Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto only my characters.

As always a big thank you to my Beta cheekylips.

Chapter 21 Property

Once the sedatives wore off Maiha had regained full use of her body. She walked around the room taking everything in. Her cell resembled that of a small one room apartment. Suddenly her attention was drawn to footsteps approaching her door stopping in front of it. Moments later the door unlocked and four women in geisha dress, filed in. After the entrance of the women, the door was shut and once again locked.

Maiha looked at them inquisitively. Their eyes were glazed over and it seemed almost as if the soul was drained from their bodies.

"We are here to get you ready for your introduction," the geisha dressed in green spoke.

"Introduction?"

The woman looked over to the corner calling for Maiha's attention. "I see you are the Blue Gem. This will be your new attire," she pointed to a mannequin in the corner of the room.

"Why… are we here?"

"We are part of a geisha collection."

Maiha flinched slightly stunned. She looked the women over briefly noticing that each had the same large tattoo on their necks. The Green Gem put her hand over hers and avoided eye contact. "It is the mark of his property. After he has had his way with you, you will receive one as well."

Property? Maiha was instantly disgusted and exhaled slightly. "Do you know where we are?"

"We were all drugged and sedated upon abduction, we have no idea where we are."

Maiha sighed. "Can you tell me more about this introduction?"

"This evening we will congregate in the gathering room and perform for the Master. After our performance you will do so individually. We will be sent back to our rooms. He will then lay down the rules. Please… do not speak out of turn or question him," she warned her, "you will be severely punished. In a day or so he will consummate you into the collection and possibly the young child as well." The woman exhaled, "She is known as the White Gem because of her virginity."

Six of us then, private performances, geisha collection, consummation and a child. This guy is seriously messed up. "Is there any way to escape?"

"The inside of the building is heavily guarded. Not one of us has left this section of the building since our arrival here."

"Thank you for telling me all this." Maiha gave them a serious but supportive look, "We have to stick together, someone will come for us don't lose hope."

"I was the first brought here," the woman exhaled heavily, "I have no hope left."

Maiha was saddened by her words but she had to remain in character as she was not sure who could be trusted.

"Yes Lady Hokage, you called," Kakashi addressed Tsunade as he walked into her office.

"Kakashi, as you can see from the shinobi assembled here, we are in need of a search and tracking team."

"Yes Ma 'Lady," he nodded, "what is our objective?"

"Recovery of a Leaf shinobi."

"Yes, Ma 'Lady, any further details, who, where?"

She exhaled, "It's Maiha."

"What! When? Where?" In shock, he could only force out single syllabled words.

"Otafuku Gai. Maiha was investigating the disappearances of geisha from tea houses in the city. She was two months into the mission and has been taken in the last 24 hours. I have assembled you three as a search and recovery team. You, Kiba, and Neji will go to the city, and hopefully will be able to pick up her trail and track her abductors. The village officials have told us that she has been drugged as well as sedated so we are not sure about what we are dealing with as of yet."

She sent a hardened glare at Kakashi, "Usually when shinobi have some sort of personal connection with the mission I don't allow them to be involved. However, because of your superior tracking skills along with Neji, Kiba and Akamaru, I have decided to involve you directly in this mission. Keep your emotions in check and don't make me regret my decision."

Kakashi remained silent with a concerned eye and gave the Hokage a nod.

"I am counting on you three to bring Maiha and the hopefully the geisha home. Please, depart as soon as possible."

The master of the house had all of the women congregate in the gathering room. "My Blue Gem, take your place on the stage, tonight is your night." Maiha knelt down on the blue carpet set out for her as ordered. "Gems, take your positions," he gave a lecherous smile. The other geisha moved into place. "Now begin."

This guy is a real piece of work what a sick bastard. Maiha took in the surroundings of the room. It was well guarded. None of these men are Shinobi. That will be to my benefit. The master was accompanied by the White Gem on one side and the black on the other. She studied the three. It's the Miko from the tea house. As Maiha looked at the Black Gem an object caught her eye. She was wearing Ai's necklace. It took all Maiha had to keep her rage hidden and under control.

After the act concluded, Maiha was ordered to begin her solo performance. She took up the flute that he had provided her and began to play. Once he had his fill, the Master ordered her to stop and applauded. "Beautiful and talented, you should be honored, with you, my collection is complete. Men, take my other Gems back to their rooms. My Blue Gem, you will remain here with me."

The White Gem turned out to be a ten year old girl, with dark hair and a pale complexion. Her mouth was set downwards and her eyes were consistently watering. He ordered the girl to pour tea for Maiha, the Black Gem and himself. Maiha could see how distressed she was. The poor child was so scared she was shaking.

"Quit shaking you'll spill the tea!" the Black Gem roared.

"Take your time, pouring tea is an art," Maiha spoke softly to the child attempting to calm her.

"Do not speak unless you are spoken to," the Black Gem snapped.

"Yes that is the first rule," the Master began. "You will do everything that I say and how I ask that it be done. A quick look of annoyance flashed across Maiha's face. "Hmm…I can see that your will is strong, we will have to do something about that now… won't we?" With that the White Gem began to cry and the Black Gem smirked creating an uncomfortable air in the room. "You will remain here till your end of days, which could come from age, me growing tiresome of you, or by you disobeying the rules. Just because you are now part of my collection doesn't mean that you're exclusive and at any time can be replaced."

For the benefit of the child Maiha held her tongue and her temper.

"I am finished with you this evening but I can see that you may be a bother until you are broken. Let's make you a little more comfortable shall we." Two men again restrained her forcefully and the Black Gem administered a sedative and then took her back to her room as it took effect.

"Make sure she is well taken care of."

"Yes Master," she responded turning around shutting the doors of the room behind her.

Kakashi, Kiba and Neji arrived at the tea house and began their investigation. We need to try to pick up her scent, it will be the only way that we can track her. Kakashi summoned his entire ninken pack.

"What's up Boss?" Pakkun asked as the pack looked up at him.

"Maiha has been abducted and we're on a recovery mission." He motioned towards the building behind them. "This is her last known whereabouts, please become familiar with the scents and attempt to track her."

A few minutes passed as the canines processed the scene. "Okay, I think we are ready boss," Pakkun replied.

"Kiba, you and Akamaru go north. Neji, you take Urushi and Shiba and go west. I'll head east with Pakkun and Bull. Akino, Uhei, and Guruko you fan out in between. Go!" in a flash they split into their separate directions.

"We'll find her boss," Pakkun tried to reassure him. He knew their bond was strong and could feel the tension Kakashi was giving off as he remained silent and focused.

Maiha woke in the morning back in her room groggy from the sedatives they had administered. A tray was present next to her bed and on it sat her breakfast. Considering it was midmorning the food was cold and soggy. It was just as well, she was nauseous from drugs that were administered.

Maiha thought a lot about the evening's event schedule and how this night would change her life by losing her own innocence. If I can keep the geisha safe it doesn't matter. Though the cause was noble it still hung heavy on her. It was something she held onto believing it was hers to share and not taken. It was the only thing besides Ai's necklace she had left that was precious to her.

Maiha also thought more about escape. However, she didn't know the layout of the compound or the extent of the security measures and she couldn't risk the lives of the geisha trying to take them all on. My only hope is assistance from the village. I'm sure Lady Tsunade would have sent a search and rescue team by now. I just hope that they can find us before the child is deflowered. I know you will be part of the team Kakashi, Lady Tsunade will use you for your tracking skills. I know you will come for me.

Kakashi, Kiba and Neji had regrouped after Neji's pack had picked up the trail. They quickly changed course following the trail tirelessly. Kakashi was pushing hard to find her and as they approached the master's compound the evening events had already begun.

The night played out just as the evening before. After Maiha's performance the dread of him forcing himself upon her resurfaced. She knew that she her consummation into the collection was fast approaching.

"It appears that you have a strong will my Blue Gem, it has taken much more to sedate you than I would have imagined." Maiha stared at him intently wondering what his next move would be. "I think I will have to take a few more precautions with you. It seems that I will have to break you more harshly than I did the others. But that is fine, now that you are mine we have all the time in the world," he sent her a deviant smile.

Without warning four men restrained each of her limbs and the Black Gem rose from her position beside the Master and approached Maiha grinning maliciously. She had a rolled up leather pouch in hand that she brought over to where Maiha was being restrained. She rolled it out in front of her so that Maiha could see what it contained. It looked to be some sort of medical kit. The Black Gem took up a syringe, filled it with some fluid from a vile then injected it into her arm. Maiha could feel her body begin to become a lax. It must be some type of muscle relaxer. Knowing she may need to use her body later she played along allowing her body to go somewhat limp. The men flipped her over and began removing her kimono in order to expose the skin of her back. The Black Gem then took up another vile and injected another fluid into her body.

"Don't give her too much. I want her to feel just enough so she will understand what happens when one doesn't follow the rules." The Black Gem then took a scalpel out of one of the pockets. Maiha's eyes widened realizing something horrific was about to happen. The Black Gem ruthlessly cut the property mark into the skin of Maiha's back. The geisha turned in horror at the scene. "Let this be a reminder to all of you. You are mine forever, you will make me happy and you will follow the rules that I have set forth. If you don't, I will have to take more drastic measures," and he laughed malevolently.

Neji had seen the compound with his byakugan and they positioned themselves close enough so that they could assess the building, grounds and security.

"What do you see Neji?" Kakashi asked.

"There are about 20-25 men in the yard area. Their chakra levels vary. It shouldn't be too much of a problem but then again we don't know yet what lies within the building."

Given Neji's account of the grounds, Kakashi quickly formulated their plan of action. "Neji you come in from the southeast corner, Kiba the southwest. I'll take the front. We will enter the building together. We will strike fast so there is little time to alarm those inside, understood?"

"Yes, sir," Neji and Kiba said in unison.

"You have five minutes to get into position then we storm the compound together. Go!"

Once the Black Gem had finished carving, the master ordered the other geisha to remain in the room and to dress Maiha's wounds, replace her kimono and make her pristine once again.

Two of the geisha tended to Maiha's wounds and the other two tried to comfort the child from the horrific ordeal. Maiha did her best to block out the pain. The mark reached from just below her neck to the middle of her back. The geisha did the best they could with the materials provided to dress her wounds before replacing Maiha's kimono trying to do so with care and with as little restriction to the wound as possible.

"Ah… there we are, a Gem once again," he exhaled giving a deranged smile. "I will give you a few days to heal," he chuckled, "and then you will be mine."

At least that will give us some more time. Her eyes watered, Kakashi please hurry.

The assault had begun on the outside of the compound and Neji, Kakashi and Kiba worked their way into the building. "It'll be close quarters in here, be careful, we don't know where any of the women are or what we are up against." Kiba and Neji both nodded.

"Master, three shinobi have entered the compound we must get you to safety."

He's here Maiha exhaled softly.

"It's a shame really, I just finished my collection and I have to leave them behind. I'll just have to start over," he shrugged nonchalantly. "Come my dear," he motioned for the Black Gem to follow, "Let us depart through the tunnels and out the underground exit." One of the guards shut the women in the room and then accompanied the group with the master, ushering him toward the hidden exit out of the building.

Once the Master had been safely escorted off the floor he stopped turning to the two guards following behind. "The collection, they pose a problem to my identity. Get rid of them."

"Yes Master."

Maiha began to contemplate the situation. Why would they just leave us behind, something isn't right. She turned to the geisha,"Ladies into the corner I will protect you." They all looked at her confused. "I am a kunoichi from the Hidden Leaf Village. I was sent to inspect your disappearances and ended up being abducted as well. I am sorry that I kept my identity from you but it was necessary for your safety."

"But how can you protect us in your condition."

"Your lives are worth protecting even if I have to put up my own," she tried to reassure them as they huddled in the corner. Maiha looked around the room for something to defend them with. Her eyes darted to a fan that was used during one of the master's performances. Not one of my own but it will have to do. She fought through the pain and slowly got up staggering over to the fan.

Maiha could hear them coming, the heavy footsteps tipped her off. Her breathing was labored, her movements lethargic, she readied herself. Defending everyone would be extremely difficult but it was her code, to defend and protect… to the end. The footsteps stopped outside the door.

While Maiha prepared herself to take on what was approaching the gathering room, Kakashi and Neji made their way throughout the house dispatching men as they went along working their way up each level of the building while Kiba and Akamaru made their way down to the lower levels.

The two large doors of the gathering room opened quickly and the guards entered closing the doors behind them. They stopped when they saw how the geisha were gathered. Maiha wasted no time, she swept a forceful wind gust toward them and they both flew backward their bodies crashing through the doors blowing them off the hinges.

The heavy doors tumbled down the hallway. Kakashi and Neji looked up as the percussions were heard and felt on the floor below. They quickly cleared it and headed upward.

A door opened at the end of the hallway. Maiha readied herself once again. She moved the fan causing a slight disturbance in the air. It was faint but to an elite shinobi it felt like a gale force wind.

"Neji did you feel that," Kakashi whispered quietly. Neji nodded. It has to be them. "Little Kunoichi," he called out from the open door, "is that you?"

"Ka… Kakashi, Maiha forced out relieved, relaxing slightly from her defensive posture. Her eyes began to water and her voice slightly broke "Yes…please… we are here, it is safe," Kakashi exhaled relieved as they made their way down the hall to Maiha and the geisha.

Kakashi went to her first knelt down and began to reach out locking eyes with her. "Maiha, are you…"

"Take care of the geisha first I'm… I'm okay," she forced good posture to hide her pain, though Kakashi had his suspicions from the look on her face and the sweat that beaded up on her skin. He pulled his hand back slowly giving her a look of concern.

"Did you find a short fat man and the woman in a black kimono?" She changed the subject as she rose slowly to her feet.

"No we didn't see them," Kakashi responded as he assisted Neji escorting the Geisha out of the room and toward the exit of the main house.

Once they reached the main floor they found Kiba waiting with Akamaru. "We found one," he announced.

Knowing all the geisha were with them Maiha shouted "Kiba-san restrain her she is an accomplice!" Akamaru backed the Black Gem into a corner not allowing her to move. "Where is the man he should have been with her?"

"The guards were an easy take down, me and Akamaru had no problem with them. The little fat man tried to take this one hostage so we took him out too."

Maiha focused her attention on the captive, and walking forward toward the Black Gem slowly but with determination. "You have something that belongs to me." Maiha reached up and pinned the woman up against the wall with her hand around her neck. She spread the fan out and a breeze swept through the room as the fan edge began to glow with chakra making it as sharp as a knife. Maiha held it above her hand and to the woman's throat.

Kakashi somewhat startled at her actions, wondered what Maiha was talking about but as soon as he saw her reach for the familiar trinket, the one he had placed in her hand after Ai's death, the one that held so many memories, he understood. He had never seen Maiha this intense, the look on her face told him that she was about to commit an act he thought she would never be capable of and would regret it later if she had.

"Maiha," Kakashi spoke direct enough to bring her back from the ruthless act she was about to carry out. She pulled the necklace away from her neck quite aggressively making the woman rather annoyed. Her reaction infuriated Maiha and she leaned back into her, "You're lucky I didn't sever your head with it, but I wouldn't taint something so precious to me with your worthless blood. Neji-san please take her to one of the rooms we were kept in. We can send someone back to pick her up later. Until then she can endure the same treatment they gave us."

As Neji pushed the Black Gem toward the cells she shouted back to the group "You all have the mark of the Master, no matter where you go he will always own you."

Maiha closed her eyes, exhaled heavily and readjusted her kimono. "Where are we Kakashi?"

"Not far from the city."

"Good, then returning with the geisha should be relatively easy. They will need assistance as you can see from our attire it doesn't make for good traveling. If you all carry a geisha and Akamaru carries one, Kakashi, do you think Bull could carry the child?"

"I'm sure he could."

"Could you please summon him?"

"Of course." Within seconds Bull had appeared.

"Good, now please let's get going." She would not usually bark out orders as Kakashi was the senior of the group but with her wound draining the energy from her body she had to move the travel along so everyone, including her, could get medical attention. She was still in pain but was able to somewhat hide the wound from the recovery group. She knew that carrying the geisha would slow them down and hoped that it would be enough to allow her to keep up.

After returning the geisha back to the city Maiha spoke with the tea house owners and quickly thanked them for their hospitality while she stayed with them. Akamaru had walked over to Maiha's side and began to quietly whine. Maiha bent over slightly and whispered, "I'll be okay boy thanks for your concern." What little medication that was injected into Maiha's body was beginning to wear off and the full brunt of the pain was setting in.

As the geisha were thanking the shinobi for the rescue the property tattoos were noticed on their necks. Seeing the men staring at them they all tried to cover it up. "It was the mark of the Master, we were his property," the geisha told them.

Kakashi looked over to Maiha quickly and noticed her neck was free of any markings. He sighed heavily thinking about how horrible that would be for her to live with.

Maiha's body posture and her appearance began to present more than what she was letting on. Kiba had noticed Akamaru's behavior toward Maiha and began to get suspicious. "Maiha are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm okay. Let's just get moving home."

Akamaru began to whine again. "Maiha Akamaru doesn't act like his for no reason, is there something wrong?"

Kakashi looked over at her hearing Kiba's question.

"The kunoichi, she is injured… her back…" the Green Gem whispered.

"There is nothing they can do for me here," she cut in with a dismal tone, "please let's just get moving home." She continued to fight through the pain. Not only was each movement keeping the wound open but the material over the cutting felt like sandpaper scraping away at the sensitive and exposed nerve endings of her skin. Her body was beginning to give out, she was sweating profusely and her skin took on a pale hue.

She stumbled. Kakashi could see she was not well. "Maiha… please… let me help you," he spoke uneasily, hoping she would allow him to assist her.

Maiha surrendered realizing she could not make it back on her own and allowed him to carry her on his back.

"I knew you would come for me," she whispered into his ear.

"Maiha, I will always be there whenever you need me."

A moment passed.

"I need you Kakashi," the heat of her breath warmed his ear as she whispered into it. She was losing control of her subconscious allowing her affections to permeate the wall she had put up around her in order to keep them hidden.

He was startled but kept it within. A familiar sensation surfaced, one that he felt long ago. The warmth of her body, her legs wrapped around him her soft voice. Pull it together Kakashi, now is not the time... He felt her grip loosen slightly pulling him out of his inner monologue. "Stay with me Maiha, we're almost home."

"Okay," she drew out.

To Maiha's benefit they were relatively close to home and had arrived within a short amount of time. "Kiba, Neji, you two go to the Hokage's office and let her know that we are back with Maiha."

"Yes Sir," they spoke in unison.

Maiha urged Kakashi to let her down. He squatted slightly and she slid of clumsily. "Thank you Kiba-san and Neji-san for helping with the geisha and for rescuing all of us." Both nodded and then bounded off to report their return to Tsunade.

Kakashi escorted Maiha into the medical building. "I need a medic!" he shouted.

"Room 203 is open," A nurse directed him, "I'll send a medic right away."

Kakashi ushered her through the door and Maiha moved toward the bed. Shortly after Sakura burst into the room. "What's going on?"

"Sakura, I need your help." Maiha forced out putting her hands on the bed to help hold her up.

"What can I do?"

Maiha turned and begun pulling off her layers of clothing and Sakura assisted. Seeing the blood stained cloth Sakura quickly looked over at Kakashi and then to Maiha's back again. Sakura slowly peeled away at the material. Unfortunately, it had adhered to the wound making it extremely painful to remove causing Maiha to grunt in pain with each little pull. When all the bandages were removed the carving was revealed.

"Oh Maiha," Sakura gasped.

"Please tell me you can get rid of it," her voice broke, the emotion over the ordeal began to let go.

"It is still fresh so there is a good chance that it can be removed. Let me get you something for the pain and then I will call Lady Hokage."

"That bastard!" Kakashi grumbled disgusted when he saw the cutting. "Why didn't you tell me Maiha?"

Maiha covered her bare chest cupping her left breast in one hand and covering the right with the crook of her elbow. She turned toward him just as Tsunade entered the room with Kiba and Neji. She began in a frustrated and forceful voice; "The Geisha were the most important part of this mission. The man that did this to me is dead." Her tone changed as her eyes softened and her voice became broken as tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. "There is nothing else to discuss, please let it go. For me… let it go."

Kakashi's eye softened, his mind couldn't form words. He saw the pain and felt the agony. He took a step toward her, all he wanted to do was end her suffering, offer her comfort.

"What's going on here?" Tsunade demanded.

His advancement halted.

"Ma' Lady I was just about to care for Maiha's wound," Sakura informed her.

"Let me see this wound, I didn't know you were hurt," Tsunade ordered.

Maiha looked over at Tsunade with a listless expression and turned back toward the wall slowly. Tsunade, Neji and Kiba gasped.

"Thanks to Kakashi, Neji-san and Kiba-san the recovery mission was a success. The geisha are all safe, the master is dead and his accomplice, I am sure has been taken care of by now. My body will heal from injury and I will continue my duties as a kunoichi of the hidden leaf."

"Maiha..." Tsunade exhaled somewhat apologetically.

"As we were taught in the academy Lady Hokage, being a shinobi is not easy. Sometimes we have to make decisions that allow harm to come to us for the greater good. In order to keep my cover and the other geisha safe I had no choice but allow this to be done."

A few moments passed, all stunned by the situation.

"Sakura," Tsunade spoke firmly, "please begin cleansing the wound."

"Yes Ma 'Lady," she complied and helped Maiha onto the bed.

Tsunade removed her wrap, "Let's see what we can do about this. Everyone else out."

Kiba and Neji exited the room. Kakashi moved toward Maiha.

"Kakashi out," Tsunade pointed to the door.

He stopped at the edge of the bed and looked into Maiha's eyes.

"Now," Tsunade growled.

He knelt down and pushed the hair back out of her face, "I'll be in the waiting room."

"Okay," Maiha slipped out softly.

Kakashi turned and walked out, slowing briefly as he passed Tsunade and her intense stare. "Take care of her," and he continued out the doorway.

Tsunade glanced over to Sakura somewhat stunned at not only his words but his actions as well. Sakura seemed to have the same thought and sent a similar look back at her. Tsunade quickly pushed it aside and began the orders and preparations for the procedure she would use to remove the carving.

Later that evening Sakura retrieved Kakashi from the waiting room and informed him that the procedure went better than expected and he could go in to see her but she was not yet awake. As he entered the room he saw that Maiha was still on her stomach. Wanting to see if there was any trace of the carving, he reached toward the sheet covering her back. "May I?" He asked with a soft voice.

"I'm sure she wouldn't mind," Sakura gave him permission.

He peeled back the sheet a bit so he could see. There was absolutely no evidence of the carving. He softly ran his fingers over the skin that was once disfigured. "Like it was never there," he thought out loud. To their surprise, she reacted to his touch and the sound of his voice. "Hmm….Kakashi," Maiha drew out softly.

Kakashi stopped the movement of his hand not expecting her reaction. Sakura was taken aback as well by the response to his touch. The warmth flooded back to him, these sensations were familiar… involving her. He kept his eyes on Maiha speaking softly, "You'll let me know when she wakes?"

"Yes," Sakura replied simply astonished by the scene before her. She watched him intently as he turned to go, walking slowly out of the room appearing deep in thought.

What was that all about? Sakura thought as she recorded treatment notes in Maiha's chart thinking about what had transpired that evening. She started piecing events together and then it hit her like a ton of bricks. "Why didn't I see it before? His actions in her absence, his attentiveness when she came back. And the way she acted as well. How she looked at him when she woke in the hospital upon her return to the village, how she reacted when she saw Madori and Kakashi together at the bar and then that night at the dock and now this? The furrow of her eyebrows began to rise as the look on her face softened from the intense analysis. The corners of Sakura's mouth slowly turned upward as she thought more about the paring. The Madori variable still hung in the equation so the situation was still a bit confusing. But being the resourceful trusted medic she could so some digging to figure that out.

Thank you very much for reading, following and especially for the review. It seriously brightens my day (thank you) and made me actually change this chapter from what I originally had written. I have some spice cooked up for you guys in the near future so don't fret, I know it's taken me awhile but first I need to… how should I put this… modify the character list *wink wink* though I still have a few things up my sleeve so stick with me please.

Up next… Sakura pries a little, a meeting with the Hokage, and someone comes clean about the past.