Okay, first off, Happy Freaking New Year! It's 2017 and it's time for me to present a little gift I've been working on. It's been a hassle trying to go back to other stories, which is nothing new to us writers. Right? So here's the first chapter of the new story! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.

Chapter One

"She sure is pretty, isn't she mama?"

My eyes lingered on the girl, surrounded by men in suits as another man held her hand. Her blonde hair curled into little ringlets around her head and her stunning blue eyes shimmered like the brightest of diamonds.

"That she is my love. As are you," my mother assured.

I shook my head, eyes continuing to follow her. For a second, our eyes met and unable to contain myself, I eagerly waved.

She didn't.

She frowned, forcing her eyes back dead ahead before disappearing into the limousine aside her father. Her response intrigued me but also confused me. "Come now, you must get ready," my mother voiced, ushering me to climb down from the ledge.

But I had questions.

"Mama?"

"Yes dear?"

"Why didn't she wave back?" I asked innocently, wondering if perhaps I'd done something wrong or offended her in a way I hadn't intended.

My mother grew silent, sigh parting her slightly cracked lips. Turning to me slowly, she bent down to me, fingers resting on my shoulder. In a hushed voice, she said, "Because...she's a very important girl, my love. Her father rules our Sector and being his only child, she's going to take over some day."

Shaking my head, confusion etched on my lips, I mumbled, "What does that mean?"

"It means," she began, broken smile on her lips as she continued, "It means, that she is above the rest of us, my dear Sakura. The Sector Families live their lives with elitist attitudes and encourage their children to do the same. She's already been taught to look down on anyone beneath her. She isn't interested in being friends."

"Why?"

"Enough questions for one day dear. You must be off to training soon." I rolled my eyes, taking her hand as she guided me back down the alley through which we'd come. Unable to push the girl's unusual behavior out of my head, I turned to glance back at the now empty street. Sidewalks cleared as the girl and her father made their way to some unknown destination.

Throughout the day, as I trained, ate supper, lay awake with arms behind my head, I wondered. Wondered if I'd ever get a chance to make her smile.

Glancing at my now empty room, I couldn't help but feel an emptiness inside me as well.

I'd spent all nineteen years of my life in this place and now, I was leaving it all behind. Forever. Doing my last walkthrough, I found my eyes trailing over each and every imperfection decorating this place. This was my home. The only one I'd ever known.

Now I was leaving it all behind.

A painful tugging in my heart forced me to a standstill. I lingered in the hallway, peeking into the empty room that once belonged to my mother. I hadn't set foot inside in almost ten years and even now, I couldn't bring myself to do it.

I could only tear my eyes away and keep walking.

Everything checked out okay and with a final glance, I locked that door behind me for the last time. Bags slung over my shoulder, I trudged down the stairs, making my way to the residential office. Setting down my bags, I wasted no time in making my way to the office of woman who'd kept an eye on me since my mother's passing.

She'd been expecting me too it seemed.

Graying hair pulled back into a neat bun, glasses adorning her face. She looked very much like her age but I wasn't surprised. Smiling weakly, I handed her back my keys. For a moment, we looked at each other, eyes locked in a silent exchange.

Finally, she pulled me into a hug.

"So this is it, huh kid?"

Patting her back, I released the breath I'd been holding. "Yeah Lina, this is it."

"Your mother would've been so proud," she whispered as I tightened my hold. I knew better than to cry. Instead, I forced my teeth as deep into my tongue as they could go until I tasted blood.

Eventually, I pulled away.

"I can't stay long, a driver should be arriving soon." She followed me to the front, wiping her eyes furiously.

I really wished that things worked out better. That life wasn't always one big game you played, waiting to see how long it took for you to get fucked over. Because you always, got fucked over. That part was inevitable.

Ever since my mother had passed, I recalled my promise.

To train hard enough to beat everyone else in my class. To be the winner that would inevitably become the slave to the Sector heads in exchange for a heaping bit of financial security as well as perks and protection that extended to me and my family. But in this case, it was just me.

My parents were both dead and I was an only child.

I was on my own from here on out.

The sound of a horn impatiently signalling for me no doubt brought me back to the present. With another quick hug, I whispered for her to take care of herself. I shut the door behind me, placing my things in the car as I climbed in.

This was my home.

No matter where I went. This would always be my home.

Even though I'd never be allowed back.

"We haven't had a female win the competition in years. You're already making headlines."

Eyes shut, I listened to the voice of the driver, offering only a simple grunt in return as we pulled up to the large estate belonging to the Head of Sector Iota. I rolled my eyes, not surprised in the least that they lived in a place like this. Hiding behind all of their expensive material, completely shut off from the rest of us.

Blind and unaware to the real world and it's problems.

Eating quality food made by butlers while the rest of the Sector starved. Having guards protect you while you slept while robberies and murders took place in the night. They'd never be able to understand and they weren't expected too.

They didn't have to understand my world or who I was.

They simply had to pay me to do my duty and I would.

"Come now, the Head Iota is ready to see you. Then you'll meet the girl," the driver exclaimed with a hint of excitement in his voice.

I nodded, accepting my instructions as I climbed from the limo. Climbing the steps, I waited, allowing someone to get the door for me. "Don't forget your manners kid. Lord Inoichi is very generous and kind, the most of any of them, but don't cross him. Stay in your place," a guard warned sternly.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

I was far from stupid, I knew how to respect my higher ups. Given that I wasn't disrespected first of course.

Stepping into the large lobby, I looked for the man of interest. Finding him immediately, I slowly stepped forward, resting on one knee as I bowed my head in respect for the man who held my life in the palm of his hands. Which I'm sure he was well aware of.

"Lord Inoichi. An honor to meet you, I'm ready for my orders sir," I told him, eyes not meeting his until he told me I could stand.

He stood there, suit adorning his body as a cigar hung from his lips. Grin revealing perfect white teeth, he extended his hand in greeting. Nervously looking between him and his guards, I followed suit. Slapping our hands together, he pulled me in and squeezed my shoulder. "No need for formalities kid. Don't think of this as a job but rather a favor of sorts, hm? You won't be treated any less than I treat those that do favors for me. As long as you don't fuck this up, you'll be perfectly fine. Got it."

I nodded.

He grinned, "Perfect. Because I'm sure you're well aware of what happens to people who disobey me?"

"Yes, Sir." I agreed.

Nodding, he redirected his attention to a young woman, perhaps only a year or two older than me. Red hair pulled into a low ponytail and eyes a warm colored chocolate were her most apparent features. "Esmè, have my daughter escorted down. Her things have already been taken care of I'm sure?"

She nodded quickly, "Yes Lord Inoichi, everything is ready for the young lady. I will grab her right away."

My eyes flickered between her retreating form and the parts of the estate that I could see. Clearing his throat and assuming his expected elitist attitude, Inoichi mumbled, "Now, I assure you that compared to my daughter, I'm a saint. I'm afraid she's acquired her mother's temperament, God rest her soul. While this is strictly business, I do recommend that you do try to remain on her good side."

"Noted," I replied calmly.

Of course I needed to be on her good side. If I had any intentions of keeping my head attached to my shoulders, I'd do as she said.

Finally, the young woman named Esmè returned.

Following behind her was none other than the girl who I had last seen thirteen years ago. Her blonde hair had darkened only slightly from her platinum coloring, leaving it with a healthy golden glow. Her blue eyes hadn't changed a bit, still comparing to the most extravagant of jewels.

She had definitely grown up since then.

Filled out in all the right places and everything. However, no matter how attractive she'd grown, I knew what she was like. She completely ignored my presence, as expected. "Daddy," she acknowledged, pressing a swift kiss on his cheek as he returned the gesture eagerly.

Finally, our eyes connected.

Immediately, I could feel the displeasure of seeing my face.

Brow arched and scowl heavy, she mumbled, "You're kidding me…"

Well it wasn't exactly a pleasure to see your face either but I'd keep my comments to myself. I hadn't even officially started yet and I was already off to a horrible start. Her father only chuckled, throwing his arm around her shoulder.

"Now now, this one is one of Sector Iota's best. Graduated from the top of the academy with the highest marks in everything. She's the best there is," he marveled, causing me to smirk inwardly at the recognition of my skills.

Unsurprisingly enough, she wasn't impressed.

"Daddy," she whined, "She's a girl."

No fucking shit. So are you. I could see already that this girl was going to be a major pain to work with. Unfortunately for me, I was in no room to complain. I'd have to deal with this girl and her annoying complaining for the next four years of my life, assuming I didn't get myself killed first.

"Why yes, she is. A very talented girl at that. Better her than some idiot boy who won't be able to keep his dick in his pants and while I do love you, I don't trust you with them," he finished.

Ah. The sweet face of defeat.

I could see the loathing in her eyes but it didn't matter. I doubted our next four years together would be any more pleasant than our current interaction.

Taking her chin, he forced her to look at him. In a stern voice, he asked, "Who are you?"

With a sigh, she recited a speech I'm sure she'd given a thousand times before.

"I am Lady Ino Yamanaka. The only heiress to the Yamanaka fortune and the next rightful ruler of Sector Iota. I will perform my duties without question. I will not allow outside influences to impede my studies and work. I will continue to make this family proud and bring honor to the Yamanaka name," she finished, following the tug of her father into a hug.

"That's my girl."

I looked away, allowing them to continue with their moment until Inoichi called for me to come before them. As I approached, the condescending look from Ino never left. The Lord's nod forced me to my knee as I bowed respectfully, reciting my own creed as she had done.

"My Lady Ino. I, Sakura Haruno exist only to serve and protect you as you see fit. I shall do as I am instructed, no more, no less. I will fight for your life, gladly laying down my own life in exchange. I am nothing. I come from nothing. I'll die with nothing. This is my assignment, my oath, my creed. I am bounded to it by death or until you see fit to release me," I finished, keeping my head down.

"Rise then," she ordered.

Biting the inside of my cheek, I did so slowly. We stood, eyes coldly staring into the other's. She hated me, I knew it. But I didn't care. She could go on hating me until the day that I died. Personally, I could give two shits about whether she liked me or not. I was only her faithful bodyguard. Doing as I was instructed to ensure that she was safe at all times.

A chuckle broke the silence as her father rested his hands on our shoulders, "Easy now. You two are going to be spending a lot of time together. I suggest you play nicely, hmm?"

I nodded.

She scoffed.

He laughed, ruffling both of our heads. "Also, Sakura. I hear you're quite fond of animals. It's mostly to help ensure your duties are carried out to the best of your abilities but think of it also as a gift." Clapping his hands, I turned to see a young man walking towards me. In his arms, a small furry dog perhaps only a few months old.

"Sir? What's this?"

Raising a brow, he scowled, "It's a dog. I trust you've seen one before yes?"

Obviously.

"Purebred German Shepherd in fact. He's a little over four months but they grow fast. You'll train him well to assist you in keeping my daughter safe. Name him whatever you like," he finished, bringing the cigar back to his lips. Next I know, the dog is being dropped in my hands, staring at me in confusion.

I voiced my appreciation with a soft thanks.

I wasn't exactly sure what I'd do with the thing, having never actually raised a dog in my life. But I'd figure it out. Hopefully he'd help me out in the long run. I'd only be able to tolerate Ino's behavior for so long before I eventually lost it.

"You two will have your own living arrangements within the same apartment. I've spared no expense and all of your necessities will be taken care of, you need only call. Any wants will also be taken care of but try not to draw too much attention to yourselves. Other than that, you both are off. You'll need to get settled in and ready for classes on Tuesday," he finished with a careful glance between the two of us.

Kissing her cheek, Inoichi dismissed us as he returned behind some door leading to somewhere I didn't know.

Brushing past me with a huff, I followed Ino outside, awkwardly trying to hold onto the squirming bundle of fur in my arms. Climbing back into the limo, I sat opposite of Ino who wasted no time in ignoring me completely.

The ride continued in unbearable silence until we reached campus.

Everything was taken from the car, all that was left was for us to check in. Following her lead, Ino and I continued up the elevator to our floor. A man greeted us, handing over our keys and explaining everything we needed to know.

Sooner than I would've liked, we were alone.

Placing the dog on the floor, I watched him scurry off to God knows where. Turning to face Ino, I was surprised to see her stepping over to me with quick strides. I towered over her by several inches and yet she wasn't the least bit intimidated. Index finger jamming into my chest, she spat.

"Let's get one thing clear," she hissed, "I'm not here to be your friend. You work for me and that's it. I could give a rat's ass whether or not you get killed out there. Don't speak to me unless I tell you and stay out of my way. Is that clear?

Eyes narrowed, I leaned down and snapped just as coldly through clenched teeth, "Crystal."

Smirking, she spun on her heel and retreated to her room. Fucking good riddance. Plopping on the couch, I tugged on the necklace hanging around my neck. My last reminder of my mother. If only she were here to talk me through this.

After all, I had the feeling that this was just the beginning of rest of the hell I was getting ready to endure with this girl.

Andddd finito! Short intro first chapter. Tell me what you think. Also, per request of Shycadet (Pain in My Ass Bestie), "Thank Shy for pushing me to be a better me and a better mind and sound body and posting this." Lel. Anyways, thanks for reading and Kat appreciates your support as always. Next three chapters dropping soon!