Chapter 10
It was raining hard outside. There were a lot of thunder and lightning penetrating the walls of our house. It had been months since Father left. There were brief phone calls but as time passed, the intervals in between also grew. I knew it frightened Mother. She tried not to show it to me but I could tell. As her abdomen grew, my younger brother within her womb, so did her fear for my Father's safety.
Mother tried to act as if things were normal. At night, when she believed me to be asleep, I would hear her breakdown. I knew she feared of something happening that would lead Sasuke to never know Father, having to raise us by herself, never mind the fact that the clan leadership would fall on her shoulders as proxy until I became of age.
I believe that was the time when I learned that life wasn't what parents tell their kids at bedtime. It wasn't all 'happily ever after' and magic. At that age, I learned that the world was harsh, black and white. Then there are those in between, the shades of grey, that one should be weary of.
As my Mother's sobs grew that one night, I couldn't take it anymore. Somehow I knew that it wasn't going to be good for her and my little brother. I got up and left my stuffed animal on my bed and walked to my parents' room. I knocked before I entered. My Mother frantically tried to contain her sobs, panicked that I saw her like that.
I didn't understand the emotions that I was feeling so I opted to say nothing. I walked towards her and tried my best to embrace her and my brother. It shocked my Mother. I felt her surprise but I only buried my face against her abdomen, taking in her comforting scent. I wanted to cry but I promised Father I would be strong so I held it in.
"I promise to be strong, Mother, for you, Father, and my otouto. Please don't cry."
I felt her embrace me really hard, tears flowing down her face. "My little Itachi, everything will be fine." She knelt in front of me and cupped my face. "My little man, I already know that you are strong, just like your father. I love you." I remember her enveloping me within her arms, just like she always would, especially when I have a nightmare.
The child part of me was happy that I still had my mother. At that moment, I was a child again That was…until the phone rang…
XxXxXx
Itachi leaned back in his chair. It was already late in the afternoon, darkness had started to envelop his office. As he had expected, since office started that morning, it had been chaos. The phones, especially at his office, kept ringing. Calls coming from different people, different investors, retuning the calls Itachi had his people make.
Things have started to come into motion. An intense resolve started to overwhelm his entire being. He pressed the intercom and ordered his secretary, "I need all the files on all those who called today."
He didn't have to wait long for all the files he had asked for to be brought to his office. He planned on going through every single file to weigh and determine the strongest allies he had. He needed to know how he could trust among the powerful men and women out there. The leak had to be contained. In order for him to do that, he will put the alliances he had to the test, and in the end, he will finally take down Orochimaru.
XxXxXx
Fugaku and Mikoto sat by the fireplace at their home. Fugaku was in deep thought, while Mikoto was pouring them some tea. Both were quiet. Both were in reflection on what was happening. They were expecting Itachi to pass through the front doors any moment now. From the short phone call that Itachi made to his father that afternoon during lunch, the message was clear even if it was spoken in discrete words.
"Things are changing. It cannot be helped. I now appreciate more your efforts back then, Father. I shall do the same."
Fugaku, knowing his son, easily understood the meaning behind his words. During the course of the conversation, Fugaku didn't ask nor did Itachi offer any information. It gave an impression to Fugaku that his son wasn't free to speak of anything, not feeling safe to offer the information through the phone. If that were true, it only meant one thing, there was mole inside the company.
That reflection darkened Fugaku's mood. The only thing that was preserving his patience was the fact that Itachi was coming over that night.
Mikoto had sensed that there was something wrong the moment her husband had started his conversation with Itachi earlier that day. She couldn't help but ask what was wrong, Fugaku offering little to none. It was worrying her because the last time something of this scale happened, her husband barely was able to survive. Now, it seemed that her only living son was facing it. As a mother, she didn't want to think about what it might cost. She had already buried a son. She will never be prepared to bury another. She didn't think she would be able to survive that. Of course she didn't want that to happen but with how her husband was acting, she knew that it was almost like all those years ago.
As Mikoto placed the cup of tea in front of her husband, she couldn't help but break the silence. "Uchiha Madara is dead. He has been for several years. Can you think of a person who would threaten-"
"Orochimaru." Fugaku answered, cutting his wife. He took the offered cup and took a calming sip. "He has finally started to make his move. In all honesty, I am not surprised." He looked at his wife and said, "It has been a long time coming. I have no doubt that Itachi would be coming here tonight to confirm that."
Mikoto was silent for awhile. Fugaku sensed her anxiety and could easily read her body language. He laid his cup on the coffee table and embraced her. "We have raised him well, Mikoto. Trust in our son. Itachi knows the risks and the dangers just as much as we do, even more. He can handle this. I believe he can finish what I couldn't."
Contemplating on his words, Mikoto let out a sigh. She knew he was right. She knew that Itachi was astute to maneuver all the dealings that were necessary. As a mother, though, she couldn't help but feel worry and fear for her son's safety.
Silence enveloped the two once more. They sat their sipping their tea, each reflecting on their own thoughts. They didn't notice time pass but it wasn't long before they were brought back to reality when they heard the front door open and close.
"Tadaima," Itachi called out as he made his way towards his parents.
Fugaku and Mikoto both stood up to welcome him. "I shall get you some tea." Mikoto offered as Itachi and Fugaku settled on the couch.
Itachi loosened his tie before looking up at his father. "There is a leak within the company, Father. I have traced it back to Orochimaru."
Being the man that he was, Fugaku didn't show any outward signs of surprise. He said nothing, silently telling his son to continue. Itachi seemed to understand the message and said, "I have cancelled the ball."
At that Fugaku stilled. Before he could say anything, Mikoto reacted, "The repercussions of cancelling the ball are high. Is it really that grave?"
Itachi contemplated a bit if he was going to be forthcoming about it but a split second later found him answering honestly. "Yes," He looked at his parents. "It is necessary. The leak is very big. Important company secrets are being stolen and given to Orochimaru. He has started using them against the company. It had to be done for my plans to work. I am working closely with several agents of law enforcement. Everything is set. All I am doing now is waiting for confirmation that Orochimaru has taken the bait."
"What exactly are you planning, Itachi?" Fugaku asked.
"Aside from weeding out the mole, to catch Orochimaru in his own game and take him down." His answer was stern but added, "Rest assured. I will protect the company."
XxXxXx
Orochimaru smirked as Kabuto finished relaying to him what he had heard. "So the company is finally crumbling from within." He said. He then looked at Kabuto and inquired, "What of the status of all the business deals?"
Kabuto shifted some papers from his folder before extracting the ones that were confirmed. "Here is the list of those who have decided to invest in Sound Inc. rather than with Uchiha Itachi. From what I have gathered so far, they said that it was time to start looking for other investments rather than on a sinking ship."
"Excellent," Orochimaru complimented. He then took a picture from his drawer and pushed it towards Kabuto. "I had the female you mentioned investigated. I would like you to commission her for a project, now that she is free from her contract with Uchiha Corp."
Kabuto looked at the picture of a pink-haired woman who had dull green eyes. He knew exactly who she was. He couldn't stop the grin that spilt from his lips. "I will contact her right away, Orochimaru-sama."
XxXxXx
"I-I love you, Sakura. Remember that. I will always be here for you. I know why the caged bird sings."
XxXxXx
Sakura woke abruptly from a dream with Neji's words ringing inside her head. She had been in and out of sleep for hours. Neji's death was taking its toll on her. After the funeral, the gravity of his loss suddenly overwhelmed her. Days leading to his funeral, Sakura felt the grief but somehow had this denial, inwardly wishing he was still with her. But after the funeral, the cold, hard truth of reality sank in.
When they got home that evening after Neji was laid to rest, it felt as if she couldn't breathe. Sakura felt that no matter which way she turned or what she did, she couldn't breathe with the heaviness of loss. Tears continued to run down her face as sobs racked her body.
Kakashi could feel his heartbreak at the sight. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to be strong as he held on to Sakura, hoping with all his being that she could at least feel that she wasn't alone. He wanted so bad to take away her pain. He knew very well the despair that she was going through. He had gone through the same. He never wanted his beloved younger cousin, who was like a sister to him, suffer as he had. Fate had other plans though. All he could do now was be her pillar of strength through this trying time.
He chose not to utter any words of assurances to her. He knew that they would be perceived as empty through her ears. He didn't want to say, "it's okay," when obviously it wasn't. He loved her too much to add to her pain. Instead, Kakashi simply retained his silence and offered his comfort by letting her feel she wasn't going through it alone.
Now, as Sakura sat up on her bed, she knew that she wouldn't be able to fall asleep anytime soon. She leaned back on her head board. Her thoughts drifted back to Neji. After she had lost Sasuke and her father all those years ago, she had a hard time adjusting. She still received the taunts and the laughs from her peers. The only difference was it became more unbearable and cruel since she lost her sight, and the other children put the blame of Sasuke's death on her just to be cruel.
She wasn't as close to Ino at that time although as time passed, Ino became her champion, always fighting off Sakura's bullies. Naruto had also been a big part of her life back then. He knew what it was like to be isolated and ostracized. After Sasuke's death, they grew closer.
It was also at the time when Neji came into her life. At that time, it had already been about two months since Sasuke passed, a month since Sakura started school again. Her mother had been called to school that afternoon. Her teachers wanted to talk to her. Sakura knew even if they didn't tell her anything that they would be recommending her to leave. She didn't belong with the 'normal' kids anymore.
She sat on a hill outside of school. It was next to the field where their play ground was situated. She saw by the cherry blossom tree, the same tree that she usually stayed at with Sasuke. She had knees up to her chin, embracing them as she willed herself to not cry.
She didn't belong anywhere anymore. It was not as if she cared. After losing Sasuke and her father, she didn't want to live. She didn't understand why she survived and they didn't. Sakura missed her best friend, she missed her Sasuke-kun, her shinobi.
The only reason she was there now was because she knew how to get there by heart. Her wounds hurt. She knew some were even bleeding but she didn't mind them. She buried her face in her knees, trying to savor the little comfort she had left.
Sakura suddenly stiffened when she felt that she wasn't alone anymore. She instinctively curled more into herself, fearing that it was one of her bullies again, had come to torment her more. She waited and waited and waited but nothing happened. Curious, Sakura lifted her head.
"Finally," A boy's voice said.
Sakura stiffened again. She didn't know that voice. She didn't know him. She started to panic but then the boy suddenly held her shoulder and told her, "I'm not going to hurt you. I promise." He knew that she was still skeptical so he sighed and tried to say in a very non-threatening way, "I promise. I'm Hyuuga Neji. I saw you sitting alone."
Sakura turned away and replied, "You shouldn't come near me, Hyuuga-san. I don't belong here anymore. They might hurt you if they see you with me." Tears started to fall from her eyes. "They said that not only am I ugly, with a big forehead, but I am cursed too. T-that's why…Sasuke-kun…died…Kami-sama is punishing me so I'm blind."
Neji sighed. He sat next to her and really look at the little girl who had caught his attention by being all alone atop a hill. He was intrigued to see a little girl whom didn't look much older than his cousin Hinata and had pink hair, sitting below a cherry blossom tree. She couldn't be more than five.
Sitting beside her, the young Neji frowned. He didn't like what she was saying or the depressing aura that was surrounding her. She reminded him of himself. His eyes softened slightly. The eight-year-old boy smiled, as if a resolve formed within his young heart. He patted her head.
She seemed surprised that he still hadn't left her. Neji almost laughed at her astonishment. He then took out her handkerchief and wiped the young girl's tears away just like he had always done for Hinata. As if on cue, Sakura's cheeks reddened and Neji couldn't help but emit a soft laugh. "Shouldn't little girls be talking about flowers and rainbows or puppies? Talking about curses, from what I can tell, isn't something little girls should think about."
At the sudden comment, Sakura couldn't help but laugh. Neji's eyes softened some more. "There you go. See? You look prettier when you laugh." The little girl blushed again. "You already know my name. Will you tell me yours?"
"It's Sakura. My name is Haruno Sakura."
"That's a nice name, Sakura. It suits you."
"A-arigato, Hyuuga-san."
Neji laughed again as he leaned slightly back on the grass, his eyes never leaving her face. "Please call me, Neji, Sakura. I'm not that much older than you. You seem to be at the same age as my younger cousin."
"You have a younger cousin?" Sakura's interest seemed to have been piqued. Ever since Sasuke, Neji was the only one who talked to her without judging, aside from Naruto and Ino, of course.
"Yes. Hyuuga Hinata. She might be placed in your class. My uncle is talking to your principal right now."
It seemed to have dampened her spirits once again. Before Neji could ask, she said, "I might not be able to meet her then, Neji-san." New tears filled her eyes. "My teachers are talking to my okaa-san. I don't belong here anymore."
Neji frowned. "Why do you say that, Sakura?"
She closed her eyes. "B-because…I can't see anymore, Neji-san." She didn't even try to control her tears anymore. She might seem like a cry-baby to him now. "I don't belong here with seeing kids anymore."
"Why not? Don't you think that you deserve to be here too, Sakura?"
"But I can't see, Neji-san!" She was getting frustrated. Sakura couldn't really understand why he couldn't understand her, why he even took the time to talk to her.
Neji smiled gently towards the young girl beside him. "Sakura, even if your eyes don't work anymore, it doesn't mean that you can't see." Sakura stilled beside him as his words sank in, she took a deep intake of breath. "Don't listen to what others say that you can and can't do. You'll do fine, Sakura. Don't allow them to push you away because you deserve to be here like everybody else no matter what. Besides, I'll be transferring here together with my cousins. I'd like it very much if we could be friends from now on. I'm sure Hinata would love to meet you too."
Sakura closed her eyes shut. This excruciating pain engulfed her heart. It was so piercing that she couldn't stand lying there in her bed. Without any form of care, she scampered up and out of the bed, her legs getting caught in the blankets that Kakashi tucked her in earlier. In turn, she tumbled down, unable to regain her balance as she almost stepped on Aki. She crashed on the floor. Aki bolted up and awake, at his master's side.
XxXxXx
Upon hearing a loud crash from next door, Kakashi bolted up from his bed. Sakura. He threw the covers off him and ran out his room. He pulled Sakura's bedroom door open and saw her on the floor with Aki standing beside her. The next heartbeat found him kneeling beside Sakura, attempting to gather her in his arms.
Sakura knew it was Kakashi who had rushed to her side but she thrashed to get away from him. She wanted to get away, get away from it all. It was as if she couldn't breathe. In effect, she tried to take in deep breaths but it wasn't working. She was shaking with sobs racking her body as she shouted at him, "Let me go! Kakashi-'nii just let me go! I don't want this! Let me go!"
Kakashi desperately held on to her. He knew what she was going through and hell would freeze over first before he allowed her to go through it alone. He knew the feeling of wanting to get away and letting it all end. Kakashi was determined to let his beloved Sakura know that she wasn't alone, that he was there whether she wanted him or not. He was going to be there. He called to her as gently as he could, hoping to at least break through the barrier she was starting to erect around herself, "Sakura, shh. I'm here."
"Let me go!"
Sakura had started to pound onto Kakashi's chest but he paid it not mind as he tightened his embrace. His arms drew her closer, hoping that he could get to her heart. He wanted to give her the comfort that she desperately sought. He had vowed to protect her, even if it meant protecting her from herself. She and her mother were the only family he had left. There was no way he was going to fail when Sakura needed him the most.
Kakashi closed his eyes. Watching Sakura breakdown right in front of him sent this pang of pain, making his old wounds raw, also adding to them. He could hardly feel the pain from where Sakura was hitting him. The waves of hurt that were rolling off from her hurt more.
Gradually, Sakura's fists lost their strength as tears and sobs continued to overpower her being. She lost all strength and just surrendered to the pain. The darkness that had been her life only turned darker at that moment. It was unfair. Life was so unfair. Why did it have to take another of her precious people? Why did it have to take such a wonderful man in the person of Neji in her place?
It was so painful. She had loved him. It hurt more when she realized that he returned that love and was planning a life where they could be together. She mourned not just for Neji, but also the life that could have been. She had always wanted to know what it felt like to love and be loved in return. Neji was one of the few people who actually saw her and not her blindness. Wasn't it enough that she had lost her father and Sasuke all those years ago?
As if finally realizing that Kakashi had stayed with her, Sakura drew her arms around him and buried her face in his chest. She held on to him, afraid to let go. Kakashi, in turn, sat down against the dresser and sat her between his legs to get her more comfortable. Aki curled against them and nuzzled Sakura.
It seemed that Sakura's tears were never ending. Kakashi turned to look at the ceiling, not saying anything as he just sat there and held her. His cheeks suddenly felt wet. He brought a hand there and was surprised to realize that it was his tears. He hadn't noticed that he had started to cry.
"When I lost Rin-" Kakashi's voice was rough, raw and it broke at the end. He made an attempt to clear his throat of the emotions, "I felt as if I was drowning. The feeling grew worse when I learned of the real reason behind that night…of what had happened to Obito and Rin. I never told you this, Sakura. You don't have to say anything but I want you to listen to me. Can you do that for me?"
Kakashi felt her nod against his chest. Her sobs quieted down but he could still feel her tears based on the growing dampness of his shirt.
"I was ready to propose to her. I was ready to call her my wife. That night, Obito knew that I was going to propose to Rin. I knew that it was hard for him because he had loved her as a lover as well. When Rin had chosen me, I thought that I would have lost my best friend. Somehow, it didn't turn out like that. He had known all along that Rin loved me so he set her free, free to love, free to find her happiness. But I was a fool." Kakashi stopped his narration. Talking about it brought about the raw pain that he had been running away from for all those years.
"As Rin didn't have any family left, the police gave me all her personal belongings. At that time I was too distraught about her and Obito's deaths that I didn't go through her belongings until after the funeral. I don't know what I was doing at that point. But the next thing I knew, I was going through Rin's phone messages." He paused. He could remember that particular moment all too well. It shattered his belief in relationships.
"Rin was having an affair with Obito." Kakashi finally admitted it out loud. Sakura froze in his arms.
"Kakashi-'nii-san,"
"No, it's okay now, Sakura," He said while stroking her back. "But back then, I didn't know what to think. I thought that-I was able to confirm it with her friends. They said that it just happened. Both of them were drunk one party and one thing led to another. They started their affair since."
Kakashi leaned back, looking up towards the ceiling again. "They have been doing it behind my back for the better part of the year. When Obito learned of me proposing, he was going to break it off from Rin that night." Silence enveloped the two.
XxXxXx
Ino was washing the dishes, deep in thought. So much has happened during the last couple of days that it is slightly overwhelming. Sakura hadn't been at work for several days and she was more than willing to indulge her best friend by giving her the time she needed to grieve. It didn't mean though that she didn't worry about Sakura a great deal.
Ino let out a sigh. She had been too much preoccupied with her thoughts that she failed to notice that Shikamaru had just returned.
Shikamaru wondered where his fiancée was when curiously she didn't greet him the moment he opened the door to their apartment like she usually did. He removed his coat and was loosening his tie when he had wondered through the archway of the kitchen, finally realizing that Ino had been preoccupied. With her deep sigh, he could guess what she was thinking.
He moved towards her and wrapped his arms around her waist. It caused Ino to jump. "Sakura will be fine, Ino."
Ino turned in his embrace and buried her face in his chest. "I know, Shika." She whispered. "But something is bothering me. It's the Uchiha project that we were supposed to have." Ino looked up. "I did the final computations and documentation myself. Sakura re-checked the computations before we printed the copy that was brought to the Uchiha Corp. It doesn't make sense that we lost that deal by being accused of being fraudulent."
"What does Sakura think?"
Ino sighed again. "She feels awful about it and doesn't really want to talk about it. She was accused up front and personal. To top it all off, Neji died saving her on her way back." Shikamaru was silent as Ino walked past him, only to come back with a set of papers in her hand. "Naruto dropped them off this afternoon. I went over it. It is not the same as what Sakura and I did."
Shikamaru took the papers but before he could say anything, Ino said, "I don't know what's going on but someone in that company tampered with it to make it seem what it is not. I don't know who and frankly I don't care if we get the deal back or not. But I know it was done to make Sakura look bad. You'll probably just say that it's hearsay but I'm telling you that my gut is telling me it was manipulated to hurt Sakura. I for one am not going to sit and stand it. I'll even go as far as accuse that Tanaka bitch of it. She has had it against Sakura from the start. I wouldn't be too surprised if it turns out that she did it. She was the one grilling Sakura about that stupid quotation when it was "found" out that that is different from what we talked about."
"What are you planning? Don't do anything rash, Ino. If it was indeed tampered with by someone from the inside, it is not advisable to start accusing."
"I know that, Shika. I don't even know what I plan on doing as of now. Eventually I'll find a way to clear this up with Uchiha Itachi actually listening to me. Right now, my priority is work and to let Sakura grieve properly." She then stepped closer to him. "Besides, we have a wedding to plan. With my bride's maid into mourning, planning it will be all on me in the meantime."
He welcomed her in his arms again and started to stroke her hair. "Oh and we have a new project it seems. Sound Inc. called the shop this afternoon and they are interested in our services." Shikamaru stilled at what his fiancée just told him.
"Did they say what they wanted done?"
Ino shrugged as she turned and finished the dishes. "A man named Kabuto said that his boss wanted to set up a meeting with me and Sakura as soon as possible…something to do with a charity event."
Troublesome. Shikamaru thought as he rubbed his temples. Things just got more complicated. He needed to report this as soon as possible. While Ino finished up the cleaning, he left the kitchen to where he left his work phone and started dialing.
XxXxXx
"The reason why I told you this, Sakura," Kakashi said as he brought her closer to him after they relocated to her bed. Aki slept by their foot on the bed. "I wanted you to know why I acted that way years ago before I left for Europe."
After confirming the truth from Rin's friends, Kakashi had led a self-destructive life. He was always out at night at bars, getting drunk. He would engage in one night stands, never entering another relationship again. It was a downright spiral that he drew more into himself.
No matter what his friends, Anko, Genma, Iruka, Asuma, Kurenai, or Gai did, nothing could get through to him. They feared how Kakashi would end up. They remained loyal though. They understood the reason why he turned that way even if they didn't approve of his choices. They tried desperately to help but Kakashi felt that no matter what they did, they wouldn't be able to because they didn't know the burden of knowing that after he had lost two very important people in his life, the feeling of utter betrayal by them going behind his back for almost year was sickening. He somehow vowed to never be played again.
One night, Kakashi got really drunk. He was at home and Sakura had come to him, telling him to stop drinking. He didn't want to listen, only interested in drowning his sorrows. He did not heed Sakura's pleas and in the end, he had pushed her away from him really hard. She fell on the ground, against her back.
Kakashi was shocked at what he had done. It sobered him up really fast. When he tried to approach Sakura to help her up and apologize, he winced when Sakura flinched away from him. She quickly bid him a good night and with Aki's help, left towards her room.
"Kakashi-nii-san," A younger Sakura called out to him while shaking his arm to get his attention. "Kakashi-nii-san," Sakura was persistent. The thick smell of alcohol was something that she couldn't ignore. She knew that he was drowning in it again. She knew what alcohol could do to someone. She didn't want that for her cousin, her brother.
"What?! Can't you see I'm busy? Oh right you can't because you're blind." Kakashi retorted before taking a huge swig of alcohol.
Sakura didn't mind the comment but persisted in grabbing Kakashi's attention. "Please stop, 'nii-san. Don't drink anymore. It's bad for you. Please…"
Kakashi kept on trying to fight off Sakura's grasp. He already knew what she was saying. He just didn't care. All he wanted was to forget everything and that easiest way to do that was to get drunk. Sakura didn't seem to mind and continued to reach out to him. After several moments of going back and forth, Kakashi had enough and roughly pushed Sakura away from him to get her to let go of his arm.
Seeing Sakura fear him was a sort of wake-up call for Kakashi. Seeing her fearful face was something that he would probably never forget. It was something that he never intended. He loved he as the sister that he never got. He loved her too much than his anger. At that moment of clarity, Kakashi vowed that he would clean his act up, if not for himself, he would do it for Sakura. Ever since her father died, he had took the role of male family influence in her life. He had already hurt her. He wasn't going to disappoint her more than he already did.
The next day, Kakashi woke up extremely early and made breakfast. It was just him and Sakura that morning since Sakura's mother had an out-of-town meeting. Sakura was quiet all throughout the meal. When Kakashi couldn't stand it anymore, he broke it and promised that he would become a man that Sakura was proud of. Sakura had been shocked but simply smiled and told him that she would support him whatever he decided to do.
With Sakura's forgiveness, he stopped drinking alcohol and poured all his energy in his culinary skills. A few months down the road, he decided to go to Europe and hone his craft. All because of Sakura…
"I know that you really loved Neji and he loved you very much. I won't tell you that it's going to be alright because I know that it won't feel that way right now. But I will tell you this, Sakura," Kakashi held the side of her face and looked into her unseeing eyes. "You are not alone. I am here, Sakura. I know it feels like you couldn't breathe or that everything is too much. I have been there. I was able to keep moving forward because you clung on to me. I am not leaving you, Sakura, I will just be here so cry, scream, throw things, or even hit me. I don't care but I will not allow you to go through this alone."
Tears stared to flow down Sakura's eyes and Kakashi gently wiped them away before pulling her against him, hushing her softly. "Try to rest. I'll be here." Sakura held on to his shirt tightly, no longer holding back her tears.
XxXxXx
Mikoto was serving some dango for dessert when Itachi's phone suddenly rang. Itachi excused himself from the dining table and walked towards the hallway before answering, "Yes, Nara-san?"
"Uchiha-sama, we have a problem. Orochimaru had contacted Ino. He had set up a meeting with both her and Sakura. He wants to commission them for a project. Ino had said he plans on having a charity event."
Itachi stilled. His blood ran cold. Damn it!
"If I may, Sir, this is a risk and I do not like it as I know it will put my fiancée and her best friend in danger but this could be an opportunity to catch Sound Inc."
"Explain."
"I know that you had requested us to keep an eye on Yamanaka Ino and Haruno Sakura. If we spare more man power to covertly follow them or let them infiltrate into Sound Inc., the chances of us being found out is greater."
The wheels in Itachi's head cleared and immediately understood what the Nara was suggesting. "Send in an undercover agent then to work at Yamanaka and Haruno's shop. Do you know someone who could be trusted?"
"I do know of an agent perfect for the job, Uchiha-sama. She excels in deducing any opponent strategies and weaknesses early. She also has a knack of making the stakes against the culprits. She removed any advantageous elements that any enemy might use."
"Send her in immediately. I want to meet her, you and Kisame at the Red Dragon in an hour."
"It is wise if I bring Ino. She doesn't need to learn entire scenario but I must say that she is starting to get suspicious."
"Very well, Nara-san. Do what you see is fit. I have no reservations towards your fiancée."
As Itachi closed his phone, Mikoto walked towards him. "Is there anything wrong, my dear?"
Itachi looked at his mother, contemplating on whether to tell her or not. He was well aware that she viewed Sakura as the daughter she never had. Sakura had been one of the people whom his mother had been with while learning to accept her youngest son's death.
If Mikoto learned of what was happening now, Itachi knew she would be overwhelmed with worry.
"No, Mother," He laid both hands on his mother's shoulders, "Everything will be just fine. I promise to take care of everyone. Please try not to worry too much."
XxXxXx
Sakura had finally gotten back to sleep. It was far from peaceful, Kakashi could tell. She didn't want to let him go. Kakashi understood that she didn't want to be alone so he acquiesced to her silent request.
She had always been a sensitive person. Kakashi could honestly say that he had expected Sakura to go through what she was now because he knew, even if she never admitted it verbally, that she had loved Neji with every fiber of her being. It had taken years to bloom, years of nurturing for that love to be only to be taken away just a heartbeat short of seeing it bear fruit.
He also knew that wherever Neji was now, he didn't have an ounce of regret in him. He loved Sakura enough to give his life for. That was enough for Kakashi to believe that Neji would never regret what he did that day. Perhaps that was what made it more tragic…
Now, as he watched her sleep, Kakashi whispered his promise, "I will always protect you, imouto. Neji, wherever you are, I promise that I will help Sakura find happiness once again. One day, I hope that she finds a man who could love her as much as you did, or perhaps even more. Until that day, I promise to be Sakura's strength."
XxXxXx
Kabuto knocked on Orochimaru's office door. When he was given the approval to enter, he opened the door and said, "I have set at meeting with Yamanaka Ino and Haruno Sakura tomorrow at 10 in the morning, Orochimaru-sama. You will be expected at their shop."
"Very well,"
Knowing when he was being dismissed, Kabuto moved to leave when Orochimaru's voice stopped him, "Kabuto, I was told that it seemed that the Uchiha had taken a liking to the pink-haired girl named Haruno Sakura. For some reason, he had treated her differently. Uchiha Itachi doesn't go things on a whim. Perhaps this girl means more to him than what he intentionally shows now. I want to know everything about her. I want to know more than the initial information that was taken of her. Have her every move followed."
Kabuto smiled and bowed to go to do his master's biding.
(to be continued...)
A/N: if you notice some names I missed, please let me know. When I took this story down the first time, I started changing the names because I wanted to changed this story and take it in another direction. I decided against it so am manually changing parts back. Sorry about that. But anyway, depends on what happens in next few chapters, the options on what to do about this story is still open. Been editing this at 3 in the morning so yeah please just let me know but let me know gently.
Michiko
