A/N: I'm really sorry for the delay everyone. I worked on a handful of reports during the break and now school's back on. :( boo. Anyway. I simply just had the worst day of my life. Phone and car keys got stolen TT~TT Ughhhh! Plus, my phone had the time line for BTW! Now I have to reconstruct my well thought out time line! CRAAAAAP! PLUS, INTERNET HAS BEEN CONKING OUT! I hate my life... I need a little stress reliever after that incident. :p Here's a little something for you guys (while the net is still working).

*DISCLAIMER APPLIES*

BEFORE THE WORST

The First Step

Sasuke stood tall and proud as he gazed outside the floor-level windows of what used to be his father's chic penthouse office. The sight of the world below his gaze brought a somewhat anxious feeling in his chest. The world truly was a rat race. People robotically marched along the busy streets; a sign that people had places to be and had people to meet. It was amazing how these people walked through those roads with such practiced grace. The throngs of individuals seemed to fluidly flow; not one person disturbed the stream. In truth, it was as it should be. A single ripple in the flow of the river-like motions of the masses could undeniably cause so much trouble.

People had places to be and had people to meet after all.

There was no room for mistakes and/or weaknesses in this world.

This world was Sasuke's destined reality. This was the world Itachi had on the palm of his hands. This was the world Sasuke would take from his traitor of a brother.

"Ahh, I was wondering when you'd show up, Sasuke." A raspy voice called out from the office doors. The owner of the voice was clearly in his late forties. He was a gentleman of great poise and upbringing, and exceptional business sense. For those reasons, Uchiha Fugaku hand-picked this man to be Amaterasu's Executive Vice President. This man Sasuke knew all too well.

"Orochimaru." It was Hakkai Orochimaru. Sasuke nodded towards the older gentleman in acknowledgement before returning his gaze down to the bustling crowds below. He was taught to be respectful, coupled with the fact that he had asked the company VP for a huge favour. It was imperative that the boy be respectful.

"I understand that you want me to teach you about all the on goings of this company?" The man was quick to the point. One thing Sasuke liked about Orochimaru, the latter was not one to skitter about the small talk. Orochimaru placed himself beside the young teen and looked to the mass below in the same manner.

"Yes. I want to know how my father took charge of this company. I want to learn everything." Sasuke said with such conviction. The zealous fire in his eyes caught Orochimaru's attention.

Hmm... This was interesting.

"Why the sudden over enthusiasm?"

"Itachi."

Orochimaru internally cackled in glee. Uchiha Sasuke could just be so painfully predictable. Sasuke wanted to exact his revenge by ruining his brother's standing in the company. In doing so, the boy could rightfully take over Amaterasu. Oh, this was just perfect! This was too much of a perfect opportunity to pass up. Having Sasuke would prove to be the catalyst to his grand-scale plot.

"I see. Well, Suna's performance as of late has been excellent. Itachi is a brilliant proprietor. You'll have to beat out Suna's trading and returns if you want the board to even start to consider you into handling the company." The man stated as a fact. It was a general truth amongst all individuals in the corporation that there was somewhat a bit of an unhealthy rivalry between the branches. It was always a case of which branch could make the better profit. For years, the main branch had been the better branch; reeling in all the high rollers in society. But then a few months back...

Well.

You all know the story.

That incident truly took a blow at the main branch. However, since Itachi was now in charge, most (but unfortunately not all) of the Amaterasu Main Branch clients were returning to do business. True that it was a blessing that the main branch had gotten their clients back, but no longer was it the better branch. Suna branch had flourished as Itachi had decided to take his post at the desert-surrounded city. Itachi was able to secure accounts with the most elusive of business men, charm all the indifferent, seduce the dispassionate; and the board of directors simply adored Itachi.

In simpler terms, Itachi was one hell of an owner and replacing him was definitely the last thing on the board's mind.

"The board already knows I can be good at this. I am my father's son after all. Getting the board to take to me will require time but I know I can make them reconsider Itachi. I can be good at this, Orochimaru." The teen's stare as intense.

"Yes, but Itachi is better, Sasuke."

A low ill contained growl rumbled in Sasuke's chest. The statement was entirely uncalled for. He was about to lash out at his preferred mentor when Orochimaru decided to rectify the suddenly thicker aura in the air. "But I believe you have the capacity to surpass him. I will teach you." Those were four glorious words Sasuke had wanted to hear. Immediately, the boy let out a huge sigh as his whole posture relaxed.

Orochimaru, however, frowned at the overall relief of his new protégé. "Don't ever once think that this will be easy. I expect you to learn fast and I expect you to excel. I will push you and I will pressure you. I want this company to be your number one priority, Sasuke. I demand that you be willing to do anything and give up anything for the sake of this company. Are we clear?" The demands were strict and Orochimaru's tone was stern. It took Sasuke a while to process the new information. The young teen knew he could comply with his mentor's stipulations. He was Uchiha Sasuke for crying out loud; he was born for this life. Despite his overall confidence, the last conditions bothered him somewhat. True, he was willing to do anything for the betterment of the company (to beat Itachi) but...

Why did Orochimaru say he should be able to give up anything?

Was there anything to give up?

Maybe Orocimaru was talking about extracurricular activities being in the way?

"Of course. I see no problem. Also, if my extracurriculars prove to be a bother, I'll be perfectly fine with giving those up." The raven-haired young teen assured the older gentleman.

Orochimaru shook his head. "Extramurals are perfectly fine, Sasuke. Those will help you gain fond opinion with the board. They do like the talented ones." At this, Sasuke tilted his head in confusion. So if football and music were fine, what then should he be able to give up? Sensing the boy's musings, Orochimaru vaguely appeased the lad's unnerve. "You'll understand when the time comes, Sasuke. For now, you may take your leave. I expect to see you from Mondays to Saturdays. Once school starts you may visit every Saturdays. Also, we begin next Wednesday. Understood?"

"Yes."

Before Orochimaru could even dismiss the boy, Sasuke's phone began to ring. The Uchiha hurriedly fished his pockets for the device. It was a mistake for the Company Vice President to think that Sasuke was searching for his phone to silence the gadget. Orochimaru realized he was awfully mistaken when a smile seemed to make its way to the teen's face. From the looks of it, Sasuke had already known who the caller was before even having to look at the blaring screen of the gadget. Hm. He child must have put a personalized ringtone for whoever the caller was. Must've been someone important for Sasuke to cut their meeting short; Kakashi maybe? With a low mutter of an apology and the permission to be excused, Sasuke answered the phone with the most content expression the man had ever seen on the boy's face.

"Hn. Loser. So why'd you call this time?"

Huh, so it was a friend.

"Tch. As if I'd ever miss you, Naruto." Sasuke said with a blissful smile.

A very important friend from the looks of it.

"Hey, I'll call you later. I just have a few more stuff to do."

Who was this person?

"Yeah, yeah. Hn." Sasuke muttered something fast and too low for Orochimaru to hear. "Bye."

How queer.

"Sorry. That was my best friend who moved to Iwa. You might have seen her once before. You may be able to recall her as a loud and annoying blond pest."

Hm. As if Orochimaru would recall someone so insignificant looking. But a girl? Sasuke's best friend was a girl? This could prove to be quite a problem in the future.

"I see. "

"Anyway, I should take my leave now. Kakashi's waiting for me at the lobby. Thank you for accepting my request Orochimaru."Sasuke moved to shake the man's hand and courteously bowed his head.

"It was my pleasure, Sasuke. Your father would have been proud of you."

The young Uchiha offered the man a meek smile before walking towards the exit.

"And Sasuke..."

The boy paused and looked behind.

"Remember. Do anything and give up anything." The child still didn't understand the final request but, nonetheless, nodded his head. The swish of the posh frosted glass door being opened and closed was the heard which signalled the young Uchiha's departure.

Suprisingly, Sasuke was greeted by the visual of his guardian of sorts. "What took you? Come on! We still have to get some stuff ready for later!" Sasuke rolled his eyes. Weird that Kakashi was more excited about the party than he was. Besides, what was the point of celebrating? His parents weren't here anyway. A party would just make him feel the more alone. He followed Kakashi's excitable form nevertheless. Down they went on the elevator, went across the main lobby (the few scurrying employees greeted them on their way out), onto the parking lot, and into the car.

In the words of Shikamaru, this was going to be a bit of a drag. Before Sasuke could officially tune out the world, he felt his phone vibrate. Again, he took it out of his pocket; and it would seem that someone had sent him an email. He silently read the message.

I know I said it a couple hundred times now but I really can't help it! HAPPY 14TH BIRTHDAY, SASUKE! Have a great one, you complete asshole! Ew, you're part of the elderly crowd now :p – Naruto, Ninja Extraordinaire

From the corner of Kakashi's eye, the man saw his ward tilt his lips upward ever so slightly. Looks like Naruto had texted again. The silver-haired guardian saw the teen reply accordingly before resuming the new recluse tendencies. This made Kakashi sigh. If they were ever going to break down the walls Sasuke built around himself, Naruto had to be here. Only Naruto could successfully do the task.

"I am going to throw an awesome party, Sasuke. Just you wait. You'll love it." Hopefully while Naruto was away, the small acts of assumed parental love would suffice.

"Let's just hurry back so we can get this over and done with." Sasuke said as he stared at the passing cars outside of his window. Kakashi sadly eyed the child before returning his complete attention towards the road ahead.

Honestly, Sasuke couldn't care any less for the party. He wasn't excited about his birthday either. What truly made his day was the fact that Orochimaru had accepted his request and they were to start soon.

Finally. The first step towards his goal had been made.

Soon, he'd be able to get back at Itachi. Soon, he'd be continuing his father's legacy.

He felt his phone vibrate another time.

The boy smirked while he shook his head.

But for right now, he had one insufferable best friend to tend to.