Okay the next chapter of The Prince and The Slave. I hope you all like it. Big thanks to all of you that reviewed and added me to your alerts and faves lists. It's very much appreciated.
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The Prince and The Slave.
Chapter Sixteen.
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(General P.O.V.)
The whole group stared at Sakura. "What?" Pein asked softly.
"I said I can do that. I'll be able to hide myself pretty well. If Anko-San knows how things work in there I'm sure she'll be able to give me a few pointers when we're on our way. I can carry out any spy mission that's required of me." Sakura replied, as she gazed at her brother, her face was completely calm and serious.
"Sakura is right. She's caught on very quickly, and at any point, whoever goes in will be in some degree of danger. As long as she keeps out of sight she'll be fine." Tsunade stated. Sasuke stared at Sakura, who still kept her own gaze locked on her older brother. Pein sighed, he looked resigned to his fate, as though he were about to face the gallows.
"Alright. But Sakura, you'd better follow this plan to the letter." Pein stated seriously. Sakura nodded her understanding.
"I will." Sakura said. Her face still calm.
"When Anko and Sakura get to the brothel, Sakura will need to keep her face hidden. Anko, you'll tell them she's awfully scarred, diseased, hide her in your own room. Tell them whatever you like, that she's your sister or cousin, something believable." Pein said softly. Anko nodded.
"You don't need to worry about that. I'll make sure she's as safe as possible." Anko replied.
"We'll need some volunteers to go about a day after Sakura and Anko leave. These volunteers will be fighters not spies. When Anko or Sakura sneak out to give the signal, those volunteers will be going up against a large bunch of men, who will do anything to keep the brothel secure. After all, the madam who runs the place allows extra payment in kind. They can take whatever woman they want when they want. They're going to want to keep their lives cushy." Pein stated. Ten Ten looked at Lee, Temujin and Kimmimaru.
"We'll volunteer to go." The three teens stated at once.
"I volunteer." Kakashi stated.
"Me too." Rin and Obito stated at the same time.
"I'll go." The group turned to look at Sasuke. "How can I learn anything about slavery if I don't see how all slaves are treated?" Sasuke asked Pein, more as an answer as to why he'd want to go. Neji stared at Sasuke, knowing that Sasuke wanted to go because he wanted to protect Sakura in some small way and volunteered to go. Naruto and Kyubi also volunteered to go. Shikamaru sighed.
"This is troublesome. Fine I'll go too." Shikamaru stated lazily.
"Well we'll discuss this plan in detail before Sakura and Anko leave." Pein stated. He didn't like the idea of sending Sakura into this situation any more than any brother would. But he had to give her a chance to prove herself. That was what he was doing now.
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Anko sat outside the base, waiting for her oldest friend. Ibiki appeared from the shadows suddenly, his eyes widened very slightly when he saw Anko. "What are you doing here Anko? Haven't you got a mission?" Ibiki growled out gently.
"Of course. I'm here for a debriefing. My mission is almost over." Anko replied kindly. The pair sat down on a rock.
"So how was Idate when you last saw him?" Ibiki asked.
"He's fine Ibiki. He's making good use of his talents, trying to put sellers off of slaves. He's got an interesting way of doing it too." Anko said, making Ibiki snicker. They heard a noise and turned to see a brunette girl looking at them. Ibiki blinked as he looked at the girl carefully. "She's one of ours Ibiki. A former slave." Anko stated, to put her friend's mind at ease. The brunette stepped forward, looking a little nervous.
"You're Anko Mitarashi?" The girl asked softly.
"Yeah that's right kid." Anko replied.
"And you're Ibiki Morino?" The girl asked Ibiki.
"Yes, how do you know those names?" Ibiki replied.
"I'm Ten Ten. When I was a baby, only a week old, you saved me from my parent's burning home, and took me to my aunt and uncle." Ten Ten said gently. Ibiki's eyes widened slightly at Ten Ten's words.
"I thought you looked familiar. You look just like your mother." Ibiki stated. Ten Ten smiled brightly.
"I always wanted to meet you so I could thank you for what you did for me. So I guess... thanks." Ten Ten said softly, a light blush of embarrassment sprinkled across the bridge of her nose and her cheeks.
"That's alright kid." Ibiki replied kindly. His voice was still gruff, but the edge had gone from it.
"Did you know my parents well?" Ten Ten asked.
"I knew them well enough." Ibiki stated.
"Do you think... when there's more time... that you could tell me a bit about them?" Ten Ten asked.
"I'm surprised your aunt and uncle didn't tell you." Ibiki responded.
"My Uncle was killed when I was ten. My Aunt, my cousin and I were taken as slaves. She never got the chance to tell me anything. I don't even know if she's alive now. Although I hope so." Ten Ten replied. Ibiki nodded sadly.
"As soon as my mission is over we'll have a nice, long, chat kid. I have to admit it's nice to know that you survived. These scars weren't for nothing." Ibiki stated, gesturing at the various scars on his face. Ten Ten nodded and wandered off, leaving Anko and Ibiki to themselves.
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(Sakura's P.O.V.)
I'd just finished packing necessary things for my journey when I heard someone knock on my door. I opened it to see Sasuke. "What's wrong Sasuke?" I heard myself ask without thinking.
"Why did you volunteer for this mission? If it goes wrong it'll be bad for you." Sasuke asked me.
"Because I want to prove, not just to my brother, but to myself, that I'm not the weak little girl who was captured and sold like an animal into slavery. I've been training to make sure I can make a difference. What's the point if I never volunteer for a mission?" I replied. I pulled the pack on to my back.
"Well don't get yourself killed Sakura. Remember you said you wanted to know me better? It applies the other way round too." Sasuke told me. I could see he was serious by the look in his eyes. I nodded.
"I'll be careful. I promise." I heard myself reply. I saw him bite the inside of his cheek, as he pulled something out of his pocket. He pressed something hard and smooth into my hands.
"It's for good luck. Just... just keep hold of it." Sasuke said softly. He left the room, and I looked at the object in my hands. It was a weird polished black stone with red, circular patterns on it, attached to a piece of strong, black cord. I couldn't help smiling at the gesture. At least I know he cares. I put the little stone round my neck and set out. I hoped this mission went well. I hated to think of what could happen to me, if it didn't.
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Okay all, that's it for this chapter. I hope you liked it. I know it's a bit short but there will be more action next chapter. Please R&R and tell me what you think. I appreciate whatever effort you make.