Rokudaime

Chapter Ten

Next move

Hokage's Office

It was quiet as Sakura worked on all the paperwork and reports.

She was nearly finished with them and a concentrated expression was etched upon her face as she worked quickly and effectively to accomplish her goal. Her goal was to finish every overdue assignment by tomorrow morning. It seems impossible, but she had strategically broken it down into a way that made it possible and Sakura vowed to make sure her Shishou took on her new found strategy.

Shizune was busy filing charts and files with Ton-Ton by her side, sniffing around calmly at the old beige folders with mild interest and curiosity. What she was more interested was when lunch was going to be served!

The calm air that was filling the office was suddenly interrupted by the incoming chakra signature of three Anbu Black Ops that suddenly appeared with gray smoke in the center of the office. This caused Shizune and Sakura's eyes to widen before Shizune quickly cast a Henge around Sakura.

The ninjutsu was so sudden that even Sakura had barely noticed it until she caught sight of blonde hair cascading over the fronts of her shoulders. She snapped her head towards Shizune and saw the expression on her face. It was a knowing and tense look that was painted on the dark medic's face and Sakura nodded her head in understanding. She couldn't blow her cover or else Tsunade will be found out.

She composed herself before putting on a Tsunade's act.

She had spent years by the Godaime's side and knew her every move and action to any situation.

She regarded the three before her with a scowl on her now older and much beautiful face. "What the hell are you all doing here? This better be good!" She bit out with a light snarl. She leaned her chin on top of neatly, folded hands as she waited, impatiently for them to explain themselves. She made sure to keep her scowl intact and mixed in some annoyance while she was at it.

It was annoying how they just appeared out of nowhere and without warning. It was something that she had to get used to until her mission was over with.

The three Anbu were silent for several seconds and this silence caused Sakura's irritation to increase by the second.

"Well?" She nearly yelled out, causing the three before her to flinch outwardly.

Shikamaru stepped up first and from her position she could tell that he was nervous. Why was he so nervous for? She raised a brow in question, calming her scowl momentarily. When she did Shikamaru visibly relaxed somewhat. Realization struck her then. Ah, she had gone a little over board with the intimidation. She mentally laughed before nodding her head for Shikamaru to speak.

"Tsunade-sama, we found a boy on the outskirts of the forest." He began calmly, his hand digging into his pockets as he let out a long sigh.

Sakura perked up at the newly gained information. "A boy? What was he doing out there, was he alone?" She questioned as she easily slipped into the role of Hokage rather naturally and found it somewhat easy. "That's the thing, we don't know why, but from the wounds he sustained indicated that he was in some type of battle and had clearly lost." The Nara explained before furrowing his brows, troubled. "You took him to the hospital I infer?" Sakura asked expectantly and was pleased when Kiba confirmed her assumption. "There's one more thing Tsunade-sama," Sakura brought her gaze now to Choji, whose expression was dark and serious. "The kid appeared to have fought against the Akatsuki." The shock that stunned Sakura felt like a bucket of ice cold water being splashed all over her body.

The pupils in her now amber colored eyes contracted sharply at the news.

"I-Impossible…" Sakura stuttered lightly soon after her initial shock was over.

There was no way that boy should be alive.

How in the hell did he manage to survive from the Akatsuki?

"That's what we thought and we found evidence pin pointing the Akatsuki's involvement too." Shikamaru stated before revealing the torn attire to his Godaime. It was contained in a plastic bag often used in collecting data or evidence on a crime scene.

Sakura took the little bag and examined it closely.

It was clearly torn purposely from the way the tearing was. It was most likely planted, but the question was, why.

"Shizune I want you to take this and examine the fibers for any traces of properties that are on this cloth. Maybe it can give us a hint as to their primary whereabouts. It's worth a shot at least." She ordered while deep in thought. Shizune nodded and swiftly took the plastic bag from Sakura before returning back to her position by the young medic's side.

"Alright, boys is that all?" Sakura asked suddenly.

All three shook their heads and she dismissed them, but before she did she informed them that their reports should be brought in before tonight. She wanted every detail of today's event. They nodded their heads before disappearing from the room.

Sakura leaned back into her chair, not bothering to release the Henge that was cast on her by Shizune. "That was a close call I forgot Anbu can appear so suddenly without warning. I need to be careful from now on and I think it's best if I appear as Shishou from now on." Sakura suggested and gained an affirmative nod from Shizune. "They were confuse when they sensed the signs of a jutsu being cast, but couldn't figure where it was cast or why, but as soon as you opened your mouth you scared them senseless that they forgot all about it." Shizune laughed, clearly amused as she remembered their frighten faces. "You play the role of Tsunade-sama very well, Sakura. I'm impressed and I can't wait to tell her about it. She will have a good laugh out of it." At the mentioning of her Shishou the young medic's expression became thoughtful and worried.

"How is she doing, Shizune?"

The question brought the dark haired medic out of her laughing splendor and a frown slowly appeared. Shizune released a sigh before lowering her head to the side with furrow brows. "She's been the same as before, but I'm afraid her symptoms are becoming more rapid in session and spreading to other parts of her body." At this Sakura's lips became tight and pressed into a thin line. "What about the scroll, has she found something that can help her?" She asked with hope. The dark haired medic became slightly hopeful at the mentioning of the scroll, but not enough to make Sakura smile in satisfaction. "The scroll indicated that Tsunade's illness is muscular related. We're still trying to find out exactly what is wrong with her and how to cure it. It's challenging since there seems to be a new symptom almost every week." Shizune confessed in a tired tone.

"But don't worry too much ok, Sakura. We need you focus on your mission to run and protect the village." She reminded her with warm dark eyes.

She brought the plastic bag in front of her to examine it with her critical gaze before looking over to Sakura. "I'm going to go examine it like you said, but in the meanwhile you should go check out the boy. I'll make sure to inform Tsunade-sama about it." Sakura nodded in understanding.

With Shizune gone, Sakura neatly placed her files away from the desk and gather her bearings before heading to the hospital.

She couldn't help, but to feel foreboding of the boy.

Something wasn't right.

Akatsuki wouldn't allow someone to live unless it was for a purpose.

"A purpose Konoha doesn't know of …yet."

Hyuuga Compound

It was nearing noon and the weather was perfect with blue, clear skies. The increasing heat indicated that summer was soon approaching. Strolling calmly through the gardens the Hyuuga heiress was deep in thought. Her mind was filled with the situation regarding her cousin and Sakura. She would have never guessed in a million years that those two would have gotten together and be so in love. Well that was what she had inferred from Neji's passionate, pain filled words that she had overheard last night outside his bedroom door.

She hadn't meant to eavesdrop.

It just so happen that she had overheard him.

Now the problem was her father. He had made an arrangement with Ten-Ten's father and had signed an unbinding contract. The only way to annul it was if the engaged couple agreed, mutually of course, to consent to it. Hinata's furrow brows were set deeply, causing a slight crease to form on her forehead.

"I wonder what I can do to help."

She announced lightly to herself.

She rounded the corner of her estate before freezing in her place when her gaze caught sight of her father and one of the branch house members talking privately. Hinata hid behind the rose bush and mask her chakra signature quickly without making it too suspicious. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but she could read their lips and what her father was saying displeased her greatly. Hinata remained where she was for several minutes until her father dismissed the branch member.

After her father left inside the mansion the young heiress's expression was tight and angry.

She stood from her hidden spot and walked away.

She traveled back to the gardens and in search for her cousin.

Neji deserved to know what her father was planning on doing.

She remembered her earlier question of what could she do to help and she soon found her answer. She will warn Neji of any suspicious act her father planned against him. Just as she entered into the section where Neji's room was located she found Hanabi. The younger Hyuuga was standing aimlessly, seemingly impatient with something or someone. Hinata approached her sister and calmly asked, "Hanabi what are you doing here?" Her question brought her the heated gaze of her younger sister.

"Waiting for Neji-niisan, we were supposed to spar this afternoon and work on my Byakugan, but he's extremely late." She explained with a sharp edge to her tone. Hinata furrowed her brows. "Do you know where he might be that may have made him late?" She asked and Hanabi shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. "Neji-niisan had gone out with Ten-Ten this morning remember, he never returned. I just don't know where Neji-niisan could be right now I mean what else could be more important than training with me, his favorite cousin?" The arrogance in her younger sister's tone made Hinata wince inwardly and she couldn't help, but to think that she was becoming more like their father with each passing day.

"Well, I'll try to find Neji for you I'm going into town anyway to meet up with my teammates." Hinata revealed with a small smile. Hanabi nodded and watched as her older sister left her.

Once she was outside the Hyuuga compound Hinata began her task of finding Neji.

She held the hand sign that would trigger her Byakugan and felt the rush of chakra surrounding her pale eyes. 'Now, I have to do is find Neji's chakra.' She thought while scanning her eyes through the trees, buildings and crowds. She sighed when she found nothing and decided to check behind her when a masculine voice surprised her.

"What are you doing Hinata-sama?"

At the sound of the voice Hinata straightened her spine and released her Byakugan. "Neji!" She exclaimed rather happily. This caused Neji to raise a brow at his little cousin. Why was she so happy to see him? They weren't practically close for her to be so happy to see him. "Hinata-sama," He addressed her once again, but with a tinge of curiosity to his tone. "Were you looking for me?" He asked suddenly his eyes narrowing slightly in suspicion. Hinata saw this and she quickly shook her head. "N-No, you got it wrong. I-I was searching for you because Hanabi was waiting for you in the g-gardens." At the mentioning of her younger's sister name she saw Neji's eyes widen in shock.

"I was supposed to train with her today on the Byakugan!" By the tone of his voice Hinata concurred that he had forgotten about it.

Hinata nodded.

"S-She's been waiting for you for a while now, she l-looked rather upset." Hinata informed him in a soft voice as she attempted to cease her stuttering. Neji had surprised her and that made her nervous. Taking a deep breath, Hinata composed herself. She had to warn Neji of her Father's doings.

"Neji there's something-…" She was rudely interrupted by the sharp tone of her father's voice.

"Neji, Hanabi is rather upset that you missed your training session today."

Both Hyuuga turned to the entrance way to the compound to see the Clan Head with folded arms inside his long sleeves, standing before them with narrow eyes, his gaze mainly on Neji. The two were silent, waiting for the Head to continue speaking. "I take it your morning date with Ten-Ten went rather well for you to be tardy?" He asked curiously, his pale eyes lightening up almost hopefully and expectantly.

Hinata's gaze widens at her Father's words and quickly brings her gaze to her cousin. 'He spent all this time with Ten-Ten?' She thought silently to herself in wonder. Did this mean that Neji will go through with the marriage then? This was all so confusing, especially when she recalled Neji's pleading words last night. Neji appeared to be rather calm and collective, but she noted that his jaw was tight and tense with his hands clenched ever so slightly.

'Maybe not,' Hinata thought with a small smile.

Neji had to reframe himself from scowling his displeasure at his Uncle's question. The meeting, which was specifically not a date with Ten-Ten, according to him of course, had not gone his way. Ten-Ten had not relented her part of the agreement to void the marriage despite him begging.

He never begged.

It was rather frustrating when she broke her gaze with him and turned around, her resolution already set. It only served to complicate things. After meeting with Ten-Ten Neji had gone to the woods to mediate and release his anger out regarding the entire situation onto the trees and earth.

Neji kept his gaze firm in front of his Uncle and younger cousin.

"It wasn't totally satisfactory, but I'm sure with due time that will change." He answered with an underlying message to his words that only he knew the true meaning of. It was not a complete lie for he would change the situation when he and Sakura marry. He had to speak with her tonight and discuss their next move. There will be consequences if they were to marry and he wanted Sakura to be absolutely sure this is what she really wanted because once it was done there was no going back. As for him he may very well be exiled from his clan for such disrespect, disloyalty, and disobedience. The shame that will befall him was great and will be unrelenting upon him.

There was also the cursed mark that resided on his forehead.

There was much to consider before any decision was made, but he knew despite whatever pain that is to come that he will marry Sakura and not regret it.

His words made his Uncle smile, satisfied at the moment. "You will see in due time that things do change, Nephew. I'm pleased that you are trying and taking to Ten-Ten more seriously than before. I'm sure her Father will be just as pleased." Hiashi revealed. Neji nodded his head in agreement. "As for Hanabi you can train with her tomorrow unless you are unavailable?" Hiashi asked with an expecting brow his words almost hinting for the young Hyuuga to take the Ama heiress out again.

"Actually, Uncle I am I will be training tomorrow morning till noon with Haruno-san." It was strange how Hinata had stiffened suddenly and Neji couldn't help, but to glance over to her with slightly narrow eyes. The way her eyes were position told him that Hinata knew something and Neji felt his heart race slightly. 'Does she somehow know?' He thought to himself before quickly dismissing the thought. He and Sakura have been extremely careful for the past three years of their relationship. No one knew, at least that's what he thought.

"Hm," That sound meant that his Uncle was not thrill with him going to spar with Sakura tomorrow and it made Neji ground his teeth together.

"Just make sure to take your fiancé out again tomorrow." Hiashi stated in an underlying order and with that he left back into the Hyuuga compound. Now that his Uncle was gone Neji turned to Hinata with narrow eyes. "Now what were you saying before, Hinata-sama." The tone of his voice made Hinata shake slightly, but instead of beating around the bush he will be direct and cut right through it. "Does this have anything to do with Haruno-san?" He asked in an extremely low voice that only Hinata and he could hear.

From the way the heiress's eyes widen in surprise Neji knew that Hinata was somewhat aware of his relationship.

"Tell me everything that you know." He bit out lightly, not so much in anger, but in protectiveness of Sakura and himself. If Hinata were to expose his relationship with Sakura than his Uncle will surely be after him!

Hinata nodded numbly before speaking, "I don't know much Neji-niisan, but I want you t-to know that I-I want to help you two." Her light stuttering soon dropped as she became more determined to help. "But we need to go somewhere private to discuss this." She informed him with meaning and as she did she indicated, discreetly with her gaze directed to her right where a tree stood close by. Neji furrowed his brows and a deep frown painted his face. "I see." He stated steely. "Then, why don't we go have lunch Hinata-sama and discuss this further." He suggested far too roughly, but polite he was all the same. She knew his aggravation was getting the best of him at the moment and if she were in his place she would be too.

It wasn't pleasant having a spy following your every move and reporting it back to the Clan Head.

Private Room

Enclosed in a private room for lunch Neji and Hinata were free to discuss openly and without worry that someone might overhear their conversation. Neji was the first to speak and his arms were folded across his chest with his gaze hard and agitated. "Tell me what you know regarding Sakura and me." He demanded firstly in an uncompromising tone of voice. Hinata nodded and lowered her gaze down to the table and focused it on the steaming hot teas. "Last night I was passing by your door when I heard you mention Sakura and about not giving up." She started off lightly, her gaze sad as she recalled the pain in his voice. "That is all I know Neji-niisan I swear." She finished before getting into the issue with her Father. "But Father suspects you I can see it in his eyes. This morning he had questioned your lateness to breakfast." She informed him.

Neji nodded his head in agreement.

He knew as well that his Uncle was suspicious of him.

"Now Neji-niisan what are you and Sakura-san planning on doing?" She asked with worry in her tone. Neji closed his eyes momentarily before telling her about their plans. He was more than sure that Hinata was sincere about wanting to help him; he could see it in her eyes. "We plan to marry and void the agreement altogether. It's the only way." He revealed to her softly and Hinata was immediately shock and her mouth fell open in a un-lady like fashion. She caught herself moments later and composed herself well enough to voice her concerns.

"But if you do that Neji-niisan you will be punished severally by my Father." The thought of Neji withering in pain when the cursed mark was activated was a disturbing thought for Hinata to handle. "I know, but it is the only way since Ten-Ten refuses to annul the marriage for her own selfish reasons. It was the reason why I met with her this morning." He informed the heiress rather bitterly. "I see, so there isn't any other way then." Neji nodded his head sadly at the revelation. "I plan to talk with Sakura tonight about it, but now that I have a spy trailing me I have to find a way around him." It shouldn't be a difficult feat if it was only one spy that is.

"You must really love her Neji-niisan." Hinata commented with soft, warm eyes. Neji's cheeks burned slightly at the comment and he quickly nodded his head in agreement. "If I hadn't I wouldn't be so willing to accept the consequences marrying her will bring. I accept the fact that I will be exile from the Hyuuga Clan and will receive a severe punishment, but for Sakura it will be worth it." He confessed without hesitation.

"Sakura will be giving me something that the Clan will never be able to accomplish, not even in a lifetime."

Hinata's brow furrowed at his last words. "What do you mean Neji-niisan?" Hinata asked with confusion lacing her words and her confusion only served to increase when Neji only grinned at her with a rather soft look in his eyes that she rarely ever saw in her cousin.

What more could Sakura possibly give him?

Konoha Hospital Room

The setting sun filled the hospital room with colors of deep brushes of orange, pink and scarlet. It lit the room rather nicely as Sakura, still disguised as her Shishou, and examined the boy that was found earlier this morning in the outskirts of Konoha's forest. She had kept tabs on his since earlier today and had returned to see how he was doing. There was no other sign that he will wake yet the only indicator was that his vitals had improved greatly. Sakura wrote down his vitals into his chart before examining his eyes again. He was still knocked out most likely from exhaustion. "Poor boy," She muttered out with sympathy.

He couldn't be more than ten years old.

The markings that adorn his cheeks reminded Sakura of Naruto's marks. The whisker marks that adorned her blonde friend's cheeks were marks of the Kyuubi. So her best guess was that this boy before her was a Jinchuriki as well. She bit down on her lower lip as she considered the threat this boy could potentially bring, if he has already brought to the village. The council will have a field day with her once they found out this boy was a Jinchuriki and in Konoha under her authority.

And the fact that the Akatsuki were involved made matters worse.

While she was lost in her thoughts the sudden movements behind his eyelids indicated that he was waking up.

She step back and waited for the child to open his eyes and hopefully have his memories.

Once his eyes fluttered open, Sakura was taken aback by his eyes. They were a very beautiful and stunning silvery blue. His gaze took in his surroundings before landing them on her. Sakura smiled at him in friendly greeting before explaining to him what had happened. "Hey there I'm Sa- , I mean Tsunade-sama I'm the Hokage of Konoha." For a moment she had slipped up, but quickly caught herself. The boy didn't seem to notice for he continued to stare at her unblinking. It unnerved Sakura and she wondered if he sustained any brain injury.

"We found no identification on you so do you mind telling me who you are and which village you belong to?" Sakura asked calmly.

The boy regarded her silently and continued to watch her.

'Why isn't he talking? He's probably still shock, mostly traumatized as well.' Sakura deduced. Fighting against the Akatsuki and being left alive was a miracle of itself. She watched him with a worry gaze, wondering what he could be thinking.

'What happened?' The boy asked as he took in his surroundings.

He was in a hospital room and a woman was with him holding a folder. What was she doing here? He took her appearance in with his sharp gaze. She asked him questions that he did not have the answers to. He couldn't remember anything. He stared at the blonde woman with unblinking eyes and wondered who he was and how he ended up here. "What happened?" He asked this time voicing his earlier question out loud.

His question stunned the blonde woman.

"You mean you don't remember anything at all?"

He shook his head no.

"I don't remember… anything really, not even my own name." He revealed to her dumb founded. He search his mind for any memory regarding who he is, but found nothing except a dark void. His brows furrow in frustration when he couldn't find anything.

The blonde woman's face became completely serious and somewhat troublesome. "This will make things a little difficult. You have amnesia, but hopefully in a few days your memories will return to you." Sakura informed him with a small hopeful smile on her lips as she wrote down his diagnosis. "My men found you earlier this morning, unconscious on the forest ground, wounded and losing blood. Do you remember anything about what happened that caused you to lose consciousness?" It was important for her to know everything he knew and to figure out his part involving the Akatsuki. She had hoped that by giving him some details of how they found him would jog his memory.

Once again he shook his head no.

"Nothing is coming to my mind… I'm sorry Lady." He murmured with burning cheeks and down cast eyes to his tighten fists.

"It's alright I'm sure in a few days it will slowly come back to you."

He nodded his head at her reassuring words and inhaled deeply.

His pupils contracted sharply at the scent that filled his senses. 'Where is that smell coming from?' He thought to himself while taking another sniff in the air. He hadn't notice it before, but now that he did he wondered where it was coming from. It was an extremely sweet smell and he found rather pleasing.

"Alright, I'll return again tomorrow morning to see how you're doing and for now just take it easy, ok." He nodded his head at the order and watched as she left and as she did so did the strength of the sweet scent. "It must have been her." He conceded to himself now that he was alone. He wondered if it was normal to have a sense of smell that was this strong.

He pulled the thin, white sheets over his body and opt to go back to sleep. He still felt exhausted and from what the blonde woman had told him he's been asleep the entire day. He gazed towards the window and wondered what happened to him. "Why was I unconscious?" He asked quietly to himself. "What was I doing before I was found?" This only brought up more unanswered questions and soon the boy fell into a fitful sleep.

All he could see were deep crimson colored eyes staring at him intensely.

The commas circling within the dark colored irises reminded him of a beautifully, intricate pin wheel.

A/N: So here goes chapter ten I hope you guys enjoy it! Updates should be coming a lot faster since I've graduated from High School this pass June 4th. I will be having a lot of free time to write my stories. Anyways I want to thank you guys for reviewing and in this chapter I really tried with my grammar hopefully I improved somewhat. :)

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Lady Manami