your little friend in this hell hole hasn't she?"

He's trying to confuse me. He's trying to… "Haru san is my friend."

He stopped directly in front of Kabuto. "I don't want to kill her. I don't want Orochimaru to kill her either. Haru doesn't belong here anymore then she ought to have that damned cursed seal. You must have struggled quite a bit to keep her alive last night ne Kabuto? Imagine all that hard work for nothing."

"What the hell do you want from me?" Kabuto snapped. He wasn't going to fall for any of Sasuke's tricks. He would not betray his master. Kabuto happened to like breathing.

Sasuke rested his Sharingan and relaxed. "I want you to keep her alive and away from Orochimaru."

"I can't do that!"

Sasuke ignored Kabuto's refusal. "I will be training Haru but I know well enough that I can't watch her all the time; that is where you come in. I want you to look out for our friend Kabuto. I want Haru to live."

Kabuto swallowed hard. "Of course I will look out for Haru san. I have been haven't I? It's me that has kept her alive."

"And you better continue to do so." Sasuke took a step back and turned to look at Haru. He was satisfied that Kabuto had come to like her enough to prevent Haru from dieing needlessly, but he was still far too loyal to Orochimaru to help his friend escape from Sound. But maybe in time Kabuto will change his mind.

Kabuto straightened and stepped around Sasuke back to Haru's side. "Haru will be fine in my hands Sasuke. You have my word."

Too bad it's more then your word I need from you Kabuto. I need your godamn help. Sasuke took a cleansing breath. "Orochimaru is probably arranging Haru's first death as we speak. I want to know when it's going to happen. Send someone for me. I want to be with Haru when…" but there was no need to finish. Sasuke moved to the door and wrapped on it twice. Kenichi opened the door and Sasuke went out.

Kabuto stared down at his patient. Sasuke you asshole, just what the hell are you thinking? He tipped Haru's chin up looking for any marks the Uchiha might have left on her neck. Haru was alright, no bruising or redness. Like I'd let him kill my patient right in front of me? I don't think so.

Haru stirred and her eyes fluttered open. "Kabuto?"

Kabuto still held her face in his hand. He smiled down at her relived to see her awake so soon. "Ohayou again Haru san."

"What…happened?" She remembered pain.

Kabuto sat down beside her. "Daijoubu Haru, it was a slight reaction to the incomplete seal. Orochimaru will take care of it right away for you. You have nothing to worry about. You're going to be just fine."

Her tattoo felt warm. "You took care of me again?"

"Of course Haru san." Kabuto moved his hand and swept the hair back from her forehead. "I will always take care of you." As he leaned over and kissed her brow he realized that he meant it. For as long as Haru lived in Sound Kabuto would care for her to the best of his abilities.