Chapter 8: Problems Arise
A/U: Surprise! I was feeling a little under the weather so what better thing to do but write will confined in bed. Anyways, I know the last chapter was a little stiff, but it was necessary for the storyline. Enjoy this newest chapter and a big shout out to all of my reviewers! Thank you for reviewing!
A group of men made their way down the darken alley with one goal in mind, revenge. The blonde hair male was in front, acting as the guide as they approached their targets. With a signal the other three melted into the shadows, leaving the lone male to make his way over to the cluster of guys. With a quick headcount, Naruto saw there were at least ten men hanging around. Half of them looked like they would put up a decent fight while the other half appeared to be weak. Naruto tried to smother a laugh as he took in the sight before him. This was the group that was responsible for what had occurred at Naka? Hmph, their fallen comrades were probably rolling in their grave if they saw the guys that were responsible for their premature deaths. Deciding it was best to make his appearance known, Naruto withdrew his standard tanto that everyone in the group carried with them. Lazily, he dragged the blade against the stone wall causing a screeching noise along with sparks that served to briefly illuminate the blonde boy's face. The men looked in up surprise, but didn't bother to give Naruto the time of day. Clearly they were doubting him. They would regret that soon enough.
"Yo."
"Che. What do you want punk?"
"Oh, I don't know...maybe your life."
With that, Naruto appeared behind one of the men before he quickly slit the man's throat. Shock had the other guys temporarily frozen in place which left them wide open. With a short whistle, the other members that had disappeared in the shadows reappeared and quickly dispatched the other men. It took them less than a minute to complete their tasks. Flicking his wrist to get the blood off the blade, Naruto turned to address the other members.
"Move out and let the civilians know that this district is now under the Karasu group's control. No harm will befall them."
A brief nod was the only acknowledgement that Naruto received. Running a hand through his hair he looked up into the sky and let out a breathe that he didn't even realize he was holding. Even though death was a requirement in his field of work, he would never be able to get used to it. But for the sake of avenging his mother, father and beloved Hinata, he would allow his hands to be stained with the enemy's blood.
"Only for you."
A sigh escaped Naruto's lips as he turned on his heel. The night was still young and there would be more bloodshed. No one ever said the path of vengeance was a peaceful one.
"Kazuma-sama! Kazuma-sama!"
Uttering a curse, Kazuma rose from the confines of his bed to deal with the member that dare disturb his dreams. It was a pleasant one, starring himself and the Uchiha, slowly dying before him. Beyond irritated that his fantasy was ruined, Kazuma swung open the door to find Seito standing before him.
"What is it?" Kazuma barked in response which caused Seito to flinch.
"It's the Karasu group. They have taken over the Kikyo district as well as the Ichikaru district. I believe they will target district seven next. "
Shock was the first emotion to cloud Kazuma's mind, but it was immediately replaced with anger.
"What happened to the men that were assigned there?"
"All dead."
"DAMMIT! Go summon everyone of our member now! I will not allow another district to fall into Karasu's hands. "
"Hai."
With a bow Seito disappeared to awaken the rest of the Furido members that were stationed in Naka. Muttering another curse, Kazuma spun on his heel to prepare for the day. He needed to reinforce the remaining districts he had control over before Sasuke could get his hands on them. Running through a mental list of the members he had assigned to district seven and district three, he was confident that Sasuke wouldn't be able to defeat the members there. After all, he had Fuko in charge of district seven while Fudo was responsible for district three. Still it wouldn't hurt to send more men...just in case. If Sasuke was able to succeed, then the rest of the Furido members would be forced to retreat to the Naka district and that would be a big problem.
"I won't let you succeed Sasuke."
A cell phone began to vibrate on the desk next to the dozing man. In an instant, he was awake and quickly he picked up the phone.
"What is it?"
"Kikyo and Iruka's is ours. Do you want us to go after seven and three?"
"What's the status with your group?"
"A few injuries, minor except for one of the guys had his gut slashed open. We were able to staunch the flow and he will be fine, but he is definitely out."
"Let's regroup first. I have a feeling once Kazuma hears the news he will be reinforcing the other two districts. Besides, I told you to take half of the group but you only took five guys with you?"
"Hehe...my defense, the guys we fought were weak as hell."
"Tch. Get your ass back to base and we will strategize our next move. Besides, I have a feeling the other yakuza heads will be calling a meeting very soon. Especially if Kazuma plans to whine to the other members."
"Hmph. I still don't understand how he was able to become one of the top gang leaders."
"Simple, he is slick and he preys on the weak. Sometimes you just need to know how to manipulate others to get on the top."
"Yeah, and in doing so, kill the lives of innocents and forsake your yakuza honor."
"Exactly."
"Alright we will head back. Hey, how did it go with the girl?"
"Hn."
"Come on Sasuke. Did the flowers work? Did she forgive you for being an asshole?"
"When you get back Naruto."
"Aww come on!"
Deciding it was best to just hang up, Sasuke did exactly that. He wasn't surprised that a few minutes later, the phone began to ring again.
"Uchiha."
"You are summoned to convene with the other yakuza heads at the Heiwa tea room in one hour."
"Alright."
With a smirk, Sasuke tossed the phone onto the bed as he prepared for the day. So far everything was going according to plan. As Sasuke waited for the water to heat up, he thoughts wandered over to a pink haired woman. Maybe he would be able to see her today. The idea that he might run into Sakura brought a smile on his face. He could continue with his plan of destroying Furido and wooing the girl he was attracted to.
"Today will be a good day."
"Sakura, open up."
Groggily, Sakura rose from her bed and slowly made her way over to her door. As her hands clasped around the familiar shape of a door handle, she pulled the door towards her and tried to figure out who was bugging her this early.
"Sakura."
"Kakashi?"
"Hai."
The cheery tone was evident as Kakashi took in Sakura's disheveled appearance. Not even bothering to hide his smile, he gently guided her to one of the comfy chairs and turned to prepare some coffee for her.
"What do you want?"
"Glad to see you too."
"Sorry, but I know for a fact that you are not a morning person so what is it?"
"True and neither are you. The Haruno group is being summoned to the Heiwa tea room for a meeting with the other heads."
Instantly Sakura was alert.
"What happened?"
"Apparently the Karasu group has taken over two of Kazuma's districts and he is obviously not happy."
"Hmph, so he decides to call a meeting so he can complain?"
"Basically."
"Pathetic. How can that man even claim to be a yakuza?"
Shaking her head, Sakura waited for Kakashi to bring her the coffee that she could smell brewing. A warm mug was placed in her hands and slowly she breathe in the intoxicating scent of the coffee. Taking a sip, she allowed the bitter coffee that was mixed with a little bit of milk to warm her. Holding the mug close to her, Sakura turned her gaze in the direction where Kakashi had just sat down on the other chair.
"Am I suppose to attend?"
"That's up to you. I believe Kizashi would rather you didn't."
"Ok, I'm going. Where is my kimono?
Rolling his lone eye, Kakashi walked over to her closet and quickly pulled out her deep red kimono that had the emblem of the Haruno group on the back. The obi was also white, reflecting the chosen color of the Haruno symbol. Gently he tossed it on the bed as he made his way over to the door.
"Ten minutes and we have to go. The kimono is on the bed. I'll help you tie the obi."
With a wave of her hand, Sakura rose from her seat and felt her way to her bedroom. Kakashi waited until he saw the door to her room slam shut before plopping down on the chair and pulling out his trusted novel. After a few minutes of getting absorbed in the scenarios that the book described with great detail, Sakura's door was opened.
"Kakashi, put down your porn and help me."
"Not porn," was Kakashi's response as he tucked the book into his back pocket in order to help Sakura tie the obi.
"Oh, then you don't mind reminding me a few passages?"
"Not at all."
Sighing in response, Sakura waited for Kakashi to finish before quickly twisting her hair in a loose knot at the nape of her neck.
"Shameless man."
"I prefer refined."
An arch of an eyebrow was the only response he received before Sakura looped her arm through his. As the pair made their way to the door, Sakura slipped on her wooden getas.
"How do you think Otou-san will act when he sees me there?"
"Irritated as usual."
"Good."
"Sakura..."
"I am Haruno Kizashi's heir and if I do not marry, then I will take over the Haruno group. How does he expect me to run the organization if I am not present at the meetings?"
"Simple, marry you off to some man and make it his responsibility."
"I'm not marrying a man I don't love."
"...but you would if it meant being able to protect the ones you love."
"Of course. Wouldn't you?"
"Yes."
Silence overcame the usually merry pair as they continued to make their way to the tea room. Both of their thoughts were occupied with the possibility of losing the other to an unwanted marriage. It seemed even if the opportunity arose to marry for love, they would rather enter into an arrange marriage in order to protect their loved ones.
"Sakura."
Sasuke's voice broke the two out of their thoughts. Sakura immediately recognized the man's voice as did Kakashi. Recalling the last encounter he had with Sasuke which involved kidnapping Sakura and then proposing to her, Kakashi immediately had his guard up as he gently pulled Sakura closer to his side. Sasuke took note of that as he arched an eyebrow in response. It seemed the gray haired man was very protective of Sakura.
"Sasuke, is your plan going well?"
"We wouldn't be here if it wasn't."
"Ahh, thank you for that. It is always a dream of mine to listen to men whine so early in the morning."
"You are welcome."
Kakashi observed the interaction between the two and he wasn't pleased. Since when did they become so close?
"Come along Sakura, the other heads are waiting and they aren't known for being patient."
"Ok." With that Kakashi began guiding Sakura to door, Sasuke trailing behind them. As the trio entered the tea room, a server immediately went to greet them.
"How may I help you?"
"Yakuza."
The single phrase had the woman's brown eyes widening in response. With a quick bow, the woman scurried off to find the manager. Within minutes, a man appeared before them and began leading them to the private rooms that were specifically made to accommodate the yakuza meetings. The screen doors slid open to reveal the other heads already situated around the table. Stoic expressions were present on all of the heads except for Kazuma, who wore a mask of smug indifference. Sasuke walked over to his seat as Kakashi and Sakura moved to join Kizashi. A flash of irritation appeared on Kizashi's face as he took in the sight of Kakashi and Sakura. Deciding it was best to ignore them, he turned his attention back to the other heads.
"I believe everyone knows the reason why we are here?"
A busty woman with long blonde hair and amber eyes sat at the head of the table. Her name was Senju Tsunade, the head of all the Konoha yakuza groups. No one dared to go against her decrees due to her lineage as well as her fighting capabilities. Not to mention her right hand man was Jiraiya, another legendary figure in the yakuza underworld whose prowess in fighting rivaled his perverseness.
"Hai Tsunada-sama. The Karasu group has taken it upon themselves to go after two of my districts."
"I believe they are MINE now."
Kazuma glared at Sasuke who was currently sporting a smirk on his face.
" As you can see he does not regret his actions, even though he has violated the unspoken code in which members of the same affiliations are not allowed to go after one another's territories. "
"This is true Sasuke. After all, the yakuza groups fall under my jurisdiction, and we have made an agreement that if you are part of the Konoha organization, one would not tread on another's territory."
Sakura could hear the disapproval in Tsunade's voice and decided it was the best time to give her opinion on the matter.
"Lady Tsuande, may I speak?"
A blonde brow arched in response as she recognized her beloved god-daughter.
"You may."
"This talk of violating an unspoken agreement is laughable. How can Kazuma accuse another for doing what he himself has done in the past?"
"What are you talking about?"
Sakura tilted her head in the direction of the Kazuma's voice but still addressed the other heads.
"The Naka incident. Your group was already part of the Konoha organization yet you still went after one of the Karasu's group territories, disregarding the fact that only civilians lived in that district. I assume the Karasu were more honorable in this takeover since they only killed the men that belonged to your organization. Is that correct Uchiha Sasuke?"
"Hai. All civilians were spared. We followed the traditional way of a takeover, kill the men that belonged to the yakuza group that was in control."
Murmurs could be heard across the table as the other heads conversed with one another. All of them agreed with what Sakura had said. Kazuma was livid as he listened to the others ponder over what Sakura had said. Once again, the damn girl was ruining his plans.
"This does not change the fact that the agreement was violated!"
"Oh? Your actions were left unpunished yet you purposely continue to push for a punishment to be besotted on the Karasu group? Hypocritical. I still do not understand how a whiny man like you, was able to reach the top as one of the best yakuza groups."
With a shake of her head, Sakura continued with her speech.
"It is common for other groups to go after one another's territories. It is the yakuza way and it is hardly unexpected when there are obvious underlying tensions between certain groups. I must say, I am thankful that my engagement to one of your members was interrupted. How can the Haruno group expect to form an allegiance with a group that obvious disrespects the yakuza code and complains when his districts are taken away."
Laughter followed the end of Sakura's monologue. All of the heads turned to look at Tsunade who wasn't even attempting to hide her amusement. Sasuke was te only one who had his gaze focused solely on the pink haired woman. Admiration was clear in his eyes and Kakashi noticed it, which only irritated him further.
"What Sakura said is true. I expect more from you Kazuma. Arranging a meeting like this so you could complain. It is laughable as well as irritating. Obviously, there was no violation to the code as Sasuke followed the traditional way of a takeover and truth be told that unspoken rule was just for show. If you do not want your territory to be taken, you either garner respect from the other groups or have them fortified. There are no actual markers that dictate which territory belongs to which organization. If there is nothing else, then this meeting is over."
"Wait, there is another issue that I would like to address."
"What is it Kazuma?"
"The engagement between the Sakura and Sasori. If the two are not wed, this will be a violation of the contract that Kizashi had signed with me."
"Is this true Kizashi?"
"Hai."
Sakura was horrified as was Kakashi as the two turned their attention to Kizashi.
"What contract, Otou-san?"
A wicked smile found its way onto Kazuma's face as he withdrew a document from his overcoat.
"Here it is. It states that if there is no union between the Haruno group and the Furido group within the year, Kizashi will forfeit the control over the Haruno group to me."
All eyes were plastered on Kizashi who was silently observing the scene before him. When he nodded his head to confirm what Kazuma said was true, everyone around the table jumped from their seats and began to argue with one another.
"How could you Otou-san?"
"I still do not see the necessity to explain myself to you."
Sasuke watched as Sakura began to shake from anger. Tears were beginning to form in her eyes as she and the silver haired man continued to stare at Kizashi with shock and anger clear in both of their eyes. Rising from his seat, Sasuke walked over to Sakura and pulled her aside.
"You should ask what he would've received from marrying you off."
The gentle whisper that reached her ears alerted Sakura as to who was standing beside her. As she processed what Sasuke said, she quickly brushed away the tears, a determined expression now apparent on her face.
"Kazuma. What would Kizashi receive if the reunion went through?"
"Control over the Furido organization with the condition that I will still be in charge of the men, but they would answer to Kizashi."
Sakura took a minute to comprehend what Kazuma was saying. A plan began to formulate in her mind. If the two groups merged and Kizashi had accidently died somehow, then Kazuma would be in charge of the top two groups in the yakuza world.
"I won't let that happen."
Whispering that promise to herself, Sakura smiled in the general direction of Kazuma.
"Let it be known that there will be a marriage between the Haruno group and the Furido group."
Silence filled the room as all eyes were on the pink haired angel.
"However, I would like to suggest a courting period that will last at least a month. Everyone was present during the engagement ceremony and heard what was said. I would be a fool to just willingly tie myself to a man that had obvious distaste for me. This would be the Furido group's second chance to redeem themselves. "
Amber eyes studied Sakura and a small smile formed on her lips. One could not deny that Sakura knew how to maneuver her way through the yakuza organization.
"That is reasonable. Do you object Kazuma?"
"Not at all. I will say that if Sasori fails, I will be more than willing to offer myself."
Kazuma strode over to Sakura before brushing a loose strand away from her face.
"After all, who could resist a beauty like you?"
As Sakura felt Kazuma lean towards her, she gently moved away but Kazuma's hand prevented her from doing so.
"You will not ruin my plans little girl."
"Nor will I be a pawn in your scheme."
The two exchanged angry whispers before Kazuma straightened himself and turned to smile at the other heads.
"I believe that is all, Tsunade-sama. Are we free to leave?"
"Yes, meeting adjourn."
Sasuke moved to speak to Sakura but was cut off my Kakashi. He watched as the two conversed before Kakashi turned and started walking towards him.
"Sakura would like to speak to you."
His tone was stiff and it was obvious that the man disliked him. With a quick nod, Sasuke made his way over to Sakura. With a brief caress on her arm to show that he was next to her, Sakura turned her head in his direction.
"Meet me in my apartment in ten minutes. I would like to discuss some things with you."
"Alright."
With that, Sakura started walking away from Sasuke, Kakashi once again appearing by her side to guide her. Just as she was about to leave, Sakura paused in front of the doorway.
"Thank you, Sasuke."
Not waiting for a response, Sasuke watched the pair disappear into the streets before turning to head over to Sakura's apartment. There were a lot of matters that they needed to discuss. First and foremost her outrageous promise to marry into Furido's group.