A/N:

Excuses? Um... Been busy and Self-criticism... Practice, practice, practice. I need a lot of those. If you reached this far in reading this story, my appreciation for you has just gone up a new level.

Okay, enough with the drama! Let's reach for our seat belts please, secure them with a click, and hold on to our seats now, shall we?


Chapter 4

All Over Again


*Crack* *Crack*

That was the sound of warming-up knuckles.

"HYAAAAAA!"

And that… was Haruno Sakura's warning signal.

The inflated bag shook violently upon the sudden impact. It threatened to detach from its chains at the seconds that followed.

"How was that Kakashi-sensei?"

Her breathing was ragged as she reached for the towel draped around her shoulders, then wiped the sweat that trickled down her forehead. She had been working on that power punch for hours – scratch that – for years now.

Sakura fixed the cloth bandage around her right fist and looked over to her sensei, who was sitting on the lawn. She scowled upon discovering he wasn't looking. The silence stretched throughout the backyard.

The so-called 'sensei' finally looked up. "Huh? Oh sorry, I didn't catch that. Can you do it again?"

She groaned. "How would you see me, if all this time, you've been looking at that book?" She eyed the piece of literature in disgust. "Forget it, I'm already tired."

The grass softly crunched under her sneakers as she walked to her bodyguard and plopped down next to him. Kakashi just shrugged and went back to his reading. He made no effort to hide his amused smirk; the cloth that covered his face did the job. An air of pride surrounded him.

"I was watching, Sakura-chan!" A yell made them look to its source.

"Obito-san! Good morning!" Sakura greeted, while Kakashi ignored him and faced his book once more.

"That was awesome! You were a monster! I mean, I wouldn't dream to be on the receiving end of your wrath… Just imagine if that punching bag was a human." Obito shivered at the thought.

He strode over to them and sat down Indian style beside Sakura.

"Well, you picked on my bad side by labeling me as a monster. But since I earned a compliment, you're forgiven. Thank you, Obito-san! At least you acknowledge my hard work unlike 'some people'." Her voice rose at the end of her statement, while she leaned a bit towards her sensei.

Kakashi just continued reading, like it had been quiet all along.

"Don't waste energy minding about that Sakura-chan, 'cause my words are far more significant than what 'some people' think." Obito mimicked her tone and looked over at his friend.

Kakashi remained still as a statue.

They both sighed at the same time, exasperated.

"He's hopeless," Obito muttered.

"I second that motion… I don't get it. What's so interesting about that book, anyway?" Sakura's gaze shifted from Kakashi, to the book, and then back. One brow curled up.

In that instant, Kakashi looked up from his book. His defensive side was awakened by the criticism on his choice of literature. "Sakura, Sakura, you're too young to understand the meaning of love." He stated almost dreamily.

"Yeah right, 'love' your ass." She snorted. "Um, earth to Kakashi-sensei? I'm turning seventeen soon."

"Kakashi-sensei to earth? You said it yourself… 'soon'. But right now, at this very moment; you're still at sweet sixteen, young Sakura." Kakashi mocked in return, before he turned his attention back to his book.

Sakura was quiet as she thought of a comeback. "So, if you already 'understand love' Kakashi-sensei, you must be very old then."

A fit of laughter joined the exchange. Obito clutched his stomach and laughed his heart out. "That was- that was a good one! Ka-Kakashi! You're old!" He managed to say in between guffaws.

Sakura wore a triumphant smile.

Kakashi's eyebrow twitched. He couldn't keep silent any longer; not when his dignity was at stake. "Like, you're one to talk. We're of the same age."

Obito froze, like a bucket of ice cold water has splashed onto him. It was Sakura's turn to laugh. And the victory smirk was on Kakashi, but as always, nobody could see it.

"Well, at least, I don't read that kind of crap. I actually have a love life, you know." Obito said, quite defensive.

"Oh, are you talking about the nurse at Konoha Hospital you're crushing on for like… five years now?" Kakashi asked, as his tone dripped with sarcasm.

"Her name is Rin! And she's not my crush, for your information. She's the love of my life." He finished dreamily.

"Blah…" Sakura interrupted. "What's up with the love talking this morning, seriously?"

"Oh, Sakura-chan… you'll understand it when you fall in love." Obito replied, still in his dreamy state.

"Yuck!" She stuck her tongue out and held onto her throat, as if she were to throw up.

"Sakura!" Kizashi's voice called from across the yard. "Sakura come over here for a second!"

Sakura turned to their house and let out another exasperated sigh. "Well, gotta go! Wouldn't want to anger the king now, would I?"

She patted the shoulders of the men on her either side, and used them for support as she stood up. They answered simultaneously.

"See yah, Sakura-chan!"

"Yeah."

She beamed at them before marching back to the house. "Later!"

Sakura met her father at the patio. She debated if she should hug him or not, since she was all sticky from sweat. So, she opted to just greet him. "Hey dad!"

"Good morning honey, I see you've been training again." Kizashi was not in favor of this self-dense training at first. He was afraid Sakura might get herself hurt or injured. But Sakura was persistent about it. She reasoned she can use the skill against the bad guys, such as potential kidnappers. Kizashi couldn't argue with that. It was indeed an advantage, so he gave his consent.

"Yes dad, it kinda is a hobby now. And I'm improving, I guess." Sakura gave him an uneasy smile. She really hoped so, since she had been training whenever available during weekends. At first, it was like a game, and mostly lectures. But as she got older, more advanced techniques and martial arts were added to the training. Her toned muscles and the remains of scratches on her knuckles could testify to that.

"That's good." Kizashi nodded in approval. "Honey, I'll just inform you that we're going to the Uzumaki's for lunch today. So, you better get ready."

"What? Why?" Sakura's eyes went wide, before she remembered her dad was still in front of her. "I mean… why couldn't they have come here instead?"

"Well, Kenshin insisted to have a meal at theirs this time. Come to think of it, it has been a while since we last visited their place. You go get ready, okay?"

Sakura nodded once and kept quiet. She doubted she could say pleasing words at the moment. She reached for the sliding door and threw it open. With heavy footsteps, she started the journey to her room.

Kizashi scowled at her action. "Aren't you excited to have a chat with your friend Karin?"

"Yeah sure… Oh, joy…" Sakura uttered as she headed for the stairs and out of her father's earshot.


An index finger had been tapping the leather part of a steering wheel. The action created a rhythm, matching with the melody of a masculine hum contained in the same small space. The same hand was raised to brush the invisible dust atop the person's head, before it was returned to its previous position. An audible sigh joined the orchestra. The hand tilted to the side and the fastened silver watch met a pair of charcoal eyes.

Eleven AM... another exasperated sigh, before the eyes resumed peering out the windshield.

A sudden vibration from his pocket grabbed attention. He reached for the phone, checked the caller ID, and pressed the answer key.

"Sir." A deep voice.

"Any news?" Came a low thickly voice from the other line.

"Negative. They're currently in the mansion, including the target."

"Okay. Call me back if you made any progress. Take note of any possible openings. We can work that to our advantage."

"Got it."

"Good. Just make sure you remain unnoticed." The caller hung up without warning.

The man continued staring out the windshield as a satisfied smirk crept on his face. "That's my specialty."

The gates he had been keeping his eyes on finally swung open. A black luxurious car, with all its tinted windows shut, emerged onto the roadway. He took note of its number plate before revving up his own engine. As soon as the gates closed, he let go of the brake and stepped on the accelerator.

"Let the mission begin."


Sakura took her seat at the long dining table of the Uzumakis.

"So Sakura, as I was saying…" Oh, that's right! Karin sat right beside her. Damn, I almost succeeded forgetting about that. "Do you remember the date with Kiba I talked to you about?"

A grimace glued itself on Karin's face, as she narrowed her eyes at Sakura.

Sakura took a side-glance at Mr. Uzumaki, who was eating in peace at the head of the dining table. Although he wasn't looking at them, his head was tilted to the side. Like he were a cellphone trying to catch a signal.

"I… do?"

"Yeah about that, the date went absolutely great!... Oh! He liked the designer dress I wore. He said it suits me. It's imported of course, from Italy, but I wouldn't brag about that. Anyways, I just wanna say I totally owe you for helping me choose that dress."

Sakura's brows furrowed. "I did?"

Karin giggled. "Of course you did, silly." She patted (slapped) Sakura's arm and continued her nasal giggling. "Why do you keep forgetting things lately? That isn't like you at all. I mean, you are a smart one. I bet you have a big brain, just by looking at that forehead of yours." She let out another nasal giggle while turning to the others at the table.

If Sakura was still her eight-year old self; that could have made her cry. Although it stung a bit, that comment wasn't such a big deal anymore. It helped that Ino nick-named her with that insecurity of hers. She became… immune to it. But it did hurt coming from other people she wasn't that close to.

She glanced at the others. They're really buying that as a joke! Even her dad was chuckling. The traitor.

She sneered and faced Karin. "You know, you're also different. You seem to be happier today than the usual. That isn't like your personality at all."

Sakura focused on her plate, devoted to finish her meal as soon as possible. She ignored the fixed gaze of the other teen beside her, and after that they ate in peace… or not.

Karin reached for the bowl near Sakura and put some of its contents on her plate. She was putting it back in place, when it accidentally slipped from her grasp. The bowl clanked onto Sakura's plate. It tipped over, spilling a generous amount of spaghetti sauce on her lap.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry!" Karin squeaked, and abruptly stood up to reach for the napkins.

That also alerted the others at the table, but they weren't as stunned as the victim. Sakura willed herself to speak. "I-it's okay…" I'm just wearing my favorite shirt!

Mr. Uzumaki spoke. "Karin, you better help Sakura get cleaned-up. Go on, lend her your clothes."

Karin, who was wiping Sakura's shirt at the moment, paused for a second. "Of course, daddy… Come on Sakura, let's get you upstairs to my room."

Sakura followed Karin up the staircase, with a desperate need to take a shower. She hated tomatoes.

They finally made it to Karin's room, and the mask came off once the door was closed.

"So, how does it feel to be on the menu, freak? You should know better than to mess with me next time, if you don't wanna end up being a mess yourself." Karin snickered.

Sakura was taken aback by the impossibility of Karin. She seriously thought it was an accident. A scowl made its way to her face as she stepped forward. "How could you do that?!"

"Ew, don't go near me! You're disgusting! If you don't want that sauce to add up to your filthiness, you better go take a shower. There's the bathroom." Karin pointed a manicured finger at the door behind Sakura. "Now, shoo! I still need to dig my walk-in-closet, which is bigger than your room, for old clothes."

Karin started walking away to her closet, before pausing halfway to look back at Sakura. "Oh, and don't bother to return them. I consider them as trash. Aren't I charitable?"

Sakura glared daggers at her. She stomped her way to the bathroom and slammed the door shut. She stood in front of the lavatory mirror and scowled at the unfairness of it all.

"Aargh!" She stared at the girl in front of her. Inhale… Exhale… "Calm down Sakura, this will pass... It always does." She whispered.


"I swear Sakura, if you don't tell your dad what that witch is doing, I'll volunteer myself."

"You're not helping, Ino."

"Fine, just let her do what she want and destroy your life! Happy?"

Sakura sighed and rested her chin on her hands, which were likewise rested on the cafeteria table. If she wasn't concerned about her dad's friendship with the Uzumakis, she would have told him about it long ago. She also blamed her conscience for that. She didn't want Karin's 'less appropriate' behavior to be exposed to Mr. Uzumaki. No, not because she pity her, but because she didn't want to disappoint Karin's father.

Mr. Uzumaki was like an uncle she never had. He gives her presents during special occasions. He's easy to talk to, and cracks jokes every now and then. Overall, he's a kind-hearted man. And he reminded her of Sakumo-san…

It was really a shame that Karin wasn't able to acquire some of his traits. Physically speaking, there was no doubt that she's his daughter. Both of them have red hair and dark amber eyes that are almost red. But attitude wise, they're like total opposites. He smiles at every person he meets; he doesn't proclaim to the world how rich he is, or how high his status is compared to others.

Even the idea of addressing them in English honorifics was from his wife, Akane Uzumaki. She explained that it sounded more 'elegant' compared to the traditional –san, but that was her opinion. Even Sakura calls her father 'dad', because that was what she got used to. She grew up calling him that.

"S-Sakura-chan, isn't it that your birthday's coming soon? What are your plans?" A gentle voice brought her out of her thoughts.

Sakura turned to her right and was met with innocent grey eyes. "Unfortunately yes, Hinata… Actually, I don't have any plans yet."

"Oh my God! Are you kidding?" Ino joined in, looking like she had already forgotten about their previous argument. She leaned forward, as she was seated opposite Sakura. "Forehead, birthdays only happen once a year. They should be carefully planned for weeks!"

Another voice spoke. "Tch, you're exaggerating things again, Ino."

Ino whipped her head to her left, where the last person at their table sat. "It's called preparation, Tenten!"

"Sounds like obsessive compulsion to me."

"Yeah, for you it is! I wouldn't be surprised if you even feel obliged to breathe."

Sakura and Hinata watched in silence. Eyes fixed on the brunette.

"…And what do you mean by that?"

Two pairs of eyes glided to liquid-blue ones.

"Just what you think it meant… or don't tell me, you also consider 'thinking' a task?"

Two pairs of eyes glided to rich-brown ones.

"So, now we're talking about IQ… Tell me Ino, what do those letters stand for huh?"

And back to blue.

"Wha-! Hey, just because I'm blonde, doesn't mea-"

*RIIIIIIIIIING!*

"Okay, you two, cease-fire… Come on, let's get to class." Sakura smirked as she stood up from her seat. Hinata followed suit, featuring a small smile of her own. They started to walk side-by-side as rushing footsteps accompany them from behind.


Time doesn't just run, it flies. And before Sakura knew it, it was already the day she had been foreboding about: her birthday. She doesn't hate it, no. Although there were a few instances when she wished she was never born at all, she was still grateful for it nonetheless. She just didn't want to celebrate it like it were a nationwide holiday.

What was so good about a hundred guests, if 90% of them were practically strangers to her? They weren't really there to celebrate another completed year of her life. Why would they care if they only met her once or twice a year, even worse, if they never met her at all?

She raised her eyes to the dresser mirror and was beheld with the sight of a young woman. Her hair was let down, and curled halfway to the ends. She had a frown on her color-filled face. She wore a pink blush and semi-tan lipstick, but the attention was on her eyes. There was an intricate blending of metallic gold, on the inner sides of her eyes, to medium green shadows along the crease lines on the outer. Green eyeliner was applied to the top and bottom lash lines. And the look was finished with black lash mascara.

It was like she was staring at a different person.

"Why the long face?"

Sakura turned to the opened door, and found her bodyguard leaning against the jamb. She pulled the corners of her lips up, with effort. "Nothing."

"Right… Like I would believe that. Okay, if you don't like to talk about it, I won't force you to. I may or may not do anything about it, anyway. I mean, who am I, right? Well, I'm just your little old bodyguard. I'm not a guidance counselor, and I'm not sure if you consider me a friend either. So, just go ahead and resume moping. Don't mind me…" Kakashi said, as he walked inside and sat on the edge of the bed.

Sakura rolled her eyes and sighed. "Fine, I'll tell you. No need to poke my conscience."

Kakashi's eyes crinkled at the sides. "I'm listening."

"I just don't want the party, Kakashi-sensei. So much people that will look at me, and I don't even know most of them. I just feel… I don't know… uneasy. I don't want to celebrate my birthday with the people I'm not comfortable with."

"Sakura, it's the thought that counts. People are going to give you a part of their time; to attend your party. And time is something that they, you or I can't take back. So, their mere presence is something to be thankful for. Try to put it this way: yes, you don't know them, but the fact that they will be celebrating with you, implies that they are happy for you; that they care about you despite not knowing you well. Isn't that something?"

"But they're just gonna attend the party, because they want to get close to my dad."

"And what makes you think so?"

"…I don't know… because he's rich and famous and all that?"

"Here's the deal, people are different from one another. What if… some of them will be there to actually celebrate with you? What if some will actually want to get to know you? Not just as Kizashi-sama's daughter, but also as an individual. Now, if they have other motives, then that's not your problem anymore. But still be grateful for their presence, regardless. The more, the merrier, right? Oh, and about the part that they'll look at you. Don't worry; the stylist did a good job."

"You're a liar, Kakashi-sensei."

Kakashi's eyebrows shot up as he stared at her.

"You ARE a guidance counselor…" Her lips slowly spread into a genuine smile. "And thank you for the compliment."

Kakashi sighed in relief and shook his head. "You got me there. Have you been into acting workshops lately?"

"Well… you can say that." She chuckled, and Kakashi couldn't help but join her.

Sakura's last sentence was her own inside joke. She never told Kakashi about the situation with Karin. She knew he would report it to her dad no matter what. It was part of his job after all.

"Hey, what's so funny in here? Care to sha- Wow! You look beautiful Sakura-chan! I almost didn't recognize you!" Obito stood at the door.

"Oh, hey, Obito-san! Thanks. You don't look so bad, yourself." Sakura said, as she waved her hand to indicate his clothes. He was wearing a navy blue designer tuxedo that was cut to precision, with his best red neck tie on.

Kakashi turned to Obito. "Aren't you a little overdressed for the occasion?"

Obito smirked. "No, I'm not! I have to look my best, since Rin will be there. She'll notice me this time!"

"I'll just remind you. We won't be there to party; we'll do our duties as guards."

Sakura interrupted. "Hey! Who said you can't party with us? I don't approve to that! Don't listen to him Obito-san. It's my birthday and I want you all to have fun. Besides, the venue's just at the backyard, it's not like outsiders can enter the gates anyway."

"Thank you Sakura-chan! You're the best!" Then Obito faced Kakashi with a playful glare. "You heard that, Mr. Kill-joy?"

"No, I didn't Obito. I wasn't in the same room as you two. Why are you here, anyway?"

"Oh! Right! I'll just inform Sakura-chan that the party will start in thirty minutes. It seems to me that she's already set, though." He looked at her in awe. "Happy birthday, Sakura-chan!"

Sakura stood from her vanity chair, her gown cascaded with the action until it almost touched the floor. It was a sleeveless dark green gown, with the bodice fitted to her form until the waist line and the skirt part was in a balloon design.

A smile graced her features. "Thank you, Obito-san."

The party was like what she expected. Businessmen or women here and there; one greets her first, and the next second, they were already in a conversation with her dad. She admitted there were also perks of inviting her dad's business partners; one was the fact that her dad was actually present.

She stayed with her three friends most of the night; Tsunade and Shizune were also at their table. She enjoyed their company, but right after she thanked every one of the guests. She also met Rin and even spotted her with Obito on the dance floor.

Even Karin was overjoyed to wish her a happy birthday, provided that her dad and Mr. Uzumaki were watching their exchange. When they weren't looking anymore; Karin left with Ami, her real best friend, and went to other tables to hunt down single sons of business people on the guests list.

Many teenage boys were also being friendly to Sakura. One after another asked for a dance, and each request was followed by squeals from her friends. She accepted each dance of course, but more out of politeness than anything else.

Sakura was in the middle of a conversation with her friends when Kizashi called for her. She excused herself and let her father lead the way. Kakashi followed them, together with her dad's bodyguards: Obito and Iruka. Two more bodyguards accompanied them for precautions; they were Kotetsu and Genma.

When they arrived at the main parlour, she was told to cover her eyes with her hands; because a blindfold was not an option. Kizashi held onto her shoulders and guided her out the main door. Her father was certain that she wouldn't peek. And she never did; she kept her eyes closed even until they stopped walking.

"Can I open my eyes now?" She asked.

"Okay, honey. You can look now."

Sakura gasped as soon as she saw what was right in front of her. It was a sleek red convertible; the latest model in the market.

"Happy birthday, honey." Kizashi smiled at her reaction.

"Wow! Thank you dad!" She leaped and gave him a hug. She never had a car of her own; since Kizashi had pointed out that it was too dangerous for her. "Does this mean I get to drive now?"

Kizashi pulled back and gave her a warning look. "Sakura, you know how risky driving is. You can only use this under one condition. You have to be with your bodyguard and he has to drive… for now."

Sakura was too delighted to complain at the moment, so she just nodded. "Actually that's two… but okay, fine!… for now." She grinned and waved her arm to the car as if saying 'behold' in a circus show. "Can I at least feel the driver seat?"

Kizashi gave her a smile and handed her the keys. "Help yourself."

Sakura wasted no time. She rushed to the car, almost tripping from her dress and high heels. With her grin still on, she opened the door at the driver side. She let it swung completely before sliding in.

"Wow…" She eyed the fine cream leather seats and the black leather-covered dashboard. On the dashboard was an electronic media center. It was complete from a voice command option, entertainment, a navigation system and many more options she wasn't familiar with.

She peered outside for her bodyguard. "Hey! Kakashi-sensei, let's take a spin!"

She reached for the door handle and pulled the door closed. As soon as her hands were on the wheel, a cold, thin object was also pressed against her neck, just below her right jaw.

"Lock the doors." Came a gruff voice from the backseat.

She held her breath and glanced at the rearview mirror. There was a figure behind her. From the voice alone, she can tell it was a male. A black balaclava covered his entire head with only his eyes exposed; just like the one's worn by typical robbers on TV.

"Now." He urged, as he pressed the metal to her neck, but not enough to draw blood.

She tried to remember the self-defense techniques she had been practicing. She tried to think of one that would be appropriate for the situation. She tried to recall the martial arts lessons from Kakashi-sensei. But she couldn't think straight, and the fear for her life took over.

She reached for the power lock button on the dashboard. Then the man's left forearm was placed below her chin and locked her in place, with the knife still positioned to her right.

"Drive."

Her hand was trembling as she placed the key in the ignition. She knew how to drive… theoretically. She wasn't good at it, since she never got the chance to practice the skill. But the moment called for desperate measures. Her survival instincts kicked-in and she did as she was told. She stepped on the brake and turned the key. The engine revved to a start.

There was a knock at the window to her side.

"Sakura? Hey, Kizashi-sama just said you can't drive." Kakashi-sensei!

Another knock. "Sakura? Everything okay in there? Open the door."

"Fuck! Start driving." Murmured the man behind her.

"Something's wrong!" Kakashi shouted from outside.

"Go, go!"

The knife was pressed harder to her neck as she tried her best to move away from it. She released the brake and squeaked at the sudden movement. She maneuvered the car to the long driveway and outside the gates. She didn't know why or how was it possible that the gates were opened. But she suspected the man behind her had something to do with it.

The man gave her directions as she continued to drive. She didn't dare to speak the whole time. She glanced at the rearview mirror… no one was following them. All the questions raced to her head. Where were they heading to? Where was Kakashi-sensei? Were they looking for her? Were they okay?

A black car that had just turned from the intersection stopped in front of them and blocked the road. The sudden obstacle caused her to step on the brake on instinct. The momentum made her hunch forward. She wasn't wearing her seatbelt, but the man's arm around her neck kept her from being completely thrown forward.

The action made the knife slide against the surface of her neck, which resulted in a line of red. She hissed at the contact, as liquid crawled down from the wound. Thank goodness it wasn't deep.

Her eyes landed on the car in front; it was one of theirs.

"Holy… shit! Go on reverse! Go!" The man spoke.

She eyed the road through the rearview mirror. Moving in reverse was confusing. Turn the wheel right to go left, and turn the wheel left to go right. The car was starting to move backwards when another car appeared from behind. Just like the first one, it stopped to block their path. She stepped on the brake once more.

"Goddamnit!"

Sakura's fast and shaky breathing were loud inside the car; and her heartbeat was competing with it.

"Unlock the doors."

She turned the engine off and did as she was told. The man removed his left arm against her neck, and opened the two doors at their side of the car. All the while, the knife was pointed at her neck.

"Stay there." He stepped out with his knife, only to face her at the next second from the door beside her. "Get out."

She eyed the knife as she slowly stepped out of the car. As soon as she was out, the man's arm caged her again just above her shoulders, her back to him. He repositioned the knife at her neck. They stepped backwards until they were on the other lane of the road, keeping a visual of the two cars that blocked their way. Sakura gripped the man's arm to keep her balance, and also to prevent it from choking her.

The passenger side door of the first car that blocked them, swung open. And a figure with arms raised, as if in surrender, stepped out.

"Obito-san!"

"Hey… maybe we can talk this through." He said, addressing the man behind Sakura, while slowly walking towards them.

"Stay where you are!" Shouted the masked man, raising the hilt of the knife for emphasis.

Obito paused. "Okay, okay… easy there…" He eyed the knife and frowned when he noticed blood on Sakura's neck.

"Just tell us what you want right now. We can negotiate. So, there won't be a need for kidnapping, and no one will get hurt."

"Tsk. As if I'd buy that line."

No one will get hurt. That sentence played in Sakura's head over and over. That's right. She didn't want them to get hurt because of her. She had to do something, anything. But her shivering form wasn't helping. Inhale… Exhale… Relax… Just focus Sakura… You can do this.

With all the traffic in her mind, she found the go signal. Obito's eyes flickered behind them.

Kakashi-sensei!

Her hands abruptly gripped the man's right arm and twisted it outward. The action caused him to drop the knife and made him loosen his hold around her. She took advantage of the situation by turning around to face him, and raising her right knee to meet his crotch. He grunted and leaned forward to reach for his lower region.

Sakura was about to run away, when a sudden tug of her hair prevented her from doing so. She screamed and held onto the hand that was pulling her hair back to the man's direction.

"You little bitch!" He growled out.

There was another grunt, and her hair was free. She looked back and there was Kakashi, restraining the man's arms from behind.

"Run Sakura!"

Sakura sprinted to where Obito was and clung to him as soon as he was in reach.

"You okay?" He asked. She just nodded against his chest.

"Hey." She looked up and found him smirking. "You were a monster back there."

She gave a small smile at that. Three more bodyguards emerged from the car behind Obito. They deemed it safe to finally show up, now that she wasn't held hostage anymore.

An agonized scream drew their attention back across the street, to where Kakashi and the man were still fighting. Kakashi was crouched as he held onto the left half of his face, where a huge amount of blood was seeping out from. The man had managed to retrieve his weapon.

"Kakashi!" Obito shouted. "Sakura, stay here." He turned to the others. "Take care of her." Then he ran to aid his friend, along with Genma.

Sakura stayed with the two guards as the three men engaged into hand-to-hand combat. Obito knocked the man's arm first, which made him drop the weapon once more. Three versus one. But the man was keeping up. He blocked and avoided their hits in fluid movements. Genma made an attempt to punch the man's right cheek, but the man ducked and threw a kick to his side, throwing him to the ground.

Obito swung his fist in the air, but the man put his forearms together in front of him; effectively blocking the hit. The man raised one leg for a kick, but Obito caught his foot in the air and twisted it to an ankle lock. The man screamed as he drew his leg back and straightened it up with force. His foot landed a hit on Obito's chest, making Obito fall to the ground.

The man then faced Kakashi, who looked like he would lose consciousness at any second. The man attacked first, aiming for the left side of Kakashi's face. Kakashi ducked and managed to land a punch to the man's stomach. The man doubled over but quickly regained his stance and struck Kakashi's left eye.

Kakashi staggered backwards and tried to hold back another scream as he held onto his bleeding face. The man took advantage of the situation, and quickly seized the dropped weapon just about two meters away from him.

He raced towards Kakashi and lifted his right arm to take offense. He pulled his arm back, gaining momentum before flinging the twelve-inch long knife forward with all his might.

A scream.

The knife was embedded on a muscular chest.

It passed through the body armor,

the formal white shirt,

…and the red neck tie.

Sakura's eyes went wide at the scene. Another scream. It was from Genma, who was still on the ground. He held out his gun and pointed it at the man.

bang…

That wasn't the noise she was expecting.

At the next second, the man was on the asphalt. His hands were on his thigh, and his jeans were now soaked and dark red.

Sirens flooded the area as Sakura shifted her gaze to Kakashi and Obito, who were both unconscious on the ground. Strangers in white uniform ran to their side. One of the bodyguards on her either side also ran towards them. She made a move to go there, but the remaining guard held her in place. She recognized him as Kotetsu.

"No, let me go… I'll help them…" The voice sounded like hers.

"Sakura-san, let the medics handle it." Kotetsu said, as he struggled to get her inside the car where it would be safer. It would also prevent her from running to the scene.

Kakashi and Obito were now on stretchers and were being moved to the ambulance.

The police handcuffed the man responsible for it all. They pulled his balaclava off, revealing a messy brown hair and a man more or less in his late thirties.

Sakura sat on the backseat of the car Kotetsu ushered her into. The door closed beside her and she stared out the window, eyes fixed on the kidnapper. He was pulled up from the ground by two police officers. Then he was put into a stretcher, and on his way to another ambulance.

The commotion caused traffic on the area. A black van passed by on the other lane. Its windows tinted. The backseat window slid down, and then an arm extended out.

She couldn't breathe. Entwined with its fingers was a gun.

BANG!

She gasped as familiar red liquid covered the head of the brown-haired, late thirties man; who was already halfway loaded in the ambulance.


The window slid up to a close. He clutched the steering wheel and stepped on the accelerator. Charcoal eyes glanced at the rearview mirror to look at the man on the backseat, who was wiping the tip of his gun with a handkerchief.

"That was necessary. We couldn't risk being found out just because of a newbie's stupidity." Said the man from the backseat.

"Well, that was a shame. I admit he showed more than what we gave him credit for." Answered the person on the passenger seat.

"He knew the consequences. He failed, so he dies."

"That was close though, we almost had her."

A dark sneer marked the face of the man on the backseat.

"That's all right… There's always a next time."


He was in a study room, seating on a couch and facing one of the most powerful men in Japan. He was ready to handle his attitude, whatever that may be. Whether he was a stereotypical rich man or not, he still had to figure out. The more he knew about his charge, the better.

The man glanced at his watch and looked at him. "Do you want some coffee or tea while waiting?"

"No, thank you, Haruno-sama."

"Call me Kizashi, please. We wouldn't want the two Harunos here to turn whenever you say that, would we?"

"Indeed, Kizashi-sama."

"No need to be so formal. Just so you know… that was an attempt at humor."

There was a knock at the door.

"Come in!" Kizashi called out.

The door opened and in came a teenage girl. She looked like she had just woken up. At 12:00 noon. Her hair was a tangled mess. Her hair wasn't ironed straight or artificially curled. Her eyes were puffy with dark bags. She didn't have any make-up on. She wore an ordinary red shirt with grey sweat pants. She wasn't wearing designer clothes. Her feet were in closed toe slippers. Her feet weren't in high heeled sandals.

In summary: She didn't look like a billionaire.

Kizashi smiled at her. "Come here, honey. There's someone I would like you to meet."

They stood from their seats, and Sakura walked to Kizashi's side as she eyed 'him' with a raised brow.

"Honey, this is Uchiha Sasuke, your new bodyguard. Sasuke, this is my daughter, Sakura."

Her eyes stayed on him as the brow which wasn't raised, joined the other. "Uchiha?"

"Yes, honey. He's Obito's nephew."

"Oh." She frowned. "Well, what about Kakashi-sensei?"

It was now Sasuke's turn to raise a brow. Sensei?

"Honey, he needs to stay in the hospital for a few more months. And you're going back to school next week, so you're gonna need a new bodyguard."

Her brows furrowed. "You mean a 'temporary' bodyguard, just until Kakashi-sensei gets back."

Kizashi sighed. "We'll see, honey."

"What do you mean 'we'll see'? I don't want any bodyguard but Kakashi-sensei!"

Now, that… was the rich, spoiled brat he was expecting to see.

"Young lady," Kizashi's voice was stern, and so was his face. "Don't you raise your voice on me, I'm your father. Sasuke will be your bodyguard for the meantime, until we're sure that Kakashi's healthy and is still capable for the job. Now, you better apologize to Sasuke for the behavior you just displayed. I have a meeting to attend to. If you'll'excuse me, Sasuke."

He walked out of the study and left his daughter without a goodbye.

There was a scowl on Sakura's face as she stared at the carpet. Her fists were clenched at her sides. Slowly, she raised her eyes to meet his.

"I'm sorry." She gritted out, before turning on her heel and proceeding to the door. He was right on her trail.

"Why are you following me?" She snarled, as they walked down the hallway.

"Hn." Was she stupid? He was her charge now, so it was natural for him to follow her around. "I'm your bodyguard."

"Bodyguard, huh? Hey, are you even of legal age to be one? How old are you?"

He gave a scowl of his own and fixed his eyes on the steps, as they went up the staircase. He didn't like being interrogated.

She spoke again. "Oh, I'm sorry, how young?"

Annoying. "Eighteen."

Her brows shot up in surprise, but went back to their furrowed state almost immediately. "Fair enough."

They walked down another hallway and paused at a door.

"This is my room." She motioned for the door. "And you're not allowed to enter. This…" She pointed at the spot where she was standing. "Is your post. Understand?"

He gave a slight nod. She took that as a yes, so she turned around to grip the knob.

"I understand… princess."

She froze.

She turned her head and glared daggers at him. "Don't call me that."

She pushed the door open and slammed it back in place, all in less than a second.

What was wrong with that brat? One moment she's fine and the next she was in flames. Sasuke was sure that clear liquid settled at the bottom of her eyes. Or was he just imagining it? He shrugged and resolved to stand beside the door, which she designated as his 'post'.

He didn't care about his charge's personal business… unless he would benefit from it. He didn't care if the job was only temporary. He didn't care how dangerous it was. He didn't care if this would cost him his life. He didn't care how long he would wait.

All he cared about was his goal.

All he cared about was his mission.

He smirked.

Let the mission begin.