Sakura looked out at the snow covered grounds. Sighing from exhaustion, Sakura finished getting ready for the day. Ever since the beginning of the new year, she had to once again endure the trainings of becoming the future ruler. Her tutors were determined to break her of her bad habits that she picked up as a shinobi, and transform her into a graceful ruler like her mother. Right now, it appeared to be a pipe dream to them. Sick and tired of being cooped up, Sakura planned to get everything perfect that day, so she would be allowed to do as she pleased. The boys had just been nominated as her practice targets to work out her stress.

"Your look just became slightly impish."

Sakura tilted her head to her lover, who was leisurely leaned against the bathroom doorway, watching her with his intense eyes.

"Ah, you don't want to know."

"Apparently, that's a given."

Itachi walked over and helped button the last of the unbuttoned.

"Usually, you're trying to undress me."

"Usually, it's more fun, but with the extra eyes on us constantly, it's a bit too disturbing."

"I thought you would like us to be watched."

Itachi's eyes melted with passion. He nipped her ear, and Sakura knew better than to play with fire, unless she planned to back it up.

"I would, only if you would."

"I wouldn't."

"Then, that will remain nothing but a pipe dream it seems."

"So it would seem."

With a final kiss on her nape, Itachi distanced himself from her. All the sudden, the doors quickly opened, and a few of her tutors entered.

"Shit..."

"Sakura Hime-sama!"

"Crap..."

"Sakura Hime-sama!"

"Oh for the love of..."

"Sakura Hime-sama!"

"I'm going to have a headache before this day is over."

Itachi chuckled, offering no help to the dilemma. Sakura became peeved at his satisfaction of it all.

"I'm glad you find this all so enjoyable."

"Me too."

Sakura would have launched herself at Itachi, if it wasn't for the turors' strong grip on her arms, as they dragged her away.

"I'll remember this later."

"I hope you do."

By noonday, the boys found Sakura in the throne room. Currently balanced on a tight rope, only a few feet off the floor, and book balanced flat on top of her head. Sakura was reading a scroll, while several people were shouting different things at her. Constantly yelling at her for her form, Sakura walked back and forth on the rope, ignoring them. The boys could see no use of chakra at all. It was then that her uncle and council entered. Seeing the respectable council, the tutors left. Sakura remained walking on the rope, reading the scroll. Once finished, she tossed it to the side, while unraveling another.

"We have a problem."

"When don't we?"

Finishing yet another scroll, Sakura tossed it onto the ground stack of finished scrolls. Looking across the room, Sakura looked for a certain book.

"Your Majesty, this issue needs to be addressed now. It is of the utmost importance."

Spotting the book, Sakura took the one off her head, tossed it in the air, did a few back flips off the rope, landing perfectly, and walked to where she had been, where the book landed in the palm of her hand. She placed it next to the book that she picked up. Flipping it open, Sakura began to read as she walked back onto the tight rope.

"Your royal highness!"

Sakura ignored the councilman.

"Please deal with this matter now."

Abruptly, snapping the book closed, Sakura gave the man an icy glare. Kenji chuckled, and inwardly shivered a bit. He knew better than to piss her off. All the councilmen had backed up several feet.

"Well?"

They began pushing one another, until one unlucky one was pushed right in front of the angry princess.

"I'm waiting."

"A demand has been thrusted upon us."

Sakura narrowed her eyes in displeasure. She never liked it when someone demanded something of her, which was why, Tsunade always "requested" things of Sakura.

"Define this demand."

"The Hidden Village of Sound has asked for our surrender and cooperation or they will begin to make sure that we have no other choice."

Sighing, Sakura rubbed the bridge of her nose.

"Orochimaru..."

"Yes, your majesty. It is his doing."

"Why won't that old geezer just drop dead already?"

"I'm going to guess that's a rhetorical question."

Sakura gave the young councilman a look that clearly stated that he was stupid.

"What do you want me to do about it?"

Now it was his turn to give Sakura the look. Itachi knew that if it was just the two of them, Sakura would have probably killed him for that look. However, Itachi probably would kill him first for just being alone with her. Her chuckled at his possessive thought. Throwing the book in his face instead, Sakura walked out of the room. They all fell into step behind her, even the now hurt man caught.

"Cousin!"

Pein, hearing himself being called that again, was nearly taken back. Instead, he fought off the cruel memory and turned toward Sakura.

"Sakura?"

"How true is it that Orochimaru has laid down a demand on us?"

"Very. Konan and myself were the ones he approached for this matter."

"The creep..."

"Sakura Hime-sama, what should we do?"

Pein smirked seeing her roll her eyes heavenward. Probably to offer a prayer to Kami for patience not to kill the man.

"Has no one explained the laws to this..."

Sakura looked him up and down. From the corner of her eyes, she could see Itachi glare. Inwardly, she smirked. Who knew that an Uchiha could get so jealous?

"...youngest of idiots?"

All the men looked slightly pained.

"Forgive us Hime-sama, but what does that have to do with anything?"

Sighing yet again, she cast another look upward.

"I see you all need to brush up on your knowledge of our laws. Being the "heir" to the throne, I only have a certain amount of "privileges"."

A light bulb went off in the elders heads. Everyone else was still confused.

"Since I do not obtain the title of Queen, I cannot order for us to go to war, nor can I deal with a situation like this. You all are on your own."

With that said, Sakura began to move away. Itachi moved to follow her, but the young councilman's comment stopped all movement.

"You could always accept becoming our Queen."

Naruto looked dully out his window. His ramen sat absently to his side, now cold. The Team Seven photo laid in his lap, as he continued to gaze outside. Getting up, and leaving his ramen where it was, Naruto left his apartment. He began to aimlessly walk the streets of Konoha.

Walking past the ramen shop, the owner spotted Naruto. With a happy wave, he greeted Naruto. Not hearing him, Naruto walked right past. Upon the announcement, before Christmas, of Sakura's ultimate betrayal, and order to be killed on site, everyone felt the final heaviness of the announcement. No one more than her teammates however. They were filled with guilt, hurt, and anger. So the man let Naruto go, knowing the boy needed his own space to deal with such a tremendous loss. After all, Sakura had been one of the first people to accept him.

"Naruto."

Stopping dead in his tracks, he looked up into the sadly understanding face of Iruka.

"Where are you off to Naruto?"

"Um..."

Naruto looked around and finally grasped where he was. He looked up at the faces of the great Hokages. Silently, he entered the Hokage Tower, Iruka right behind. Not too sure what it was that drove him to this place, Naruto walked into Tsunade's office. Seeing it as Naruto and Iruka, she permitted them in. Kakashi raised a hand in hello, which Iruka returned with a slight, friendly bow.

"I'm confused."

All eyes turned to Naruto.

"As to why you came here?"

"Not that Iruka-sensei, as to why Kakashi-sensei is here?"

"Oh, that. I called him here to discuss the latest news about Orochimaru. Our ANBU just brought us a troubling report. I'm waiting for that idiot now."

As if on cue, Jiriya walked in, laughing loudly. He brightened even more seeing Naruto.

"Well if it isn't Naruto! What are you doing here kid?"

"I'm not too sure."

"Tsunade, did you call him here for this?"

"No, I didn't call him at all. Most likely, Naruto was lost in thought. His body probably brought him here, because this is one of the places you could always find Sakura."

Naruto's eyes widened in realization. Even now, he was trying to deny the truth. The bitter loss of Sakura weighed heavily on him. It wasn't something he wanted to accept, and the very fact that someone so beloved could have a death warrant on their head, tore him.

"So we figured out why I'm here, but why is everyone else?"

"You might as well tell him. He'll eventually hear about it, rumor or not."

Tsunade rubbed her aching head. A headache from the stress or alcohol, she wasn't too sure.

"I don't need told that by you."

Tsunade sighed.

"We were talking about a startling report by our ANBU."

Jiriya nodded, catching up on the purpose of the meeting.

"It seems Orochimaru is stepping out too far this time."

"Meaning?"

"He has laid a demand on Oblivion. If they do not surrender to Sound, then they will face war."

"I don't get it."

Kakashi looked at Naruto.

"It means we'll most likely get dragged into this as well, and we'll be facing Sakura on the battlefield sooner than we expected.

Itachi leaned on the door frame of Sakura's office. The full details of Orochimaru's demands laid before her. Despite her argument of her hands being tied, Itachi could see the worry for her village. He would never want to have his heart torn into two places again.

Itachi knew the dilemma that she now faced. Orochimaru wanted a full surrender, which would mean that Sound would rule over them. Then, they could use Oblivion's vast resources and manpower to wage war on other villages. No one would stand a chance. However, if they refused, Oblivion would be drawn into a war with Sound. Neither one would walk away without serious damages. Sakura did not wish death on any of her people. Her barrier, which was weakening, was proof enough of that.

"Is there anything I can do?"

Sakura slowly looked up at him. He could see the pain in her eyes.

"In truth, I would prefer to be able to make this decision."

"I know."

Sakura stood from her desk, and turned off the light. Tucking her arm through his, they walked back to their room to turn in for the night. Itachi didn't mind being her escort, because in public, it seemed Sakura's movements had now been restricted. So at least having her close was nice.

"Cherry Blossom...?"

"Hm?"

"Why have you not attained the title of Queen yet? Your mother has been gone for awhile now."

Sakura gave him a smirk and a playful light to her eyes.

"Would you like it better if I was Queen?"

Itachi looked annoyed.

"You know that's not what I meant."

Sighing, Sakura went back to being as stoic as him. They entered the room and Itachi locked the door. Sakura entered the bathroom, stripping along the way. Itachi's eyes followed the path of stripped clothing until it reached the bathroom, where the sound of the shower came on. He wasn't too sure if she was seducing him or not. Thinking hard, he tried to remember the last time they had sex.

"Sakura..."

Turning, she watched as her beautifully naked lover joined her in the shower.

"You didn't answer me."

"I know."

In truth, Itachi wasn't too concerned about that answer at the moment. He wanted to make love to the dripping wet girl in front of him. Connecting their lips, Itachi loved the way she moaned into his mouth, as his hands buried themselves in her pink locks. Pressing his hard body into her, Sakura could feel his rock hard erection against her stomach.

"Itachi, I don't think..."

Itachi instantly silenced her with another kiss. Grabbing her legs, he lifted her and positioned her.

"Ready?"

Sakura answered him with a fierce kiss of her own. As she came down to wrap around him, she let out a growl of pleasure, which Itachi loved. Itachi nibbled on her bottom lip as he thrusted her up and down on the slick shower wall. Feeling her pulse around him, his release was coming faster than he had expected. His body had missed her.

Even after his release, and hers, Itachi kept his rhythm. He wanted so much more out of her. Sakura clung to him and her rapid breathing was like music in his ear. His name slipped from her lips and Itachi moved faster, earning him louder moans. Her nails dug into his back, not that he minded.

"Should we stop?"

Itachi teased as he felt their second release coming.

"Please... no..."

He loved her voice during sex. Only he could do it to her, give her such an amount of pleasure. Itachi moved to her neck to nibble, leaving a bite mark as their second release came. Throwing off the shower, Itachi released himself from her warm, welcoming self, earning a gasp of pleasure from the movement. Taking her hand, they exited the shower.

Using a towel, Itachi dried Sakura hair, then his own before tossing it aside. Pushing her up against the shower door, Itachi knelt. His ran up the side of her inner thigh. Sakura bit back a groan, but Itachi knew what he did to her. His licking and kissing soon turned into love-biting. Itachi left little marks all over her inner thighs.

Finally, his tongue ran over her, and Sakura could no longer stop the cry of pleasure. Her hands soon entangled themselves in his hair as he used his finger to help tease her more. Sakura slid to the floor, her knees no longer supporting her, but it didn't stop Itachi. She finally came yet again, in Itachi's mouth and on his face. He didn't seem to mind though.

As he kissed her, Sakura could taste herself as Itachi's tongue ran against hers. Itachi loved the glazed look of pleasure that she gave him. He had a dilemma though, he was hard again. All her moaning, and calling of his name, soon had his erection up again.

"Bed..."

Itachi smirked down at her. Wiping his face with the towel, Itachi lifted his lover into his arms and walked to the bed. Placing her down, they joined for another passionate kiss. As their tongues met, they both groaned in pleasure.

Itachi felt himself being flipped onto his back. Sakura kissed him again. He didn't object. She kissed his jawline, and nibbled his ear. Then she kissed down his neck, down his chest, and across to his nipple. He groaned as her teeth grazed and played with it.

Her hands in the meantime roamed across his toned abs and further south. When he felt her fingers wrap around him, he gasped in pleasure. She smirked in satisfaction. She ran a nail across his tip and felt his shiver. As she gently massaged him, she moved over to his other nipple.

Feeling him soon release into her hands, but no slacking a bit, Sakura positioned him, then came down on him fast. They both cried out in pleasure. Itachi's hands found her hips, as she began to bounce. He loved the way her breast bounced with her rhythm, and the way she threw her head back in pleasure.

Realizing that they hadn't once used a condom, Itachi began to reach over for one, but Sakura stopped him. Instead his hand found her breast. Itachi smirked and let it go. They would worry about a possible pregnancy later.

Itachi's hand slid back down to her hip. He held her tight as he helped grind their bodies together harder and harder. Sakura was soon shouting in pleasure, and Itachi could no longer stop the grunts and moans as he threw his head back into the pillow.

Sakura collapsed on top of Itachi after their third release together. Neither made a move to pull apart. Itachi held her, not letting her move. Their painting was as heavy as the other's. He soon felt her drift asleep, and let her stay on top of him. His own conscience began to go, and he saw two little children. Both had black hair and green, vibrant eyes, and he knew he wouldn't mind having a child or a few with Sakura.

Itachi later awoke that night without Sakura or her warmth. Dazedly, he turned his head to the side. She stood by the window, with a thin sheet wrapped around her. Leaving the warmth of the bed, he enveloped her in his arms and kissed her temple.

"Come back to bed where it's warm."

"Itachi, did you know I have a brother too?"

Itachi's eyes widened, but soon found his composure. Sakura still watched outside.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Seeing her sad smile, he already guessed the answer when she shook her head no.

"Then, another time."

He kissed her forehead as he turned her back to bed.

"Another time..."

She promised with a smile. They flopped into bed and Itachi rolled with her. She giggled against him.

"You're laughing."

"I'm not. Why... would I... be?"

Their room was soon filled with Sakura's laughter.

Itachi watched as Sakura continued to run her chakra through her body. If they indeed had gotten pregnant last night, Sakura would at least feel a flicker of a new life in her. He saw the color dim as her eyes slowly opened. Sakura could see his anxiety and deep down, a little hope. She shook head head, and hated the hurt look.

"If you really want a one Itachi..."

Itachi silenced her with a kiss.

"It's probably not best now, but definitely another time."

Itachi enjoyed her glowing smile.

"Another time."

Later that morning, Sakura was walking from the dining hall to her office, and the halls were quiet and empty. Cleaning servants didn't arrive until later in the day, which was why Sakura was surprised by anyone being here.

"Sakura Hime-sama!"

Sakura turned to the young councilman.

"Yes?"

"I don't think we've been properly introduced."

Sakura could see right through him and what she saw irritated her. After all, she had also dealt with politics in Konoha.

"My name is..."

"Idiot."

"Excuse me?"

"Idiot-san, I don't care. Now I have work to do."

His hand came down hard on the wall in front of her and as she turned to face him, his other arm blocked the other direction. Sakura became annoyed, but sensing something she kept her cool.

"Sakura, I think we would make an excellent couple. I've been told I'm amazing in bed, so I definitely wouldn't bore you like any other suitor who's bound to come. Also, I can help you become Queen."

Smiling a sickly, sweet, business smile, Sakura kept her composure.

"I thank you for the offer Idiot-san, but I'm going to decline. Also, for future reference, do not address me out of term. You should also keep in mind that sexual harassment against the crown is a capital crime. As for suitors, my lover will definitely kill them before they even reach me."

The young man laughed.

"Lover? I see no lover."

"Turn around.

The man lost all humor as he came face to face with the menacing Uchiha Itachi. His Mangekyou Sharingan blazing right at him.

"Uchiha-sama!"

"Step away from my Cherry Blossom."

The man backed away, then tripped. Sakura began to walk away. Remembering something, she stopped and turned around.

"Oh, Idiot-san, I don't want to see you again. You've been stripped of your title."

"You have no right!"

Sakura gave her business smile yet again.

"Actually, it's one of the things I do have a say upon, due to the law passed after the previous Queen's death."

Once in her office, Itachi placed her on the desk, as he kissed her.

"What did you mean by the last comment?"

Sakura brought him back for another kiss.

"That we can discuss at a later time."

"We seem to push off a lot of stuff."

"Yeah..."

Itachi kissed her again and again.

"So, about being Queen...?"

"I have to be married."

"What about your mother?"

"She was an exception."

"Can't you just do what she did?"

Sakura thought about it for a minute before kissing him again.

"Let's go back to our room, or would you prefer to do it here?"

Hopping off the desk as her answer, neither one got very far. Sakura was pulled away by tutors, and Itachi for a mission. She smiled at his pout. Just another day in her always new life.