WOOT WOOT! Finally i finished with this chapter. It was like pulling teeth and that kinda made me mad. Anyways you know what to do, READ AND REVIEW!
Deep breath in…deep breath out…
You are officially worrying over nothing.
Shut up I'm trying to concentrate.
Today was the day Sakura was meeting Mikoto. She would be taken on a long, in depth tour of the Uchiha Compound where the Matriarch would explain to Sakura what her duties would be once the mantle was passed over to her.
It's the first time we've set foot in the Compound since our…explosive incident. I think I have a right to be nervous.
In a sense yes but you are now officially Itachi's fiancé so you are protected…in a sense.
Looking in the full length mirror in her room Sakura meticulously tied her yukata closed. It was the nicest one she owned and she felt that if she was going to become the Matriarch and walk with his mother today she definitely needed to look the part. Turning slowly in the mirror she made sure there wasn't the slightest wrinkle in the candy apple fabric. She looked good in red and not to mention it also matched the Uchiha necklace Itachi had given her. The silky fabric smoothed easily under her hands and the white, pink, and lavender flowers imprinted into the fabric glistened softly. It was a full length yukata, stopping just inches above her feet showcasing her dainty ankles. The three-quarter inch sleeves were wide and airy, perfect for keeping cool on a summer day or in this case, when doing a lot of walking.
Now or never.
She waved to her various clan members as she strode out of the Haruno Compound. She almost wished that her destination wasn't right next door so she would have more time to gather her nerves. But to her surprise she wouldn't have to do a semi-walk of shame alone through the Uchiha Compound since her fiancé was waiting for her.
"I thought you were busy all day?" she asked accepting his small welcome kiss.
"I will be after I drop you at my home." He took her arm and wound it around his.
Watch your back.
Sakura paused pulling Itachi to a stop.
We are safe here. If anything we're safer here than anywhere else in the world.
Until proven otherwise I will never trust these people.
What about us? Do you trust us?
The Gobi was silent was silent for a few seconds, For now.
Thank you.
"Are you alright?"
She shook her head slightly before turning her attention to Itachi, "Yeah…I'll be fine."
"Sakura…"
She sighed, "The Gobi…he doesn't trust anyone. It's going to take a lot to show him that he doesn't have to fear you or any Uchiha for that matter."
"Hopefully this matter can be put to rest once your seal is fixed."
"Mizuko told me they have finalized the process that they're going to use. I just have to pick the day."
"Have you?"
She nodded, "Today…after my visit with your mother. Will you be there?"
"Of course."
Sharing one more small kiss Itachi began their slow walk into the compound. Nothing much had changed except for the atmosphere. The heaviness that permeated the clan had been replaced with a much lighter feel. She noticed that as they walked through the main street many of the clan members would wave or call out to them in congratulations. Sakura would smile and nod in return and wave when waved at. It eased her nerves that had been building all morning. Maybe this day would be half as bad after all.
"Not what you were expecting?"
Sakura smiled up at him, "Not really."
"They never hated you. It was mostly the leadership that was stifling the clan's continued growth. The village and the world were progressing but the leadership wanted to stay deeply rooted in our traditions that would stunt the clan's development. But now that the new leadership has accepted the changes as well as tradition we can grow in numbers and in power along with the rest of the clans."
She rested her head on his shoulder, "Sounds like we'll have a lot of work to do making sure to blend the old with the new."
"It's nothing we can't accomplish together," he kissed the top of her head, "But whatever you do, I think for now it'd be best to keep your temper in check."
Itachi didn't even try to dodge her elbow jab.
"Sakura-san welcome to our home. I honestly cannot express how delighted I am to finally have our day," Mikoto greeted her.
"Thank you for having me Mikoto-san."
"Now considering it's an official engagement," Mikoto lifted her left hand up to examine the ring, "Itachi picked well. As I was saying since the engagement is official I think it's only fair that we drop the formal honorifics between us as you will be my daughter first then our Matriarch second."
"Whatever you wish."
Mikoto's onyx eyes narrowed slightly, "Why so nervous Sakura?"
She took a deep breath, "It's just the last time I was here I kind of…you know…"
Mikoto chuckled, "Sakura did you not see and feel the difference when you walked in here with my son?"
"Yes but I was with Itachi-"
"Enough. While that display months ago was quite…well there are no words. But in essence it doesn't matter. Our people love you. And after we have some tea and discuss some things we will go out into the Compound and I will show you what I mean. In all honesty I think they liked seeing you display your power, builds confidence in Itachi's choice of a mate."
"And being a jinchurikki?"
Mikoto opened the door to the Tea Room smirking at her, "Who would dare try to cross a jinchurikki Sakura? Not to mention Itachi would lose his temper if anyone dared to cross his wife."
Sakura blushed as Mikoto poured her tea, "So I'd say we talk particulars now and save the whole getting to know each other in a different more relaxed environment."
Sakura smiled as she sipped her tea, "That sounds like a good idea."
"Ok so as you know the Chief of Police is also the Clan Head. So Itachi will assume both roles when the time comes for Fugaku to pass over the mantle. With him being the Chief of Police his primary role will be the safety of the village and attending the Hokage's meetings and being at his beck and call for anything that comes up. With all that pressure it is difficult for him to also deal with the internal matters of the clan. And that's where we, as the Matriarchs, come into play. We handle all domestic issues within the clan. We have our own weekly meetings with clan members in order to discuss any grievances, issues, etc. And then any large issues are brought directly to the Clan Head and those are discussed in the monthly clan meetings. It's easier for us to handle most of the domestic disputes in order to save our Clan Head the headaches, not to mention it allows him to have a 'home' life with his family and spouse."
Sakura blushed again at her statement, "I see. Well I have to admit when Itachi and I first talked about being together he never mentioned any of this."
"That's probably because he didn't want to intimidate you. Being a Matriarch in out clan is no easy going title, unlike the Hyuugas. It has been this way ever since the Nidaime appointed our clan as the police force for the village. The decision was a joint agreement at the monthly meeting which is why the Matriarch has just as much respect and power in our clan as the clan head. You'll find that with some of the other clans in Konoha that is not so. So some of these things you will be in charge of are going to involve some knowledge of our past and traditions. And since you are not born from within the clan you will have to be educated."
"That actually makes me excited. I love learning new things and I will do my upmost best."
Mikoto smiled, "I know you will. In all honesty I'm happy our next Matriarch is from outside of the clan. It promises that all forthcoming decisions will be looked at with a more objective eye considering the state of our new world. But I think I can also trust that you will be sensitive to our past when making those decisions."
"I promise Mikoto," Sakura pressed her palms together and bowed her head slightly, "I will be delicate in the traditions set by your clan and I will do my best to lead this clan into a more prosperous future."
"Excellent. So let us leave and I'll take you around the Compound and introduce you to prominent members of the community that you will be meeting with during our weekly meetings. I figured you would like to start attending those now while I'm still in charge so you get a good feeling for it when the time comes for you to head the meetings."
Sakura nodded, "I think that's a good idea."
They walked leisurely through the compound stopping at different shops and restaurants. Sakura met many people that she just knew she would struggle with remembering everyone's names. They visited the remodeled meeting house with its brand new foundation as well as the Naka Shrine.
"This is the most sacred place in the Compound. Many secrets of the clan are kept in here. Unfortunately until you are legally an Uchiha you cannot set foot in here or read any of the documents. So once you are married we will return to this place and you may begin your in depth study of our clan then."
"I understand."
They continued their walk and stopped at a large school house.
"This is where all the children study after they leave the academy. They learn basic history of the clan, more in depth learning on the founding of the village and our forefathers. They learn about their sharingan and its stages and abilities. Those that awaken it at a young age are put in private tutoring with a clan member before they are put onto a genin team. Then once they are older they are trusted with more secrets of the clan like the village's blame on the Uchiha when the Kyuubi attacked years ago."
"They get a very thorough education when they are young. It's impressive."
"Yes although this practice is typical to clans. Our history is important. I can see how it would be surprising to you considering you were not raised as such."
Sakura nodded, "I should talk to Mizuko about that. With the change in symbol for our clan the future generations will need to know the significance behind it. The history is important that way it doesn't repeat itself in the future."
"You are very wise."
A slight pink stained her cheeks. It was almost frustrating that she kept blushing. "Recent experience has taught me a lot."
Mikoto nodded sagely, "Come let's say hello to the children."
Sakura followed her into the school house as the teacher announced Mikoto's arrival. Most of them were well mannered but some were bouncing in their seats in a manner that reminded Sakura of Naruto and even some of her new clan members.
"Now I have someone else I want you all to meet. This is Itachi-san's betrothed Sakura-san. Can you all say hello."
"Hello Sakura-sama!" They all called out.
"Just Sakura, please. How are you doing today?"
A collective groan filled the classroom prompting Sakura to chuckle as well as Mikoto and the teacher.
"Well what is the topic for today?" Sakura stood at the front her arms folded.
"We're learning about the founding fathers Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama," answered a small girl in the front row.
"A very important subject not only to your clan but also to the village," Sakura smiled at the girl making her blush, "And why did they found our beautiful village?"
"For peace," a boy answered, "They didn't want to battle anymore."
"That's correct because they valued sparing the lives of the younger generations. Madara and his brother Izuna were close because why?"
"Because Madara-san lost most of his family in the war."
Sakura nodded, "And losing his brother helped him make the decision to end the feuding of the clans. That way children like you would know peace in your younger lives before being exposed to the ugliness of the world."
A girl in the back raised her hand, "Is all the world ugly outside?"
"No, most of it is beautiful but being a shinobi is hard work. It's nice having a peaceful place to come home to and relax. And it's our job to protect it. It's our job to get stronger and to protect our home that way all of our shinobi can come home and be safe."
"That's why the Police Force is important they keep the village safe," another boy interjected.
"Yes and how do we get stronger?" Sakura asked.
"We train."
"And we what?"
Silence.
"We study our history so that we can remember what we're fighting for. Never fight for selfish reasons, but always fight for something bigger. Do you understand?"
"Hai Sakura-sama!"
Sakura smiled as Mikoto turned to the teacher, "Thank you for letting us interrupt your lesson."
"Anytime Mikoto-sama, Sakura-sama," she turned to the class, "Say your farewells."
"Bye Sakura-sama, bye Mikoto-sama!"
As they left the school house Mikoto turned to Sakura, "You will make a fine Matriarch."
They were about a mile outside the village and Sakura's nerves were getting the best of her. She needed this, she knew that this was important but for the life of her she just couldn't stop shaking.
"Relax."
Her chin was turned up by her fiancé, "I'm trying."
"You're going to be just fine."
"While I know that I'm still-"
He silenced her quickly with an intense kiss. His fingers woven through her pink hair held her prisoner against his tempting lips. And he wasn't going to let her go until he got her to relax. Luckily it only took a few seconds for the tension to release and she kissed him back with just as much fervor as he initiated.
They were oblivious to the other people in the room as they carefully painted the large seal on the ground for Sakura to lie on. The others let them have their moment because as Sakura was warned beforehand, this procedure was likely to knock her out for her recovery.
"I love you Itachi," she whispered against his lips.
"As I love you."
"Don't leave me…please."
He wound his arms around her body holding her flush against him, "Never. I'll be here when you wake up and I won't leave your side while you're sleeping."
"One last kiss please."
Instead of the passionate meeting they had previous Itachi opted for a gentle touch of the lips, "Lie down."
She slowly eased herself down in the center of the painted circle.
"Sakura," Mizuko stood over her, "I'm placing these seal tags on your wrists and ankles. They will prevent you from causing damage to yourself as well as prevent you from rolling out of the circle. These are precautionary measures we're taking considering we don't know what type of reaction you will have to the procedure."
She nodded, "I understand."
Mizuko nodded and placed the tags on wrists then ankles.
"Positions everyone."
Sakura closed her eyes and took deep breaths trying to calm her nerves.
I'm keeping my promise.
Doesn't matter.
Well at least after this is done you won't be bleeding all over this room. You will have relative peace, isn't that good enough.
We will see.
Sakura could only assume that his impatient and impolite disposition were because of his situation. She could only imagine what it really felt like being cooped up inside of a person and bleeding constantly without dying. The pain must be brutal but all that was about to change and hopefully his demeanor will change with it.
Yes then maybe he'll actually give us real help in learning how to use his power.
His help has been fine it's just we have to figure out what he means. And I like his riddles.
They are lame and they waste time.
But we learn.
The next second all thought was cut off as the seal flash to life around her. Pain followed a few seconds later and she tried with all her might to hold in her groans of pain. Her body felt like it was being ripped apart from the inside. Her cells were being squeezed from within an inch of her life and it wasn't letting up. The only thing she could hope for was that she would pass out soon from the pain.
While it was difficult for him to remain standing in that room Itachi wasn't going to budge. He promised he wouldn't leave so he stayed planted right there in his corner as he listened to her pained cries. It grew even worse when they initiated the second wave. He had asked what exactly was going to happen to her and it was explained as such.
When they sealed the Gobi inside of Sakura they altered it so that the beast's chakra mixed and mingle with Sakura's own chakra network. This allowed her complete access to the Gobi's power without having to ask the beast for his permission to use it. But in exchange it caused the lacerations and bleeding from the animal. The mixing of blood along with chakra gave Sakura unfettered access to the beast's element of earth. So in order to fix the seal they first would have to pull out the mixed blood and chakra and focus the power onto her belly where the seal was. The second step was to reform the seal which would heal the Gobi and make Sakura a typical jinchurikki who would have to live and learn with the Gobi in order to use his power.
From that explanation it seemed to Itachi that the first part of the process would be more painful but hearing her cries increase when the seal flared up for the second round he knew he was wrong. Apparently physical pain was nothing to the change in a seal. He just knew that once this was over she would be ok and everything would finally be on the right track for them. This was her final step to healing and then all would be right in the world for them. It was a good thing Mizuko had placed the seals on her body or else she would've been flailing around and broken out of the seal.
Minutes…hours…days…He wasn't sure how long he stood there watching his love writhe in more pain. It was inevitable but that didn't mean that it was favorable. After everything that had happened to her, this also had to happen. This also had to be fixed. Even then her psychological state was still very fragile. She still cried in his arms at night and she still tried to deny it and bury her pain in the morning. The repetitive talking, the slow touching, he wasn't sure if it was working anymore but it was still all he had.
Then silence.
The light from the seal faded slowly, Sakura had stopped screaming. She had stopped moving and if it wasn't for the slight movement of her chest she looked dead. Taking slow steps over to her body he bent down and touched her sweaty forehead.
"It's ok, you can move her."
He nodded in response and gently lifted her into his arms. With steady steps he walked out of the cave and back to his home.
The room was dimly lit. Multiple colors moved rapidly around the walls and on the floor. The air was slightly hazy from cigarette smoke. She loved it; this was her secret guilty pleasure. It was actually the secret guilty pleasure for the four kunoichis of the Konoha Twelve. Several bodies moved in time to the deep bass pounding from the DJ's stage. Sakura moved easily with the crowd one hand in the air and the other caressing a strip of flesh between her tight black leather pants and her blood red tube top. Dancing…how much she loved to dance.
Her eyes glanced up to the large table in the corner reserved for their group. Dark onyx eyes watched her closely and with the dim lighting and pulsing lights, Sakura couldn't help but smile. Her Itachi looked just like a mob boss sitting there watching her. One arm was slung over the back of the couch while the other fingered the rim of his glass. She guessed he ordered a shochu once she left the table to dance. Of course he wouldn't come with her, this wasn't his scene, this wasn't what he was comfortable with. But Sakura was quite determined to get him out onto the floor.
She felt liberated out here. Almost as if all of her insecurities didn't exist anymore. On the dance floor she felt truly free. Of course her first dance with her friend, and Ino's boyfriend, Kotori helped at first. He and his sisters were the best dancers she had ever met and ever seen. It was borderline ridiculous how they could move their bodies. But according to her dance instructor, Gina, shinobi make the best dancers. With their lithe bodies and endless stamina the possibilities were unlimited as to what they could do.
So with renewed vigor Sakura was now quite determined to entice her new fiancé to the dance floor. She made her way slowly over to the edge of the mass of dancers then slowly pointed at her love. His piercing onyx eyes told her that she had his full attention. Turning her hand over, she curled her extended finger beckoning him to her. Her other hand ran through her slightly damp pink locks while her sultry emerald eyes held his. She watched his tumbler slowly lift to his lips as he downed the rest of his drink and slowly stood.
She smirked and stood still as he made his way through the crowds towards her. What should she expect? She knew he was completely out of his element. This scene, the club scene, was not something that Itachi had ever participated in; let alone shown any sort of interest. But here she was getting him away from the safety of the corner booth and onto the crowded and slightly warm dance floor. And now she had to dance with him. Could she dance with him? All of a sudden her nerves were going into over drive.
Itachi could sense her growing unease the closer he got to her. Was she regretting her earlier actions? Was this going to be a step back in their progress? She was very relaxed earlier and he thoroughly enjoyed watching her lithe body sway back and forth. Dancing was obviously a release for her and so even though he typically detested this type of environment he loved watched her let go. She was free here. All of her pain and worries that have been plaguing her were released and let go in this room. So in order to help her keep her freedom, he had to get her dancing again.
His finger traced her extended slender digit then smoothed out her fist and entwining their fingers.
"You wanted me Sakura."
Her breath caught in her throat, "H-Hai."
"And what did you want with me?" His other hand followed her earlier act and ran slowly through her pink locks. Every time he still marveled that her hair was always downy soft.
When she still didn't reply he took both her wrists and flattened them against his chest.
"What do you want from me Sakura?"
"Dance," she whispered, "I wanted you to dance with me."
"And where would you like me to touch you while we danced?" He still was careful of her boundaries.
She shook her head, "No, just dance. No rules. I just want to feel."
Sakura could see the small glimmer of happiness at her statement. She knew they were at a standstill. Touching in certain places was still very difficult for her. But maybe if she didn't concentrate on the touch and just danced things could be different with them. Possibly even better?
Since her hands were already flattened against his chest she took the liberty of feeling the rest of him. Letting out the deep breath she'd taken in earlier her hands traveled down caressing his pectorals and abs. When they traveled back up she gripped the lapels of his shirt and pulled him closer to her. Itachi's hands automatically went to her hips, his thumbs caressing that small sliver of skin between her shirt and pants. She shivered against him as her fingers brought him down for a hesitant kiss. But her hesitance was short lived as Itachi drove his tongue into her mouth and she returned it with equal fervor.
His hands did not stay in their spot. Pushing her flush against him one hand tangled into her hair while the other held her tightly on the flat of her back. She tasted of her cherry lip balm and the sake she was drinking earlier. And he couldn't get enough of her.
But he remembered that they weren't there to make out, they were there to dance.
He pulled her lips away from his and he was pleased to see that she was just as breathless as he. With her hands around his neck and his hands in their same spot he started to move. A little shift of his hips to the left…then to the right. Small, almost sensual movements. Her eyes kept their slightly hazy look from their enflamed kiss. She was so beautiful. Her pink lips darkened from his assault, open begging for air and another kiss. Her chest pressed against his moving quickly with her short intakes of air. Their hips firmly pressed against each other as they moved slowly together.
Sakura could not understand how he could stay so calm under such intense influences. But his eyes gave him away. While Itachi may display outward calm she knew that on the inside he was alive. She could see it, his hidden excitement. Their bodies were as close as they could get, the music pulsing heavily around them, blocking out all of their senses. Except touch. His hands so firm yet gentle against her skin. He cradled her head easily in the palm of his hand as he moved them. And they moved together effortlessly. She could feel him all around her, holding her, protecting her. She was safe here in his arms. And she never wanted to be anywhere else.
With a small chaste kiss Sakura took his hands from her and turned in his hold. Her back to his front, she placed both hands on her hips not breaking the rhythm they already started. She could feel his breath on her exposed shoulder and his hair tickling her cheek. Automatically her hand went up lightly caressing the back of his head. His lips touched the junction where the neck met her shoulder making her gasp. He continued down placing soft kisses all the way to the end of her shoulder. Her grip tightened in his hair. He was all around her, consuming her. Everything she felt was Itachi.
He held her close one hand splaying possessively against her stomach, his thumb just under the wire of her bra. Her skin was as soft as her hair and all he wanted to do was mark her as his. But he didn't. She already had psychological marks and even though all of her physical marks were gone, they still weighed heavily on her.
Then she surprised him. Her hips started moving in a slow circle grinding against him. His lips stilled as he contained his own aroused gasp. She was being brave. She was taking the lead again.
And he loved it.
Straightening out he responded to her daring grind by reciprocating. Her answering gasp made him smirk. His right hand held her hips firmly against his as they teased each other while his left decided to try something more daring. Using one finger he traced up the valley of her perfect cleavage lightly stroking the smooth skin of her clavicle. Then she started shivering.
His touch was intoxicating. Anything and everything revolved around him. Nobody else entered her mind as she lost herself in her love. When he started teasing the skin on her chest she lost it. Pulling his head back down she sealed her lips to his in a needy kiss causing his hand to flatten above the rise of her breasts. Kami she could just drown in him.
Why couldn't it be like this all the time? Why did she always have to freeze? Was it her fault? Was it just the natural response from all her "conditioning"? She didn't have the answers but she searched for them desperately all the time. No matter what there was always something that held them back. Always something that just kept that wall intact. What could it be? She didn't know but all she could hope for was a good wedding night…if she could even have a wedding night…
Nope she's not going to dwell on that now.
He could sense her distraction and he knew she was overthinking everything again. He was slightly put out that she could be distracted from his kiss but then again…Sakura was easily distracted. Her brain never stopped thinking, turning, working. She was on the go 24/7, more than any other person that he knew.
"Sakura," Itachi said against her lips. He pecked her lips a couple times until she opened her eyes.
For a moment she was shocked to see his sharingan eyes staring at her. Then there was darkness.
This was…interesting to say the least. If he were really being honest with himself he had no words to describe exactly what he was experiencing. He was standing in a dark hallway, water covered the floor. There walls were metal with some piping weaving in and out of it. And about one hundred feet in front of him was a light. From the shape of the beam it was coming out of an open door. Well, now was the time to check and see if his technique worked.
So with slow and steady steps he walked quietly on top of the water, heading towards the light. That thought was ironic considering people typically walk towards a light if they were dying. And since he wasn't dead this felt like a very surreal experience for him. But he decided not to dwell too much on the subject because if this worked, which he was guessing it did, he would need to keep a steady temper and hold over his chakra.
As his walked closer he could see it was a large set of double doors that the light was shining out of. They were tall with the same metallic look as the rest of the place.
Odd, he thought, yet not considering it's supposed to be a prison of some type.
"Oh my head…"
That voice sounded very familiar to him.
"Well all I'm gonna say is it's about damn time you finally woke up. Well…I guess you've half way woken up. Semantics either way were both happy to see you awake and able to talk."
He paused, his eyes widening, Her Inner is here. He should've expected it but still to actually be confronted with it. This will certainly be interesting. He decided to wait to make his appearance considering Sakura had just "woken up". Once she got her bearings he would reveal his presence.
"Did it work?" Sakura's voiced asked. He watched the water slosh, she must have gotten up.
"Hai it worked like a charm. Take a look at him now."
"Before we discuss me, we might as well include everyone here in the conversation."
That deep voice, clearly masculine with a distinct air of authority could only belong to the Gobi.
"Step into the light Uchiha since you've already found your way in here."
Interesting that he should know before Sakura figured it out. Either way his cover was blown so he walked into the light and took in the scene.
Behind a giant red gate stood the tall and proud bijuu. His white coat glistening brightly in the rather dim lighting. His teal eyes showed a cunning nature that was slightly surprising to the Uchiha; he expected hatred or malice. But his guess was those emotions weren't far behind. Once he finished staring at the Gobi he looked at the two twin girls standing near the red gate; one looked like his love and the other looked like the ghostly version of her. Sakura's eyes were wide in shock while her…Inner's eyes were narrowed in suspicion.
"Itachi?!" Sakura exclaimed, "What on earth are you doing here?"
"I think the more pertinent question is how did you get in here, especially without me knowing?" Inner clarified with her arms crossed.
"Both of those questions will have to wait," the Gobi stated dryly, "He needs to leave."
"I have actually come here to see you Gobi-sama," Itachi said walking closer, "Sasuke once spoke with the Kyuubi inside Naruto. I asked him for some advice. That is how I'm here."
"Evasive as ever my dear," Inner teased, "You didn't answer my question."
He smirked at her, "I'm surprised to see you here. I wasn't expecting to find you."
She scoffed holding her hand over her none existent heart, "I'm hurt Ita-kun. You should know that I exist in Sakura's mind so whenever you attempt to enter it I'll always be there. I would've thought a smart genius like you would have known that."
"Inner, don't be mean," Sakura growled.
"He's the one who thought I didn't exist!"
"That's not what he said and you know it!" Sakura pointer a finger at her, "Don't go causing trouble where none exists."
Itachi was absolutely fascinated watching this conversation. She argued with herself as if she actually wasn't herself. No that didn't make sense. But at the same time it did. Kami-sama how does she do it?
The Gobi smirked, "Think of it as having a conversation with yourself out loud. All your inner thoughts spoken to you instead of just said in your head. It's the easiest way to process her."
Inner turned her blank glare on the Gobi, "That was rude. After everything we've done for you."
"Silence you blood thirsty brat. What did you want Uchiha?"
Itachi straightened himself, "To extend an offer of peace. You inhabit the woman I love. All I want is for her to be safe and happy in life. I will not allow myself or anyone of my clan to use or abuse her and you and your power. Just help me keep her safe and I promise to make your and her life one of peace."
He sensed Sakura's Inner was about to comment but her hand shot up and cover her mouth. The Gobi was slightly taken aback even though he didn't show it. His proclamation was definitely unexpected and quite contradictory of the Uchiha behavior that he knew. This was interesting.
Without warning the Gobi bent his head down looking Itachi straight in the eye, "This promise…what happens if you break it?"
"I won't."
He snorted, "I've had many promises broken Uchiha, what makes yours any different?"
"My goals in life are different," he answered honestly, "There is no more war. The Five Great Nations are at peace for the first time since their inception. Life as we shinobi know it has changed. Things are different and in a good way. This new world is more peaceful than ever. I will not break my promise of peace for you."
"But only as long as I inhabit Sakura," Gobi added, "Once I leave her body this deal is void."
"I cannot speak for that far ahead. Hopefully this time of peace will continue for many years."
"Most likely not," The large bijuu bent his legs and lied downed gently in the water barely causing a ripple, "You know as well as I that peace only lasts for so long. You who have seen battle since the tender age of five know that peace only exists as long as no one is around to stir up conflict. Evil and darkness will always exist where there is light. Such is the way of the world."
Itachi nodded in agreement, "Maybe the time will come when the bijuu will walk freely around the earth once more."
"I had thought that time had come with the end of the war," Gobi answer lying his head on the ground, "But it was not so. Men like yourself decided that we were to not walk freely after the abusive display of what our combined power can do. We are not weapons."
"I agree. I'm truly sorry for your fate. But know this sealing was not intentional on Sakura's part."
"I know this. Sakura and I have discussed this at length. I no longer blame her for my situation."
Itachi smirked to himself, Naruto was right. He has a very passive personality despite the fact he was quite the opposite for a while according to Sakura.
"I have one more request for you."
Gobi narrowed his eyes, "Uchiha's sure are demanding aren't they?"
Inner snorted, "You can say that again."
Itachi turned a raised eyebrow at her.
"What? Don't look at me like that you know it's true. Everyone in your clan is demanding and pushy and it honestly would kill them to actually ask for something! And nicely at that."
"Inner! My God can you be civil for even five minutes!" Sakura exclaimed.
"Nope sorry Sakura but my job is to tell it like I see it. Your job is to be nice and let people down easily. Since he decided to waltz his way in here he can hear exactly what we think about his clan."
Itachi smirked at the pair of them, "You can be honest with me Sakura. I want you to be."
"This is not how I really feel Itachi I swear it!" She turned her big green eyes on him.
Itachi started chuckling.
"Don't laugh at me Itachi!" They both shouted at the same time.
That statement elicited a low rumbling chuckle from the Gobi.
"Hold your tongue Inner and Sakura; your request Uchiha?"
Itachi turned his attention back to the Gobi, he assumed a serious face, "Children."
"You should know I can't reproduce."
He smirked at the jest, "Naruto informed me that the seal weakens during childbirth."
Sakura gasped, Naruto didn't tell her that.
Gobi nodded, "Yes it does."
"If you break out of the seal you will cause her death. Please refrain from doing so."
The Gobi hummed, "It's tempting, but then again no one has ever actually asked me a favor. I would be free to roam the lands again as I please. But at the same time it would make me vulnerable to being resealed by some ambitious idiot who would use me as a weapon. Besides I think we already agreed that I would not harm my host as long as I am offered peace."
Itachi nodded, "We did agree to keep her safe."
"Then you have my word that I will not attempt to leave or kill my host while she is with child."
Itachi smiled slightly then bowed, "You have my deepest thanks."
"And you have my respect Uchiha Itachi. You are very wise for your age; do not make me regret my promises. Freedom is something that I and my brethren long for."
Itachi nodded and bowed once more.
"Sakura we will continue your training. You've come a long way in the short time we've been together."
"Hai Gobi-san, but without the same connection-"
"Then you will have to learn the same way your teammate did. Luckily for you, you already have my cooperation. With the seal fixed and my chakra now returned to me you must access it through the regular channels rather than having it mixed with you. We will work on this."
"Hai," she bowed, "Naruto and I will begin training together to work on this."
"And here," Inner took Sakura's hand, "Naruto told us that the Kyuubi's landscape could be changed. It happened during their little…tiff I guess you could say."
In an instant the cold, metallic jail cell was gone and replaced with a never ending meadow surrounded by rolling hills in the east, south, and west and a thick forest to the north.
"A little taste of freedom," Inner smirked at the Gobi, "A thank you for your trust and for your promises you made to Itachi."
The large magnificent creature stood abruptly and took a deep breath. It smelled real, the warm spring breeze blew lightly causing the long grass to ripple. His head swung quickly around to admire the river that ran along the north side by the forest then disappeared.
"The river is the boundary. You won't be able to cross it. I'm not sure how far it stretches in the other directions but we will always enter in from the forest," Inner explained, "Think of the trees as the bars that were there before."
The Gobi's large teal eyes swung down to study his host, "This is a great gift. Thank you Sakura-san."
They both bowed, "Your welcome Gobi-san."
"No, not anymore. Call me by my name, Kokuo, all of you."
"Kokuo," Sakura whispered in reverence.
And there's chapter 27 :) This fic is getting close to the end, but i need some help.
My issue: I want to write the wedding, i love writing weddings :) I've tried to research traditional Japanese weddings and i can't find ANYTHING! What in the world goes on in a traditional wedding in the Japanese culture. Here's my thinking: traditional ceremony followed by a party for the reception. Blending the old with the new. So is there a Tea Ceremony, an alter, what in the world happens?! So i need help. If you have any information on a traditional wedding in the Japanese culture PLEASE send me a PM. Or else i'll have to make it all up and i'd rather not do that. Just my opinion.
Thank you!