Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.
Chapter 4: The Payback
The animosity is tangible in the air. None of the men in the room dares to speak for fear of setting off their red-haired boss. Even his partner- the explosion expert, who lives to annoy the man, knows now is not the time for a joke.
"First, I'm going to dismember the living body."
"…"
"The body parts will be placed in a formaldehyde solution to prevent decomposition of the tissue and confer rigidity."
"…"
"After dissecting the hardened specimens, they will be placed in an acetone bath at negative 30 degrees Celsius to replace the water inside the cells with acetone."
"…"
"The specimens will be transferred to a bath of liquid silicon rubber and placed in a vacuum to vaporize the acetone at lower temperature leaving the liquid polymer behind."
"…"
"The specimens, now plastics, will need to be cured with heat to harden them."
"…"
"I will make artwork out of that Doll's leftover, take a picture, and post them online to show people this is what happens when someone dares to mess with my system."
"…. You sure you passed the psychological evaluation before entering the force?"
If looks could kill, the explosion expert would have died a thousand painful death. But having been the receiver of his partner's death glare many times, he simply laughs it off.
"Heh, if you are so enthusiastic about murder, I have good news for you."
"It better involves death or don't waste my time."
"We won't be the executors, but if we succeed, the death penalty is guaranteed."
The red-haired man raises an eyebrow, looking mildly interested. Knowing that he captures his partner's attention, the explosion expert grins wickedly, letting loose his bloodlust.
"The higher up has given the order to eliminate Root."
"It has come to my attention that you have been neglecting the security at your base, Uchiha-san." A blond man whose eyes are as blue as the ocean comments to his guest who is sitting directly in front of him. "The council has urged me to appoint another for your position due to this incident."
"I will accept whatever decision you make," Uchiha-san replies nonchalantly as if he is not at risk as losing his seat.
Truthfully, it doesn't matter whether he loses his position or not. This man has been the Chief of the Konoha Police Force for 20 years. His authority has taken root deep in the force. People fear and obey him not because of his title but because of his ruthless leadership and tactical strength. Not to mention he is still the Head of the Uchiha family, one of the major power players in Fire Nation, and that alone worth more than any position in the Konoha government. No matter what the council tries, he owns his power.
His company also understands this as his lips quirk into an amused grin. "I suppose I shouldn't have bothered you with their tantrum. Nevertheless, that is not why I asked you to come here." The blond puts down the cup of tea he has been drinking. His demeanor changes to a more serious expression.
"My aides and I have reasons to believe that Root is the instigator of the breach at Akatsuki."
"Hasn't Root been disbanded by your predecessor?" The Uchiha raises his eyebrow.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen is a wise leader, but he is blinded by old comradeship. Though, his friend certainly is not."
"You want the Police Force to get involved?"
"No, I wouldn't want to take away Sasori-kun's chance at getting revenge. This incident has tainted the image of our internal security, the public needs to be appeased."
"…" The Uchiha doesn't like the direction this conversation is going.
"As Head of the Konoha Police Force, for failing to prevent and discipline your underlings for committing illegal activities, you are to be suspended from your position for six months and placed under house arrest. Uchiha Madara will temporarily take over your position. The order is effective immediately."
The two men fall into silence after the blond has finished his statement. The Uchiha remains expressionless even after hearing that he is being punished for the failure of the branch that he has absolutely no control over.
"I recommend that you find a hobby to fill your time." The blond cheerfully suggests.
It goes unspoken, but neither man is dumb enough to not understand the implication. Those six months are certainly going to be hectic for him. Although he is used to having a lot of work, the sole reason he finds them bearable lately is because of her. She is his sweet treat that he only allows himself to indulge in occasionally, fearing he might get greedy.
Being under house arrest will keep him from seeing her, and he is not sure he can endure that. "I accept my punishment. If there is nothing else, I would like to leave."
"I won't keep you then. Please take care of yourself."
As the Uchiha is about to open the door and leave the office, he is stopped by his superior's voice.
"How was your night, Uchiha-san?"
The Uchiha turns his head to look at the blond whose expression puts him on edge. The other man is still giving him the usual cheerful smile that he gives everyone, but the coldness in his eyes belies his friendly façade.
It suddenly dawns on him the real reason for the house arrest and why Madara is his replacement.
"Shrewd bastard. He planned this."
"It was intensely pleasurable." Not one to back down from a blatant provocation, the Uchiha bites back. He leaves after giving his answer, not waiting for the other man's reply.
Alone in his office, the blond opens a drawer, taking out a red ribbon. He brings the object to his lips, closing his eyes upon smelling a familiar sweet scent.
"Perhaps I have been too lenient with you, little one."
"Oh boy, I'm glad that was over."
Finally done for the day, Sakura quickly gathers her things and leaves the campus. She couldn't wait to catch up with some more sleep before going to the appointment later this afternoon.
As she is rounding a corridor, not minding her pace or surrounding, she hits someone hard enough to knock both of them down.
"Tch, watch where you are going."
There is no need for Sakura to lift her head to recognize that familiar hateful voice. There is only one person in the entire university who holds that much hostility toward her. Not wanting to argue with him as it is her fault this time, she gets up on her feet and holds out her hand as a silent gesture for pulling him up.
"I'm sorry, Sasuke-san. Let me help you."
"I'm fine." As curt as always, he slaps away her hand and gets up on his own.
Shrugging her shoulder, Sakura bends down to pick up her stuff. She can feel Sasuke's presence lingering behind her back, and his eyes watching her every movement. Once everything has been securely put back into her bag, she turns to leave, ignoring the boy behind her.
Before she could get far, a hand grips her wrist hard, then she is slammed into the nearest wall. The impact knocks the air out of her lung momentarily. She vaguely registers that Sasuke is pressing her back against the wall with his body, and his arms are planted next to her head, caging her in. She lifts her head to find his eyes, filled with spite, are staring at her as if she is his mortal enemy.
It is what he says next that stuns her, "I know."
There is no need for him to further clarify his statement, as they are both aware of what he is talking about. Though momentarily caught off guard, Sakura is not surprised at his sudden reveal. Sasuke has always been a sharp boy, with a strange revere to his family. It would have been disappointing if he is oblivious to his family members' nightly activity. Although, she is astonished that he chooses the university's corridor to confront her about it. Granted today is Friday, and hardly any students have class on this day of the week, one could never be too cautious.
Nevertheless, she needs to get away fast lest bugs start to gather. As she quickly scans his posture, she realizes that the boy is on his guard, and any attempt to hurt him would be rendered useless.
"There is only one way then."
Lifting an eyebrow, she retorts uninterestingly, "So?"
Sakura can tell that her reply infuriates him even more judging by the sneer on his face. "Stay away from my family, you little —".
Before he can finish his sentence, she pulls his head down by the collar, and presses her lips to his, cutting him off. His widening eyes tells her that he is not expecting her to do this. Before his sense can catch up to the situation, his ankle is kicked hard.
Sasuke falls onto his knee with a cry. A hand grasps his left shoulder, and the next thing he knows, there is a piercing pain at his chest.
"I have held back, so your ankle and chest will not have any lasting damage. I hope that today's incident will not be repeated. I have no qualm about hurting my assaulters."
Not bothering with checking on the boy, Sakura strides pass his form on the ground. However, his voice stops her on her track the second time.
"You don't know what you are getting into."
Sakura turns her head to find that he is looking at her, the spite in his eyes is gone, replaced with a pleading expression.
"Ah, so I misunderstand him this whole time."
Strangely happy at her discovery of a new side of Uchiha Sasuke, she throws him a teasing smile.
"I'm stronger than I look, Sasuke-kun."
Time: 4 PM Friday to 4 PM Sunday.
Location: Nekomama Cafe
Request: A casual date, followed by a trip to the countryside.
After the confrontation with Sasuke, Sakura goes back to her apartment and promptly falls asleep the moment her head hits the pillow, not even thinking about her empty stomach. The exams and Sasuke completely wear her out emotionally. She almost regrets accepting today's appointment. Her sleep is so deep that if not for the loud ringtone of her phone, she would have slept till midnight.
Scrambling to pick up the phone, Sakura sleepily answers without checking the caller ID, "Hello?"
A deep chuckle is heard on the other end; its owner has a good guess what she was doing before answering the phone. "Our appointment is in 30 minutes, little one."
"Huh?" Sakura's brain hasn't quite caught up to reality yet.
Another chuckle is heard. Her "date" adores the I-just-wake-up Sakura if only he is there to see her cute face. "Don't tell me that my girlfriend forgets about our date today? It makes me very sad. Should I report her for the poor performance?"
"Fuck." Sakura mentally curses, now fully awake. "I will be there on time." She answers before hanging up.
In record time, Sakura manages to make herself presentable and dashes out of the house at top speed. At a time like this, she is glad that she joined the sprint team in middle school. Her "boyfriend" will thoroughly "punish" her even if she is a second late to their "date". She once asks him why he does that, even though he tells her that he is not an impatient person.
"It gives me an excuse to discipline you, little one." The sadist told her with an innocent smile.
She thanks the universe that Nekomama Café is only 15 minutes from her place, otherwise she would be in trouble. She gets there 5 min early; her lungs pleading to explode. Almost ripping the door off its hinges, she steps into the café, greeting her sight are litters of cats of different breeds.
Before she can admire the cats, an employee appears in front of her. "Miss Haruno, I was instructed to take you to the back once you get here. Please follow me." The woman walks away, expecting her to catch up.
The woman leads Sakura to a private room with couches and a changing stall. Sitting on the couch and reading emails from his laptop is her "boyfriend". The man looks up when he hears their footsteps; his eyes immediately lock to hers, lips curving to that radiating smile. She hears the employee leaving, locking the door behind her back.
The handsome man closes his laptop, making his way to her, stopping only when he is her personal space. He lifts one of his hands to play with her hairs, twisting a rose lock around his index finger, the other hand making circles at the small of her back.
He lowers his face. Just when she thinks that he is about to kiss her, he pauses when their noses touch.
"Take off your clothes, little one."
Summary: everyone is getting their chance at revenge. Sakura is not putting up with manhandling unless it's not physically.
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