Chapter 5: Second Chance

Author's Note: I'm sorry everyone that it took awhile for me to upload Chapter 5. I just started class again and my course load is going to be busy and tedious this semester. I apologize in advance, because it will take a bit for me to write new chapters. I hope you all enjoy chapter 5 and please review! I love reading them.

"Damn him!"

Kazuma was furious as he examined the damage the explosions had caused. Shattered glass surrounded the burnt wooden floors. Pieces of the wood beam ceiling littered the ground making it difficult to maneuver one's way through the wreckage. It would cost a lot to repair everything, not to mention the damage to the Furido's group dojo. They would be forced to build a new one since nothing was salvageable.

"Goddammit!"

Another curse exploded from Kazuma as he kicked away pieces of wood. If he saw Uchiha Sasuke, he would wrap his hands around his throat and strangle him to death.

"Hmph, I'm starting to like this Uchiha Sasuke. To think I thought he was pathetic since he didn't try anything after the Naka district incident."

Kazuma turned his glare to Sasori who had a smirk on his face as he surveyed the damaged that Sasuke had inflicted on the household.

"I'm glad to see you approve of him."

Rancor dripped from Kazuma's voice as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his cigarettes. Quickly he lit one and took a few drags to calm himself before he turned to deal with his other problem, Sasori.

"However, Sasuke's scheme could be a blessing in disguise, what with the stunt you pulled. Now I don't even know if they will go through with the wedding."

Sasori turned his disinterested gaze to Kazuma.

"It is your fault for not telling me you wanted me to marry a disabled woman. Forcing me to be with her, I would rather you kill me alongside my team members."

"That can be arranged, but unfortunately for you, I expect you to go make up with the girl."

"No."

In an instant Kazuma was in front of Sasori, his hands already wrapped around Sasori's neck.

"I am in no mood to tolerate your disobedience. You may have already jeopardize the marriage but I command you to fix it. Otherwise..."

Kazuma tightened his hold on Sasori, already picturing the sound of Sasori's windpipe breaking. A smile made its way onto Kazuma's face as he found pleasure at the thought of killing Sasori.

Sasori saw the smile and vainly tried to break free of Kazuma's grasp. This only succeeded in exciting Kazuma.

"Now, let me ask you, will you do as I say?"

Sasori attempted a nod and was relieved when Kazuma withdrew his hands from around his neck. Within seconds, Sasori collapsed to the ground and started coughing violently as he struggled to breathe.

"Why is it that I always must use force with you? You probably believe I am some kind of monster, which I am not. I believe I am far worse than that."

Sasori could only glare at Kazuma who had started walking over to the ruined table that had been painstakingly set up for the couple. Another glare found its way onto Kazuma's face. He would find a way to get Sasuke back. As of right now, besides Kizashi's group, the Karasu group was the only other group that stood a chance at taking down the Furido group. Combined with Sasuke's thirst for blood and revenge, it would be highly likely that he would attempt another attack soon.

"Tch."

Not to mention, he needed to find a reason for Sasori to meet with the girl again. Sasori would need to apologize, that much was apparent. So what if the girl was handicapped, she was still a beauty. Plus she had some wit so Sasori wouldn't be stuck with a doll for a wife. Running his hand through his hair Kazuma looked down on the ground and saw something peculiar catch his eye. Bending down, he retrieved a necklace that had a ruby in the shape of a cherry blossom for a pendant.

"Perfect."

Kazuma smiled as he examined the pendant. Slowly he walked back to Sasori and handed the pendant to him.

"Go return this to the girl and use this opportunity to make amends. This is your second chance Sasori, do not fail me."

Kakashi let out a sigh as he continued his search for Sakura. He had spent the entire morning stuck in meetings with Kizashi and the heads of the other yakuza groups. The topic of discussion was the Karasu group and the events that had occurred last night. The heads were divided. Some had approved of Sasuke's attack and were actually thinking about supporting him while the others were chiding Sasuke for doing something so immature. Kakashi actually approved of Sasuke's attack. It was about time that the Furido group suffered for their attack on the Naka district. Regardless, Kakashi's opinion didn't really matter. Everyone looked to see what Kizashi wanted to do and after he firmly stated that everyone was to stay out of it, all the chatter surrounding Sasuke and the Furido group died down.

"Yo, Kakashi."

Breaking out of his thoughts, he looked up to see Asuma standing in front of him. The scruffy haired man was puffing away on his cigarette. Thankfully, Kakashi had his face guard on to cover his nose and mouth, preventing the smell from reaching him.

"Have you seen Sakura?"

"Traditionally, one returns a greeting with another greeting. Not a question."

Kakashi rolled his eye in response.

"Sakura?"

Asuma shook his head at Kakashi before pointing to the private garden that once belonged to Mebuki. Kakashi immediately began making his way over to the garden, but was halted by Asuma.

"Just a second. Kizashi wants to see you in his office in 10 minutes. See ya later."

Kakashi grimaced but nodded his head. What did Kizashi want now? With a muffled groan, Kakashi proceeded to make his way to the garden. With a quick flick of his hand, the screen door slide open revealing a hidden oasis. As Kakashi entered the garden, the scent of fresh grass engulfed him. Making his way down the stone path, he took in the magnificent sight of the different flowers blooming, adding bright pops of color to the deep green of the bushes and trees. The sound of running water was echoing in the background.

"Sakura?"

Silence was his only response. A flicker of panic made its way into Kakashi's mind as he continued down the path to the koi pond. When Kakashi arrived at his destination, the scene awaiting him made his heart stop for a moment. There laying on the grass was Sakura, fast asleep. Her long pink hair surrounded her, melding in with the vibrant greens of her surroundings. She was wearing a white short sundress that ended in a little ruffle at the hem. She looked like a fairy.

"Sakura..."

With that, Sakura stirred and Kakashi watched as her eyes flashed open.

"Kakashi?"

Her voice sounded a little hoarse and as Kakashi approached her, he saw that her eyes were red. Gently he reached his hand out to caress her cheek.

"What's wrong?"

Sakura felt Kakashi's hand and she smiled in response.

"I didn't get enough sleep last night. I thought a nap would help."

"Feel better?"

"Yup, especially since you are here. I was lonely..."

A small smile formed on Kakashi's lips but Sakura didn't notice it.

"Well, what's the news?"

"Nothing new, talks about the incident last night and whether or not the other groups should get involved."

"Otou-san said no?"

"Correct. Speaking of Kizashi, I need to go meet him in his office."

"Can I come?"

"I don't know..."

"Please Kakashi! I have nothing to do as of right now."

"Well..."

"If you don't I swear I'm going to go find Seito and ask him to keep me company."

"Fine."

"Thank you Kakashi!"

Sakura jumped up and hugged Kakashi. He could feel the excitement radiating from her and let out a sigh. She knew that he detested Seito, and had used that to her advantage. Shaking his head, Kakashi returned her embrace for a minute, enjoying the sensation of having Sakura in his arms.

"Kakashi?"

Her voice was a soft whisper against his ear and immediately Kakashi released her. Kizashi's warning echoed in Kakashi's mind as he stepped back from Sakura and waited for her to stand up. He wouldn't risk losing the opportunity to be by her side, even if it meant him having to repress his feelings for her.

"Let's go, Kizashi is waiting."

Kizashi eyed the man standing in front of him and made no attempt to hide his displeasure at the red-haired man. He could still recall the hurtful words Sasori had flung at his daughter and he would be damned if he allowed him to insult his precious daughter again.

"What is you purpose?"

Sasori barely flinched against Kizashi's deep and powerful voice. After having to deal with Kazuma for the past few years, Sasori had become immune to being spoken to with thinly veiled hatred. Muttering a curse under his breath Sasori walked forward and bowed his head as a sign of respect.

"I have come to apologize Kizashi-san, for my rude behavior at the engagement party last night. I can only hope you will be willing to forgive me."

"It is not me you should be asking forgiveness from."

"True, but you are her father. By insulting her, I have thus in turn insulted you."

Kizashi hid a smile at the man's response. What a sly man. If Kizashi was an idiot, he would have actually thought the man had meant what he said, but Kizashi knew that Sasori's apology was scripted. Kazuma probably drilled what he wanted the man to say to Kizashi before he was allowed to leave.

"Well said. It is good to see that Kazuma is still skilled at getting out of sticky situations."

Sasori froze for a second before standing up to look at Kizashi. It seemed his rouse was up.

"Yes, that he can do. I am however sorry for the way I acted. I was against the idea of an arranged marriage from the start. Finding out she was blind did not help at all, but it was rude of me to act the way I did."

Kizashi studied Sasori for a bit and he saw that the red-haired man was actually being genuine.

"I accept your apology, but in regards to your engagement, it is up to my daughter. I will not force her to marry a man that she hates. If you want to marry my daughter, then I suggest you find a way to convince her."

Sasori grimaced but nodded in response. He didn't want to "court" Sakura, but if it meant he would be able to spare his men's lives, then so be it. As Sasori started pondering about what he could do to get the girl to agree to marry him, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Kizashi? "

"Kakashi, enter."

With that response, the bamboo silk screen door slide open and Kakashi proceed to enter the room with Sakura by his side. Kizashi eyed Sakura's hand that was wrapped around Kakashi's. If anyone had seen the two walking, they would've thought they were a couple. A glare colored Kizashi's face as he turned his gaze to Kakashi who quickly let go of Sakura's hand.

"Sakura, what are you doing here?"

Kizashi's eyes never left Kakashi as he awaited his daughter's response.

"Is it wrong for a daughter to stop by and say hello to her father? Or am I such an eyesore that you would rather I stay in my room until you decide to marry me off to another man?"

Silence filled the room as Sakura's words sunk in. Kizashi felt another stab of pain but chose to ignore it.

"I see, well I was going to send Asuma to bring you here anyways. Sasori has arrived and would like to speak with you in private. He will guide you to the gardens and you two can have a nice conversation."

With that Kizashi motioned for Sasori to go over to Sakura. This was his chance, if Sasori didn't succeed now then there was no way the two would get married. Judging by the frown on Sakura's face, it didn't seem like Sasori would have a chance.

"As you wish, Otou-san."

Rancor dripped from Sakura's voice as she heard movement and felt a warm presence by her right side. She knew Kakashi was on her left so it was probably Sasori that was standing next to her. Gently she held her hand out and she felt long fingers clasp around her arm. She waited as Sasori proceeded to guide her out the door, but the two were stopped by Kakashi who stood in their way.

"I will go with you."

"No. Kakashi I need a word with you."

Kakashi looked over Sakura's head to see Kizashi looking at him with a displeased expression. Letting out a sigh, Kakashi turned to Sasori.

"Walk straight down the hall, the garden will be on your left. "

With that Kakashi moved out the way and watched as the two walked past him. A mixture of emotions were whirling in Kakashi, jealousy being the prominent one, but Kakashi quickly squashed them as he turned to face Kizashi.

"What is it."

"The deal is for you to not fall in love with my daughter, I hope you are still holding your end of the bargain?"

"Yes."

Kizashi looked at Kakashi who appeared calm and collected.

"Why is it that I find that hard to believe?"

Silence filled the room as the two continued to stare at each other. Finally Kizashi broke the silence.

"Very well, if I even see one slip up, you will never be allowed near my daughter again."

Anger filled Kakashi and before he could stop himself, he asked Kizashi the question that had been bothering him.

"Why is so wrong of me to fall in love with Sakura?"

"You don't deserve..."

The answer infuriated Kakashi to no end and he decided it was best to leave before he did something he would regret. Kizashi watched as Kakashi walked out the room, not even bothering to close the door behind him. Letting out a sigh, Kizashi rose to close the door himself. He didn't want anyone to disturb him right now. Just as Kizashi was about to sit back down, the picture frame on his desk caught his attention. With shaking hands Kizashi pulled it towards him, taking in the familiar features of his late wife holding his beautiful daughter. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes but he quickly brushed them away.

"...to lose the person you love in this cruel world. I'm sorry Kakashi and Sakura, you will thank me later."

"Shall we continue to stay here in awkward silence?"

Sasori was too busy taking in the beauty of the garden that he had almost forgotten about Sakura who was sitting on a stone bench. With a sheepish smile, Sasori walked over to Sakura and sat down beside her, making sure there was a good amount of space in between them.

"I'm sorry...for everything I said."

"Your voice...it changed. Did you hurt yourself?"

Surprise was apparent on his face. He didn't realize how perceptive she was.

"Yeah...I'm feeling a little sick."

"Don't lie."

Once again the surprise expression appeared on Sasori's face as he continued to look at her. How the hell?

"When you are blind your other senses improve to make up for the loss of one. Plus your voice went a little higher when you said you were sick."

Sasori was impressed to say the least. Here he thought he might have been stuck with a disabled person, but it seems that wouldn't have been so.

"In regards to your apology...I will think about it, if you tell what is the real reason that you want to marry me."

Sasori took a minute to think about whether or not he should tell her the truth. A small smile played on his lips. He might as well, after all she could already tell when he was lying.

"Alright. Kazuma threatened to kill my former teammates if I didn't marry you. The reason my voice is different is because hours earlier, Kazuma had his hands around my throat because of what I said last night."

Sakura processed this new bit of information and she felt a mixture of anger and understanding. Gently she reached her hand out to comfort Sasori. She felt her hand brush against warm fingers and softly placed her hand over them.

"I'm sorry to hear. I hope your throat will be alright."

At that moment, Sasori was happy that Sakura was blind so she wouldn't be able to see the blush that had crept onto his face. He had never been comforted be for. It was so shocking and truth be told it actually felt nice.

"Y-Yeah it will be fine."

Deciding it was best to remove his hand from her, Sasori turned his attention elsewhere, waiting for his heated cheeks to cool down.

"But, it seems we do have some things in common."

Curious, Sasori returned his gaze to Sakura.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I was only going to marry you so I could protect my men from the Furido group. I know that if this marriage doesn't work out, Kazuma will probably end up attacking our group and I'm sure there will be a lot of causalities. "

"Heh, I guess we do have some things in common."

Sasori smiled at Sakura and he was shocked to see her smiling. She was pretty that much was apparent when he had first laid eyes on her, but when she smiled...she looked angelic. It was such a contagious and innocent smile that Sasori felt a little sad as it left her face. He would love to see her smile again.

"I accept your apology. Given the circumstance, it seems the your outbreak was necessary."

"Thank you."

Sakura could hear the relief in Sasori's voice. He didn't seem that bad of a guy, maybe it could work out.

"Oh, I almost forgot. I found your necklace."

"What?"

Sasori reached into his pocket and pulled out the cherry blossom necklace that Kazuma had found.

"Yeah, it has a red cherry blossom for a pendant."

"Thank you!"

Sakura was overwhelmed with relief that someone had found the necklace. That was the reason why she was crying in the garden. Sakura held out her hand and was happy when she felt the familiar shape and weight of the pendant land in her hand. Quickly she put on the necklace, feeling at peace now that her mother's gift was back where it belonged.

"Sasori..."

"Yeah?"

"Come here."

Seeing her gesture, Sasori leaned towards Sakura and was surprised when she pulled him closer and placed a kiss on his cheek. His brown eyes widened in response and he felt his cheeks flush in response. Quickly he pulled away from her and tried to compose himself.

"Why?"

"It's my way of saying thank you. This necklace is really important to me."

"Oh...I...see."

Sakura smiled as she heard the nervous tone that his voice had taken. Maybe this engagement could work out and turn into something more than a marriage of convenience. Sakura's smile grew wider as she considered the possibility of marrying Sasori, not knowing that someone was watching her from the shadows. The man glared at the two, recalling what had happened moments earlier.

"Tch."

With that, the man turned on his heel and stormed off, leaving behind a bouquet of cherry blossoms in his wake.