Chapter 11

It was a very exhausting day. Practice had just finished and it was getting late before I started for home. When I was almost home, it was strange. The lights weren't turned on like it usually was. There was no Sasuke running out the front door to meet me or Mother calling out to Sasuke. It wasn't that strange that Father's car wasn't in the drive way but the stillness of the house, somehow I felt that there was something wrong.

I took out my house keys. When I opened the door, darkness greeted me.

"Tadaima! Mother? Sasuke?" I called out but there was no answer. My initial thought that they might have been in the room, asleep, like the other time I got home this late, was immediately proven wrong. Sasuke had been sick and Mother had driven herself to the point that she fell asleep beside Sasuke's bed while trying to give him some cold compress.

I turned on the lights and headed towards the kitchen. I dropped my stuff by the foot of the staircase so that I could just grab them later when I went up to my room. Finding out where everybody was had been a more pressing issue than cleaning up after myself at that moment. Mother usually stuck messages on the refrigerator whenever something happens and she had to run out the last minute. When there was no note, I found it really strange.

Before I could contemplate more of the strange circumstances of that night, the doorbell rang. I immediately headed towards the door. It surprised me when I found my teenage cousin, Shisui there. I wasn't able to get a word in when the look on his face stopped me. At that moment, I knew without a shadow of doubt that something really awful had happened.

"Come on, Itachi. Let's head to the hospital."

A sudden chill ran through my spine. Without another word, I followed him towards his car. It was a silent trip to the hospital. I wondered who was hurt. At that moment I could only hope that it wasn't that grave. Boy was I wrong…dead wrong…

My world changed that very night. Nothing was the same again.

XxXxXx

"You must be Temari," Itachi said as he offered his hand to shake.

The woman shook his hand with a firm grip, "Yes, Sir."

Itachi then nodded in acknowledgement as they all settled in their respective seats. "I am sure that Nara-san had already briefed everyone here." Nods were thrown around. Itachi then turned to Shikamaru, "Have you decided yet?"

Temari and Kisame didn't say anything as they looked on to Shikamaru. "Yes, I have. I know Ino will find out whether or not we tell her. But no, now isn't the time. I will let her know when the time comes. I will talk to her about Temari though. Since Sakura is in a vulnerable position right now, she has insisted to let Ino deal with all the business decisions for the time being."

XxXxXx

"Sakura!" The rosette haired woman tilted her head in question as she closed the front door of their shop close. Aki sat by her feet.

Ino immediately walked towards Sakura. Judging by her footsteps, it seemed that Ino was excited. There was another pair of footsteps. It was light but the gait was confident. She knew that it wasn't Shikamaru or any of their friends. Before she could ask though, Ino said, "Sakura, I would like you to meet Temari. She's going to help out around here from now on. Temari, this is my best friend and business partner, Sakura."

Sakura extended her hand to the general direction that she thought Temari was in and offered a small smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to working with you."

Temari grasped her hand and replied, "It is nice to meet you too, Haruno-san. I hope to be a great help around here."

"Oh please! Just Sakura. You don't have to be so formal with me. Oh and by the way this here is Aki. You don't have to fear him."

XxXxXx

When Kakashi walked through the doors, Hinata and Chouji immediately perked up.

"Kakashi-san? Are you sure you're ready to work? Is Sakura okay?" Hinata immediately asked.

Kakashi nodded and turned to them. "Sakura insisted in working today. I'm not entirely sure if she is 100% fine but she said that she needed something to do to help her get back to things. So, what's the game plan today?"

Chouji pushed the menu and said, "Which area would you like to work in today?"

"Hmm? I'll take the cakes. You can have the breads. We'll split up the others."

Chouji nodded. Hinata smiled and said, "Well, this is the trial run and soft opening before the grand opening ceremony in two days. Let's do our best, especially for Neji-nii-san."

"For Neji!" The two other men agreed.

Before the broke up to start their respective duties, Hinata approached Kakashi and said, "Please feel free to leave if you want to check up on Sakura. I'll take over until you get back. I'm sure Neji-nii-san wouldn't mind that."

"Thank you, Hinata."

XxXxXx

Itachi was deep in thought. He was holding his pen in his hand. He had just finished re-evaluating the people under his employ. "Umai-san, please call Uzumaki-san into my office now."

"Yes, Sir."

Itachi sat back. Without a doubt the remaining profiles in his desk posted the biggest probability of being the leak. His eyes narrowed. It was beginning to become more and more complicated.

It didn't take long for a series of knocks brought him back to reality. After granting permission to enter, Naruto walked towards Itachi's desk, not really sure why he was called. Itachi's stoic expression wasn't that much reassuring either.

"I will cut to the chase," Itachi started. "I want your help in containing a leak within this company and to find out why Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino's contract was manipulated." He then pushed a folder towards a very stunned Naruto.

The stunned man accepted the folder and browsed through the contents. "Did you know all along that their contract was manipulated?" Naruto said through clenched teeth. Even if he was talking to his boss, said boss had dealt with two of his close friends, one whom he considered like a sister.

"Yes."

"Then why? Do you have any idea how hurt Sakura-chan-"

"I know perfectly well. Tell me, Uzumaki-san, are you familiar with Orochimaru?"

Naruto was ready for another angry rant but the question caught him off guard. Confusion set it. "The snake? He was one of the people Jiraiya-sensei trained with before. What does he have to do with Sakura-chan?"

"It seems that he began to have an interest in commissioning both Haruno-san and Yamanaka-san into a project immediately after they were confirmed to be free from ours. I understand that their business expectedly has customers but the timing commissioning right after their contract with us was manipulated is, I think you would agree, suspicious."

"Let me get this straight," Naruto had a frown upon his brow. He was starting to have an inkling why Itachi acted the way he did and why the contract was manipulated. "The reason for your two requests is because Orochimaru is behind everything."

Itachi didn't immediately answer. "I have heard that you are to be one of the groomsmen in Nara Shikamaru's wedding. He is expecting your call soon I believe."

At first, Naruto was baffled at the sudden change in topic. Itachi didn't say anything as he waited for his PR head to read between the lines. It wasn't still clear when Naruto answered, "Yes, well I better call him up then."

XxXxXx

It was true, what Neji said, it was true. They started to attend my school. At first I didn't think that he would spend time with me or even talk to me again. From what I was hearing, it seemed that he was being well-liked by everybody.

XxXxXx

Sakura stood in front of Sasuke's grave. She needed her Sasuke-kun more than ever. She was emotionally drained and wanted nothing more than to feel Sasuke's reassurance to help strengthen her. She would have gone to Neji's grave but she feared that she would breakdown once again. She didn't think she was strong enough to face his grave alone for the first time since his death. She wanted him to be alive so much that she also feared that she might face him with a bitter heart for just surviving. His sacrifice, his memory didn't deserve that.

Now, as she stood before her best friend, the boy whom she loved as a brother and best friend, tears started to leak from her eyes.

"Hi, Sasuke-kun. It's me again." Sakura struggled to keep her voice from shaking. "It's been more than a week since Neji was buried. And I…" She closed her eyes. Aki nuzzled against her leg, offering whatever comfort her could give. "It's so unfair, Sasuke-kun. First, you and now, Neji…while I…I survived both times."

"I still don't understand why you had to leave all those years ago." Sakura knelt in front of Sasuke's grave and sat carefully, tucking her legs gracefully by her side. Aki curled up by her side and laid his nose on her lap.

That was how Mikoto had found her and Aki. The sight struck a chord within the Uchiha Matriarch's heart. She had wanted to visit his youngest son today and just tell him everything that has been happening, most of all, how missed he was. She didn't expect the young woman she considered a daughter to be there and in tears.

Mikoto walked up towards the younger woman and her dog. Aki's ears twitched as he picked up on Mikoto's arrival. He lifted his head just as Sasuke's mother came by their side. Mikoto laid a hand on his head and gave him a pat before placing the bouquet of flowers in front of her son's grave. She then turned to the rosette beside her.

Without any exchange of words, the older woman engulfed the younger in a warm, motherly hug. No words were exchanged as the older woman allowed the younger to shed her grief. It was hard holding back her own as she viewed Sakura like a daughter. It was heartbreaking to watch her cry.

"You know what, my dear," Mikoto started as she leaned back a little, looking down at Sakura's tear-stained face. Mikoto gave her a motherly smile and wiped some of the tears away. "When Sasuke-chan died all those years ago, as a mother, I felt as if a part of me died. It goes against nature." She started stroking Sakura's pink locks. "He and Itachi-chan were supposed to be the ones to bury me. Instead, I had to bury him. I thought that I wouldn't be able to continue living until I started noticing a little pink-haired girl who lost her sight always visiting my son's grave. I kept seeing her through the years and have gone through whatever life threw at her. Through the years, I've started seeing her as the daughter I never had."

"Sakura, all these years you have stood by my son. I am eternally grateful that he has you as a best friend. I know you have lost a very important man in your life days ago and life seems so unfair. But I have faith that you'll find your own little girl who will show you that you can start living again. Sasuke-chan will always be with you as he is with me. I'm sure you know that."

XxXxXx

"Umai-san," Itachi's elderly secretary looked up from where she was sorting some papers to be filed and reproduced. A young man walked up to her and handed her several folders. "These were delivered at reception downstairs addressed to Uchiha-sama. They said that the messenger who delivered them had told them that Uchiha-sama is expecting them."

"Oh! Thank you. I'll take care of it."

XxXxXx

"Alright," Kabuto said as he finished the call and returned the receiver. He then turned towards Orochimaru. "Haruno Sakura has been distancing herself a little bit since the Hyuuga died."

Orochimaru smiled. "Excellent. The opportunity will come. I will hit the Uchiha where it hurts. I hear that that little princess is like a daughter to both Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha. What a perfect find she is, don't you think, Kabuto?"

"Yes, Orochimaru-sama."

"Get me Juugo and Suigetsu. I have something I want them to do."

"Of course, Orochimaru-sama. I'll call them right away."

XxXxXx

Sakura sat beneath the cherry blossom tree again. Her knees were up against her chest. She hid her face as tears were falling down from her eyes. The other kids had finally left her alone. She wouldn't have been able to take their taunts and teasing more. She just wanted to be left alone.

That was how Neji found her again. "It seems that I always find you like this, Sakura." He said as he took a seat next to her.

"H-hyuuga-san?" Sakura looked up, turning to where she had heard his voice.

Neji smiled and took out his handkerchief before proceeding to wipe away her tears. "Didn't I tell you that you can call me Neji?"

Sakura blushed and looked down. Neji wouldn't have any of it. He lifted her face a bit and said, "Sakura, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Why do you hide?"

"Why? You're the only one who is nice to me after Sasuke-kun…why?"

"I know how it feels, Sakura and I don't want you to go through it."

"But you don't know me, Neji-san. I'm just a blind girl with a big forehead and pink hair and nobody likes me."

"That's not true," Neji laid a hand on her shoulder. "I like you." Sakura started to blush on cue. "I think you are a sweet girl who has a lot of potential."

Sakura was silent. Neji then continued to say, "I was born blind." Sakura stilled. Neji continued. "I lived my first years blind. I only had my surgery last year."

"Surgery? What's that?"

"Surgery. It means doctors are going to put you to sleep and they will make you better if simple medicines and vitamins can't."

"What did they do?"

"I remember they gave me something to fall asleep. When I woke up, there was something covering my eyes. It was a few days after when they removed it. For the first time, I saw what light was."

Sakura was quiet. She was thinking. For the first time ever since she lost her sight and lost Sasuke, she wasn't alone and it wasn't bad to hope again. "Neji-san?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you…do you think I could see again?"

Neji took the little girl's hand and smiled, "One day, maybe you can see again, Sakura. But you must believe something now. Can you do that?"

The pink-haired girl nodded. "Seeing doesn't always mean looking at things through your eyes. My Okaa-san and Otou-san helped me understand that sometimes you don't need your eyes to see."

"What does that mean, Neji-san?"

"It means, Sakura, that you must never forget that you are special and even if your eyes can't see anymore, you have not stopped being special. I learned a lot of things before I could see. I learned to take a bath on my own. Fix my clothes. Tie my shoes. Walk from one place to another. I even learned how to play with my cousins. My Okaa-san even taught me how to play the piano. Like I said, Sakura-chan, I believe you are special. So you don't have to cry anymore and if you feel like it, I'll be here."

The young Sakura inched closer to Neji and enveloped him in a hug. "You're like Sasuke-kun, always helping me. I've never had a brother, only Kashi-'nii. If I had a brother, I hope he's like you."

Neji couldn't help the small laugh that escaped his lips. He wrapped an arm at the young girl and laid his other hand on her head, pretty much like what he does Hinata and Hanabi.

"You'll teach me, Neji-san, right?"

"Of course, I'll always be here to teach you, Sakura." He then tightened his embrace. "I'll always be here."

XxXxXx

Sakura took a deep sigh and closed her eyes. She sat in her work station and immersed herself with work. Small orders were piling up aside from the big projects that they were commissioned. After having gone to the cemetery to visit Sasuke and had cried on his mother's shoulder, it became easier for her to renew her strength to start living again. She wanted to visit Neji next time and before then, she wanted to be able to get herself together so that she could honor Neji.

As she started working, Sakura let her mind wonder, as well as her heart. So immersed was she in her task that she didn't notice that her cell phone was ringing. The sound was drowned by the music that she had playing in the background. She didn't notice the vibration at all.

XxXxXx

Ino closed the door that separated the back of the store to the front and walked over to Temari. "Sakura's at the back office fixing if you need something. I have to leave to do the rounds on the plant nurseries. There is also this new garden a little over the outskirts of town I want to check out. If Nara Shikamaru calls or comes over, please tell him that I'll meet him at home at around 6:30. My phone's battery just died."

"No problem, Ino-san. I'll take it from here. Oh! I've just finished the arrangements for the party at the Shigematsu Complex. They just called to say that they wouldn't be able to come by to pick it up. Shall I deliver them?"

"No, I'll take it. I'll be needing help bringing them to the car though."

Once Ino left, Temari was about to go inside when she noticed Itachi. "Uchiha-sama,"

Itachi bowed in acknowledgement. They both headed inside, Temari heading for the counter while Itachi followed at a more leisurely pace. He glanced at the mirror overlooking Sakura's workstation only to find it empty. He turned to Temari.

"She's in the back office. Ino-san just left."

Itachi gave a nod. He paused before finally saying, "I'd like to talk to Sakura. If Yamanaka-san happens to call, please tell her that I mean Sakura no harm and she doesn't need to come back here as of yet."

Temari nodded. Itachi proceeded to the back. He hadn't initially planned on seeing her. He knew that there was much risk with what he was doing but Itachi couldn't shake the feeling of having the need to see her, make sure that she was alright. After how he acted last time they were together, in the back of Itachi's mind, he knew that he shouldn't be going to her. Seeing her in grief at the funeral of Hyuuga Neji several days ago made the need to go to her stronger although he held back. Now, Itachi resolved to somehow extend a hand to her. Also, the situation with Orochimaru was getting more dangerous.

From what he gathered from Sasori and Deidara, it seemed that the snake had developed an interest with both Ino and Sakura. His gut was telling him that Orochimaru was more interested in Sakura. There was no way in hell he was going to allow that snake anywhere near her. She needed to start being extra precautious when dealing with that snake.

The door to the back office was in front of him. He hesitated but his resolve renewed when he reminded himself what was at stake. He knocked and a heartbeat later he got Sakura's approval to enter. Sakura's back was to him. Aki was looking at him. Judging by the dog's demeanor, Itachi knew that he was slightly on edge with him.

"You aren't Temari. Are you going to just stand there…Uchiha-san?" Sakura said, without turning back to face him. She kept fixing the final documents for the projects that she had finished. They were going to be picked up in a few hours.

Itachi let out a sigh. "I believe we have breeched that level of civility, Sakura."

"Have we, Uchiha-san? Judging by the last time we met, it seems that you still haven't gotten to know me nor I you."

"Sakura-"

It was Sakura's turn to sigh. She didn't want to talk about it. Her heart was still raw from what everything that had happened. "Please…is there something I could do for you? I am assuming that there is a reason for this sudden, unexpected visit."

Need not be told, Itachi shelved the idea of explaining what happened the last time. "Orochimaru. I am aware that he hired you for a project. I am not telling you to forfeit a business deal but I am warning you. He isn't a man to be trusted."

"Yes, I am aware of that, Uchiha-san."

He blinked with her statement. "You are aware?"

Sakura sighed again before finally turning towards him. "I am blind, Uchiha-san. I'm not stupid." She crossed her arms across her chest. She was used to being looked down onto and being misjudged.

Itachi had to bite his lower lip to keep him from saying something that could aggravate the situation more. He counted until five to get his wits together again. "I apologize. I did not mean what I inadvertently implied."

"Apology accepted. Why?"

XxXxXx

He had led a difficult life from the start. He became an orphan not too long after he was born, taken by the Health, Welfare and Labor Ministry temporarily while they search and notify any extended family the child had left. His mother had been disowned by her family when she got married to his father. His father had been an only child.

In the end, Orochimaru was awarded to his mother's parents. He may have been given to his mother's family it didn't mean that the sins of his parents didn't come to haunt him.

XxXxXx

Sayaka walked towards Itachi's office. She had a document that needed his signature. It wasn't pressing. She wanted an excuse to be able to enter and possibly get him to have dinner with her that evening.

Sayaka's expression turned like a Cheshire Cat's when she noticed that Itachi's secretary wasn't there by her desk. She was either running errands or on her break. Either way, Sayaka saw it as an opportunity.

She quickly sashayed over to the double oak doors and knocked. Receiving no answer, it didn't deter her from opening the door and entering. When she closed the door behind her, she noticed that Itachi wasn't there when she glanced over to his desk. She closed her eyes and counted under her breath to stave off her irritation.

She walked over to Itachi's desk, deciding to wait there for him. As she thought about it more, the more it appealed to her. Mentally she was patting herself on her back as she sat on Itachi's leather chair. Absently, she ran her hands on the leather arm rest. Itachi's faint scent was there and it made her feel giddy.

Ever since Sayaka first laid eyes on Itachi, she felt drawn towards him. As time passed working for him, one thing became certain, what she wanted, him.

She was brought out of her musing when she noticed that there were files atop his desk. Curious, she started to leaf through it.

Sayaka saw red when she realized that the files on his desk were about a certain pink-haired bitch that she thought she had already fixed. As she read through, she noticed that it was a report regarding the Haruno girl, the latest information, including her business.

Sayaka stood as he eyes narrowed. How dare that wench steal her man? She had waited a long time to have Itachi. She wasn't going to let some pink-haired, talentless bitch steal him!

Before she could do anything though, she heard the oak door start to open. She froze and without thinking ducked under Itachi's desk. She would probably get in trouble, worst, fired, if she were caught.

"When do you expect Itachi-san to be back?" Came Naruto's voice. Two sets of footsteps could be heard walking towards Itachi's desk.

"Uchiha-sama didn't say anything, Uzumaki-sama. He only asked me to clear his after schedule and to notify him if there is something pressing that comes. Aside from that, he did not say where he is going or when he will return to the office. Perhaps he would be returning in the morning but I still cannot be certain." The elderly Umai explained.

Naruto sighed. "I could call him, Uzumaki-sama, if you really need to talk to him." She offered.

"Nah, that's okay, Umai-san. I'll call him myself later. But you could answer some of my questions, if don't mind. Whatever we talk about mustn't and will not leave this office."

There was a slight pause in conversation. Sayaka figured that it might have been that Umai had simply nodded her head.

"Haruno Sakura. Do you remember her, Umai-san?"

"Yes. She is that sweet girl with pink-hair. She might be blind but I can tell that she is still such a charming young woman. She came here with Mikoto-sama one time." There was this sort of smile and gentleness in the old woman's voice that made Sayaka feel more green with envy. Plus, she hadn't even met Itachi's mother!

"Do you, by chance, remember when she gave Itachi-san this particular folder?"

There was another pause in conversation. "If I remember correctly, she had a folder in her hand when she came with Mikoto-sama. She didn't seem to have it when they left with Uchiha-sama for lunch. I think that was the last time she was here."

"Did anything happen between when they left this office to when we were all called here that afternoon?"

"Not that I remem-wait! I remember that Tenaka-san came and brought some files. She said that they were confidential and insisted that she be the one to bring them here. She left and said something about some errors before she returned them."

Naruto then said with quite an irritated voice, "I should have known that that bitch could possibly be involved."

"Uzumaki-san?!" Umai was slightly appalled.

"Oh! Sorry, Umai-san." He rubbed the back of his neck. "It's just that this whole mess with Sakura was because of one Tanaka Sayaka. She did have more boobs than brains.

Umai gasped in shock at Naruto's language while Sayaka was biting her inner cheek to keep herself in check and not blow up, confronting that Uzumaki Naruto.

"Sorry for the language, Umai-san. I never really learned to like that bimbo. It's shocking that she's still employed with us."

Umai cleared her throat. "If that is all, Uzumaki-san, perhaps we should get back to work."

It wasn't more than a moment later when Sayaka heard the door open and the footsteps fade before the door was shut.

Sayaka crawled out from where she was. "Bimbo huh? I'll show that Uzumaki! I'm taking him and that Haruno Sakura down once and for all." She stared at the file she was browsing through the desk again. A sinister smile started to spread across her face as she realized just how she was going to accomplish her revenge. She gathered the files before she left, making extra sure that she wasn't caught.

XxXxXx

"Why?" Sakura asked again.

Itachi stepped closer to her and answered without hesitation, "Years ago, when Sasuke came home and told me about this little girl that the other children bullied and he had befriended her, I knew that that little girl was special. Sasuke wasn't one to make friends easily but he chose you to be his best friend. He treasured you, Haruno Sakura. I apologize for hurting you but I would like it very much if you would allow me to take his place, to protect you in Sasuke's place."

To say that Sakura was surprised with what Itachi just said was an understatement. Never would she have expected the Uchiha to utter that. She lifted her right hand, hesitated, before reaching for him again. "Itachi-san…can…can I touch you?"

Itachi didn't expect that response. His features softened towards her. He took her right hand and stepped closer to her. Sakura started to trace his arm, gently to his upper arm, to his shoulder and to his face. Her left hand then lifted. Itachi's eyes never left her face as she traced his features with her finger tips. She let his run her fingers play with his hair.

Unexpectedly, tears started to fall from her eyes. "Your features…" She started before a soft, gentle smile graced her lips. "…are almost like Sasuke-kun's. He would have grown-up to be just like you." She gave off a small chuckle and added with good humor, "Well, except for the hair."

Humor swam within his usual stoic onyx eyes. He didn't want to interrupt her. Sakura took her right hand and laid it atop his heart. She could feel his heartbeat, strong and steady. "I have finally met Sasuke-kun's beloved older brother, Uchiha Itachi."

Sakura took a step back although Itachi's eyes never left her. "I'm sorry but you can't take his place." Itachi's heart skipped a beat, a sort of disappointment that he never knew he could feel. Before he could say anything though, Sakura added as she smiled at him, "I'd rather you be Itachi. Sasuke-kun will always be my Sasuke-kun, my shinobi. No one can take his place. But that doesn't mean I can't give you a place in my life. I'd like it very much if you would be simply Itachi. I'd be honored if you would consider me a friend as I am hoping to be yours."

For a moment of complete relief and understanding, Itachi pulled Sakura towards him and engulfed her in his embrace. She was Sasuke's precious person. His parents adored her and him? He was starting to care for her. It was the only explanation he could come up with given his recent behavior. Armed with that realization, he vowed to himself that he would always look after her, whether she knew it or not.

"Sakura," Itachi said as he took a step back, his thumbs wiped the traces of tears left on her face. "There is something else you must know about Orochimaru." Sakura tilted her head to the side and waited for him. "Aside from being a powerful man, he is also very intelligent and ruthless. He has a grudge against the Uchiha because of something that had happened years ago. I am sure he knows your affiliation with me and my family. That is all the more reason why you should be cautious in dealing with him."

Sakura was silent for a moment and allowed what Itachi said to sink in. "Is he the reason why you acted the way you did the last time in your office?"

You chose a very intelligent best friend, Sasuke. "Yes."

She only nodded. She knew that there were other things that he wasn't telling her. She also knew that he had his reasons for that. She trusted his judgment. He will tell her if she needed and when she needed to know. "Don't shut me out…Itachi."

"I won't, Sakura."

XxXxXx

He had been a young business analyst. His skills were at par with Jiraiya, if not better. Intelligent and cunning, he held promise. His ambition was also as great…and it would be his downfall.

Orochimaru had been recruited by Jiraiya to help with the Uchiha Corp. It had been smooth at first but then one day, he was approached by Uchiha Madara.

"So," Uchiha Madara said, interrupting him from his work. "You are Orochimaru."

"Is there anything I could help you with?" He replied rather impassively.

Madara just smirked and said, "You, my boy, are asking the wrong question. Remember, all you need to do is approach me and maybe you'll actually turn out…more than your parents were."

With that, Madara left a rather stunned Orochimaru.

XxXxXx

With a glass of red wine in his hand, Orochimaru stared beyond his office window. Unconsciously, he was swirling its contents. It had been almost twenty years since he was approached by Uchiha Madara. His thoughts then drifted to his parents. He held no love for them, after all, they were the bane of his existence. Anything that had to do with his family, he abhorred. As far as he was concerned, they were all scum.

His mother fell in love with a local thief while still in high school. Her parents were against him and told her off. But no matter what they said, she loved him and didn't care for his track record. It was speculated that he was part of the local yakuza but there was never enough proof. His parents pursued a romantic relationship and eventually, his mother dropped out of high school.

It infuriated her parents and threatened to disown her if she didn't go back to school. She fought them, telling them that she didn't care if she was going to be disowned because she loved him and he loved her. She packed up her things that very night and left without turning back.

His parents started living together. People around them believed that they were married but when they died, it was found out that they weren't. His father provided his mother with whatever she wished, dealing with drugs and crime. It eventually caught up with them when Orochimaru was born. His father had failed his boss and was punished. His mother had tried to stop it but was caught in between and died, his father not long after.

He was awarded to his maternal grandparents. It wasn't an easy childhood. Children of those who knew his parents were cruel, they were told that he was just a bastard child. His grandparents weren't any help. Although they gave him food, clothes and shelter, he was told constantly of what a disappointment his mother turned out to be, never truly loved only the embodiment of the disappointment. He was pushed to excel and to prove that he wasn't his parents.

He never had friends up until high school even though he excelled. When he entered university, he met Jiraiya. They became friends and everything else became, as anyone can say, history.

Jiraiya knew of Orochimaru's sadistic tendencies. He had seen them for himself several times. He didn't get that bad though until he was propositioned by Uchiha Madara and that partnership flopped.

Orochimaru thought about Madara's offer. It didn't take him long to decide. He approached the man the next day. The Uchiha simply smiled at him when he saw Orochimaru at his office door.

"What I want you to do is simple," Madara said as he leaned back in his chair once Orochimaru sat in front of him. "Manipulate the records that you are holding so that I could prove Fugaku to be incompetent. Once I have taken him out and taken over this company, I will train you myself. When the time comes, I will give you enough money to start your own company."

A smile started to cross Orochimaru's lips, "You have yourself a deal, Madara-san." He offered his hand and the two sealed the deal.

Orochimaru's hand tightened around the glass of red wine. If Madara hadn't been foolish and had followed his plan, they both would have succeeded. In the long run, he would have pushed that old coot off the high stool and he would have taken over the Uchiha Corp. But Fugaku had foiled all his planning.

Thankfully for him, he had been able to embezzle enough money to start his own company. He knew that the Uchiha had suspicion regarding him and through the years their doubt was erased but there has never been enough evidence to link him. He had been careful. He vowed to take down the Uchiha just as they had shattered what had been rightfully his.

A knock came from the door, breaking his thoughts. He turned just as Kabuto and another one of his men dragged in the new recruits, Deidara and Sasori.

"Pardon the intrusion, Orochimaru-sama, but these two are undercover agents from Uchiha Itachi."

Orochimaru lifted an eyebrow. "Then what are they still doing alive?"

Kabuto stilled before a sinister smile appeared. "Of course, Orochimaru-sama. We will handle it."

XxXxXx

It was late in the afternoon after work. Sakura had decided to go visit Sasuke once again. She wanted to tell him about Itachi. Aki was there by her side while she conversed with Sasuke silently. Aki suddenly shot up and started growling as two figures approached them. Before Sakura could ask Aki what was wrong, a man grabbed her from behind and placed a cloth in front of her nose and mouth.

A single shot was then heard, breaking the silence of the cemetery.

(to be continued...)