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Ravenna Italy, 8.00 am, Sound's HQ
A very bored Sound leader, Orochimaru, the current Otokage, was staring at a certain spot on the wall, doing his best to keep his notorious calmness and not snap at the people he most loved and respected. 'Fuckin mosquitoes...wait until my special repellant arrives. They will better than to mess with the infamous leader of Sound."
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Being the Otokage was not child's play, as long as lives were in his hands and the success of the missions depended on how well was he able to skillfully deal with the unexpected, regarding the most bizarre missions.
The Sound has officially reached the impressive number of 2000 agents and the number was growing, since CIA was massively recruiting aspiring agents. Of course a level-headed character, with just the right amount of coldness, insanity and clear and quick thinking, was mandatory in order to be able to ensure the success of their office.
A good leader of such a famous organization as the Sound was, had to be a very special man, that most of all understood how the people's minds were working, in order to fully understand what their skills were and be aware of each individual's value, to assess them their cases, according to their abilities and insight.
He was not a ruthless man, nor did he lacked emotions, on the contrary, he was oozing a certain level of sarcasm and fine irony, always having a smooth way of handling a conversation, always turning it into a psychological battle, where he was always the unbeatable winner.
As far as the others were concerned, Orochimaru was not an extravagant or short tempered man, snapping like his rival Tobirama, whenever there was something that didn't went according to his plan.
He had class and his elegant manner of only talking when necessary made the Otokage be secretly admired by many, for the display of exquisite behavior, intelligent remarks and sharp intuition.
And it was mostly because of Orochimaru`s brilliant skills that the Sound has still found a way to be outstanding, even if the branch was more obscure than the others, always working in the shadows and taking the riskiest and dirtiest of the missions.
The stoic man was reputed for the brilliant research on the manipulation of the chemical structure of the DNA and RNA or the amazing tactical skills in coordinating his teams, so that his agents got a 99% rate of success in missions.
So, as inappropriate for a mighty CIA leader and agent as it might have been, it was ten times better than listening to a very pissed and loud-mouthed Sakura, rambling about the reason why she despised the latest mission she has been given.
Not only she was openly voicing out her frustration, using many colorful curses she has picked from his wife and his blonde friend, Tsunade, but she had an entire theory about the reason why business men in the modern society should be assessed to the next NASA mission and discharged to Pluto, as a token of peace for the aliens, who would have entertained the idea to come and extinct the decadent human race.
In all honesty, the emerald eyed lady had a very good reason to hate on the snob shallow people, that lacked moral values and solid principles. She never understood their greediness and hunger for money or fame they didn't deserve.
She best knew, as once a poor girl herself, that in order to make a living, a person should polish his skills and refine his temper through hard work and determination. Something the high society seemed to deem as unimportant and overlook the other's around struggling.
Orochimaru cherished the little spitfire like she was his own offspring, spoiling her and looking for her well being. The precious memory of their first encounter was vivid into the Otokage's mind and he could clearly remember the day he first met her.
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It has been a cold day, 7 years ago on Christmas Eve, and the crystalline snow was adding to the magic of the holly time. The occasional groups of children singing carols wandering through the streets and the strong scent of fir trees, were having a solemn touch. Orochimaru went outside to take a gulp of fresh air and of course, a break from a drunk, equally loud like Sakura, Tsunade.
As expected of their little Sound gathering during holidays, she always had a sadistic pleasure to keep the equally drunk audience of the walking shitfaced zombies, that have the guts to call themselves CIA agents, entertained with small juicy gossip regarding his person.
Like in that particular moment, when the etiquette asked people to welcome the spirit of the Christmas with joyful hearts and open minds, Tsunade found it appropriate to share the unbelievable story of how their fearsome well known stoic Leader, Orochimaru, has lost the chance to be elected as the next Hokage, meaning the leader of their rival CIA office, Akatsuki.
The irony of the situation was that not only the undeniable rivalry of the two CIA branches and the animosity between their agents, but the way the Otokage has lost the position that secretly many longed for, as well. And that only added to the ridicule of the situation, he decided.
As Tsunade so energetically explained to the other agents populating his spacious living room, that his wife Anko turned into a toys shop, with her Christmas decorations, as coherent and cursive as a completely wasted of sake could have been, that he lost the kumite fight to the current leader of Akatsuki, the legendary Senju Tobirama and her uncle, just because he has been distracted by the world's Guinness record holder for the most perverted breathing creature of the universe, who found the moment proper for him to shout it out loud that inspiration for his next questionable outrageous R-rated book has just hit him and his next book was going to be a bestseller.
It was lingering on everyone's acquainted to him mind, that Jirayia would make rabbits on heat build an altar and worship him like a Deity.
The moments when the collected Otokage, who was famous for his self control, felt his blood boil down his veins, urging him to forget his bond with his childhood friend and slice his throat were rare, but that one came particularly close to his own vision of rage.
As the deep in thought Orochimaru was making its way through the crowded streets, taking slow steps towards the Grand Square, his pale eyes were lazily taking in the bright smiles of the enlighten little children and his stare suddenly come to rest on a particular lady, who had an ethereal appearance, that made her stand out strikingly from the surrounding running around families.
There was a certain vibe in the air the Otokage could clearly perceive, in the form of a sudden electrical discharge, that made his skin tremble with anticipation, cautiously, but steadily approaching the mysterious girl.
A strong feel of uncertainty that told him to be cautious and not get caught by surprise, made Orochimaru`s fine eyebrows fur, focusing on the unusual wave of rosy tresses gently fluttering in the cold wind blow behind her back.
After all, his long career as a CIA agent has taught him that life was made of unexpected occurrences and at some point, one could have easily confuse reality for illusion, clouding the judgment, but nothing in life was coincidental and Fate had everything planned beforehand, pulling their strings.
Orochimaru knew that they only had to let Destiny play the melody and dance along. He slipped his hand into the warm large pockets of his coat, coming to a halt two steps away from the mysterious stranger that caught his sharp trained eye, taking in her general appearance.
The way her much smaller thin frame stood unresponsive in front of the gigantic Christmas Tree, not facing him, surrounded by the beaming colors of the lights and candles and unique shaped star shaped snowflakes, playfully falling from the sky, gave her a mystical untouchable aura, in an exquisite fusion of innocence and vibrant enthusiasm.
The curious man quickly took in her choice of attire, realizing that she was too poorly dressed for such a cold weather, with just an old jacket in the most unfortunate shade of yellow possible, a pair of ballerina white shoes that matched what he assumed was a waitress` uniform, probably some cheap fast-food's, that had a 24 hours schedule on Christmas- there was that kind of human species that liked to dig in burgers on the 24th December-one.
But what stood out from the rest was not the unusual long pastel pink hair she was keeping untied, cascading over her delicate shoulders, but the way she so cryptically addressed him, in a soft bell like voice, sounding more mature than she looked like, and her vibrant big emerald eyes, when the girl turned her head over her shoulder, facing him for the first time, letting their gazes briefly connect.
There was a fusion of sparkling gold and forest green dancing around her irises, enlightened by the lights of the Christmas Tree, like a silk expensive Chinese embroidery and it made her glimmering orbs appear alive, spirited, even hopeful, if he was to be poetic.
Orochimaru knew that his height, that only enhanced his toned lean frame, his long dark chocolate hair, the unique amber eyes that bore into the very soul, but beautiful nonetheless and the unusual trademark subtle lavender make up enhancing their almond shape, were making him appear imposing and his noble demeanor helped him gain a level of respect and notoriety, just as expected from the Otokage of the Sound.
But the much smaller than him young girl, with a frame so petite and soft that it made her came as a graceful snowflake descending elegantly from the velvet sky, didn't back away from him, nor did she flinch under his hard, but collect gaze like others often did.
There was a certain level of mutual understanding lingering in between their briefly connected gazes and Orochimaru couldn't help but look in wonder at the way her delicate features were having an aura of regal beauty that was so unusual for a commoner, but so impossibly alluring and intriguing.
The Otokage couldn't help but openly study her every gesture, like a hawk, trying to understand the reason why she didn't blend into the crowd and he was not taking into consideration her poor state.
The reason why she didn't turn around and ignore another face in the crowd, the snake faced CIA leader later realized, was that Sakura, ever since she has been a young teenager in search for her place under the sun, has possessed an intuition and a strong ability to look into the others` souls and find their most secluded fears and insecurities, to the point she has been able to perceive another story shockingly similar to her own, into the pale partly widened eyes of her future paternal figure.
The pastel rose haired girl's jadeite eyes held an uncommon solitude written in every flicker of light trapped into her dancing viridian irises and a maturity into her unfaltering and proud demeanor, oozing a confidence that transcended her fragile inexperienced young age, but undeniable fitting and natural.
Maybe the fact that Orochimaru has lost the position of the Hokage has not been a mere coincidence…after all…everything in life happened for a reason and nothing was at random.
And that has probably been the reason why a pair of the brightest forest green eyes he has ever encountered, that held an unmixed mystery and fragility, like the purest first snow covering the sleeping nature under its warm blanket, fixed on his amber all knowing ones, managed to reveal a story much more deeper that she let the other strangers know.
Sakura`s heart was like an open book with antique sepia pages, unfolding in front of the people that were meant to form a bond with her, letting her thoughts and feelings materialize in the form of a neat calligraphy about her struggles and tragic story.
And when her small timid steps brought her towards the rooted in place Otokage, the stoic stunned man knew that their first encounter was not another Christmas fairytale, but maybe, as cliché as it might have sounded, another chance for an unfortunate living to change for the better, find new hopes to lit the flame inside her erratic heart and new dreams for the new horizons that were opening up for her in that moment.
The emerald eyed girl stopped right in front of the stranger that had his own eyes glued to her much smaller frame, sensing that she has managed to pique his interest, addressing him in a smooth silk like whisper, similar to that of two childhood friends who met after 10 years after absolutely no contact, eager to make up for the lost time and reminisce about the good old times together.
"Sir, are you able to see the little orange candles hanging on the higher branches?" She elevated her delicate lean finger, pointing in the direction of the Christmas tree that she was intently studying, making Orochimaru follow her lead. "It took me one hour and basic math calculus to count them all." She spoke with a hint of equivocal in her words.
Before the looking in awe Orochimaru had a chance to stop himself, he asked her curiously. "How many?" There was a strange light radiating from her soul that made it easy for people to talk to her. Almost like they have met before, in an ancient faraway time.
Not even turning her emerald serene eyes to face him, she answered casually, shoving her freezing hands down the large pockets of the jacket she wore. "There are 159,404 candles. They were smart to place one for each inhabitant of this city."
The Otokage gave her a small smirk, nodding once when apprehension sank in, inwardly praising her for the sharp spirit of observation. That girl was incredibly smart and judging from how deep her thoughts were, she was wise as well. "Indeed."
With a new found determination, Sakura went on, well aware of the attention she got from the classy dressed gentleman. "To be completely honest, watching them makes me feel not so lonely anymore and since I haven't met all the people from this city, I foolishly delude myself into thinking that maybe two of them are for the parents I have never met. Like a silent message left for me to not give up hope and keep fighting for a brighter future."
He then understood where all the loneliness that was visible in her reserved attitude was coming from and Orochimaru realized the connection they had, as both orphans, grown without knowing the love and warmth of a family and home, mutually understanding their unshed suffering. She was just like him. A lonely heart. "You are alone."
She nodded once in confirmation, blinking slowly, shooting her bright deep emerald eyes on her left to rest her gaze on his own, confirming his statement. "I am. But I know that you are just as alone as me, Mister."
"How can you say that?"
"Your eyes Sir is the thing that gives you away. They are looking longingly around, like trying to envision how family warmth and motherly love would look like, but never able to see it. Just like mine."
"You are sharp, little one. You are different from the others." If Orochimaru has been stunned by her approach, he was good at hiding it, smirking approvingly at her.
"So I have been told." She let out a small smile, holding his eyes for a moment, feeling that the reason why they were facing each other was something life itself has planned for it to happen.
The calm Sound leader was intrigued by how was it possible for a girl that was probably two times younger than him, to speak the exact words that haunted his dreams ever since the sinful night, when his family was brutally tortured and murdered by the Lorane, 37 years ago, on Christmas Eve.
"If this is all they have been able to come up with to acknowledge your value, my dear, then this world does not deserve you." He spoke gently, but seriously, not letting any room for interpretation.
"It is understandable. I have no one I could rely on. After all…I am just a lonely girl."
"There is no loneliness for those who have such a trained eye to find other equally solitary people, among the many others roaming through the streets, my child. But I shall give you an opportunity you will probably not going to refuse, for I see it in your eyes that you were born make a difference where the others could only hope".
Right there, under the holly Tree and surrounded by perfumed red Christmas candles, cinnamon and vanilla fragrance of backed apples and cakes and enchanted smiling and singing families with their little kids, Orochimaru made up his mind and changed Sakura`s destiny forever. "What is your name?"
The pink haired young girl's eyes flew open wide, confused at such a blunt invitation coming from a stranger with no address, trying to determine his ulterior motives, calmly assessing the situation, his sharp mind calculating and taking in all the details. It didn't slip Orochimaru`s vigilance. "Sakura, Sir." She was keeping her cool in front of a crucial decision, not jumping into conclusion.
"Only Sakura? No family name?"
"You can call me Haruno if you want. Haruno Sakura."
"Sakura…a cherry blossom." He concluded. "In Japanese." Orochimaru`s sharp eye was able to see that the little poor teenage girl, who probably took a not enough paid job, out of extreme poverty, whose silk porcelain skin was amazingly unblemished for such a tainted world, had the necessary traits to make it to the top of the CIA and help The Sound to make the headlines, when they would be the one to successfully bring The Lorane down.
"It is common courtesy to introduce yourself first, when asking for someone else's name. What is your name, Mister?" She retorted back smartly, darting her eyes to her wristwatch, aware of the fact that she has been late for her job and it nagged her, because it was the only one that has accepted her.
"Orochimaru." He stated simply, making a vow in front of the open Heavens and his conscience, that the Sound leader was going to look after the emerald eyed girl, like she was his own relative and introduce her to the big dysfunctional family the Sound was, letting her feel the joy of finding people that shared common views and were able to understand each other's pain and suffering. "Come with me, Sakura."
A pair of luscious rosy petal like lips crept open in astonishment, confusion washing through her system, when she heard Orochimaru throwing such a carefree invitation, founding herself not able to give a coherent answer. "W-What?" It was an innate reluctance not to follow strangers that came up wish such offers, out of nowhere, taking advantage of the poor naïve children and she hardly came close to stupid.
He could have been dangerous for all she knew, but somehow the future CIA agent was able to sense his genuine heart, poured in his soothing voice. "Come work for me. People like you are meant for bigger things."
"And what would your job be about, if I may ask?"
He smirked at her, slipping a hand into his pocket and pulling out his wallet, taking out his CIA membership. He held it in front of her, silently urging the slightly trembling-whether in cold or shock, it was difficult to say-girl to take it. She did, studying the contents. "See for yourself and give me an answer. You have one chance to change your destiny." Forest green eyes were taking in the information, greedily, trying to understand if it was a cruel joke or the God`s hand, that decided to put an end to her suffering.
"…b-but this is…you are…" Sakura lifted her eyes from the small plastic object, to stare at the man in front of her, amazed. He was a CIA agent and he actually wanted her to work for him, as an agent herself. "…is this for real?"
"Indeed, my dear. I am leading one of the best CIA offices and I am asking you to come and work with us. I can see you have no family, no relatives and I would go as far as to say you are having a difficult time as well. Be one of us. You can have all the things you wish for."
"All the things I want…I am going to have it. This is what you have said." Sakura was indeed sick and tired of living like a beggar and always be made the punch bag of her colleagues and neighbors, so she took the risk and accepted the offer, trying to seem as confident as possible.
"I will never go back on my word. I am going to personally teach you everything you need to know in order to be the best. What is your answer?"
"I accept, although I find it difficult to fully trust you." She answered honestly. Orochimaru appreciated her boldness and resourceful mind. It was a required treat for a good agent and she already proved herself worth of the status.
"It is understandable. We are going to grow our trust in the future, Sakura. My colleagues are going to adore you, I am sure of it." The Otokage raised his hand towards her, shaking her own, both smiling and officially starting their collaboration.
"I cannot wait to meet them all." And she found the people that changed her as a character, varnished her skill and refined her attitude, turning her into an eloquent lady, with subtle studied manners and a stunning appearance, that overshadowed the other CIA females, being outstanding no matter what she did. Orochimaru has been right to take her under his protective wing.
"Then it is settled. Welcome to the CIA."
"Please take care of me…Orochimaru."
And the moment they left the Grand Piazza together, with Orochimaru briefing his new pupil about what being an agent truly meant, Sakura`s story has begun. And so had her tremendous growth and notorious career.
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But that didn't stop the throbbing headache that was slowly but certainly started to form from the moment she entered his office at 7.00 am this morning. And she didn't stop screaming and cursing the young Uchiha heir and his insufferable little materialistic world.
The Otokage was mentally trying to remember where exactly has he left his painkillers, because Sakura found it appropriate at that unholy hour, to barge into his office and give him Hell.
"Cherry please we can…" No matter how much did he love Sakura, treasuring her like his own daughter, Orochimaru`s patience was running low with each passing moment. He truly hoped she was going to act like the mature agent she was, understanding that she should do everything required to successfully complete her mission.
And the task she has been assigned to was a top priority and played a crucial role in maintaining the peace and security all around the world. Only, the pink haired rambling lady was totally overlooking her status and attributions, folding her arms over her full chest, glaring daggers at her Papa.
"…and why me, from all the people?! I mean, what the hell Oro, why should I baby sit that dumb pathetic excuse of a man, who I bet doesn't even know how to write his goddamn name without the help of his secretary, who by the way I feel so sorry for…"
The fact that her habit of voicing out her frustrations, nagging everyone around like her other mentor, Tsunade Senju, made it twice as bad for the unfortunate audience. She was probably tired and still recovering from her latest mission, Orochimaru tried to reason. 'This is what I get for spoiling her so much…damn Anko and Tsunade`s influence… she is just like all of them combined.'
"Cherry, I am sure you are capable to understand the implications of this mission, as written in the file I have sent to you yesterday." His tired voice echoed through his large office, trying to stay as neutral as possible. Inside, he was screaming for help. "If there is someone qualified enough to successfully complete it, that person would be you, who I personally trained particularly for this kind of…"
Sakura stomped her high heel on the ground, flailing the files she was griping angrily in the air, rolling her emerald eyes, until they hit the back of her head, interrupting the Otokage.
The reason why every Sound agent was always throwing a tantrum whenever he was assessed a mission he deemed inappropriate for their skills, complaining like kindergarten that were denied cotton candies, was slipping their Leader's mind. "I have not worked my ass off for CIA, just to get a mission dumber than the previous one, when I had to pose as a teacher to Elementary kids!"
"Sakura, this is more than keeping an eye to such an important…"
"…and look at this article, it is outrageous! Hear this shit: Sasuke Uchiha was chosen as the hottest and most promising businessman, by the Forbes Magazine! Huh!" The pink haired Sound agent tilted her head cockily on her side, snorting unceremoniously, holding the magazine in front of the Otokage, carrying out with her bashing.
Orochimaru had a blank stare on his face. Someone should wake him up when she was ready, because his eyes were darting from his protégée, to his laptop, following the incoming mails and calls from his agents. According to them, the Akatsuki has been able to spot a suspicious place in Greece, where Lorane seemed to have had one of their bases.
Sakura continued her long-winded monologue, without paying attention to what Orochimaru did. He was going to take her if he ignored her, she was going to make sure of it. "Oh, this sis rich, hear the latest news about him: Uchiha is ready to take over his father Fugaku`s famous family business, the Mangekyou. INC. In one of the interviews, the current CEO announced that his capable son has completed his training and is more than able to follow into his steps and take over the company."
"Sakura…this is enough…I think you should go home and take a better look at the-"
"Capable my ass! I bet half of my Tommy Hilfiger bags, that as soon as he is going to lay his filthy incapable hands on that company, the arrogant player is going to turn it into a brothel in no time! He would have been better in Vegas, running a night club, because I bet he truly looks like those kind of people." She stated as a matter of fact, only studying his file superficially, not even interested in taking a peek at his photo.
Orochimaru lifted a fine eyebrow at her, looking at her questioningly. "What kind of people?"
"The ones that make me sick! I already feel like showing my sword down his ass and make all of us a favor. Can't we just tie him up, kidnap him and bring him in one of our basements? We can keep an eye on him better like this."
"As tempting as it might that sound Sakura, I am afraid we cannot do such a thing. We have to protect him, not act like Lorane would do." Orochimaru didn't have any clue about why was so adamant in not accepting the mission like she did with many others before, without constantly reminding him about her repulsive feelings about rich people.
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Sure, it was a well known fact among the CIA agents that the Freemasonry was basically controlling most of the larger world companies, aiming to have the monopoly of all the economic fields, such as water, energy or oil.
And they were quite proficient, because in such a short amount of time, their people managed to successfully eliminate almost all the competition in the industry and set up their own rules, using corrupt methods and illegal transactions to rise the VTA and the taxes of the imported goods and services, so that the poorest countries had no choice but to loan money from the World Bank Group and indebt their people.
Of course, with them controlling the International Monetary Fund and the largest Banks , they successfully turned the countries that were struggling to pay back their debts into modern slaves of their corrupt ambitions, and that was precisely the reason why the CIA had to put an end to their acts, before they completely took control over the global economy.
And the saddest part, was that even with their agent's combined effort, Lorane, the head of all the Freemasonic organizations, worked flawlessly from the shadows, pulling the strings behind the most influential businessmen, regarding the environment, precious and industrial metals, IT and technology, medicine, research, and even education.
So it was no wonder that Sakura was so against working for one man she considered to be no worth more than trash under her reproaching eyes, but everyone knew for a fact that the Uchihas were far from the corrupt companies that emerged from the shadows, under Lorane`s obvious control.
Every member of the Uchiha family was praised for always giving his best in everything they have done, successfully rising the stocks of the mammoth company in less than 20 years of glorious existence, to the point all the entrepreneurs and smaller aspiring companies were keeping their eyes on their shares, on the auction market. Their stocks had a high value.
Mangekyou had branches all over the world, leaving aside their contracts and partnerships with almost all the largest world's companies that were smart enough not to oppose them, but trade with them, and it only helped them grow even more.
It was hard to believe that such a large famous company had such an interesting history, because it all started from the ambitions of Uchiha Madara and his friend Uchiha Shisui, who, as a hobby, in the damp old garage of Shisui`s home, have invented a small micro-chip that enabled the engine to gain more power, without having to consume oil, being more eco as well.
So, needless to say that Mangekyou has become world's number one automotive company by revenue, crushing their market rivals. They developed the technology more, making it more efficient and that only enabled the company to gain the reputation as the best dealer in terms of technology of cars.
The Uchihas had numerous contracts with other equally reputed companies such as Volkswagen or Toyota Motor Corporation, as their main shareholders and business partners, making a reputation as being fair, unlike many others from the market, that were not respecting the laws and were often having trials in Courts, crimes such as fraud, fair competition or good-will.
That being said, it was no wonder they were a pain in the ass for the Freemasonry, that were trying its best to get rid of the few remaining companies untouched by their filthy ambitions, failing miserably every time.
The Mangekyou`s CEOs were insanely smart and skilled people, who succeeded in staying at the top, despite the crisis and the collapses of the other companies, that affected them as well.
Lorane almost brought down another successful company, not as big as Mangekyou, but nonetheless a force to be reckoned with, namely the Hyuga`s family pride: The Byakugan.
It was medical company specialized in developing laser medicine technologies, such as LASIK and LASEK for eye surgeries, or radiation therapy such as chemotherapy or cobalto therapy, for curing cancer.
And if the Uchihas, that were not only their business partners, but old family friends as well, wouldn't have helped them pass a crisis that the Lorane had patiently planned to make them go bankrupt, by increasing their own stock's prices with only 0.5%, forcing the investors to buy more stocks from the Byakugan, they would have been struggling in insolvency.
Orochimaru was not fond of the harsh business related fierce competition and domain, but the Uchiha` s merits were undeniable. They were hardworking and professional…and the future CEO was in mortal danger…and Sakura was still laughing and ranting…God help him…
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"Enough of this!" The Otokage wasn't one to scream or make a scene in front of his subordinates, acting like a role model and a proud leader for them to follow and admire, but seriously it was getting a toll on him. And he has just found out that Akatsuki were aware of the secret mission, plotting to interfere.
'I am going to throttle Tobirama someday, I swear I will…' His pale eyes were glued to the laptop resting on his desk, his palm straight in the air, silencing a pink haired girl, putting an end to her non stop spiteful comments.
The other inhabitants of the room, namely Tsunade Senju, Akasuna no Sasori, his beautiful and his pregnant wife Anko and another promising Sound agent and Sakura`s one and only best friend Uzumaki Karin, were barely containing their laughter, failing miserably, eying the scene going on in front of them with much interest.
One would know better than to mess with an angry Orochimaru if he valued his life, but not the Sound's sweetheart and top assassin. Sakura couldn't give a damn about how frightening his suddenly murdering aura would have become, for she was more than immune to his cold and bossy demeanor, being constantly in his presence.
"Cherry, I am sorry for your obvious rejection regarding the mission, but this is so important that I wouldn't even want to begin naming all the disastrous things that would occur, if Lorane would manage to take down the Uchihas and the Mangekyou." He shut his laptop, unable to see the bothersome news coming, standing up, folding his hands behind his back, addressing the emerald eyed girl, who was mirroring his hard stare.
"Disastrous? I wouldn't go that far Papa. What could possibly be that cataclysmic if that imbecile and totally insufferable loathsome Uchiha would go down? I just don't get it! What is so special about him anyways?"
"The fact that he is a hot piece of ass, that every woman secretly lusts for and wants to fu-"
"Finish that sentence Rin and I will personally make sure to get rid of all the coffee into the world and let you die without your caffeine addiction." Sakura threatened her red headed friend, who did nothing to contain her snorts, placing a hand on Anko`s shoulder, laughing along with the hysteric woman.
Orochimaru shook his head at their childish attitude. "They killing the next heir is like killing a chicken's head: the body will spin around and trash a few more minutes, but it will eventually die. If this happens, I will have the pleasure to announce the not so fortunate outcome, in the most poetic language I can muster at this time of the day." He made a small pause in his solemn speech, to add to the dramatic effect.
The Otokage was many things, but a morning person he was not. The man could basically sleep all day and work during night…not that he didn't doze off often in his office, leaving all the paper work he deemed as unimportant in the capable hands of his wife Anko and his secretary Tsunade.
"The outcome as in…?" Sakura urged him to state the obvious. The others casually covered their ears with their palms, thanking the Heavens that his windows were not only bulletproof, but soundproof as well.
"To put it simply my dear, I would say that we are all SCREWED!"
There was silence in the room. Thanks God, the stupid painkiller he shoved down his throat during Sakura`s nagging speech, was taking effect. He felt his temples cool down.
"…but why does it have to be me the one to do it?!" Sakura was infuriated by then." I mean, he has Itachi! Shouldn't he be the one to keep an eye of his little lovely brother, playing the caring older brother that he is and spare us the trouble of dealing with this?! I mean, how can we investigate Lorane if I am stuck there, watching the world's number one player's ass?"
"Because is ten times funnier if a hot chick like you is going to watch that manwhore twenty four seven, remaining glued to him." Sasori added with a small smirk. The look he got from Sakura made rock melt under her gaze. She had good teachers.
"You sounded just like your retard pervert friend. Stop hanging out with Hidan, or else you are going to end up like Jirayia."
Tsunade, who was wiping her tears our of her shut eyes, still laughing, found it proper to interfere and defend her fiancé. In reality, she was laughing at his behavior along with the others, beating him senseless whenever she had the chance to do so. "What is wrong with my fiance anyways? He is a good man."
"You don't want an answer to that, shishou."
"You just like to brag, but in reality you love us."
"In your dreams you loser. Gosh, I fucking hate you all." Sakura brushed her light caramel-her natural hair color-locks away from her beautiful exasperated face, placing her hands on her hips.
Karin shot back at her, offended. "Hey, what about me?"
"You teamed up with them, you traitor, so I would not count you out as well.
"Ok, enough of this, I am tired and Akatsuki is making my life miserable this early in the morning." Orochimaru shut his eyes to the world briefly, pinching the bridge of his nose in a tired manner. He hasn't slept at all the night before and he was more than tired. He was basically a walking corpse.
"Listen Cherry, I understand how frustrating doing Akatsuki`s job truly is, but we cannot have Itachi involved in this mission, for obvious reasons."
A delicate rosy eyebrow shot up in confusion. "What is there to be that obvious and it slips my vigilance, Papa?"
Orochimaru sighed tiredly, feeling his sight going foggy. He needed more caffeine into his system and the people populating his place were oblivious for his craving for silence. "It is already bad enough that those two Lorane henchmen succeeded to evade him after they tried to poison Fugaku in broad daylight, last month, during the charity ball."
"So what you want to say is that they have certainly put two and two together by now, realizing that the Mangekyou`s still CEO has an older runaway son working for the CIA?" Karin raised both hands into the air, waiving at her Leader.
The Otokage nodded once in confirmation. "Precisely yes, Karin."
"If Lorane finds out the about our identities, they are immediately bound to discover our secret mission to keep them under surveillance, compromising any chances we have to realize what their purpose is and stop them before they go too far." Tsunade replied evenly, making Orochimaru`s eyes snap in her direction, inwardly accusing her of stealing his speech. The blonde woman shot right back at him, smirking at his frustration.
Oh, how she loved to piss her friend and colleague off and Anko was doing the same, teaming up with the other agents to nag him more.
Sakura darted her taken aback emerald eyes from her busty mentor, to Orochimaru, frowning at their statements. "I thought we managed to silence those two bastards, since Hatake and that Hyuga creep were following them. I suppose they had no problems in detaining them into their custody and interrogate their asses until they sang like canaries."
Sasori let out a totally amused 'tsk', attracting Sakura`s attention. Apparently, those people knew much more and it bothered her. She would have to make it clear with her Papa that she wanted to be more involved in the other`s activities as well. "Actually…they proved their worthlessness this time as well, not letting us down."
"What are you talking about Sasori?"
"According to Tobirama`s report from the previous meeting, they managed to escape while being transported to Akatsuki`s main detention center, by cutting the car's 20 cm length steel and iron door, with a high-tech mini-laser they had incorporated in their contact lenses. They probably stole the device from the Byakugan`s development plans and used it to their own devices". Anko explained with in confident tone to the younger than her pink haired agent, stunning everyone. That was a particular detail they were not aware of.
The pregnant woman was quite famous for her sharp memory, never taking down notes to remember what she was reading and she only needed to scan the contents and the information once to do that.
Despite her eccentric demeanor and loud mouth, Anko was the other half of her equally genius husband Orochimaru, both being an unbeatable team. She often helped him with the paperwork, solving everything flawlessly. "…only…that scary eyeless Hyuga kid said that they have investigated and the laser didn't match the ones made by the Byakugan."
Sakura rolled her eyes at that, carelessly folding the papers she was rusting, aiming the trash can with a perfect shot. The whole room was eyeing her in disbelief. She has just thrown out Sasuke`s file, like it was worth nothing. "Really now? So they are experts as well? Akatsuki should focus on expertise more and let the other true agents do the job for them. Oh yeah…isn't this exactly what they are currently doing?"
"…was that your mission file?" Sasori lifted a finger in the direction of the bin.
Sakura nodded leisurely once, ceremoniously shutting her eyes, dragging a bored masked expression down her face, making Orochimaru greet his teeth. She was turning into a mini version of Anko and Tsunade and the world was not prepared for the deathly mix.
"No, it was the lunch menu."
"So should I take this as an act of defiance, Cherry?" Orochimaru tried another approach.
"Well considering the fact that you so carefully filled in my inbox with five similar copies of it, then no. I was just trying to be eco and recycle."
"Yeah, right. Because our office is now part of the Green Peace. What is next? Banners with SOS messages to save the dolphins?" Sasori angled his chin so as to have a full view on Sakura`s darkened stare, silently laughing like a madman at her way of dealing with the mission. That would be an interesting case to follow, he could feel it. The animosity was palpable.
"I am going to plant my foot down your stupid ass and have your clan of brainless Gorillas extinct. And then, I am going to face Green Peace for animal abuse, your cretin."
"Cherry…why cannot you just…accept this mission already and save us the trouble of going through this every damn time, at the same hour?" Orochimaru headed towards his book shelves, choosing a pretty large black leather covered file, handing it to the reluctant emerald eyed agent, urging her to take it.
She was eying him like he was spitting strawberry candies and milk chocolate from his mouth, like a piñata. "The hell is this, Oro?"
"Uchiha Sasuke`s complete file. Be careful not to throw that out though, I went through Hell and back to get that from the INTERPOL and FBI`s databases."
Sakura opened the file aimlessly, scowling at the complex information and the amount of sheets there, full of personal information. "The way it looks like, I would have never guessed you didn't take this from the Library from Alexandria. Before it got burnt up, of course."
"You might want to do your homework first Sak, I heard he is quite a challenge." Sasori stirred the pink haired agent more, much to the others` joy.
She always had the best pouting and childish frowns when provoked, that time making no exception. In the other people's eyes, she was the best CIA agent, but her little 'family' knew all about her cuteness and free spirit, even though she refined her manners to hid it while in the presence of strangers or people she couldn't stand. "I don't intend to read a single fucking line about his private life. The only thing that might interest me would be his funeral date. Then I am going to stand before his grave and dance bachata."
"Orochimaru…" Karin interfered with a new brilliant idea that has just crossed her mind, catching everyone's eye. Of course they knew about her resolve, since her auburn eyes were beaming wickedly. "…why can't I take Cherry`s place and take a look after that hot hunk of a man instead? I know as hell I wouldn't mind getting really close to his sexy body."
"Karin…you know the answer. This is not something I decide out of a whim. Besides, I cannot have you go and seduce him, while Lorane is out there, waiting for us to do a single mistake and destroy us, because we have been careless." The growing impatient Otokage reasoned.
Sasori playfully patted the red headed Uzumaki on her shoulder, biting his lower lip not to laugh hard, faking condolences. "Now now Karin, I can understand your concern, but don't worry, I heard his two friends are making themselves quite a name among the nigh clubs, so it is not all lost. You will still have your chance to bang…"
Bam!
She punched the then rolling on the floor laughing Sasori straight on his face, of course, doing no damage. The Sound male agents were quite used to the temperamental female part, the Otokage included. Anko was not only violent, but she was pregnant and really passionate about it as well. "You stupid asshole, do you think I am a slut or something?! If Cherry doesn't finish you off soon, then you are not going to live another day after you face my wrath!"
"I don't want to live another day with seeing your face, so I am not going to comment on your wrath."
"Why you little…"
"Stop it you two!" A totally enraged Sakura shout out at her two friends, making the walls tremble under her high pitched voice. "We are talking about my problems here, so save the marital problems for counseling and shut up!"
"I so want to murder you all in this moment…" Orochimaru muttered into his palms that were resting soundly on his worn out face. "Anko, be a good wife and bring me some coffee. That strong one that tastes like spoiled milk and dead bodies and make it this year, please."
"Bah…who am I? Your servant? Go get it yourself!" She shoved him off quickly.
"I swear I pay you guys for nothing."
"You don't pay us you freak, CIA is paying us so stop trying to be all mighty because it is not working." Tsunade said casually, like she was discussing the forecast, totally not giving a damn if Orochimaru was the Otokage or not.
"She got you here Papa…" Sakura was brooding at the file in her hands, trying to read the contents, without success. "I think this is not written in Italian."
"Maybe because you are holding it the other way…?" Karin observed.
"Oh…is that so? Same shit. I don't care. Papa, I am not doing this mission, period. Let Rin do it. She is more appropriate for his kind of…stuff."
"Hey, I feel offended you know?"
"No, we know you wouldn't, since your eyes are beaming like that cousin's of yours, when he heard that a new Ramen recipe has been discovered."
Karin shuddered at the thought of her younger cousin, Naruto Uzumaki, a person that, along with all his family, she loathed with burning passion, for turning their backs on her when she has lost her parents and refused to take responsibility.
They were sworn enemies ever since, despite the blonde and his mother's constant s attempts to get close to her and welcome her into their families.
She only had two words meant for their ears to hear: 'Too late.'
"Stop saying that, it gives me the creeps!"
"My dear, do I have to refresh your memory with our motto, since you so seem to forget it?" Orochimaru`s amber eyes flickered to Sakura`s back, on the large office door, making her shake her head in disbelief.
"How can anyone forget, since you made it a wallpaper for everyone that passes that door to see? You know Papa, the normal people usually have posters with their favorite rock band or pop idol."
"I think normal is the key point in here." Anko whispered entertained to her beautiful well endowed friend. Orochimaru totally heard them, but they chose to blatantly ignore him.
"I think normality has nothing to do when it comes to him."
"Are you done insulting me, Tsunade?"
"Anko started."
"Traitor…"
'Every agent must always keep the faith and shield the way of truth
Each agent must aim to achieve his goal
All the agents must honor his folks and the principles of morality and etiquette
Each agents must refrain from violent manner of conducting himself'
Orochimaru quoted the wise code engraved on his door, solemnly, like he was the Prime-minister talking to the members of the Parliament. His agents all slapped their foreheads in a way that more than screamed 'please get a damn life already'.
"…any questions?"
"Count down the last one with the violence and we are even." Sakura stated as a matter of fact. "I don't think I will be able to refrain myself from beating the living daylights out of that…what is his name again?" She quickly flipped the pages to the first one, reading the next CEO`s name, getting wrong they way she was supposed to spell. "…Sasuke…Uc...hiha? I think I ate something like this in that sushi restaurant, last week."
"Did it taste good?" Anko couldn't have missed the chance to laugh at her younger version. It was not that she didn't love Sakura like crazy, but the girl's oblivion was the funniest thing ever. Did she really not have any idea of how did Sasuke looked like? That was even more entertaining. Sakura was in for a good surprise and she was going to pay for her stubbornness.
"It got stuck on my throat." Sakura answered with the most innocent air possible. She was dreading at the idea of guarding the stranger she knew nothing about, except for the fact that he played woman like they were worth nothing and he was filthy rich. A combination she hated and couldn't possibly start to accept. That kind of people made her life a living Hell, before she met the Sound agents.
Orochimaru decided that it was time for him to successfully put an end to a conversation that was not even worth to be considered kindergarten level, seeing that he got an urgent call from the Directorate of Science and Technology, regarding an investigation they were conducting.
"Enough with this nonsense. I got a message from that Aburame kid. Apparently, he found out something really interesting about the small laser Lorane has used to escape us. I have to go there and see the files and the result of the analyses myself meaning..." He returned to his large expensive wooden desk, opening up a large drawer, revealing a large yellow box that he dropped on the hard surface, silently inviting Sakura to approach it and have a look.
"Cherry, this is for you. Something to help you with your mission."
"Has anyone heard me when I said I am not going to accept it?"
"We did, but no one cares." Sasori spoke the unshed thing that was in Orochimaru`s mind, already texting to his best friend Hidan and let him know about the latest gossip. Sakura, the Sound's most skilled assassin and the most stunning woman from CIA, was supposed to guard the famous business man and notorious player Sasuke Uchiha.
Karin lifted her right hand in the air, swinging it like she was back in high school, attempting to catch the teacher's attention and answer his question. "Actually, I do care-" She has been interrupted by Anko, who threw her hand around her shoulder, pulling the red headed girl closer to her, whispering into her ear. "Stop that will you? Look at your our dear virgin cherry blossom. Don't you think this is a perfect opportunity for her to discover the wonders of being a woman?"
Karin`s stare got hard, taking a moment to reflect on what the smirking woman has just disclosed to her. She had a growing mirroring devilish smirk plastered upon her rich red lips, nodding energetically. "Actually…I do. In fact…I think I want to live and see the outcome of her little…mission. God only knows she needs it."
Tsunade spoke beside them in the same silent manner, taking both the gossiping women by surprise, joining their little chat. "But…if that Uchiha brat is going to cross the line and not keep his hands into his place…I will personally hunt him down, chop off his balls with my scalpels and feed them to Orochimaru`s piranhas."
"I second this, even if it is a little bit too sadistic."
"To feed the sharks?" Anko asked as a matter of fact, while Sakura was taking her time to slowly approach Orochimaru`s Parnian Huge Desk, made of six kinds of exotic wood that was worth $200 000 dollars. It was still not considered too eccentric and utterly ridiculous, in comparison to Tobirama`s $1.3 million solid gold stool. That only added to the irony of the Sound and Akatsuki`s declared rivalry, since their leaders both needed a VIP ticket to the mental hospital and a customized therapy for their boosting egos.
"To deprive that sex God from his most praised treasures. I mean…we want someone to cure Cherry from her regrettable virgin state, not show her how to play chess or knit." There were million thoughts that crossed Karin`s mind in the moment Anko let her experienced state to dictate the course of action and made all her friends look on the full side of the glass.
"Agree."
.
.
.
Orochimaru was intently following Sakura`s shot up delicate eyebrows, while she let her hands roam into the box, studying her reaction. He should record it to look at the disapproving too funny attitude when he was depressed. "I have already e-mailed you all the information regarding Uchiha Sasuke, as well as his connections and people from his entourage who we find suspicious."
"I am quite sure my birthday is on April and Christmas was on December, so why a present in advance? Are you trying to bribe me into accepting the mission?"
"I think you already accepted it. Well, not that you had a choice in the matter to begin with."
"Hmmm…"Opening the cartoon black box with shaky hands, like almost sensing the horrors she was going to face, Sakura`s emerald eyes went wide as UFOs when she came face to face to a set of ripped beggar looking clothes, a hideous crazy pink wig, that was making a punk-rock star believe he reached Nirvana and a pair of the ugliest-should-be-banned-from-existence pair of brown thick glasses, that would make the geeks sue her for giving them a bad name.
"What the hell is this, Papa?" A cold electrical discharge shot down the lady's with the small delicate rosy cheeks spine, when apprehension hit her full force. "…because I sure as hell think that Cirque du Soleil doesn't need another clown".
"No my dear, I am not making you run with the Circus…", Orochimaru answered smoothly, like not wanting to add to her already distressed and anxious looking state, shutting down his laptop, grabbing his stuff, calling for his chauffeur. "…though I deeply regret to openly announce that the thing you are holding like it has rabid, is going to be your new wardrobe starting tomorrow, when your mission is going to officially begin."
"You cannot be serio-"
The Otokage put on his long black coat and his Stefeno hat, slipping past the rooted in place forest green shocked eyed girl, placing a hand on her shoulder, pausing his speech for the dramatic effect.
And the way Sakura unceremoniously dropped her jaw on the floor, with a loud thud, along with the pink wig, assured the audience that she was probably inwardly plotting a muss murder, starting with her paternal figure and her new…
Orochimaru had to act like the funny man he was not and voice out the words that were going to plague her dreams from there on, already having a hand resting on the door's knob, pulling it open. "…as Uchiha Sasuke`s personal maid. Good luck." And exited the room, without any further explanation.
If Sasori decided to make her feel better, by saying something he hoped to come out as funny, he failed miserably. Sakura already looked like she was about to faint. "You know Sakura, this doesn't look so bad. At least being a maid will make you save money on water bills and food."
He got another punch on his shoulder from Karin. "Stupid arrogant narrow minded amoeba…"
"Stop hitting me woman."
A piercing shriek made the other occupants of the office cover their ears, probably wondering if they would ever be able to hear normally again.
"…m-m-m-m-m-m-aaaaaiiiiid?!"
}{
9.00 am Ravenna Italy, Tobirama Senju`s office room
Uzumaki Naruto was busy stuffing his face with a bowl of Ramen, much to the other Akatsuki agent's disbelief. That was the third he had and their meeting has just started. Suddenly, his cerulean eyes crept open, staring intently behind his back, in the direction of the large window. "Guys, I think I heard a woman screaming. Believe it!"
Kiba threw his head backwards, laughing at the dumb looking frown on his friend's goofy looking face. Their gatherings were never boring when that man was around. "Heh…and what would you expect from Jirayia`s favorite student? You are both perverts."
"Look who's talking? The wielder of the Guinness Record for the most dumped man in history!" Ten Ten shot back at her colleague. "It only takes a pervert to know another."
Jirayia, who was busy studying the lascivious barely dressed woman, parading down the streets, under the Akatsuki`s building, turned his eyes to the amount of people gathered into their Hokage`s office, placing a hand upon his heart. "Who, me? I am not a pervert. It is called research!"
}{
Meanwhile, Sakura was in cardiac arrest and the other women left into the office were doing their best to take good care of her, meaning laughing at her misfortune and mocking the ridiculous attire she was going to wear from then on. Too bad, no one was able help the poor almost crying of frustration and screaming for help Haruno Sakura, from her new fate as Sasuke`s personal maid and secret bodyguard.
"…tomorrow, I will book a ticket to the North Pole!"