Flaming Heart

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Woaah! -Jumps of happiness- I'm so happi for all the reviews! Here I am sitting at work... pretending to work xD haha, you guys should see me whenever one of my superiors pass by, I put this innocent air and pretend to work. It's a really hard task to do. I bet that not even a ninja could do a better job than me!

And because I'm this bored at work, here it is the next chapter!!

Please enjoy!

Her green orbs were set on the dark starry sky, her pink hair moved along with the gentle yet cold breeze. Sakura was completely aware of his dark eyes that followed her every move. Her hands turned into fists but for mere seconds. It was irking her, those eyes of him, dark and cold, a curtain of mystery which she could not read.

Sakura could hear his heavy footsteps next to her, reminding her where exactly they were heading to. Slowly, she jerked her head to stare at him. A slight blush invaded her cheeks as she met his gaze. He smirked, that familiar smirk that she was used to see on another Uchiha face.

"You are quiet," said Kyo, his voice was soft and had a small hint of entertainment in it, as if he was enjoying her discomfort.

Sakura offered him a small smile and nodded, "You are too," she replied arching a pink eyebrow.

"Are you nervous?" he asked, his hand brushed softly against hers. Sakura eyes widened at his warm touch, "You have no reasons to be this nervous and stiff around me, Sakura-chan,"

Sakura let out a shaky laugh, "I am not nervous," she answered, slightly moving away from him.

Kyo arched an amused eyebrow, "I see,"

They turned left and Sakura took a deep breath as she stared at the enormous mansion. She had never imagined that this could happen. She was about to meet the famous Uchiha clan, Sasuke parents. A sick feeling claimed her stomach.

Calm down Sakura, the pink-haired girl told herself as she stepped forward.

Her legs suddenly became heavy, she wondered if they would give in at any moment. Biting her lip, Sakura walked straight ahead, ignoring Kyo's constant glancing. Her heart throbbed as the distance became shorter by the second.

She finally stopped at the doorsteps. Sakura stared at the door, and then she glanced sideways at Kyo who offered her a sweet reassuring smile. She knew that as soon as she stepped inside, there was no turning back.

The tall door opened without warning, surprising the pink-haired girl. She ignored the panic in her head, the urge to turn around and to run down the street like a mad woman. She gulped and stood her ground as the open door revealed a tall dark-haired man, whose crimson eyes pierced her soul.

Sakura almost forgot to breathe at the powerful aura in front of her. The man had a blank expression on his features. He acknowledged Kyo with a small nod, his eyes never leaving Sakura's form.

"Greetings, you must be Sakura-san," the man said, his voice was strong and croaky.

"Hai," Sakura responded, bowing slightly.

"I am Itachi's father, Fugaku Uchiha," the tall man introduced himself.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Fugaku-sama," Sakura offered him a genuine smile, "How is Itachi-kun?"

"He's doing well," Fugaku answered and stepped aside, "Please do come in,"

Sakura stepped inside, her eyes studying the golden halls. The wooden floor was acuminated clean. At the end of the hall stood two young maids, they bowed and smiled at Sakura as she walked past them, following Itachi's father. Kyo walked behind her, a smirk adorning his pale features.

The house was filled with life. There were colourful paintings hanging on the walls. Sakura found herself smiling at one of the paintings that represented the Uchiha symbol. The Uchihas were really proud of their clan.

Sakura's stomach suddenly complained loudly when she caught the marvellous scent of cooked food, Fugaku looked behind his shoulder to stare at her blushing face. Sakura was surprised; she could have sworn that she had spotted a small smile on the man's blank face.

At that thought, she allowed herself to feel more relaxed. They turned right into another hall. Sakura stared at the open door, which revealed a large dinning room. By the looks of it, Sakura managed to conclude that the living room was only used for formal dinners. She gulped; she didn't really need this treatment just for a thank you dinner, right?

The surprise did not end there. Her emerald eyes widened at the sight of a large oval table, filled with members of the clan. They seemed to have heard them on the corridor, because they were all in silence, contemplating the pink-haired girl, with a mist of curiosity and amusement.

Itachi's father walked towards one of the empty seats, he pushed the red cushioned chair backwards, "Sakura-san," one of his arms mentioned for her to take the seat.

She eyed the room, stared at the strange faces and walked towards the seat. Her heart thumped hard and fast against her chest as if she had ran miles non stop. She sat down and shyly thanked Fugaku.

She heard the noise of a chair move by her side. Kyo gave her a gentle smile and a quick discrete nod of his head. Sakura smiled a nervous smile and placed her trembling hands on her lap.

Fugaku walked to his seat, his crimson eyes disappeared and dark ones took its place.

"Thank you, Sakura-san for accepting our dinner invitation," his voice was loud and clear.

The other Uchihas looked in her direction; their faces wore a curious expression. Sakura nodded slowly, "It's my pleasure," she said softly, noticing the satisfied looks on the Uchiha's faces.

"As you all know, we are gathered here for a very important matter, one that might offer our clan prestige," said Fugaku, he glanced sideways at the confused pink-haired girl.

Sakura looked at Kyo for some explanation but he merely smiled at her.

"Sakura-san," Fugaku turned his head to look at her, "as you might have realized by now, we haven't invited you only to a thank-you dinner," Sakura nodded slowly, not sure if she wanted to hear the rest, "You are the Hokage apprentice, an excellent medic-nin according to the chief of the hospital-"Fugaku paused, his eyes pryingly her.

Sakura hands clutched tightly to the fabric of her blue kimono, she didn't like the tone of his voice at all. The fact that he had been asking questions about her didn't help at all. Did… did he know? She gulped as she waited for him to carry on.

"Well… the reason why I summoned some of you were to witness this special event," Fugaku added, "Kyo,"

Kyo stood up and Sakura bit her lip.

Shit, Shit… no way…

The dark-haired nin turned himself towards Sakura, he stretched an arm in her direction. Her hands relaxed, leaving a wriggle mark on the Kimono. She slowly took his warm hand, allowing his assistance to help her up.

"Sakura-chan," Kyo started softly, "It's a tradition of the Uchiha clan that I am following this day," his dark eyes locked with her scared, panicking ones, "As you know I am of marrying age… as so are you," Sakura heart stopped momentarily, "I want you to be my wife,"

I want you to be my wife?, Sakura repeated Kyo's words in her head. Somehow, that didn't sound romantic at all, it sounded more like an order.

Her eyes widened at the tightening grip his closed fingers had on her hand. She glared at him, fighting back the urge to break his fingers.

Then, Sakura flashed Kyo a sweet smile and turned her head to stare at Itachi's father. It seemed that everyone in the room was expecting an answer from her.

"I… I am speechless," said Sakura, her emerald eyes pausing on Kyo, "You flatter me, Kyo-kun. However-"

"However?" one of the sitting Uchihas said arching an offended eyebrow.

Sakura noticed how identical he and Kyo looked. It was Kyo's father and he seemed highly displeasured with her answer.

"However," Sakura carried on, locking her eyes with Kyo, "I am afraid I would not be a suitable wife for you,"

Murmurs erupted. Fugaku stared at Sakura expecting a further explanation.

"What do you mean Sakura-chan?" asked Kyo, his grip on her hand increasing.

Think… Think… come on! Think Sakura!

Sakura lowered her head, "I'm already committed to another person,"

Kyo's grip loosened up. The murmurs died down and Fugaku sighed, "I see, you have nothing to apologise for," his dark eyes passed by her and stopped at Kyo's.

"It's him isn't it?" He asked.

Sakura shivered at the intense hate in his words.

"I…" she didn't even know what to say.

"It's okay, Sakura-chan," Kyo's scary voice disappeared. It was as if Sakura had imagined it in the first place, "Let us eat, ne? We can still enjoy a pleasant dinner,"

Sakura nodded and Fugiku narrowed his eyes at the pink-haired girl.

It's needless to say that the dinner was awfully awkward. Kyo had not spoken a word to her or anyone else. Fugaku asked her a few questions, all of them oddly politely, it was as if he felt forced to do so. She wondered if he feared Minato's sensei if he mistreated one of his students.

Sakura thanked every existing God when the dinner came to an end. Itachi's father thanked her for coming and thanked her a second time for bringing Itachi back to them in one piece.

The Mansion door closed and Sakura found herself facing Kyo.

"I'll carry you home," he said, walking ahead.

"Kyo-" Sakura started, feeling somewhat guilty even though she hadn't done anything wrong.

"Don't," Kyo stopped in his tracks. His voice was low and dangerous. Sakura stayed behind, not daring to approach him. She looked at the ground and sighed, "It will be okay," he added slowly.

Sakura eyes left the floor and stared at his back wonderingly.

"When I see something that I want, I will have it no matter what," he looked behind his shoulder and grinned hauntingly at her. Sakura eyes widened at his abrupt speed. One second he was standing a few feet away from her now he was right in front of her.

She stared at his chest, avoiding his Sharingan eyes.

"K-Kyo… what are you-- oww!" Sakura exclaimed as two strong hands held her shoulders.

"Look at me," Kyo ordered, violently shaking the pink-haired girl.

"Let me go," Sakura gritted her teeth together, her shoulders ached due to his strong grip.

"Not until you look at me," Kyo said, shaking her again, "Sakura…" the way he said her name sent cold shivers up her spine.

Sakura face hardened, the shock expression disappeared at once, "I said to let go," she muttered angrily. She placed her hands on his arms, chakra flowing through her.

Kyo gasped in surprise at the incredible pain that assaulted his arms, it seemed as if his bones were about to crack at any minute.

"Let go!" asked Sakura, her brows pressing together in worry. She didn't want to break his arms.

"Gah!" Kyo quickly took his hands away from her shoulders. He massaged his left arm, glaring at the medic-nin.

"What the hell is your problem?" The pink-haired kunoichi asked. Her voice was unstable.

Kyo did not answer as he massaged his other arm. He simply turned his back on her, "This is not over," he hissed angrily as he walked back, towards the mansion.

"Fine," Sakura answered as she carried on walking on the opposite direction. She came to a stop listening to his footsteps, "If you keep insisting… no… if you ever lay a finger on me again, I will crush you,"

Kyo's footsteps faltered, "Hn, I can't wait for you to try,"

Sakura remained still as the footsteps died down. Her whole body was trembling, not due to what happened, but because she was angry. She fought back her killing instincts of turning around to pursue the Uchiha and beat him to a pulp.

Long minutes passed and she finally arrived to Rin's house. Her emerald eyes widened when she spotted his sitting form on Rin's doorsteps.

Kakashi jumped to his feet as soon as he noticed her standing in the middle of the street. Sakura forced a smile on her disturbed features. She found her legs moving forward. Everything happened so fast. One minute she was staring at his sitting figure and the other she was making her way towards him.

The silver-haired jounin was completely taken back when the pink-haired girl stopped right in front of him. Her pink-hair was hiding her features, one of her hands slowly made its way to his blue shirt.

"Sakura… w-what's wrong? Did something happen?"

Sakura ignored him, instead she leaned her forehead in his chest.

Kakashi gulped and slowly placed his hands around her, "Sakura?" he whispered softly.

"Hmm, Kakashi…"

"What is it? What happened?" he asked.

"If someone asks… we are committed to each other,"

"What?"

"I'll kill him!" said Kakashi as he walked back and forth. Minato massaged his temples as he stared at the infuriated silver-haired jounin.

"You will not do such thing," said Minato as he stood up, walking towards the window. He took a good peek outside and found himself grinning at the preparations for the festival, "I already summoned his father, I'm sure he will have a proper punishment for what he did,"

Kakashi snorted and stopped to look at the blonde-haired man back, "Sensei… we both know that he will receive no punishment,"

Minato shrugged, "Be as it may, Kakashi. You are not going to lay a finger on him,"

Kakashi shot him a confused look, "But why?!"

"Because, this time he gets out of the hook with a warning… but next time, he will have to face me," said Minato with a long sigh, "The Uchihas are up to something,"

Kakashi previous anger disappeared at the new piece of information, "What do you mean?"

"It's nothing," Minato said, turning around to look at the copy-nin, "Nothing to worry about at the moment. Now, now, don't you have to go find something fancy to wear for the festival?" asked Minato, earning a murderous glare from the silver-haired nin.

"You know that I'm not going," said Kakashi with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Aha, yes, but this time you have to,"

Kakashi uncovered eye stared at his sensei, "I'm sure you are going to tell me why?"

Minato laughed softly, "Are you letting Sakura go on her own? Isn't she supposed to be committed to you? If she goes to festival on her own, it will mean that she is a single woman," Minato paused as he placed a strong hand on his favourite pupil shoulder, "Please Kakashi, I don't want any angry Uchihas in my office, calling my students a bunch of liars,"

Kakashi shook Minato's hand, "Right,"

The young jounin turned his back on the blonde-haired man and walked towards the door.

"Where are you going?" asked Minato surprised.

"To buy me a fancy thing to wear," replied Kakashi. Resignation present in his voice.

Minato's face brightened up, "Wait!"

Kakashi stopped at the door, glancing curiously at the young Hokage. Minato scratched the back of his neck and grinned, "You don't mind if I tag along do you?"

"I didn't know you were searching for a wife," said Kakashi, a smirk forming underneath his mask.

"Wha? I'm not!" said Minato waving his hands about, "I already have someone to go with," Minato avoided his student perplexed look and grabbed his long coat.

"No way," said Kakashi at last, closing the door behind him as he watched the happy Hokage walk down the hall, "Kushina-san… who would have thought?"

It was a rather simple house. It was a little too small for Tsunade's taste, but she wasn't there to judge this old man house. She sat uncomfortably on the incredible small worn out couch. She was sitting next to Jiraiya, her knee touching his. She took a deep breath at the contact.

Jiraiya didn't even seem to notice such thing. He had his eyes fixed on the elder man who was calmly drinking his tea. Behind the old man was Hitori, his eyes glaring at the two Sannins.

Hanabusa finished his tea and placed it on the small wooden table next to his rocking chair.

"You mentioned the Kyuubi," the old man said, his eyes pryingly the two strangers sitting in front of him.

Both Jiraiya and Tsunade nodded, "What can you tell us about the Kyuubi?" asked Tsunade, straight to the point.

"Hitori, the book,"

The young man bowed and made his way to the door, leaving only, after he shot a warning, suspicious look at the two nins.

Hanabusa scratched his chin, "I wonder how you possess the knowledge of this beast existence,"

Tsunade smirked. She'll be damned; the old geezer had some brains, "We would like to hear about the Kyuubi first,"

The old man eyes narrowed slightly in suspicious, "Hmm," he mused softly as he stared at the blonde-haired woman. She looked somewhat familiar.

"Here it is," said Hitori as he stepped inside the room carrying a large book in his hands.

Jiraiya remained quiet as he stared at the leather cover. He could have sworn he had seen the Uchiha symbol in it. His dark eyes stared over at the old man.

Just who really was this man?

"The Kyuubi is a nine-tailed monster," the old man started but Tsunade cut him off.

"We are aware of that," she said, her eyes met Hanabusa's grey ones.

"Oh?" the old man questioned.

"We came here to ask you… how can we kill this monster?" Tsunade leaned forward.

Hanabusa blinked at the odd woman words.

"I'm sorry… what?" the old man asked in astonishment.

"Hai," Jiraiya stood up, "We have reasons to believe that the nine-tailed beast is going to strike Konoha soon. We came here to find a way to stop it,"

"I see…" Hanabusa replied, the big book escaped his hands, landing on the wooden floor with a loud thump.

Up in the high night sky, a very bright full moon glowed.

He walked slowly across the forest not even bothering to check if he was being followed or not. His fists shook fiercely; his face wore a maddened expression. His crimson eyes flashed dangerously as he walked ahead.

A noise, of a broken twig captured his attention. He quickly turned around, a kunai ready in his hand.

"Show yourself,"

"Calm down, boy," a hard cold voice reached his ears. He dropped the kunai on the floor and turned his body to the voice direction.

"Count me in," the boy said, gritting his teeth.

"Are you sure?" the man asked still not revealing himself, shadowed by the long trees leaves.

"Yes, I am sure," the boy said angrily. His crimson eyes finally spotting him at one of the tree branches. Around the shadowed man were four ANBU nins.

"Well, I shall contact you when it's time to strike," the man said, chuckling. He was happy to see that his plans were going smoothly, "Do not let me down, Kyo,"

"I won't Danzou-sama," Kyo replied and turned his back on the shadowed figure. "You will regret it, Sakura-chan," he whispered as he walked away not noticing another shadow following closely behind.

It happened so fast. He could see the village gates so close and yet, his strengths failed him as he tried to drag himself towards it. He could see his blood spreading around him.

"W-who are you?" Kyo asked, trying to lift his head to look at his attacker.

Before he succeeded, the attacker stepped on Kyo's head, pushing it to the grass.

"You disgust me," the voice spoke calmly.

Due to my boredom, I managed to write this much without being caught by my superiors. -cheers- and because I'm such a nice girl, I will offer you a small preview of what I have in mind for the next chappie.

Next Chapter Preview

Minato covered his face with his hands. The red-haired woman, who was standing behind him placed her arms around his neck. She raised her eyes at the shocked silver-haired jounin.

"I... I didn't do it," said Kakashi, his voice above a whisper, "Sensei... y-you believe me right?"

The Hokage's office door was burst open revealing a concerned pink-haired kunoichi, "Kakashi!" her emerald eyes widened at the sight of his unmasked face.

Thanks so much for reading!! Woah a two chapters in two days. Don't I rock or what? Heh anyways I hope you all liked it.