Millii: I was in the mood for writing so sorry for the parts which are extremely described…I got overboard and the little warning below. I know it won't stop people from reading but I'm just a little concerned because children now-a-days are exposed to too much violence and it's going to affect their mental stability! Look at Sasuke! Hahaha…okay I was serious and now, I'm blabbering and I know I'm paranoid so just tolerate my insane ways…

Warning: Rated T for a reason. The first part of the story is a little dark or I you could call it gore-ish so readers who are below 13 should not read it. Just caution, I don't want to give kids nightmares of serial killers.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

New Summary: Sakura a Hyuga main house member stripped of her title & branded with the birdcage seal has returned to Konoha & for what reason? As our brains rack for possible answers, she has 1 goal but has change swayed our young kunoichi's mind from her purpose? Or is it the emotion called love?

"Speaking"

Thinking

Flashback

Note: This is the last time I'm going to interrupt. This was not checked by my beta…so I'm asking the readers to understand…I'm gonna get it check later this week so their might be changes…hopefully not much.

Chapter 5

Reaching his destination he said, "Good night."

"Night." She waved not facing him any more, heading to her room for much needed sleep.

Sakura was laying down on her futon; her mind was reeling in to many thoughts and hardy even ready to shut down so she decided to sharpen her weapons to pass the time and her boredom. She idly gathered them picking out those that were dulled during their fight. Grabbing a water stone from her pack, she enjoyed the sounds emitted from the blades.

Engrossed in her work, Sakura felt the tip of her kunai and twirled it around her finger. Then, she released it, as it sailed through the thin screens, it pinned its target.

There was a hiss of pain and Sakura grabbed her katana which was beside her mattress. Unsheathing it, she positioned it in front of her.

Opening the screen doors, she scrunched her nose from the foul smell. She killed a rodent.

But there was shuffling near the end of the corridor, hurriedly, Sakura took tentative steps and raised her blade. Finally in the corner she swung her katana.

There was a large drop to the floor and heavy intakes of breath. Sakura pointed the katana to the intruder. The man was shaken but still managed to position a kunai in front to defend himself.

"Who sent you?"

"Why should I tell you, leaf kunoichi." He said distastefully with immense hate that his tone became sneering and uneven.

"Talk," Sakura pushed the katana further to the ninja's neck, nicking blood.

He kept his mouth shut, gritting from the pain as he held his wounded shoulder, nursing it. He persistently glared at Sakura.

"Remember, your life's hanging from a whim. That wound isn't helping either," moving the sword and driving it slowly into the bleeding injury, her voice was sadistic. There was also a gleam in her eyes; the raw predatory instinct was slowly resurfacing in her as the blood oozed and dripped from the lose appendage. It certainly didn't help her control either.

Still there was no response…

She placed more pressure to her hand almost slicing the limb off while the unknown ninja screamed and writhed in pain. He tightly held the sharp edge with his bared hands, trying to stop the slicing. It was ineffective and caused more damage. It only led to more injuries and loss of blood.

His blood was splattered every where in the corridor. The arm was eventually sliced off.

Sakura raised the bloodied sword to his neck and then to the forehead, where his village's insignia was shinning in the moon's light.

When she saw it, Sakura in all her strength wanted to butcher the half-dead nin on the floor until he was not distinguishable to be once human.

She reconsidered her decision of being merciful when the nin had the nerve to even throw the kunai to her head. She dodged it easily.

…

…

…

As if something within her shattered like a fragile glass, her expression change as her eyes went wild from her released control. They were glowing eerier silver. She pinned him to the wall using his earlier thrown weapon. Licking her lips, she dragged her katana brutally from his collar bone to his pelvis. His skin was marred red and the sword mercilessly cut threw tissue and muscle, his cries were muted by the crimson blood that eased its ways up and rose to his throat, the same liquid with life giving contents would eventually drown him, bring death to him.

Sakura was not easily satisfied so she grabbed a thin needle concealed in her hair. She slowly moved to the squirming shinobi, he looked pathetic and even more vulnerable than a new born baby but there was something gleaming that she managed to glance at. It priced his neck before she was able to end his miserable life.

Her eyes blazing, she glaring heatedly at the end of the hall, she stepped over the suffocating ninja forgetting it since her body hummed with new anticipation and her bloodlust grew from spotting the person who interrupted her enjoyment, the new prey.

She lifted the katana and sprinted to the end of the hall way. Standing behind the agitated shinobi, she rested her sword on his shoulder. He tensed while Sakura smiled, sickly sweet as her silver orbs danced with malicious amusement.

"Since your little friend over there is dead, now, you have the honor to answer all my questions."

He was silent.

"Why would your master send you here?"

Sakura asked him calmly.

"Eat this bitch!" He ducked to evade Sakura's katana while charging to slash her. His eyes widened when the impaled woman puffed to smoke, replacement.

Reappearing beside him, the shinobi jumped.

"Doing that will only make you suffer more that you'd wish you were your dead friend because I'm thinking of skinning you alive." Her silver eyes were the only thing the shinobi saw in the darkness as her sultry voice laughed in cruel pleasure.

As she activated her Byakugan, her hands glowed in deep red unlike the normal blue colored chakra it gave off heat and waves of malicious intent that shrouding hall, surrounding them in looming darkness. Placing her palms together in front of her chest, she chanted as the red chakra incased her form, then, it spread on the floors as the shinobi staggered to stand up. When it almost reached him, the red energy formed roots and hands that clutched themselves on his body, their trail burned flesh and brewed fire. He screamed with agony as tears priced his eyes. The smell of rotten flesh and mixed with blood mingled in the humid morning air, instantly dissolving its freshness.

…thump…thump…thump…

Foot steps were nearing them; Sakura stopped herself and looked back to the other end of the hall. Distracted, the man was released and he made a run for it, breaking thin screen doors in his way.

…thump…thump…thump….

Finally, broken from her trance, Sakura's eyes widen when she saw the bloodied corps which was sprawled out on the equally blood-washed floor.

She checked the pulse, her faced drained of all color because…there was none.

After untying the headband and keeping it, she performed a set hand seals to burn the corpse and any traces of blood that stained around the usually pristine white walls but the body decomposed before she could finish. She stared at the ashes, her eyes hardened.

"Where is he?" Hiashi in his night robes asked her.

The members of the Hyuga household arrived, surprised in seeing her and especially her katana which was covered in blood that dripped slowly on the polished floor.

"He escaped." Sakura answered the clan lord candidly. Neji glared at Sakura not believing her response.

As the man ran and ran away, he reached an underground asylum; he breathed out deeply and relaxed his weary form.

"She has grown perfectly." A voice filled with malice and malevolence said pleasantly to the newly arrived as if comparing the day to day weather.

"Hai, she has, master." He said to his master stiffly, nursing his wounds.

"Do you doubt me?" He slithered to where his lackey stood. He didn't let him speak still feeling giddy about the recent delivered news.

Rubbing his chin thinking, he said gleefully, "Though a bit filled with blood lust, but that will do extremely fine."

"Mmm…my jewel, my sunshine," The voice was so delicate, so soft. It felt like finely woven silk just to hear those tender words. They were soothing yet Sakura felt more unsettled, more alienated from the world she could not understand.

"—your dreams and mine brighter than the northern star."

"—will shine." Sakura was rolling in her sleep, beads of sweat slide down her forehead. Her body was oddly twisted and her face was purely in discomfort. She was restless since her head hit the pillow.

"-and the gentle breeze—" As midnight past her situation had not changed. She was near the ledge of her futon and her blanket had been carelessly thrown off the mattress.

"-my love will always be with you." As fragments of her lullaby ended…there was peace in her dreams.

Greeting the morning and the unwanted sunlight, Sakura dragged herself to the bathroom. Rubbing her temples from the enormous incoming head ache, she was tired and confused and she hated that combination. It would not do her any good today. She sighed, stretching out her stressed body…more problems.

Stepping out of the shower and grabbing a soft white towel, she proceeded to dry herself as well as getting her mind straight. Threading her fingers trying to loose the tangles from her damp hair, she grabbed her stuff and moved out of the room. She walked briskly as she swept her bangs to cover her forehead, it did two good things for her, one, it hid what she hated the most. It bounded her to this place and second, she wasn't really superficial but her blasted forehead was still over average. She chuckled at her display of feebleness.

Last night was ideal to remember, Sakura was sure that the whole Hyuga clan didn't believe what she said. She would have to act open to them; she snorted dismissing the idea like they would trust her now.

Ready for the day, Sakura didn't need to eat breakfast since she was informed by the servant that her little student was waiting for her but deciding on a quick visit to her grandmother wouldn't hurt.

"Grandmother?" Sakura entered the parlor.

The servant was placing a steaming hot teakettle with some porcelain cups on the table.

Picking the kettle and pouring the contents in two teacups, her grandmother was taking her time, not at all surprised to why her grandchild was here.

Gesturing Sakura to take one, she drank from her cup.

"There was a break-in last night and I assume you know?"

Sakura nodded. She was the one who killed them at least one of them. Sakura tighten her grip on the cup.

"…Did you know that Hotaro was killed?"

"Hotaro-sama? The one who hated me so much."

"Yes, him."

Sakura's face darkened but kept her temper from lashing out. That old man was too arrogant but she didn't dwell on it. That was not what bothered her.

"How did those shinobi get access to the compound?"

She didn't really think a hired shinobi would be able to access the compound so easily with out getting caught. The guards had their Byakugan activated during duty and they would scout the whole acres of land that the Hyugas own. Besides there aren't a great number of people that would visit the compound the exception of fellow ninja, family and the servants.

There were so many theories circulating in her mind. But only one sensible scenario she considered was that those shinobi's covers were of servants but there was still their chakra. Normal house workers don't even have the slightest of chakra. They must have suppressed it to the lowest possible level that the Byakugan wielders of the great house would not notice…or she added, didn't think of them as much of a threat. But when she fought them, something didn't add up. They were low class, she concluded since they fought badly and their stealth was too easy to detect so they didn't need much chakra to hide in the first place. They were hired to do a suicide mission. It didn't matter if they failed or not, she thought, they were only a distraction for a grander master plan.

Her eyes hardened, so there should be more of them…she thought as her instincts kicked in.

Sakura's grandmother was observing her, waiting for her to figure things by herself. Those instances taught the young kunoichi to be independent. Her grandmother made sure that her grandchild was quick to analyze and assess situations. It was a skill commonly used in their line of work, when hesitation could lead to death and the mind was a powerful tool.

"This has happened before but none lost their li—but one, though it was for different reasons."

"Hiashi-sama and Hizashi-sama?"

The older woman nodded.

"But why now, they might have found out that the body was not Hiashi's but they killed Hotaro-sama who was not even connected to any of Kumogakure's relations to Konoha."

Sakura knew there was another motive for his death, there were so many possible leads but she'd let it slip for now. There would be new happenings in the coming months but she'd never let her guard down, as her knuckles paled from the applied force in her hands, never again.

After a little enlightenment, Sakura met Hinata at the training grounds. Unsurprised that the heiress was actually practicing on her own.

Before Sakura could utter a single syllable from her mouth, Hinata threw a kunai at her direction. Sakura caught the flying projectile looping it with her pointer finger and swung it back. It was implanted on the ground.

"I won't be late again. I had business to attend to." Sakura grinned and raised her hands as if surrendering to an enemy.

"…sensei"

"What…I had to help this Old Lady buy 5 gallons of goat's milk then carry it to her house which was at the other side of the village. I got caught up."

"Don't look at me like that Hinata." Sakura said warningly.

"sigh…you sound like Kakashi-sensei."

"I thought so. Now, shall we continue our laps?" with said that the two kunoichi sprinted out of the field.

—It was lunch when Sakura was called by surprisingly Neji to return to the compound.

"Hinata, lets have a break. I'll be back by noon." Sakura told Hinata, who smiled and nodded.

Sakura left with her cousin to deal with more important affairs.

She looked at their retreating figures; they were awfully close, she noticed as they passes insults and blunt statements, she sweat-dropped at their vast vocabulary.

Hinata was thinking of things to do since training was not appealing to her mood.

Wandering aimlessly, Hinata browsed a few stalls and looking for something to ease her boredom. While paying for her purchased orange-ramen keychain, she couldn't resist it was so adorable. She spotted Ino blabbering with some merchants over in the figurines section of the shopping district.

Hinata scurried over to the loudmouth blond.

"Ino!"

Hearing her name, Ino turned around and cheerfully greeted the Hyuga heiress.

"Hinata-chan."

They both roamed the area and chatted. They seemed like old friends who were separated and reunited once again by the apparent noise they made for just two people. Then, Hinata's stomach grumbles. As modest and shy as she is, Hinata blushed unable to control her needy stomach from showing her discomfort.

"Hahaha…signs of hard training, come on Hinata-chan; let's eat at that new restaurant that opened just a week ago."

Hinat kindly protested.

"But that place is always full you can't get tables with out a reservation."

Hearing that Ino's mood became sullen as her cherry disposition slumped, she told Hinata that she did make reservations but not for the two of them but for her teammates. It was supposed to be a little get together and a chance to catch up but surprisingly no one showed up; even Chouji could not make it. Hinata patted Ino's back, poor girl. But despite the drama she brightened up and said that why waste it when they could both go.

Happily dragging Hinata, Ino easily pushed passed people as they walked to their desired destination.

The restaurant was certainly classy with the tasteful décor and the impending staff in full synchronizing uniforms. The ivory-cream walls and dim lighting that adorned the place, it was sophisticated yet the refined features of the establishment seemed comfortable and pleasing to the eye. Tables, chairs and the other furniture were cleverly paired, some with matching upholstery that greatly complemented each piece. They were lined up, mixed and arranged in a way that there was room and maximum usage of space didn't hinder the waiters and waitresses who would attend to their valued customers. The place was thoroughly decorated to perfection. Ino blew a low whistle; both she and Hinata were impressed, the looks on their faces were certain and clear as broad day light.

To add to the already amazed kunoichi's, their lodge was also cozy and inviting as Ino and Hinata occupied themselves while waiting to be escorted by staff to their table.

When Hinata said in was packed it really didn't seem full, people were dining and having lively conversations. The food smelled very delicious as Hinata's stomach grumbled again.

Ino looked at Hinata weirdly.

"Do they feed you right? You've never been this hungry before."

"Um-m…You see I didn't eat last night and I had to leave early for training this morning."

Hinata skipped the part where she was too exhausted that she fainted or that Sakura was late in the morning that would rile the blond up and lead to chaos. She didn't want her friends to fight because of her.

The waitress handed them menus. The girls' mouth's watered from the vast food choices. They were a lot of variety from Japanese to Mexican and even Italian. There were little descriptions of each kind and the pictures were good enough to eat. Their waitress also advised them of the restaurants finest dishes and their specialties. It took them awhile to decide since there was just too many to choose from.

Ino ordered Seafood salad for a starter dish, for the main course Garlicky Herb-Rubbed Hanger Steak, she specifically said to keep the meat tender and well-done and for dessert a creamy chocolate truffle, lastly, her drink a Cherry Cranberry Shake.

Hinata asked for Bacon Appetizer Crescents, for the main dish Miso Cod with Buttered Mushrooms, for dessert a slice of Angel Food Cake with Three-Berry Compote and her beverage a Double-Chocolate Malted Shake.

They waited for the food to be served so Ino started a conversation.

"So…anything new?"

Hinata nodded. She really wanted to tell Ino what occurred that night. She wasn't able to see the actual event but there was uproar in the main house. She was informed by Hanabi that their father implemented a curfew with exceptions to missions and important necessities and by nine there would be lock down. Hanabi also mentioned that guards would be stationed every thirty meters distance for maximum caution and their numbers immediately doubled. She thought it was just their paranoia. Neji was even more vigilant of the surroundings. She was very worried.

"Yes, there is. Last night there was an assassination. They killed Hotaro-sama." Hinata said her voice low.

"Hotaro-sama…"

Ino murmured that old man was anything but friendly always hot-tempered and irritable. He was cold and bitter since he lost his wife and child…from a fire. He treated everyone with utmost contempt and didn't care for anyone's well-being. He only tolerated Hiashi-sama because of his being the clan head, but the old timer still had a soft spot for Hinata. Everyone who knew him knows he treated Hinata like his deceased child but why? It was another mystery. She had her own assumptions like Hinata's physical appearance. Ino had seen one photograph of the girl. She had distinct and almost the exact features as Hinata with subtle differences. If not then, there was also the personality.

They stopped their conversation when the food arrived. The girls were preoccupied in eating to continue so they settled for comfortable silence.

The appetizers were scrumptious. The main course was delectable and the dessert was simply heavenly. Ino and Hinata patted their bellies, satisfied with the one of a kind meal.

Though Ino was a bit reluctant, Hinata insisted on paying for the whole meal which was quite expensive. She negotiated that they spilt the bill but Hinata's stubborn streak was showing and all that Ino could do was sigh.

Leaving a big tip and thanking the waitress who escorted them out, the girls continued their carefree afternoon browsing more shops.

Ino and Hinata kept on laughing and giggling. They were enjoying each others' company.

Until Hinata asked, "Where's Tenten?"

Ino was quiet. She was worried for the brunette friend. Tenten was still locking herself in her apartment and had no intention of coming out. She was going to check on her before she headed home.

"Well, yesterday…" Ino trailed off.

She told Hinata that Tenten was hysteric. She was accusing Sakura of a lot of things which were ludicrous because they had no business of even mentioning them. Ino knew Sakura was offended; she was being ridiculed by someone who barely new her. Ino didn't blame her for the reaction but didn't favor her also. Ino also mentioned that Neji also defended Sakura but she didn't want him to interfere that alone made Tenten act reckless. They both knew the feeling she harbored for Neji but could make herself declare it or at least try. Tenten was afraid of rejection. Ino kept on narrating, exaggerating some points and imitating their voices.

Hinata felt horrible after hearing the blonde. It was her fault that they were fighting. She apologized to Ino.

"Don't worry Hinata, you already have a lot of things in mind so we have to let them deal with this themselves."

She was a bit reluctant, "…moral support?"

Ino did a peace sign, "Moral Sup—aww…I wanted match making…" she said glumly.

Hinata laughed at her friends antics.

Ino also grinned; at least Hinata wasn't blaming herself. Bring her arm over Hinata's shoulder; they marched to finish their window shopping.

—Ino's eyes went wide.

She covered Hinata's mouth with her hands and dragged her behind a little cart. Looking back Ino made sure no one saw them.

"What is it?"

"Hush! They'll hear you!" Ino screamed at Hinata, who rolled her eyes at her friend's display of paranoia. Releasing herself, she peeked carefully not to increase her friend's obvious panic-stricken behavior. Looking for the cause of Ino's distress, she kept on swatting the blonde's hands away from her. They were very distracting.

Spotting the cause, she had to stifle her laughter. Then, ignoring the dramatic blonde beside her, she asked herself. They were kunoichi for Kami's sake. They could face life and death situations with no problem but trying to declare their love for another was considered more dangerous than a solo S rank mission, truly remarkable.

But what did they expect? Mostly broken hearts and vows of never loving again tear their already broken hearts into crumbs. It was really depressing.

Men…they were all the same even the strongest of shinobi. Things just could not penetrate their thick headed sculls and colossal egos. Couldn't they see the special shining affections women give them? Were they initially programmed to be oblivious to love?

Women were never self indulgent, always caring and fusing over little things so why all the pain and anguish, ask the male anatomy.

After Ino's little scene, she convinced Hinata to help spy on their "target".

And how was she able to get Hinata's cooperation just because she was next to Naruto when it came to pulling pranks and when it came to giving puppy dog eyes that Hinata could never refuse.

"Bluebird is closing in on target, status report lavender-eyes!"

"Lavender-eyes nearing point B and with clear visual, over and out."

"Hold your position and wait for further instructions!"

"Hai, Ino-Bluebird."

—As Ino and Hinata observed their "target" from conceded positions…

Shikamaru was too bored to deal with Temari's troublesomeness. The woman had just arrived from along travel from Suna and now she wanted to roam around konoha. He was still lucky enough to be her escort…for all those years, these were the times that caused him to despise women especially when they held power over him, his mother is one, as Ino, and also Temari...well the Hokage wasn't a woman but still he was annoying when it came to him. He liked the old man but Sarutobi-sama had to give him this mission…it was more like baby sitting…

He sighed, troublesome blonde. He had better things to do like watching clouds, hang with Chouji or Asuma or maybe play Shougi. He wouldn't have to use so much effort in a pointless, time consuming activities such as shopping.

"Shikamaru, get your ass here and help me!" Temari shrieked at her lazy escort, who had the nerve to take his time in walking.

Temari slumped shoulders, she ignored the slow-paced man and smiled at the merchant who gave her a great deal on adorable dolls.

She held up her purchase and examined it like a true kunoichi. Looking for even the slightest tare on the doll, she wanted them to be perfect since she only wanted the best for her equally adorable nieces.

Those little girls, it was a good thing that they didn't inherit their father's undesirable traits, her brother Kankuro better keep an eye on those two…or their mother, his wife would…certainly carry out her threat and unsatisfied Kankuro was more amusing to tease. She snickered at her brother's possible reaction and his face would be absolutely…priceless

Looking back at the overly stuffed plushy, she gushed while imagining the way their faces would glow with child-like adoration when they would receive their gifts.

She always loved children but looking at Temari a tough kunoichi with a feisty attitude a person would think it was some sort of joke but that was entirely true. She loved to spoil them in every way possible. Those shining faces never fail to make her smile as their high pitched laughter fills her senses.

Shikamaru eyed the seemingly contented woman as she held the patched up doll in her hands. If he was honest to himself the toy wasn't half bad, it was at least cute that wasn't very manly to say but the point was that Temari had the expression of excitement on her face. He added, it suited her well, very different from the face she always wears.

To him, people may think he was too lazy to actually do anything but with an IQ of two hundred, Shikamaru was always observant. He prided himself for that fleet and he was positive that Temari was the right girl for him.

Neji did not lead Sakura to the Hyuga compound but to the basement of the hokage tower. She followed him willingly and interacted with his small talk. Neji then noticed her open mood but he brought her here for business and for her to be interrogation.

He led her to a dimly lit room. It was at least six meters in length and five meters in width and all walls pitch black with a poor excuse of a light bulb hanging on the ceiling. Sakura felt a spark of rage well up inside of her.

Taking a seat on one of the stools, she crossed her legs and her arms on her chest.

"What happened?" She knew he wanted answers but weighing the options and his lie, she hated deception more than anything even if it was simple or false. Sakura decided to play.

"That was straight to the point."

"Focus…Sakura."

"I'm not hiding anything."

"Where were you last night when the victim was killed?"

"In my room," she answered.

He looked at her as she rolled her eyes, "sharpening my weapons."

Satisfied he continued, "Did you sense the shinobi and their number?"

"Yes, one at first, he was in the near and made a lot of noise so I got to him. I don't know how many."

"Do you recognize those shinobi?"

Her eyes changed, "…no"

"Listen, this is serious and this incident rarely happens especially when in the village."

She snorted, "I you sure a bout that?"

"Stop playing games, Sakura." His tone slightly rose.

"Excuse me, last night, I only did what anyone would do if there are enemy shinobi. Blame your guards for their incompetence not me."

Sakura stared at Neji whose dark hair covered his face while he looked down. He was trembling and his grip on the table caused his knuckles to pale. "I was…it was my duty…" he said.

"I'm making it up for my mistake. Find who was responsible for killing him." He stared at her intensely.

"Are you accusing me?" She said.

"I just need answers…"

"I told you." He didn't believe her.

"Stop being so difficult!" he slammed his fist on the table.

"Can't you see that I'm trying to help you?" He said sounding indigent.

"What! You're trying to save your skin by doing this not mine!" She stubbornly refused.

"Then, what, do you know that all those people waiting in that room assume you were the killer?"

"They have no solid proof or evidence that I was even near the victim. It doesn't make me the killer."

She was dragging his patience, stretching his control to lengths like an elastic rubber band. He breathed deeply; she was at it again being difficult, incompliant and stubborn. Intentionally or not it was straining his control so wordlessly he left the room. Sakura was left to observe the boring room.

Sakura crossed her legs.

She lazily faced the door when there was shuffling. Holding the door knob was Kakashi, he gave her an eye crinkle as a greeting and behind him was Itachi, who simply smirked at her.

Inclining her head to the side, she acknowledged the men who took seats in front of her.

"You gave him a run for his money; I've never seen the little Hyuga so stressed."

"I know." Came her amused reply.

Kakashi shut his favorite little orange book. He started speaking.

"Sakura, you're not a child anymore, stop playing games. Neji's intentions are good."

"I don't want anything from him or any from them."

"Hasn't it occurred to you that you can't do all things your way?"

"I don't trust them."

After a while, she whispered, "I certainly don't trust him." Both men were defeated. She was still stubborn. They stood up.

"What is he then?" Kakashi said before leaving the room.

Sakura forcefully closed her eyes and exhaled. She stayed here for like a week and so many things have happened but it was still ridiculous. She reevaluated her situation. Groaning as she realized that…how could she be so stupid. They were just friend weren't they? How did he get to her, Sakura was cursing. It wasn't just Neji who got close but also Hinata. They were now important to her.

A little over thirty minutes the door opened. One minute…twenty-seven seconds…

She was pissed. After her realization, she could not do anything. It was inevitable so she was very pissed.

Sakura straightened herself when Neji came back followed by a man who had a serious aura around him, she noticed a large scar marred across his face.

He stood in front of her, sizing her up. Sakura rolled her eyes unaffected by his intimidation.

"Neji, wait outside."

"Hai, Ibiki-san."

He raised a brow at the girl's outward displayed of bravery in facing him. He mused most people would easily break under his scrutiny but her unyieldingness might prove her courage or her stupidity. He cracked his knuckles and begun…

"Hmm…you don't seem that threatening. They must have sent the wrong suspect."

"I highly doubt that. They were stupid enough not to figure the obvious."

"Please enlighten us; you seem to know more information than we currently have."

Sakura glared at him.

"Testy aren't we?"

They continued their game of charade. Ibiki sensed that the interrogation led no where and decided to use it.

"What's this?" he held the covered item.

"Just use it."

"Haruno Sakura, eh? Fits you well," he said scanning a scroll from his pocket.

"…"

"So you're the daughter of the famous Hyuga traitor."

No response

"Hmm…nothing's much but says here she ran away…with…interesting. How does it feel to be in the place you hate so much?"

"Hell, but I'm getting used of it."

He was amused by her language most Hyugas he knew were like domesticated lap dogs, leashed and whipped. She was actually speaking to him.

"This won't take long…"

As time passed it was nearing night fall.

Ibiki patted the scroll, thinking …just what are you hiding little girl…asHe watched her limping to the exit.

"Hyuga" Neji appeared beside him.

"Here." He tossed the scroll. Neji looked at him expectantly. "Wasn't much of use."

Nodding. "Who are we up against?"

"…" Ibiki was silent as he draped a strip of blue cloth on Neji's shoulder. Neji felt the cool iron imbedded on the fabric. It was jagged and worn.

He glared at its insignia.

So still think I'm paranoid...? Any ways schools back and my life's also back in order. Maybe I'll update a little longer…not sure. I know I'm updating very slow…

Did I get Ibiki right?

Than you very much! I always enjoy reading reviews and I also consider them when I write my chapters.

- Tenten's okay…she's cool in the manga…but I made her like that to fit the plot. I'm working on my fight scenes now…try to make'em better.

xXHyuugaSakuraXx – thanks for being the first to review!

Doommy

angelDina

nejisakura

NikkiTheHyugaChick – thank really appreciated your review. Opened my eyes more.

Cherry-blossom-of-your-dreams

al2010

Broken angel neko

Ithinkuknow

Chocolate-chan

LilAna

cuzUloveME

Lilimi

mepo

jawmaster

ichigo14

.'Sabaku No Annie'.

Blondy

amaZOnian

Bernah

13th hour – after reading your review I had to post the chap.

Wow! 21 reviews. I'm so happy!! Thank you very much!!

I know I updated late 2 weeks. I'm very sorry!! It's because of school…yup blame it all on education…I had to make a report on Bangladesh! It was long, believe me. Look it up on Wikipedia soo long.

… Tell me what you think? Review! Try to reach a least 20 (I'm very review-hungry. Their addictive…)

Millii