Hello minna-san! Sorry that we haven't been updating lately! Been a busy week for us but now we updated. Thanks for the reviews! We appreciated your comments about our story!

Disclaimer: Well…you guys should know by now that nobody owns Naruto…only Masashi Kishimoto but we do own our made-up characters.

Summary:

A young, intelligent fine girl named Haruno Sakura, who lives in a lower class, had rose up in her society. As she continued to climb on top, a man that she met had changed her life and vise versa. This man named Uchiha Sasuke, who is a rich and powerful general of the Konoha army, became interested in this woman, though only to use her to gain more power. Will love ever bloom for these two opposite people? Can she melt his icy heart? Or are they just going to have an isolated relationship as a friend/acquaintance…or even more? (AU) ((SasuxSaku))


Chapter 1: New Beginning

Light glistered upon the holy grounds of this serene village of Konoha as the people were working diligently, keeping the community prosperous. Everything here seemed peaceful and quiet, though one place appeared lively enough to keep the citizens entertained.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

A roar of clapping and cheering was heard from a bar, Tatsuya Bar, somewhere near the edge of Konoha. The young 18-year-old woman, named Haruno Sakura, bowed graciously after her marvelous performance of dancing and singing on the stage. She had dashing emerald eyes and radiant cherry blossomed-hair that reached only upon her shoulders. Her charm was irresistible, seeing all the men in the bar whistling and applauding at her looks and, of course, her performance.

Another woman, at the age of 56 who watched from afar, continued to wipe the cups behind the counter. Somehow, the sound of whistling vexed her, especially when this blonde-hair woman saw the men just staring at the young girl on the stage. She, Tsunade, was still over-protective since she was the caretaker of the woman on the stage.

"Hey cutie. Why don't you join me at dinner tonight, eh?" A drunken bearded man flirtatiously asked at the performer as he walked near the stage.

Tsunade caught the statement that this guy had said as veins started to pop out of her forehead. Placing the cup on the cabinet and putting away her cloth, she started to walk towards the guy and Sakura. As she strolled towards them, her walking became heavier as it finally came into a stomp. Her fist was clenched, as if it was ready to knock the heck out of this hideous person.

Sakura, who was the entertainer of the bar, cringed at the sight of the drunken man as she stepped back, hoping for him to just leave. Despising the fact that she has dealt with this for such a long time every since she started performing, she has never ever rudely told these flirty men to back off. Instead, she politely rejects them; saying that she's too busy or her caretaker wouldn't let her.

"Anou…Sir. I would have to decline your offer since I would be busy. Gomenasai! (I'm sorry)" She stated as courteously as possible, not wanting to hurt his feelings.

The man pouted, disappointed from her reply, but he wasn't going to give up. Not now, not ever. "Aww, c'mon babe, just this one night? I'm sure we would have tons of fun."

Before Sakura could even reply, heavy footsteps could be heard nearby. Seeing her caretaker on the move, she thought with an anxious look on her facade, 'Oh no…not this again…'

Noticing the expression on the cherry blossom's face, he motioned closer to her and asked, "Eh? What's with the face, honey? I would-" His statement was cut short as a deadly fist aimed towards his face.

POW!

Tsunade, who had just punched him, lifted him up by his collar as she walked towards the exit. "I despise people like you flirting with my precious girl." She angrily said as fire started to flash upon her hazel orbs. Kicking him out, she exclaimed, "And stay out!"

The guy flung out of the bar as he landed far away into the concrete ground with a loud thud. "Wow, what a feisty blonde haired woman, and heck, she's sexy too!" He said as his eyes started to swirl with the look of dizziness while he landed on the ground flat-faced.

Back in the bar, Tsunade clapped her hands together as if she just accomplished killing a rodent, in which, she did in her point of view. "Heh, that takes care of him. What a creep." Her hazel orbs now wandered to where the bubblegum haired girl's whereabouts were.

When her gaze turned to Sakura, it seems as though the crowd of people, mostly men, inside slightly backed away from the woman who just punched a man that flirted with her little cherry blossom. Some muttered to themselves about not flirting with the entertainer; well, it's more like noting themselves with some new facts about hanging out in this bar.

Having a satisfied look upon Tsunade's face, not even noticing the look on her customer's expressions, she said, "Sakura-" but was suddenly cut off by the cherry blossom.

"Tsunade-sama!" Sakura placed her hands on her hips as a slight frown formed upon her lips. "This is the third time this week you'd done that! I was trying to reject him nicely." The tone of her voice was kind of like a little girl whining to her mother.

The elder woman couldn't help but sigh, knowing for a fact that Sakura was 'too nice.' Tsunade didn't want to argue with her since she knew that Sakura was smart enough to shoot her down when it comes to arguing.

Oh yes, Sakura was one of the top students in her class: from elementary school, through high school. Though, it is such a shame that she couldn't afford going to college.

College these days were getting more and more expensive but Sakura continued studying in the library in her spare time, acquiring knowledge even though she couldn't go to college.

Tsunade would have helped her with money but knowing this blonde woman, she tends to have money problems, especially gambling. But, Sakura didn't care just as long as she wasn't hindering anyone with her problems and just as long as she was still learning, she would be happy even though she couldn't go to college.

Rubbing her temples, Tsunade waved her hand, indicating that she should go back to work. "Just do your work, Sakura. I still have customers to serve." And with that, she headed back towards the bar, serving the guests some of their wine and such.

Knowing that her caretaker was avoiding the subject, she gave a heavy sigh as she started walking towards the stage. She passed by a table when a voice stopped her.

"Hello there, Miss Haruno." A man greeted as he was sitting at his table, eating steaks.

Her emerald eyes looked towards the person whom she saw was kind of…chubby…as he wore a dark green business suit. His tan hair was gravity defying while his cheeks were marked with red swirls. "Oh, hello there Mister…"

The man smiled towards to the female entertainer as he continued to devour his juicy, delectable steak. "Akimichi Chouji. Or just call me Chouji. Please, do sit down. I have some…matters to ask you." He politely said as he motioned his hands at a chair in front of him.

Sakura didn't really know what the man's intentions are, but seeing him asks nicely for her to have a conversation, she reluctantly agreed as she positioned herself to sit in front of him. Her jade orbs looked at him as if she was waiting for him to talk first, though it seems he was busy eating.

After countless of minutes, Chouji finally finished his food as he wiped his face with a soft white napkin. "Err, sorry for the delay." His eyes were closed but still he was looking at her with a smile still upon his face, and continued. "Anyways, back to business." He paused for a moment as he fixed his tie. "I would like you, Miss Haruno, to work with me in the Hokage City. Your performance was beyond excellent!"

Sakura's emerald orbs brightened as she heard the word "Hokage City." That was the most famous place where famous singers, dancers, actors, and well-known people resided. It was her dream to become a star once she finished college but it seemed she must stay and help her caretaker with the bar. The smile upon her face fell as she remembered that thought.

Tsunade, who was not far away from Sakura, was watching her carefully, hearing the Akimichi Chouji asking her little girl to become a star. Although Sakura is not really familiar with this business person because she's always busy with work, while Tsunade had seen him in television interviewing famous people.

But this blonde haired female noticed the sad look upon Sakura's face. 'This is her opportunity. I will support her even if I have to let her go. She's a grown up girl, and she's very responsible.' Tsunade thought as she smiled while she stopped what she was doing and approached Sakura and Chouji. "I'm sure she will be glad to accept this offer, Mr. Akimichi." A grin plastered upon Tsunade's face was visible as she stood in between them.

Chouji looked at the woman and beamed at her direction. "That would be great! She's accepted. I've never seen such a talented young woman!"

Sakura could not believe what she just heard. Tsunade wanted her to go and reach for her dreams instead of helping her caretaker in the bar? Is she kidding? "Tsunade-sama-" She was about to retort but the blonde woman cut her off.

"Sakura, this is your chance. Besides, I want you to succeed. I can take care of things around here in the bar. You know me." Reaching her hand to place it on the cherry blossom's shoulders, Tsunade just gave her a confident look. Knowing Tsunade, she can take care of this bar because she's a strong woman…really…she is. Take the flirting guy for example. He got pummeled by none other than this woman.

Seeing these two women in their 'bonding moment,' he cleared his throat as he stood up from his seat. "I will give Miss Haruno a call in the morning to tell her more details. As for now, I'll give you my number if you have anymore questions." He said as he handed Sakura a small card that says:

InoShikaChou Corp.
Konoha, Fire Country.

Phone #: (568) 323-4598.

Fax #: 735992312

((Note: Made-up phone number & fax number so don't even bother dialing/faxing it.))

Still surprised from what was happening to her today, Sakura gladly took the card. "Arigatou (Thank you), Mr. Akimichi." Sakura gave him a warm smile as she looked up at Tsunade. "Arigatou, Tsunade-sama." Tsunade just gave her a grin as they both turned towards to Chouji, who was preparing to leave.

"I'm glad that I came here. The food was great and Miss Haruno too! Oh, here's the bill." He said as he handed Tsunade cash. "Keep the change. Ja ne! (Goodbye)" He bowed his head and turned towards to the exit. But before he could reach the door, he stopped in his tracks and took something from inside his suitcase. A bag of chips…but not just any chips…a bag of barbeque flavored chips was visible as he opened it and started eating it. "Mmm, barbeque flavored chips…" With that, he exited the bar and rode off in the afternoon.

These two women just sweat dropped at the sight of it but quickly shrugged it off. "Sakura, you know how proud I am of you?" Tsunade said as she ruffled the pink strands of the cherry blossom's hair.

"Tsunade-sama! Stop it!" A giggle escaped her lips as her emerald orbs glanced at the Tsunade. "I know you're proud of me. I thank you for that."

Tsunade stopped on what she's doing and just grinned once more. "Well, we have to continue our work for now. Let's celebrate later. Now, let's get back to work." Tsunade said as she headed to the bar stand.

Sakura couldn't believe that great things were happening to her today. A smile was still glued to her lips as she stood up from her sitting position and went up in the stage to continue her singing performance. As she stood up in the stage, her jade eyes sparkled from the light as she took a deep sigh, preparing herself to sing.

The crowds once again cheered as they listened to the performer sing. But silence loomed when her angelic voice was heard from the stage.

What do we have to do,
To make our dreams come true.
Where do we have to go,

To find the chosen notes.

We can make it if we try.

Without anger, without pride.

How do we find the sight,

To see what's wrong or right.

When will we see the day,

When peace on earth forever reigns.

We can make it if we try.

No more sorrow, no more lies.

We are tomorrow.

We're the hope for a better day.

We are the future…

If we stand strong and find the way.

We can make a brighter sunshine through,

This darkness of our lives.

Why do we have to fight,

If people say that love is might.

Can't we forget the hate.

And together march to the heaven's gate.

We can make it if we try,

No more sorrow, no more lies.

We are tomorrow.

We're the hope for a better day.

We are the future…

If we stand strong and find the way.

We can make a brighter sunshine through,

This darkness of our lives.

If everybody can see...

If everybody believes…

We are tomorrow…

(("We are tomorrow" by Sarah Geronimo))

Sakura's closed orbs revealed itself to stare upon the cheering crowds of people as she took a bow. 'A new beginning to start...'

Meanwhile…in the corner, a black-haired boy with a pair of sharp charcoal orbs stared upon the pink-haired woman who possessed a marvelous voice. 'So this is Haruno Sakura, eh?' He thought with a smile as he intertwined his alabaster hands.


Well, that's it for Chapter 1. Becoming a singer is how Sakura began to rise up into her society. How will she rise up into "power"? You'll see that soon enough when we update, though it's not on the next chapter, which will be about Sasuke.

As for the city's name, Hokage, we couldn't come up with a famous city like "Hollywood," so we just named it like that.

-x-Hyuuga Nagasaki-x- and .:.Uchiha Sasuki.:.