I'M ALIVE!

Although, maybe not for long because my final exams' results are going to be out soon. I really want to get into a good college. Bleh. I hate exams.

And, I've hit 100! And it's all thanks to you guys. I love you all :') THANK YOU, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!

To my guest reviewers:

Kim: Here you go :D

Sbbs245: Hehe, thank youu :)

Sakura no Polen: Ahaha. Sakura is going to meet them soon. Most probably in the next chapter. They...may or may not be strong, but they're definitely going to be very different. As for the bloodline, you'll have to wait till the end of the chapter :)

Chapter 13 is finally here! And there's an important notice (question, actually. A poll) at the end of the chapter.

Chapter 13- Surprise, Surprise: Clan History

Recap:She opened it to see a portrait of…herself. "But…why didn't they contact me? Or, do anything at all?"

"Because they don't even know that you're alive. You see, they think you died seventeen years ago."

"They…what?" Sakura gaped in disbelief. "You're lying."

Tsunade looked sympathetic and Ryuu smiled sadly. "I'm afraid not, Sakura-san. I confirmed my facts before leaving Kusagakure." Sakura stared at the scroll.

"How did you know that Sakura is related to that clan? The name 'Haruno' couldn't have been your only clue," Itachi questioned from behind Sakura. Ryuu nodded.

"It was the hair too. And her eyes. That particular shade of pink is unique to the Haruno clan."

"Is that why Sayuri-san reacted the way she did when she saw me?" Sakura whispered. "But then, you said something about my eyes too, didn't you?"

Ryuu hesitated, and glanced at Tsunade who nodded. "That is related closely to your clan's history. Would you like to hear it now?" Sakura nodded and sat down on the small couch, as Itachi stood beside her. She pulled him down to sit with her, and Tsunade tried to keep the smirk off her face.

"All the exact details aren't clear to me, but I'll explain as well as I can. About eighteen years ago, a conflict started brewing in a small town in Kusagakure. It's what led to more than half the Haruno clan being wiped out a year later."

"Who did it?" Sakura asked sharply. Ryuu looked at her sadly.

"It was a conflict between the clan members, Sakura-san. They destroyed each other, and most of the clan."

Sakura looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"Your clan has a bloodline. Actually, there's more than one. The Haruno clan is closely related to the elements of nature. All members are able to control either fire, or water. Not both. Both those abilities are accompanied by others, but I don't have access to that sort of information."

Sakura stared at him. "Control fire…or water?" Ryuu chuckled.

"Yes, control it, but not produce it. Both of the elements have to be present nearby to be used." Sakura nodded. He continued.

"But you see, around that time, your clan had two sisters in particular. Kiyoshi had the fire ability and the other, Kimiko, had the water one. They were spectacular fighters, but with their opposite elements, they clashed a lot."

"Were they…bad people?" Sakura asked.

Ryuu paused. "No, I think they were good people. Just with different perceptions. Kiyoshi believed her fire abilities were superior to her sister's, and Kimiko was indifferent towards her at first, but Kiyoshi crossed the line when she killed their younger brother, who was also a water user." Sakura looked horrified.

"She killed her own brother because he was a water user?"

"It was actually an accident, but everyone knew that Kiyoshi resented anyone with the water ability. So of course, rumors were spread. And Kimiko also believed that her sister killed their brother on purpose. This created a split between them, and their bonds could not be salvaged after that. People say that Kiyoshi went insane. Quite a few water users started disappearing, never to be seen again and a few bloody trails led to corpses."

Sakura had paled considerably, and she looked ill. Itachi looked at her worriedly, as did Tsunade.

"Kiyoshi and her followers were blamed, and she didn't deny the accusations. Then her father disappeared as well."

"Let me guess, he was a water user?" Sakura said, her eyes glossed over. Ryuu nodded, a slightly disturbed look on his face.

"A battle between the fire and water users erupted, but it was more like a battle between sisters. Kiyoshi and Kimiko fought hard, and after a lot of blood and tears, Kiyoshi was defeated. It is said that Kimiko sacrificed herself to heal the remaining Haruno clan members, and the battle came to an end after her passing, out of respect for her sacrifice."

Sakura was quiet for a long time after that, with the other three people studying her carefully. "What does this have to do with Sakura's family thinking she's dead?" Itachi asked. Sakura looked up at that.

Ryuu closed his eyes and sighed. "She's Kimiko and Kiyoshi's cousin." Sakura froze and Tsunade looked at her sadly. "I have a close friend in the clan, which is how I know all this. When I asked him if there was a Sakura in their clan, he said that the only Sakura within the last two decades was killed during the battle. She was just an infant during that time." With that said he took out a photograph and gave it to Sakura. Her eyes widened when she saw it. It was a picture of a pink-haired baby with bright green eyes, in the arms of a beautiful lady, who had red hair, with blue eyes. A man was standing with his arms around the woman's shoulders as they both smiled down at the baby. The man had pink hair and green eyes.

"Are those your parents?" Itachi asked quietly.

"I…don't know. I've never met my real parents. The only parents I knew weren't my biological ones and they were killed six years ago," she murmured as she took in the sight of her parents. Her real parents. 'My mother was so beautiful…'

"They're dead." It was a statement. Ryuu nodded. Sakura looked back at the picture and she knew it wasn't a lie. She'd seen a picture of her as an infant before. She offered it back to Ryuu but he shook his head. "It's yours," was all he said.

"Now what? And does this mean that I also have a bloodline?" Ryuu nodded.

"If you want, I can take you to your clan. We can find out which element you are allied to from your family," Ryuu offered. Sakura simply looked at Tsunade.

"It's you choice," Tsunade said, smiling at her. Sakura nodded. "I want to go."

"Alright, then. You will leave tomorrow, at eight a.m. Is that okay with you, Ryuu-san?" Tsunade asked.

"Of course. And Sakura-san, the reason we reacted the way we did is because besides the eyes, you're identical to Kiyoshi. But your eyes…They're Kimiko's eyes," Ryuu said, eyes twinkling. Sakura looked at the portrait and noticed that the girl didn't look exactly like her, but they did have the same eyes.

Sakura finally smiled. Tsunade looked at the Uchiha. "Itachi, please escort Sakura home." Itachi nodded and they both stood up. Sakura paused and looked at Ryuu.

"Ryuu-sama…thank you," she said, smiling gratefully. He smiled back. She turned and started walking out with Itachi.

'Long lost family, and cool new powers. Weird, but the second part is awesome. I wonder which element we'll have?'

'I know. But these cool new powers, as you say, caused a lot of pain and sadness. But at the same time, I can't help but hope for water.'

'I wish we could have both.'

Itachi watched her as she was lost in her own thoughts. Sakura looked at him and remembered something. "You have some explaining to do, mister."

She couldn't see his face because of the mask, but she could feel his concern. "Are you sure? It can wai-"

"No, it can't. And I need to focus on something else," Sakura interrupted. Itachi sighed and nodded.

"Let's go to your home first."

At Sakura's apartment

Sakura set the kettle and teacups down on the coffee table, as Itachi took the kettle and served them both. His mask was placed beside him.

'Ginger and honey,' he thought, secretly pleased.

"So…out with it."

Itachi took a sip and gulped down the hot tea. He put his cup down, and looked Sakura in the eye. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you, at all. But, I wasn't completely sure if you wanted whatever it is that is between us to be out in the open, and I had to confirm it with you first. It would be inappropriate to declare something like that without your permission." Sakura's eyes softened and she gave a small sign.

'A perfect gentlemen. Ah.'

"It's okay. But…what is this thing between us?" Sakura asked carefully.

"I wish to date you," Itachi said bluntly. Sakura turned red.

"Oh…well...uh, what are you doing? Sakura asked weirdly when he got up, only to go down on one knee. He took her hand and smiled at her.

"I'm not completely sure how this is done. But, Haruno Sakura, would you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?" Itachi asked, a bit shyly. Sakura stared at him and started giggling. His smile faded a bit.

She stopped giggling, and kissed him on the cheek. "Yes, sir. I'd love to be your girlfriend." He smiled but tried to frown at her.

"Why did you laugh?"

"It's weird to hear you say something like girlfriend." He gaped at her as she started laughing again.

"Oh, you think it's that funny, do you?" Itachi had an evil glint in his eyes as he moved to sit beside her. He placed his hands on her waist, and moved them up and down lightly, somewhat caressing her. But…

"ITACHI, stop that! I'm ticklish!" Sakura shrieked.

"I had a feeling," he said, smirking evilly.

I'm hungry…FOR REVIEWS. Bwahahaha.

Alright, people I need some help here. The fire and water thing is all good, but they're going to have other abilities attached to them. So, you need to choose.

(A)Fire- Minor earth control, paralyzing people (but it'll take up a lot of chakra, so just one at a time)

(B)Water- Minor earth control, mind control (again, takes up a lot of energy

OR

(A)Fire- Minor air control, mind control

(B)Water- Minor air control, paralyzing people

Remember, majority wins! Hope you liked the chapter. :)