Chapter 6

Sasuke didn't see much of Sakura until the night of their mission, with the exception of their daily training regimen. Even during that time, they never sparred. Sakura would always opt to partner with Kakashi or Sai, leaving Naruto to handle Sasuke. After training, Sakura would decline going to tea or dinner with them, claiming she had too much work to do. The Uchiha told himself that this was a good thing. If Sakura wasn't around him, then his thoughts wouldn't be constantly plagued with her.

The night of the mission, however, proved to be a different story. Team Seven met up at Kakashi's mansion before they departed to the party. Sakura was going to arrive with Kakashi and Sai, while Naruto and Sasuke would get there a few minutes after. Sakura was the last one to arrive, and when she did, Sasuke actually had to turn away to compose himself.

Sakura entered wearing a dress with a neckline so low and a waist so tiny that it was almost sinful. It was a beautiful scarlet layered number with white all over. The bustle was larger than normal, allowing for a small train to behind. A cameo pin sat right at the point of her sweetheart neckline, drawing the attention directly to her breasts. She had on black gloves that didn't quite reach the off-the-shoulder sleeves that were draped with white lace. All over the dress were tiny white pearls sewn in. Her hair was up in a mass of coils, with small curls falling at the nape of her neck. She had even put on a small amount of lipstick and rouge to compliment the red of the dress. Her neck and ears were adorned with pearls. Overall, she made for a breathtaking distraction for whatever criminal they would come upon.

As soon as he caught a glimpse of her, Sasuke immediately veered his head away. His jaw had dropped and his face was contorted in astonishment. The thought of Sakura dressing in such a sultry way for another man, even under the guise of a mission, made him angry. She looked delectable, and if Sasuke had been another man, he would have taken advantage of her so easily.

Uchiha Sasuke, however, was definitely a gentleman. If anything, he felt angry at himself and at Sakura. He did not want to feel this attraction for his teammate.

"Ah, Naruto, I thought we agreed you weren't going to wear orange for once? Shannaroo," Sakura thumped him on the head with her black fan. "Why don't you try wearing purple? Hinata would appreciate it."

"Ah, yo-you're funny, Sakura-chan!" Naruto stammered, rubbing the back of his head. Sasuke had learned that anytime the Hyuga heiress was mentioned, his best friend would blush and stammer. It seemed that Naruto was falling for the girl, but Sasuke didn't think he realized it.

"Alright, let's go over the plan one more time," Kakashi told the group. "We will get there and pinpoint Susumu." Kakashi pulled a black and white picture from his pocket. "This is what he looks like. Sakura will distract him, and hopefully he'll be intoxicated. Then, a few minutes after Naruto and Sasuke arrive, Sakura will get Susumu to dance with her. She can try to interrogate him on the dance floor, and then lure him into a private room. Sai and I will follow to make sure everything goes as planned. Then, she can use whatever means necessary to silence and arrest him. Naruto and Sasuke, your job is to keep the focus of the ballroom on you. I cannot stress enough that none of you except for Sakura should be revealing any of your power to anyone at this party. It is an undercover mission. Do not blow cover. The anbu will be waiting for my signal to take Susumu away to the Hokage's office."

Everyone nodded at their sensei. "Alright. Sakura, Sai, let's go." Kakashi offered his arm to Sakura, which she obligingly took. She smiled at a joke he made, her entire face lighting up. Sasuke felt his insides coil in anger at the sight. They looked like a couple on the brink of marriage, and it infuriated Sasuke. Kakashi and Sakura were far too close for his liking.

It was a good thing that they left with Sai before Sasuke's mood got even worse. He wouldn't have been able to help the scathing comments he would make at them. He huffed as he waited for Naruto to finish getting ready. The stupid blonde had indeed changed his cravat and vest to a pale lavender, and it had taken him twenty minutes to do so.

"You own something that isn't yellow or orange?" Sasuke couldn't help but ask.

"I own plenty of colors, dattebayo!" Naruto looked stupidly offended. "I just like orange and yellow the most." He paused for a minute. "But, purple is nice, too. Besides, you don't own anything that isn't red, black, or blue."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Are you ready yet?" The Uchiha was putting on his coat and hat as he asked. Ironically, Sasuke was indeed wearing a scarlet cravat and vest. It matched the shade of Sakura's dress exactly. For some reason, he felt a little superior because of that.

Naruto ran to put on his coat as well. The pair of unrelated brothers walked out the door and stepped into Naruto's carriage, ready for their mission to begin.

The Nara's ballroom was crowded when Sakura entered, her gloved arm on Kakashi's. She was greeted at the entrance by Nara Shikadai and Yoshino, who were waiting for their guests to enter.

"Good evening, Miss Haruno. Sai. Kakashi. Please, enjoy yourselves tonight."

"Thank you, we will," Kakashi said with a wave. Moving past the entrance and down the grand staircase, the group dispersed. Sakura had picked Susumu's face from the crowd when she walked in. Signaling to Kakashi and Sai that he had been discovered. Sakura made her way to his side of the room, waiting to strike until Sasuke and Naruto walked in.

When the two best friends walked in, the entire room went quiet. The reappearance of the Uchiha heir sent everyone into shock. The two men who entered stole the attention of the room, and it didn't take a genius to understand why. The sunny blonde and dark-haired men were both sinfully handsome in different ways. Together, women would swoon at the sight of them and men would feel their pride wounded. If Sai and Kakashi had been up there, the impact would have been even worse. Whispers broke out across the room and the dancing resumed, but everyone's attention was still on the Uchiha and the Uzumaki.

The mission was easier to accomplish than any of Team Seven had anticipated. The moment Susumu had seen Sakura giving him attention, he had suggested she accompany him to a private room. He was heavily intoxicated, and told her that he would buy her whatever she wanted because he was loaded with money made from selling in the black market. Sakura had actually laughed at him before tying his hands back with chakra strings. The anbu appeared soon after to take him away, and Sakura was left feeling silly. When she left the private room to enter the ballroom again, she was immediately greeted by Kakashi. When he saw the look of humor on her face, he was confused.

"He was so drunk that he didn't even struggle when I apprehended him," Sakura giggled. A look of relief flashed across Kakashi's face. Sai then appeared by Kakashi's side.

"I'm assuming the mission went well?" Sai asked, a smile on his face. Sakura could only nod, she was laughing so hard. She took out her fan and fanned herself, trying to cool her face.

"It seems we heavily overestimated the severity of the mission. Come along then, it seems we have a ball to enjoy." Kakashi said wryly. The small group made their way to the far side of the room where most of their comrades had gathered. Naruto was dancing with Hinata on the dance floor, twirling and whirling as though they were floating on air. Sasuke was nowhere to be seen. Shikamaru was talking with Ino and Temari, the princess of Sunagakure. The two were rumored to be very much in love and would be producing a union that was beneficial for Konoha and Suna. Temari's brothers Gaara and Kankuro were there as well, watching the dancers twirl around the room. Gaara was the Kazekage of Sunagakure, and to have him in the Nara household attending a ball displayed how strong the union between Temari and Shikamaru was.

Sakura curtseyed in front of the group as she approached. "Good evening!" She chirped cheerfully. Everyone bowed back, smiling. Sai was immediately apprehended by Ino. The two went to join the other dancers on the floor, and Sakura smiled appreciatively. Kakashi began discussing some affairs of Suna and Konoha with Temari and Kankuro. Gaara, surprisingly, was the one to approach Sakura.

"Good evening, Sakura-chan," He smiled at her. The redheaded Kazekage was wearing a dark gray suit with a gold and cream patterned cravat. He looked rather handsome, despite the dark circles around his eyes that showed how exhausted he was.

Sakura smiled at him. While he had once been seen as an enemy of Konoha, the man had transformed into a kind-hearted, calming person. After having the one-tailed beast extracted from him, Sakura had been essential in keeping him alive, and he was forever grateful to her. "Are you enjoying the party, Gaara-sama?"

"Balls are always interesting experiences." He smiled. "Would you care to dance?" He gestured towards the dance floor. At that moment, Sakura finally caught a glimpse of Sasuke. He was on the dance floor, whisking around some beautiful young debutante with a licorice black hair and eyes as blue as the ocean. She was wearing a delicately feminine buttercup dress, looking up at him with reverence. Sakura felt her blood boil. She knew Sasuke would be looking for a wife, but she was not prepared for him to find one at the first moment's notice.

Well, she would show him that there was no way she'd let it get to her. Instead, she'd dance with someone who had an even higher status than the Uchiha did. It would prove that she wasn't going to be left hurting, alone. "Of course, Gaara-sama," she smiled at him angelically. For a second, Gaara seemed astounded. Sakura had never smiled at him like that, so prettily and sweetly. Then, after regaining his composure, he offered Sakura his arm and escorted her to the dance floor.

People parted down the dance floor to make way for the Kazekage and his beautiful companion. Whispers reached them as they began to glide on the dance floor like the wind was carrying them. They twirled around with grace and distinction, making them a pleasing pair to watch.

Naruto took a double take when he realized Gaara was dancing with Sakura. Throwing a glance over Hinata's head to look at Sasuke, he saw the man glaring daggers at the Kazekage. Sasuke looked as though he was ready to murder Gaara. Naruto had not been immune to the looks he had seen Sasuke giving Sakura over the course of the week, and he was almost certain that Sasuke felt something for their teammate. Seeing Sasuke look so irate at the sight of Sakura dancing with another man who greatly outranked all of them definitely confirmed his suspicions. He watched as Sasuke moved his dance partner as far away from Sakura and Gaara as possible on the dance floor, before pulling her away to the refreshment table.

"Naruto-kun?" Hinata drew his attention back to her heavenly face. When he looked into her serene, lovely eyes widened with concern, Naruto almost forgot what he had just seen. "Are you okay? You look concerned."

"Ah, teme and Sakura-chan are just stupid." Naruto threw his head back and laughed. "They're too stubborn to admit they like each other."

"It's difficult for Sakura-chan," Hinata told him seriously. "She loves him and cannot tell him. I understand her pain well." Hinata looked away, blushing. Naruto found his own face turning beat red.

"Ah, dattebayo." Was all Naruto could stammer. Many things went unspoken between the two at that moment. Naruto couldn't deny that Hinata had stolen his heart. He had never met anyone as genuine or honest as her. She made him want to be a better man and a better shinobi. After that dance finished, Naruto offered his arm to the girl, feeling much more shy than normal. The couple made their way to Shikamaru and Temari, who were sitting back, watching the dancers in front of them. Gaara and Sakura were still dancing, and Sasuke had begun another dance with the young debutante. Naruto had seen her at parties before, but had never bothered to learn her name. The pair of couples sat together for a small while, laughing and joking before Sakura and Gaara came back.

Sakura was fanning herself and thanked Gaara for the dances. She then made her way to the punch table. As she took downed the fruity cocktail, she saw Sasuke still dancing the night away with the pretty young lady from before. When he made eye contact with her and glared, her anger only grew. It seemed that dancing with Gaara had no effect on Sasuke. She felt the empty cup in her hand crack as Kakashi walked up to her.

"Sakura," he looked at the cup in her hand and then followed her gaze to see Sasuke dancing on the floor. "Ah." He took the cracked cup and placed it on the table.

"Care to dance?" He asked her with concern. Kakashi didn't need Sakura harming a civilian in the middle of a crowded ballroom. A distraction could be the best thing for her.

"With pleasure," Sakura almost growled. She took his arm and he led her to the middle of the dance floor. For the second time that night, Sakura found herself in the arms of a man she didn't love. This did not stop her, however, from dancing with Kakashi even more fluidly than with Gaara. As a girl, Kakashi had taught them all how to dance. Sakura, who had enjoyed it the most, had often asked him to teach her more about the graceful art. Together, they made an excellent pair with Sakura's delicate grace and Kakashi's swift feet. Their eyes never left each other's, as though they were having a serious conversation without words.

If Sasuke had been concerned about Sakura's dance with Gaara, it was nothing like the malevolent fury he felt at seeing Sakura waltzing in Kakashi's arms, once again showing him that the pair far too comfortable with each other. It took everything he had to not push the dainty woman in his arms away and attack Kakashi in the middle of the Nara's crowded ballroom. The two pairs moved closer and closer to each other until Sasuke could have reached his arm out and snatched Sakura into his own arms.

His partner was chattering away about something trivial that he was paying no attention to. Instead, he looked over her head at the rosette who was infuriating him. There was a sexy smile on Sakura's face as she looked at Kakashi. It was almost as though she knew Sasuke was watching her, and wanted to punish him. When she glanced at him, a look of disapproval graced her features before she turned back to their sensei and smiled. The couple whirled away, leaving Sasuke alone with his raven-haired partner.

She was the most infuriating woman Sasuke had ever met. When the dance was over, Sasuke left his partner to get a breath of fresh air on one of the Nara's balconies with a promise to return. He needed to get his anger under control. Sakura was just an annoying woman, and she shouldn't have this much control over his emotions.

It was just his luck that when he walked out, the object of his anger was standing on the balcony alone. She was leaning against the stone railing, looking out at the snow covered grounds. She turned her head when the door shut on the balcony, her eyes growing wide as saucers at the sight of Sasuke. She quickly averted her gaze. He walked up to her side, staring out at the grounds as well.

"Enjoying yourself, Sakura?" He sneered at her.

At the sound of his voice dripping with poison, she turned to look at him, eyes full of rage. "Just as much as you are, Sasuke-kun." Her venomous voice was full of fake honey sweetness.

"I never knew you and Kakashi were so close," he continued. His anger was getting the better of him, even though he had no idea why seeing Kakashi with Sakura made him so angry. "I suppose it was just easy to attach yourself to him. Your feelings are so easily transferable."

Sakura's eyes widened, and her lips parted in surprise. Then, her face flashed with passionate outrage. "I suppose it was just as easy for you to attach yourself to the first pretty young chit you found. She's from Kikuchi family, ne?" She was moving closer and closer to him now, wanting to get her message across. "Nanami, right? Well, I'm sure you'll be happy with her. She's not very bright, but she should be excellent at popping out Uchiha heirs and won't mind too much when you're churlish, heartless, and indifferent towards her."

The two stared at each for a few moments, their faces inches apart. The anger in Sasuke's eyes was clouding and giving away to another look that Sakura didn't recognize. Feeling her knees begin to shake and her lips part, Sakura became overwhelmed by his scent and felt a strong urge to kiss him. Knowing it would be wrong, she turned her face away from him. Sakura began to walk away towards the ballroom before pausing. She looked over her shoulder at Sasuke, whose eyes were heavy upon her retreating figure. "Don't let her fall in love with you. If you do, you'll make her life miserable forever." With that, Sakura left the balcony, leaving the Uchiha to his own overwhelming thoughts.

Sakura and Sasuke did not interact for the rest of the night. Instead, Sakura danced to her heart's content with Kakashi, Naruto, Sai, and any other man who asked her. Sasuke switched partners for the remainder of the dance, going from one woman to another. He steered clear of his team members for most of the night, and only payed them attention when Naruto announced it was time to leave. Even then, he spoke to no one but Naruto, and he definitely did not look at Sakura.

When Sakura arrived at her home that night, she tore her clothes off and hurriedly made herself a bath. Her heart was heavy with sadness and anger. Why did Sasuke hate her so damn much? It was as though he didn't want her anywhere near him, but the moment she was near another man, he lost his damned mind. Why did it matter to Sasuke if she had another dance partner? If he wasn't going to give her attention, then he had no right to get angry when she gave her attentions to another man. The worst part was that Sakura had no feelings for Kakashi or Gaara. They were just friends.

At the same time, Sakura did not want to create animosity within her team. They still had so much to do as a team that she had make things work between them on the battlefield at least. It was imperative that they learn some kind of balance in the face of danger. Settling whatever weird relationship they had aside, she fully intended on making things work between them. They would just have to avoid each other in social situations. Sakura knew that if she saw him with Kikuchi Nanami or any other young woman again, her heart would just continue breaking until she went numb.

As she lay in the scalding water, Sakura couldn't help but think that going numb towards Sasuke was one of the best options presented to her.

When Sasuke got home that night, he tore up a part of his family's forest in anger. Full of agitation and confusion, he had chosen to begin training immediately, with little care for what he was doing. His blind rage took over.

Having Sakura show affection to any man other than himself sent Sasuke over the edge. It was as though the love she once held for him had just disappeared from her heart. She barely gave him the time of day, and when she had tonight, she had been vengeful.

Sasuke knew it was selfish of him to think that Sakura would only ever love him. When he had left, the thought of the sweet young girl loving him had comforted him. Now, though, the girl brought him more pain than anything. It was not intentional, but that didn't make it hurt less. He was an Uchiha, after all, and Uchihas felt more strongly than any other clan.

Sasuke knew that he just needed to shut off his emotions. He needed to focus his attentions on finding a wife and training rather than on Sakura's apparent lack of feelings towards him. But the comment she had made earlier kept turning over in his mind.

"Don't let her fall in love with you. If you do, you'll make her life miserable forever." Her green eyes had looked distraught and bitter when she said that. In an odd way, this had given Sasuke a feeling of warmth. There might be a part of her that still loved him. While he hated for her to suffer, the selfish part of him was grateful for that love.

He knew, though, that he couldn't encourage her affections. It would be totally wrong of him, especially when he did not love her. He wanted her and admired her, but he was not sure where his heart lay. No, it would do better to find a wife immediately. Nanami was a possible choice for that position. She was pretty and ladylike, and came from a decent family. She was not, however, intellectual, passionate, or overtly kind. She was a simple woman with simple tastes, and she would be totally content being alone for most of their possible marriage as long as her material wants were met. While that was what Sasuke thought he wanted, he only felt a pang of sadness when he thought about it.

"It doesn't matter," Sasuke thought. He wasn't looking for love or passion. He was simply looking for a partner. In order to make that experience efficient, he needed to avoid confrontations with Sakura. They only made his blood boil, and he was unable to control his emotions and thoughts around her. He had come dangerously close to grabbing her and pulling her into a passionate kiss on the balcony before taking her home to spend the night in his bed.

He was determined to change the dynamic of his and Sakura's relationship. Nothing other than polite coldness would come between the two. There was no way he would ever get that close to her again.

The toad sage, Jiraiya, entered the Hokage's office sometime past midnight. Tsunade was sitting at her desk, drinking sake and looking Susumu's file.

"Jiraiya," she murmured as she saw him come in. "When did you get back?"

"Just now," he responded.

"Well? What have you learned?" She asked him briskly. The Hokage was exhausted, and wanted to sleep as soon as possible.

"What, no small talk?" Jiraiya laughed at her. From the look on her face, she was definitely not in a good mood. "Ah, well, I've found more information about the Akatsuki. I think I've discovered where their hideout is. It seems there are only a few members left."

"Does that mean they'll be coming for Naruto again?" Tsunade breathed sharply. "Even Gaara had the one-tails extracted from him."

During the last year, an attack from the Akatsuki had occurred in Konoha, decimating the South Western area of the village where all the middle-class lived. Naruto was able to stop the attack by reaching out to Pain, who turned out to be one of Jiraiya's former disciples. It had been rebuilt recently, but the remaining Akatsuki members wanted Naruto's nine-tails.

"I don't believe so," Jiraiya said. "I believe, instead, there will be a war. Give me another month to finish my research. If I'm not back by the end of March, summon a Five-Kage summit. I will be leaving again after I finish talking to you."

"Ha," Tsunade agreed. "Be careful, Jiraiya," she added softly.

"I'm always careful!" The proud silver-haired man told his former teammate confidently. He laughed before disappearing out of her office again. "I'll see you before the cherry blossoms bloom."

Tsunade hoped he was telling the truth, but a gut feeling told her that he wasn't.