I'm so glad to hear that you guys liked Sai. Even in canon, he has such potential. I always thought that he could have been explored a great deal because he's essentially a blank canvas. :D
PLEASE READ: There appears to be a glitch, because – ironically – the update date is not being updated. I'm going to publish the chapters as planned, though, so I hope you guys are at least able to see them whenever.
Chapter name is the Japanese term for "aristocracy".
Enjoy! :)
CHAPTER 13 - Kizoku
Sasuke and Naruto leave for their paid trip to the north. Which means that either Itachi enjoy his dinners alone, eat with his team, go over to Hinata or Temari and Shikamaru, or join Sakura, Kakashi, Uncle Obito, and Sai.
Sakura is sure that he doesn't mean to avoid her, but Sai. Hence, it's a little surprising when he comes over to eat with them on the night that his brother leaves.
"Hey, come on in."
"Have you heard from them yet?" he asks nervously.
Sakura shuts the door behind him. He follows her to the kitchen, even though the others are sitting in the living area.
"No. But I'm sure they're fine." She strains the pasta in the sink. "Can you check the sauce?"
Itachi dutifully opens the lid, takes a taste, and puts it back. "I'd give it five more minutes. I had specifically told them to text me as soon as they reach. And they should have reached by now."
"Grab the plates. Do you want wine?" Then reconsiders. "Actually, there's some rum left. Why don't you get the soda from fridge, make a nice Cuba, and chill the fuck out?"
"Sakura," he condemns but does as she tells. "You want sangria?"
Sakura glances at the couch. Kakashi is sitting with his feet in Uncle Obito's lap as always, and Sai is sitting on the floor, reading the newspaper that Uncle Obito bought that morning.
"Yeah, hit me."
Itachi is in the middle of pouring the rum in her sangria when his phone makes a loud noise, alerting him to a text message. He quickly snakes it out from his pocket.
"Oh, they reached," he says and visibly deflates. "Naruto made stops to click photographs on their way. This one is good. See."
Sakura dutifully sees. Sasuke and Naruto are standing on the roadside, with beautiful snow-capped mountains behind them. They have their arms around each other's shoulders, and are wearing identical grins.
"Why were you so worried? It's not like Sasuke is a child anymore."
Itachi rolls his eyes and says, "He's my baby brother."
Sakura wonders how it would have been to have a sibling. "Dad?" she calls out.
"Yes, doll?" Kakashi's lazy baritone floats over.
"Why don't I have a sibling?"
Itachi snorts and shuts the stove off for the sauce.
"I have twenty-six years worth of reasons," he replies. "You really want to get into it?"
Itachi laughs. "I would."
"I'm twenty-six," she reminds Kakashi. "Wouldn't it be twenty-four years worth of reasons?"
"Doll," Kakashi drawls again. "If you think you're the only reason for me not having more kids, I don't know what to say to that."
Itachi laughs harder.
Sakura hits him in the back. "Shut up."
He helps her serve the food and the wine, and takes a place on the floor with Sai and Sakura.
"My, my," Kakashi says mockingly, "I feel so old. Obi, look at the kids. The way they give us respect is simply heartwarming."
Everyone ignores him. Uncle Obito's phone starts to ring. He places his plate on the coffee table and moves over to the kitchen to receive the call. Kakashi frowns and lowers his own plate to watch him.
The phone call is short and quick.
"Who was that?" Kakashi asks.
Uncle Obito beams at him. "I got the TV show!"
"What?" Kakashi gets to his feet quickly. Uncle Obito bounds over and throws his arms around him. "Congratulations, Obi! I told you that you'd get it!"
"Thank you!"
"Are they aware that we are here?" Sai asks curiously.
"I hope so," Itachi mutters.
Sakura's face scrunches up. "Don't make it sound … like that. It's just a hug."
Even as she says it, the three of them watch Kakashi and Uncle Obito talk amongst themselves excitedly and obliviously. They're not hugging anymore but they haven't pulled apart completely, either.
"What's happening?" Itachi eventually calls out loudly to get their attention.
The two of them startle and quickly put some distance between them. Sakura stares at them, and they ignore her existence in particular completely.
"I just became the lead journalist for a TV news show," Uncle Obito says, all embarrassed and flushing pink.
"Congratulations!" Sai, Sakura, and Itachi say together.
"Thank you," Uncle Obito beams.
"Which show is this, anyway? I don't think you'd mentioned it before," Itachi asks and Sakura remembers that Uncle Obito had told her that he's been in touch with Itachi.
"Oh, I didn't want to say anything until I got the part. It's called Akatsuki. The earlier host is retiring so I'll be replacing him. It's kind of like an interview show."
Itachi perks up. "Do you have a specific category?"
Uncle Obito frowns. "I know what you're thinking. No, there's no specific category as such. Itachi, it's risky."
"Wait, what's happening?" Sakura interrupts.
"It'll be worth it," Itachi assures him. "I have everything that I could possibly need, and think about it: your very first interview would be a huge deal."
"It's not up to me," Uncle Obito protests. "Well, not fully, at least. You're very young. I don't know how I'd possibly convince them to let you visit."
"Let me speak with whoever directly," Itachi insists. "Obito, I've already convinced you, we both know that. We also know that you want to bring him down."
"Bring who down?" Sakura interrupts again.
"Shimura Danzo," they both reply at the same time.
"Seriously, what's happening?" she asks again.
"Look at it in this way," Itachi continues, ignoring her yet again. "I have a groundbreaking story that I want to share with everyone. Why wouldn't your channel buy it? I could approach other news channels. But I know that you've disliked Danzo for a long time now. This is as much your chance to blow his cover as it is mine. I really need a trustworthy platform for this, because he definitely has connections in the media. I don't want to keep sniffing out mines here, Obito."
"How do you know that this channel is not the same?"
"I don't," Itachi admits. "But you do. And I honestly don't think that you would have considered this position in the first place if you knew that it's the same as the media company that you currently work for. You've already sniffed out the mines in Akatsuki for me."
"I like this kid," Kakashi laughs.
"I could try," Uncle Obito says slowly. "But I can't make any promises."
"That's perfect," Itachi quickly replies. "Just make them give me a chance, and leave the rest up to me. I swear that I won't ruin it."
"Do you know what's happening?" Sakura directs her question to Kakashi.
"Obviously," he rolls his eyes.
"Why don't I know of this?" she grumbles, but there's no real heat behind her words.
"It's related to the industrial world," Itachi tells her. "I didn't think you'd be interested."
"What? Of course, I'd be interested!" she defends. "I listen to you and Sasuke yap about things all the time. I even remember Shimura Danzo! You said he runs a consulting business called ROOT, and that he'd approached you."
"Yeah, that's him," Itachi says, surprised.
"See? I do listen. So tell me, what's going on?"
"I know Shimura Danzo," Sai suddenly says. "My brother, Shin, lost his business because of him. Shin said that Danzo approached him with a very attractive deal, but it made everything worse eventually for Shin. He got thrown out of his own business."
"You never told me that," Sakura frowns. "All you said was Shin was a businessman and now he's not."
"That is true," Sai points out.
"That's what I'm talking about," Itachi cuts in. "What he did with Shin is what he does with everyone. The difference is that Shin at least was aware that he was cut out. Not everyone does. Danzo is sneaky. He makes them believe that quitting their own business is their own idea, so he'd be safe."
"That's smart," Sakura remarks.
"Very," Itachi agrees. "But I'm smarter. And I'm going to expose him."
"On Uncle Obito's show," Sakura realises.
"Yes. If they allow me."
"I'm sure they will," Sakura assures him emptily.
"It's not that easy," Uncle Obito tells her. "Danzo is a powerful man with powerful connections. He recently carved himself a place in Kizoshan."
"What?" Sakura stares. "Samui's company?"
"Yeah," Itachi admits. "Taking him head-on is borderline foolish, but I think it's the best way right now. Danzo might be prepared for someone stealthily ruining him, the way he does to others. The probability of him being prepared for a public exposure with zero warning is much less."
"And you're sure that no one knows you have incriminating documents against him?"
Itachi smirks. "That's the beauty of it. I don't. I have no documented proof that he's a sneaky bastard."
"I don't get it."
"Sakura," he begins snootily, "I have lost the count of number of times that I've told you that I possess a brilliant mind –"
"Should I remind you?" she mutters.
He ignores it. "I have gone through every company's life cycle that is under Danzo currently. Not directly, of course, that would be too obvious. He appoints someone else but they run on his command. The key to his exposure is my intellect."
"Are you telling me that this powerful man with powerful connections in powerful companies has a fatal flaw and that is your brain?"
"Yes."
"That's too cocky even for you."
Itachi gives her a challenging stare. "Ask me about any company and I will tell you exactly what happened, how Danzo took over it, and how they can trace it for themselves."
"He's kidding, right?" Sakura looks to Uncle Obito for help.
"Actually, he's not," Uncle Obito shrugs and smiles as if he himself can't believe it yet. "That's what he did this whole time with me. When he learned that I dislike Danzo as well, he kind of used me as a sounding board since I could get in touch with many significant personalities, and check for myself whether he is right or not."
"And he's right?" she asks for confirmation.
"Yep. The kid is a genius, sweetheart."
Itachi is smirking at her.
"What if you're wrong?" Sakura insists. "What if this only makes everything worse for you? What will happen to your own company? Itachi, if this man is as powerful as you tell me he is, then he doesn't need much to crush you."
"She has a point," Sai adds in. "If Danzo has already approached you, then we can say that he has his eyes on you. Don't go pissing him off."
"I know the risks," Itachi frowns. "This is going to work, though. All I'm aiming for is to start a conversation in the industry. Danzo might be powerful, but he is not on top of the ladder."
"Are you saying that you have someone under your belt who is more powerful than he is?"
"Maybe," Itachi admits. "Sakura, have you ever searched the name Uchiha before?"
Sakura fidgets awkwardly. "Not really."
Itachi takes out his phone and types something in it. Sakura exchanges a look with Sai, who is sporting his usual poker face and merely stares back at her. Itachi holds out his phone.
Sakura shifts to sit beside him. It's a photo of a man with long, black bushy hair, a pointed chin, dressed in an expensive black suit. The name below the image reads Uchiha Madara.
"Is he your relative?" she asks curiously.
"Yes. And my investor. He's the reason why Danzo hasn't done anything drastic against me yet. Uncle Madara owns Susano'o."
"Oh," Sakura says blankly. "Is that … is that a big company?"
Uncle Obito, Kakashi, and Itachi suddenly laugh. She has the distinct feeling that they're laughing at her.
"Yes, you can say that," Itachi says with amusement.
"Why hasn't he done anything to Danzo, then?" Sakura demands stubbornly.
Itachi is taking a huge risk, and she's honestly worried about the outcome. She knows that Itachi is a smart person, but she also knows that he is not the only one – case in point being herself. Sakura might not be knowledgeable in fields other than medicine, but she is excellent in what she does. She has dedicated her entire focus and energy in being the best in her field. Despite her gifted mind, though, Sakura knows that Dr. Orochimaru and Dr. Tsunade are downright brilliant and it will take Sakura years before she is at the same level as them – if that ever happens.
Like Itachi himself pointed out, Danzo might be powerful, but he is not on top of the ladder. There's always someone better than you out there. Sakura is worried that what if Danzo does have someone better than Itachi on his side. Granted, so does Itachi. Madara is clearly a big deal. Even so, she can't help but worry. Itachi is banking on this, and if it doesn't work out the way he wants it – for whatever reason – he will be extremely disappointed. Sakura wants him to succeed, obviously, but she can't ignore the possibility of him losing.
Itachi is made for bigger things, she already knows that. He doesn't belong here, running a small business, doing neighbourly things, and eating dinner with her on the floor of her apartment. He belongs out in the open. Sakura has begun to understand Uncle Obito's some people are born to fly. Itachi belongs in the sky because he's made of star stuff. Sakura can't even begin to imagine what will happen if Itachi ends up losing everything in this self-declared war. He's already vulnerable as it is.
I don't know what to do. And it's annoying to not know.
That's what he had said to her two weeks ago on the roof.
If this doesn't pan out, Sakura is worried that Itachi will be utterly lost.
"It's not that complicated," Itachi replies with a casual shrug. "Uncle Madara thinks that Danzo is a cockroach and doesn't want to step on an insect. He has bigger fish to fry."
"Now I see where you get your arrogance from," Sakura grumbles. She's still not convinced, though. "So why are you fixated on Danzo? Surely, if you have your Uncle on your side, you can forgo this one man and focus on bigger things?"
"Says the person who operated at gunpoint and held a bomb," Itachi fires back.
There's a ringing silence following his words. Sakura stares at Itachi, unable to believe that he would bring that up in this manner. It feels like a slap to her face. She thinks that maybe he'll apologize for saying that, but he doesn't. He glares back resolutely.
"I think you should leave now," Kakashi states, using the voice reserved for don't talk back right now if you want to stay alive.
Itachi doesn't move. Sakura would have been impressed if she weren't so pissed. She doesn't understand why Itachi has to throw it back in her face again. She thought that they were already past that.
"We already agreed that it was stupid of me," she says through clenched teeth. "That I shouldn't do it again."
"No," Itachi counters stonily. "We agreed that you will stay safe, alive, no matter what happens. We agreed that I would never find myself planning your funeral. We agreed that you had to operate at gunpoint and that you had to hold a live bomb. I thought that you, of all people, would understand this."
All I could think was I have to do this. That's it. That's all I knew, and that's what I did.
And Sakura finally gets it. For Itachi, Danzo is the lunatic with a gun, the lunatic who played around with a homemade bazooka. He doesn't want to be a hero, either. He only wants to do what he believes to be right. Danzo might not be the biggest fish to fry in the sea, but he is Itachi's fish.
Comparing life-and-death situation with a business dilemma might not be the same at face value, and Itachi isn't doing that. Sakura understands that he is pointing out the principle of it. Sometimes, you just gotta do what you gotta do.
"But yes," Itachi continues iciliy, getting to his feet, keeping his half-eaten plate beside his half-empty Cuba. "I think I should leave. Thank you for the dinner, Sakura."
He turns to Uncle Obito. "I look forward to hearing from you on this matter. As I said, just give me one chance and I won't ruin it. Let me come on Akatsuki."
Without really waiting for a reply, he spins around and leaves her apartment, the door slamming in his wake.
Next update will be up soon. Please review! :)