A/N:

Hello my lovely readers, first I want to say Happy Christmas to all and I hope this update is an extra special present for you. I worked hard to deliver this little morsel of writing for you just in time for the holidays. I have been slowly recovering from a truly exhausting semester and I hope I can update much more quickly than last time. That said, thank you to those who check on me and send me lovely messages and even write sweetest reviews. You guys are so wonderful and I want you to know I appreciate you all. Thank you very much!

With this chapter we are starting the final arc of this story!

Happy Reading!

- masayume

Chapter 26. Sack of Gold

"The Serpent"

A man of blood wandered the lands, brutal and cold.

With luck on his side, he paved his way through with an odious blade,

carving through each sacrificial lamb without any regret.

He craved the blood splatter, and relished gold.

And this man of blood - this treacherous mercenary

wondered at the power of the old gods

and their hesitance to stop his bloodshed.

And when a dark thought seems to form in his head,

a curved smile appears on his thin white lips:

Perhaps not all monsters get their comeuppance.

Many months later.

The unforgiving snow still blanketed the land of fire when Orochimaru finally dared to cross the border. Land of fire, — what a joke of a name for a country whose winters were just as unforgiving as the rest of the known world.

He was sitting atop his trusty steed — a white stallion of unknown origin, adorned in a brand-new saddle. The white horse which had no name — for the cruel mercenary did not bother to gift him one in the first place — remained stationary as his master looked on the world before them.

Orochimaru, the serpent. He seemed like death itself, positioned upon his steed, waiting to strike those who dared to cross his path. He was adorned in a crisp white kimono and on his hip, there were two blades attached with an elegant golden obi. And upon his head, there was a brand new straw-hat, shielding his lengthy black locks from anyone's view. For many, he was just another wealthy traveler, traversing across the country without a care in the world. For Orochimaru, this was the easiest way to find more blood to spill as he makes his way towards his intended target.

The horse and its master were standing atop the hill, right next to the abandoned Inari shrine that overlooked the Uchiha stronghold. It was barely morning and yet the world of the Uchiha clan was already abuzz with life. As Orochimaru looked on, he took note of the expanded compound. There were new walls in place, extending the protection of the clan towards the forest to the east and towards the Niwamachi town to the west. A brand-new gate was in place for the eastern end, providing the clan compound with two separate entrances. There were new buildings constructed within the compound, including large homes and possibly large meeting halls for the clan. Orochimaru's eyes averted towards the merchant district: it was ever-so-busy with crowds already eager to exchange goods from sunup to sundown. Even the partly hidden hot springs were already opened for the convenience of the customers. The once banished Uchiha had managed to create their own little haven within their lands. — no wonder Shimura was eager to end their clan.

"Busy little bees," Orochimaru said with a hint of malice.

With swift movement, Orochimaru disembarks from the white stallion. His feet sink in the thick blanket of snow, reaching just below his knees. He trudges through towards the edge and crouches down with little difficulty. His wild eyes remain fixated on the compound, taking in the sight of the large house standing proudly not too far from the Uchiha stables and barracks. A home which seemed to be always protected by a never-ending cavalry of able-bodied warriors — no doubt the home of the patriarch of the Uchiha clan and the home of his supposed target. For a moment, Orochimaru is reminded of the Uchiha compound within the Niwamachi — a compound he was meant to penetrate twenty or so years ago. As Orochimaru continued to watch the life of the compound go on, he began to form a plan of an attack. He needed a good strategy — venturing in to steal the woman in the middle of the night would be a suicide. She was no longer a mere defenseless child, but a woman of high social standing and always protected by the Uchiha warriors. And at night, she would be no doubt always protected by her husband — yet another Uchiha who Orochimaru did not dare to meet in battle.

It is only moments after that he hears another horse trudging through the snow with a heavier step towards the abandoned shrine. And even though the cold mercenary's gaze is upon the Uchiha compound, his ears are alert, listening to every heavy shift in the snow and the sound of the soft neighing of a familiar horse. Once the intruder comes to a halt, he is only mere steps away from the mercenary himself.

"Thought we would meet before the sun rises. Curious to see that after so many years, you still struggle to adhere to an agreed schedule…Kabuto," Orochimaru states. His gaze remains fixated upon the busy Uchiha compound — not bothering to acknowledge the new presence at the old shrine.

A silver-haired man disembarked with haste from his horse, only to eagerly step towards the brutal mercenary. He wore a simple grey and navy attire, with a single blade attached against his hip — no doubt the only source of protection for him. Without hesitation, the silver-haired man offered an apologetic bow towards the mercenary, sinking to his knees in the deep snow.

"I do offer my apologies, but I have a good reason for my tardiness. I brought you someone," Kabuto replies, as he motions to the moving sack of a body upon his horse.

With a sudden interest, Orochimaru rises to his feet and faces the new arrival. His lips curve into an almost sneer as he sees Kabuto kneeling in the snow — and for a moment he wonders how beautifully his blood would spill onto the crisp white snow. He is almost tempted to paint the snow red. With vigour, he steps forward only to stop right in front of his kneeling servant.

"I should end your pathetic life for wasting my time. You can only disappoint me so many times before I tire of you. Tell me Kabuto, have you reached the end of your usefulness?" Orochimaru asks as he casually unsheathes the short tantō blade.

"No, master. Forgive me for disappointing you, but I brought someone — someone useful from the compound. An elder of the clan," Kabuto quickly offered, as he remained kneeling with his face down towards the blanket of snow.

"An Uchiha elder?" Orochimaru with a renewed interest.

He walks past the silver-haired servant and towards the tied up currently wriggling body upon the back of the horse. With his free hand, he drags the prisoner off, plunging him into the pile of snow. Orochimaru reaches for the prisoner, turning him over and removing the gag from his mouth. At first impression, he takes a better look at the man. He was definitely older — taking note of the deep wrinkles upon his frightened face, the receding hairline, and the dark silver strands of hair upon his head — the old man was also dressed in fine clothing, displaying that he indeed had a higher status than most within a clan's compound.

"And who might you be? Speak plainly," Orochimaru commands as he presses the tanto blade against the man's throat, not strong enough to spill blood and yet just enough pressure for the old man's eyes to glitter with fear.

"S-Saizō — I'm one of the three elders of the Uchiha clan," the old man said.

"Is that so? Tell me, Saizō, elder of the Uchiha clan, why should I spare your pathetic life?" Orochimaru asked as his blade remained pressed upon Saizō's throat.

"I have gold, lots of it. Or… I can help you. Wha-whatever you're after, I can help. I can be useful," Saizō said quickly.

The brutal man remained still, enjoying the fear plastered upon the elder man. And as a small smile began to appear on his lips, the cruel mercenary retracted his blade from the old man's throat. Feeling a sense of false security, Saizō wraps his hand around his throat, as if to check that the blade did not pierce his kin. Satisfied, he glances up at the infamous serpent.

"So eager to betray your clan?" Orochimaru smirked. "Very well. Tell me everything you know about the head family."

As Saizō begins to rise to his feet, eager to not sit in the cold snow no longer than necessary, Orochimaru extends the short blade towards the elder — motioning for him to remain on the ground.

"I didn't say you could stand," Orochimaru stated cruelly.

Startled, the old man lowered himself back into the snow pile, trying his hardest to ignore the cold that seemed to permeate quickly through him.

"The head of the clan is Itachi — the firstborn of late Fugaku, youngest brother of Madara. His wife is a Senju. She's the missing child from over two decades ago. Her name is Sakura," Saizō said, the tone of his voice

"What do you know of this Sakura?" Orochimaru questioned.

"The elders have not been permitted to meet with her — especially after another elder's granddaughter attempted to kill her a few months back. Itachi keeps her protected at all times," Saizō explained.

Quick to anger, Orochimaru moved swiftly, grabbing the elder's throat once more. The tantō blade pressing with ease against the exposed neck of the old man.

"I thought you said you could be useful. Tell me, do you have any useful information?!" Orochimaru growled.

The silver blade pressed against the elder's neck, slicing just enough to let a smidge of blood spill.

"S-She's a physician of odd means. S-She has taken over the Uchiha infirmary and trains new physicians her methods of healing. And she's protected by Madara's daughter at all times. There is none that can get to her — not while Itachi is alive," Saizō said rather quickly, as if he were to spout any nonsense to save his life.

"I have not come to this land to slaughter the patriarch of a clan. I came for his wife's head. Now, you tell me that it is impossible?" Orochimaru growled once more.

The blade in his hand was itching to slice through the elder's neck — how easy it would be to spill his blood, letting it stain the elder's elegant kimono. As Orochimaru gripped the blade tighter, Saizō's eyes widened in fear as he saw the determined look in the mercenary's eyes.

"T-There is a way," Saizō said quickly.

Willing to hear him out, Orochimaru grants Saizō a moment to compose himself. The blade is quickly sheathed once more and the brutal man hidden behind a straw-hat steps back, giving the elder an opportunity to save his life.

"Tell me," Orochimaru commanded.

"Just a short ride to the west leads to the old rocky falls situated on the river. It is the only portion of the river that remains unfrozen. It is a place where the members of the Uchiha clan launder their kimono once a week. There you will be able to meet with the servants of the main house. They will be the only ones who could provide you with a way into the patriarch's home," Saizō suggested.

"Hmm, I see. Perhaps you're not as useless as I thought. Very well, I will handle the matter of the head of the clan. Your gold?" Orochimaru asked as he extended a free hand towards Saizō.

The elder man reached into the folds of his kimono and retrieved a thick pouch. Without any delay, he tosses the pouch towards the mercenary, who catches it with ease. Almost with a playful grin upon his face, Orochimaru shakes the pouch to listen to clang of the coins within. Satisfied, he hides the pouch within his robes and turns towards the silver-haired servant a mere step away.

"Kabuto, make sure the elder returns to the compound safely. Then, head back home to retrieve the others. This might prove deadly," Orochimaru ordered.

"As you command," Kabuto replied and without giving the order another thought, Kabuto climbed back on his horse, ensuring that the old man followed next to him on his feet.

Within the Uchiha compound.

The house of the Uchiha clan head had changed drastically over the course of the last few months. The large space itself felt warmer despite the unforgiving cold of the winter's kiss. The rooms were laden with the comforts of dried herbs, hanging from the ceiling in an arranged pattern just off to the side of the side entrance. Its pleasing scent of lavender and sage permeated through the space, easing the minds of the house's inhabitants. Another equally important changes in the house were the subtle improvements to the furniture scattered throughout the living space. Over the last few months, the life of the Uchiha seemed peaceful as they managed just fine through the cold winter months. There was no strife among the clans — no Senju nor Uchiha dared to shatter the fragile truce between the clans as both houses worked to rebuild their lives. Uchiha's expansion was necessary to include the Namikaze clan and the remainder of Yamanaka — in the face of the only survivor Ino. And the clan prospered — and all strife within the clan was set aside, for there were far more important things to the Uchiha at the moment, like the upcoming arrival of a new clan heir.

It was nearing midday when Uchiha Sakura remained seated against the comforts of woolen pillows in the dining space, enjoying a spot of warm honeyed tea. In the safety of her home, Sakura felt at ease. Today was not an easy day and as such, she settled to stay within her home, instead of gallivanting through the streets of the compound. Her mind at ease, for she knew the infirmary was in good hands. Her wave of thought was interrupted as her closest servant appeared in the doorway. The gentle female servant bowed with respect and then she stepped forward to the Uchiha matriarch.

"Yamanaka-sama wishes to see you Uchiha-sama," Usagi announced.

"Of course, let her in," Sakura said with a smile.

Only a short moment later, Ino appeared in the doorway. Her flaxen hair was braided into a single braid that cascaded down her back — no doubt the work of young Sachiko. She was dressed in navy blue kimono and a purple obi that had the patterned scheme of the Yamanaka clan in silver colours. The remaining scars from her burns were barely visible upon her face, neck, and right hand — appearing more of a slight wrinkled skin. But the young heiress was elegant in her steps — after many months of gruesome recovery — and ready to take on the world. In her hands she held a small package. Sakura smiled at her former patient and gestured towards the empty seat across from her.

"Join me for tea?"

"I will, thank you," Ino agreed, and she glided towards the seat with a smile.

Sakura glanced to the female servant that stood near the entrance as if to await her command.

"More tea Usagi, and thank you," Sakura said warmly. The young woman bowed and with haste returned to the kitchen. Sakura turned her full attention to her blonde-haired companion.

"You walk much better now. Seems you are nearly healed," Sakura commented.

"Yeah, I have a wonderful doctor. She is truly a miracle worker," Ino replied with a smile.

"Careful, one might consider the doctor a witch," Sakura offered with a playful tone.

"Only a fool would do such a thing," Ino countered.

"There are many fools," Sakura replied.

For a moment, the two women stayed in silence, only for Sakura and Ino to burst into laughter at their small banter. The joy of laughter permeated through the room as the former doctor and patient — now turned friends — enjoyed a moment of peace.

"That aside, how are you feeling?" Ino asked as her laughter subsided.

Sakura smiled and nodded," we are alright," she said as her hand instinctively rubbed her belly with the most tender affection. "A little active nowadays but we are alright. Just need to take it easy. No more training from Aoi until after birth."

"I admire that — your resilience."

"I have to know how to protect myself. I can't rely on Itachi to always be there," Sakura said softly.

"That's true." Ino paused for a moment and then she placed the small package onto the table before them and pushed it towards Sakura.

"This came for you today — from the Senju. I suppose the rider is in the meeting hall with your husband right now," Ino said.

Sakura reached for the package, eager to see its contents as she begins to unbind the furoshiki knots.

"How did you get this?" Sakura questioned.

"I was present outside the meeting hall with Shisui when he arrived. Itachi-sama asked me to deliver it to you at once," Ino explained.

"Thank you," Sakura said as she unwrapped the package only to see a scribbled note resting on top of it.

To my daughter,

this was your mother's when she was expecting you.

Now, it's yours.

Taking the note aside, Sakura gently opened the lacquered lid of the package and smiled at the ornate flower hair comb resting on top of an old poorly bound book. As she glided her hands across the beautiful comb, her thoughts ventured to her mother — the one she had left without a choice when she was but two years old — and then her thoughts went to her other mother — the one who still lived yet far in the future and one who she was uncertain she would ever meet. An ache settled within her heart as she grasped the comb and with a bit of struggle, she pushed her hair aside, wanting to place the comb in her hair. Seeing her place the comb at an odd angle, Ino quickly rose to her feet.

"Here, let me…" Ino offered, and she moved quickly towards Sakura, taking the beautiful comb and settling it just right into the matriarch's beautiful rosy locks.

"Thank you," Sakura said softly as her hand pressed into the cover pages of the book. Ino simply smiled and nodded in acceptance as the Uchiha matriarch fought back tears, focusing solely onto the old object in her hands.

Later at night.

When Itachi entered the comforts of their room, Sakura was already in bed, lying on her side and snuggled in the comfort of the goose-feathered pillows. Their room had gone major changes over the course of only the last month — eager to see his wife feel at ease in this time, Itachi strove to bring an element of familiarity to her. As such, he built her a bed, based on the one he remembered from her apartment — he built it with sturdy oakwood and ensured the futon was thick to resemble the mattress they once shared for a night. He was proud of the work, and it only served better for Sakura to rest on a higher elevated space than the floor of the futon as she began to struggle to settle down for rest with her growing belly. Their child was nearly a couple months away and Sakura's comfort in these last few months were most important to Itachi.

He glanced over at the resting form of his wife, adorned in her sleeping kimono and he slid off the elaborate haori of a patriarch from his shoulders. As he removed his inner white haori, he then turned to untie the topknot of his hair and let it cascade down his bare back. Choosing to remain half bare, Itachi slid into the bed beside her and with the utmost tenderness and care, he wrapped his arm around her — bringing her closer to him as he pressed gentle kisses to the back of her head.

"You've been gone all day," Sakura said softly with eyes closed.

"I know, I'm sorry," Itachi apologized as he pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder.

Settled in his arms, Sakura gently turned only to glance at him as she smiled.

"I missed you."

"I missed you too," Itachi replied.

She reached towards him, extending her hand to gently caress his cheek, seeing the untold worry barely hidden on his features. As her hand gently caressed the subtle stubble on his cheek, Itachi leaned into her hand more, basking in the tender touch of his wife.

"What happened today?" Sakura asked.

"I am sending Sasuke and Naruto on a mission. They will investigate the Shimura trail from Niwamachi to Kusamachi. Your father thinks that Shimura is hellbent on getting you under their thumb," Itachi explained.

"Me?"

Itachi only brought her even closer to him, ensuring she remained comfortably in his arms as she rested on her side. Sakura bit her lip as she felt the press of his body against her back, cocooning her in a blanket of safety and love. She glanced to face him once more.

"I will always protect you — always," Itachi promised, the passion in his eyes nearly burning into hers. The intensity of his emotions hidden behind the wave of worry.

"I love you," Sakura uttered gently.

"I love you too," he replied, leaning forward to claim her lips in a sweet kiss. His fear forgotten, he basked in the tender love of his light.

Elsewhere.

The moon was barely a sliver, nestled in the dark sky among the sea of stars when Madatachi leaned against the cold iron bars. His head angled just right to gaze at the deep blues, admiring the bright dots of light scattered across the dark. It was the only moment of freedom he could hope to gain — gazing towards the stars, seeking a bit of comfort from the confines of his new home. And as he gazed towards the impossible freedom, he ignored the cold chill that seemed to creep under his skin.

His new home — what a preposterous thought. He was reduced to nothing more than a dirty prisoner, kept under lock and key without a sentence. His once pristine kimono was soiled in dirt. The stench of his new home was terribly unpleasant. It reeked of mold, dirt, and dung. There was old hay scattered on the cold stony ground. His lodgings included an old futon and a wooden bucket meant for him to use as he pleased.

Hesitant, Madatachi leaned back from the small window and settled down against the old futon. The old man lied down on his back, his gaze focusing on the harsh details of the old wooden ceiling. He was unsure how long it has been since Itachi dragged him from his house and thrust him into this place. He was his only companion with the exception of the guard who suppplied him with a meal once a day and emptied his bucket. Day after day, week after week, or even month after month. A season has come and gone — the thick snow still covering the Uchiha compound in its cold embrace.

"You're not looking too good old friend," a deep voice called out to the elder prisoner.

Startled, the elder prisoner sat up quickly, his gaze settling onto the barred doors to his cell. There, between the iron bars stood a former friend, dressed in his impeccable robes with a hidden smile behind his faint thin moustache. Unwilling to show the former friend any weakness, the elder man rose to his feet ignoring the aches in his body. Then, he stepped forward towards the bars, showing interest in the slimy little visitor.

"Saizō. You dare to show your presence here?" Madatachi questioned.

"Thought you could use the company. Itachi has been kept you under lock and key quite enough, don't you agree?" Saizō commented, not bothering to glance at Madatachi. Instead, he kept himself preoccupied with his nails, slowly examining them with more interest. Ignoring his antics, Madatachi continued to stare down the visitor.

"What are you planning?" Madatachi asked.

"Remember that sack of gold?"

"Yes? What did you do with it?" Madatachi pressed. Finally, Saizō meets his gaze just as a playful smile appears on his lips.

"I used it of course. Our leading problem won't be here much longer," Saizō replied.

Madatachi's eyes widen in surprise. For a moment, the elder man's gaze intensifies as he takes in his supposed friend's body language. Saizō seemed relaxed and almost relieved as he leaned against the wall outside the prison cell.

"Itachi has to pay for my granddaughter's death. I will not rest until he is dethroned," Madatachi growled.

Saizō rolled his eyes, not in the mood to coddle the prisoner with false words of comfort or agreement. "Izumi was foolish — her actions were needless and only caused the head family to change tactics."

"Do! Not! Disrespect! My! Granddaughter!" Madatachi said with a threatening tone.

"Oh, I'm all aquiver with your threats — please, you know very well she was a fool that was easily manipulated. A meek little girl with no skills of her own. At least your grandson turned out right. Nagao is quite easily our hidden asset," Saizō commented.

Madatachi pulled away from the prison bars and looked towards the dirty futon, reining in his growing anger.

"Besides, you should be thanking me. The Uchiha compound will be changing," Saizō continued.

"What are you saying?" Madatachi asked.

"I met the serpent. He will handle the head family problem for us. So, what I'm saying is that I handled our problem."

Saizō leans forward and reaches for a carefully furoshiki-cloth wrapped item within his kimono. He passes the item between the iron bars, letting the old prisoner feel at least some semblance of a freedom.

A/N: Please review. Writing is a all-consuming experience and whenever we (the authors/writers) receive a review it brings us joy and we feel appreciated - that our hard work is recognized. Until next time.