-A/N: Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own the Nartuo series…unfortunately :..(
Italics like this mean its thoughts in a characters head
Love Conquers All
Sequel of A New Life
Ch. 5 Planning
Sakura smiled as she sat in a wheel chair and was being rolled out of the hospital. Her last surgery went well the day before and she was given permission to leave; a physical therapy space was being set up at Sasuke's house for when she could start trying to walk again. Her bruises had almost faded and her scrapes had turned into pink patches of skin close to healing. Her cracked skull and fractured bones were steadily healing and she had casts covering her broken ones. There was a cast going up her left arm from several broken places up to her shoulder, a restrictive chest piece due to one of the cracked ribs becoming broken, and an awkward cast up her left leg. Sakura wanted the casts off but she was just happy to finally get out of the hospital; she'd been there for a little more than two weeks. Her faces brightened as she got to her father's car outside the main doors; she looked up as her father opened the passenger door and tried to think of how she'd get in. She almost gasped as Sasuke carefully picked her up in his arms and smoothly sat her in a seat; she gave an adoring smile at him. Sasuke smiled back at her as he made his way to the other side of the car and sat beside her. Sakura tapped her fingers in excitement and noticed a bunch of luggage in the back of her father's car. Her father smiled at he got in the driver's seat, "I had Hinata and Ino pack your stuff for you; I figured they'd know what you'd want better than me."
Sakura gave a nod as her father began driving away and towards Sasuke's home. She looked through the windows glad to see other scenery, "Don't you think it'll be suspicious with us moving into Sasuke-kun's and not back home?"
Sasuke gave a small nod; they were still trying to make whoever the enemy was think they were oblivious to being in danger, "We plan to say our home better accommodates your needs and it'll be easier having my mother there to help you."
Sakura gave a small nod thinking about how she was going to need help with baths and getting dressed with her several casts on. There still had been no sign of Karin or progress in the case but it was partially expected. If Sakura was going to be attacked again it was more likely when she wasn't in the hospital; they also didn't know if the goal was to kidnap her again, hurt her, or kill her. The danger was also being put towards everyone involved in rescuing her so her being released from the hospital was increased danger for all of them. Sakura clenched her jaw a little; she really hoped no danger would come to her friends or boyfriend.
_elsewhere_
Karin growled as people shifted around her as she sat in front of a mirror. Orochimaru gave a displeased look at her, "Don't complain, this is only happening because of your screw up. The only way you can still be a part of this plan is that nobody will recognize you in public."
Karin bit her tongue as people around her sorted through wigs, colored contacts, and glasses. Karin was quite proud of her unique colorings and thought them to be her most alluring feature; she planned to allure Sasuke with them. She gave a small frown as her hair was shoved into a curly blonde wig, "I didn't screw up that bad. The police said nothing of the incident or about me."
Orochimaru glared at her as she was shoved into another wig, "But you have them concerned. It's not much but her and her friends have gotten tighter security. Just because the police didn't announce anything doesn't mean they aren't concerned to the possible relation to Danzo's attack last year. Don't even try to deny you've made things more difficult for us."
Karin ran her hand through the dark brown wig and didn't respond to him. The wig was simple reaching her shoulders and having straight bangs covering her forehead; she sat still as someone placed brown eyebrows to cover her red ones. Orochimaru frowned at her knowing she didn't regret her actions; he gripped his hands together and contemplated smacking her. Karin blinked after dark grey contacts were placed in her eyes and she began to look like a different person; she frowned at how dull she looked. Orochimaru watched as different pairs of glasses were put on her; once they settled with a round, clear pair he walked up to her and placed a gun to her head, "Don't forget who you're working for."
Karin's heart slammed against her chest as she felt the cold tip of the gun against her right temple, "Y-yes Orochimaru-sama"
Orochimaru held the gun against her head a moment longer and then gave an annoyed look as he walked out the door. Karin tried to calm her heart rate as she gripped the edges of her chair. She looked up at the mirror and glared with her new appearance. It's all that pink-headed freak's fault!
_at the Uchiha mansion_
Sakura smiled as her dear boyfriend carefully carried her in his arms and into his home; her father grabbed her luggage as they made their way in and Sasuke's parents were waiting inside. Mikoto gave a small squeal watching her son be so loving to Sakura, "Stay right there I need to get my camera!"
Sasuke gave a small sigh, "Is it really the best time for that?"
Fugaku stood still knowing not to challenge his wife as a few servants took the luggage from Sakura's father. Mikoto quickly grabbed her camera and stood in front of the couple, "Nonsense, it's always a good time to take a picture of my wonderful son and my beautiful future daughter-in-law."
Sakura's cheeks reddened a little at the topic but Sasuke wasn't fazed by the comment, she said it all the time. Sakura's father raised an eyebrow, "Hey don't give them any ideas. They're still in high school."
Mikoto took a few photos and put her camera down and waved her hand, "People in our culture still get married young all the time, and now I can use this picture when they do."
Sakura's father's nerves picked up a little, "Y-you want them to get married young? Sakura still has college plans and…and Sasuke doesn't even turn eighteen till this summer. Isn't it a little early to be thinking about those kinds of things."
Sasuke placed Sakura down on the couch, "Mr. Haruno I promise you I don't intend to marry Sakura this young but I also promise there's no use in trying to convince my mother to stop dreaming and planning about it. She already has our kids' names picked out."
Sakura's father became mildly pale at the thought of Sakura getting pregnant at her age. Mikoto gave a sweet smile, "I think Ayame would be a beautiful name for a girl. It's only fitting their daughters take on flower names like Sakura, don't you think?"
Fugaku gave a small sigh and put an arm around his wife's shoulders, "I think you've terrorized the poor man enough. Why don't we show him around the mansion?"
Sakura's father gave a hard nod trying not to think about his only child and family getting married young and leaving him, "Y-yes, that sounds lovely."
Sakura watched as Sasuke sat beside her and their parents made their way down a hall. She gave a nervous smile at him and glanced down, "You denied marrying me young…but you didn't deny marrying me."
Sasuke gave a small smile and ran a hand through her hair, "Do you really think I could imagine myself marrying anybody but you? You're the only one I'd want to be with forever."
Sakura's smile brightened as she looked back up and into his eyes; she held his hand with her uninjured arm, "Have I ever told you you're the perfect boyfriend?"
Sasuke ran a thumb along her jawline, "It may have come up a few times."
Sakura gave a small giggle before Sasuke leaned in and kissed her. The cause of Sakura living with him was horrid but there weren't any complaints of the extra time they'd get to spend together; well, besides their parents possibly interrupting their private time. Sakura smiled against Sasuke's lips as he kissed her again, "So…Am I staying in the same room as last time?"
Sasuke looked into her eyes thinking about the advantages of her staying in the room beside his, "I don't think your dad would take that well."
Sakura leaned into his chest and thought about it; she gave an amused voice, "He'd probably freak."
Sasuke listened to her sweet laughter; Sakura's father trusted him but he still liked to see Sakura as his little girl. Sasuke and Sakura hadn't gotten physically that far in their relationship but it was certainly something somebody wouldn't be surprised if they did. Sasuke kissed her forehead as she laid against his chest and he wrapped his arms around her, "You'll probably be closer to my parents room so my mother can help you deal with your casts."
Sakura gave a small nod; it was a hard enough struggle to get in the pair of loose shorts and t-shirt she was currently wearing. Sakura made a small distasteful look thinking about how much trouble it was going to be to shower with her casts; she really was going to need Mikoto's help. Sakura gave a small laugh, "Your mother's totally going to enjoy me being her dress up doll."
Sasuke gave an amused smirk at the thought, "She might try to steal you from me."
Sakura grinned with amusement, "She might…I like spending time with your mother though."
Sasuke glanced down at her knowing she liked being able to have a motherly figure, "I know…I suppose I can handle sharing her with you while you're here; we'll have plenty of time together."
Sakura looked at him lovingly at how well he understood her, "See, perfect boyfriend"
Sasuke smiled and kissed her forehead and he kept his warm arms around her. Sakura relaxed as she sat between his legs and leaned into him; no matter what happened she felt safe with him. Even with their lives possibly being targeted she could remain calm with him, but that's what love is suppose to do.
_at the high school_
Naruto gave a big grin as he held Hinata's hand and they walked through the halls; they only had two more classes left. He looked into her beautiful eyes, "Do you want to go check on Sakura-chan after school?"
She gave a quick nod and smiled back up at him, "Yes, my father shouldn't mind me being late."
Since everyone realized a possible threat was among them; Hinata's father had set up security around the high school and wanted Hinata to come straight home after school everyday, but Sakura had saved Hinata's life and was suffering her injuries because of it so he had no problem letting Hinata see her. Naruto grinned and gave a quick kiss on her forehead, "Good"
Naruto glanced around the hall before stepping into their class and narrowed his eyes a bit. His eyes momentarily lingered at a figure down the hall with a tall build but he had to step in the class too soon to see the figure's face. Juugo held a nervous posture as he walked into the principles office with an itchy black wig on; he walked up to Shizune at the front desk and gave a smile, "Hi, I called earlier about enrolling my siblings and I in school here."
Shizune gave a sweet smile, "Yes, of course. Jun was it?"
He gave a small nod in return trying to get used to his cover name. Shizune pulled out some paperwork, "You usually need to take an entry exam to get into the school but we can make an exception since your family just returned military service overseas. You'll all have to take the exam to return next year though."
Juugo nodded happy she took the lie about being in a military family, "Do you know when we could start?"
Shizune put some paperwork out in front of him, "If you fill all this out tonight and bring me copies of birth certificates and other things listed in the morning then you can start tomorrow."
Juugo gave a small smile knowing Orochimaru already had their fake identity paperwork made, "Thank you so much for your help."
Shizune gave a warm smile at his kind eyes, "Of course, just let me get the uniforms for you. What sizes?"
Juugo proceeded to give her the sizes of Karin, Suigetsu, and himself and waited as she went to the back to retrieve them. He glanced around the office and at the students walking around outside; he really hoped their plan didn't get anybody uninvolved hurt. He glanced up as Shizune made her way back to him, but no matter what he would do what Orochimaru asked of him. Juugo owed his life to him.
_in class_
Ino taped her fingers on her desk; she just didn't know what to do…She made a couple quick glances between Sai and Kiba; she was beyond confused. Hinata tried to tell her Sai liked her but now she was starting to think Kiba did too. She moaned and leaned her face into her hand, and to think how bad she was complaining about being boyfriendless a few weeks ago.
_flashback a few days ago_
Ino swayed back and forth to a tune she was humming as she unlocked the door to her car. "Hey Ino!"
Ino popped her head so see Kiba jogging towards, "Hey, what's up?"
Kiba gave a cheesy grin as he reached her, "Uh, not much. I just haven't got to tell you my sister really appreciated your help last week. Her customers are really liking her new look and she thinks it's going to help with her vet business."
Ino gave a proud smile, "That's great! I'm glad I could help."
Kiba gave a nervous laugh and ran a hand though his hair, "Yeah, you staying for dinner was nice too…She likes having guests to cook for."
Ino caught the nervous behavior, "Oh? Well she's a good cook."
Kiba smiled, "Yeah, well…if you want her cooking again I'm sure she wouldn't mind…you were nice company."
Ino tried not to let her suspicion show on her face and gave a small smile while getting in her car, "Thanks, I'll think about it."
Kiba gave an excited smile, "Cool! Well, see you tomorrow!"
_end flashback_
Ino had been watching his behavior ever since then and had finally begun to notice he wasn't treating her the same way he used to. She'd never even bothered to think of Kiba that way before, Sai either. She gave a small sigh, if she used to be willing to think of Shikamaru that way she should give them a chance too. She directed her attention at Shikamaru momentarily. He was taking a nap in class as usual but she knew he'd still know all the class material anyways; she gave a small smile, they had a good run. They still managed to be friends after the mutual break up; it did hurt a little to see him move on start dating that Temari girl though. She was glad they broke up and was over him but she couldn't help but think of all the nice memories they had that he would now be replacing. She gave a small glance at Sai and Kiba again; she knew she deserved to be making her own memories too though. She gave a small groan and returned to leaning her face in her hands; she still didn't even know for sure if they liked her or how she felt about them.
_a couple hours later_
Sakura smiled as she sat between Sasuke's legs on the long couch and was leaned into his chest. They had spent the day relaxing and watching some TV since it was best for Sakura not to move around. He'd dotted on her all day bringing her food, medication, and making sure she was comfortable. Sasuke had always been sweet to her but he'd been especially attentive ever since she got hurt; she could understand though, she'd do the same to him. In the midst of her and all her friends being in danger it still didn't keep her from feeling immensely loved and grateful. Being in danger was terrifying but she had people to rely on and protect her. She had real friends that didn't walk away from her when it came to the danger of saving her last year and the possible danger put upon them now. Friends like hers were hard to come by and so was her boyfriend; she used to think someone like Sasuke was impossible to come by. She smiled further and gave a happy sigh.
Sasuke glanced down hearing her sigh, "What?"
Sakura had a serene look on her face, "Just thinking…even in danger if I'm with you I can still be happy."
Sasuke's lips tilted up a little at her words, "Me too…I sent in some last minute college applications while you were in the hospital."
Sakura immediately glanced up at him, she paused, "And?"
Sasuke traced his fingers in circles on Sakura's arms not making eye contact, "Too early to hear back of course…honestly about any school would let an Uchiha in though. I think I might know what I want to do…"
Sakura's heart started pounding; a decision that affected their future that she wanted to know for so long was about to be answered, "What's that?"
Sasuke stared off visualizing memories, "Everything with Danzo and whatever's going on now…I really want to keep people from getting away with things like that. It's not something in the line of Uchiha work but I was thinking about law school…being a criminal prosecutor."
Sakura waited a moment taking in what he said; she wasn't really sure how many law schools were near hers and how it'd affect their future but she smiled up at him, "I think that's a wonderful idea."
Sasuke's eyes softened and he kissed her forehead knowing she'd accept whatever he chose, "I love you"
Sakura let the clam peace run through her veins as she stared up at him, "And I love you"
They stared at each other for a sweet moment but their attention was quickly diverted from the sound of clicking. They both looked over to find Mikoto hiding behind the edge of a wall with her camera out. Sasuke sighed, "Are you really going to spy on us the whole time she's living here?"
Mikoto stepped out with watery eyes and an emotional voice, "But it was such a touching moment, I couldn't help myself!"
Sakura gave a small giggle as Sasuke sighed again, "I think you blew your cold façade a little bit."
Mikoto walked over and leaned against the couch they were sitting on, "Oh he's never been able to hide who he really is from me, I'm his mother. It's nice to see you bring it out of him though."
Mikoto and Sakura smiled at each other. Mikoto then glanced down at her son and ran her hand through his hair a little, "I think a criminal prosecutor is wonderful idea too and I'm sure you're father will approve."
Sasuke glanced up a little and perked his lips slightly, "Thanks"
Mikoto gave an adoring smile and stood again, "Well I think I'll go have dinner arrangements made. You two have fun."
_downtown_
Orochimaru watched as Karin, Suigetsu, and Juugo stepped out in their new school uniforms and disguises. He eyed them closely trying to decide how well all of their unique features were hidden. Karin looked unusually dull with her dark brown wig, grey contacts, and glasses; he even demanded she wear her uniform conservatively which she wasn't too happy about. Juugo had a short black wig on and grey contacts as well since they needed to pass as siblings and Suigetsu had a short dark brown wig and brown contacts. The whole idea was for them to stick out as little as possible; with their real features they'd be noticed in a heartbeat and their cover would be blown. Orochimaru had them disguised on most missions but for this mission it was imperative. Orochimaru paced a few times looking at them, "Well as long as your behavior doesn't stick out this'll due."
Suigetsu and Karin knew he was referring to them. Suigetsu took a step forward after taking a sip of water, "Now now, Orochimaru-sama you know I wouldn't screw you over like the idiot over there."
Karin fumed, "What was that!?"
Orochimaru rolled his eyes, "This is why I'm having you two separated and Karin in another class than our targets."
Karin took a step forward, "I can control myself way better than that moron! And why can't I be with Sasuke!?"
Orochimaru put his hand on his gun, "You know exactly why. Don't forget what I said this morning."
Karin flinched slightly in fear, "Fine…so what's our cover names this time?"
Orochimaru gave a tired sigh, "Juugo is Jun, you are Rima, and Suigetsu is Ushio. Start practicing now so you don't screw up at the school."
Orochimaru left with those words and an irritated look on his face. Karin grumbled as she looked in the mirror and how her shirt was buttoned up all the way and her stockings covered most her legs, "I have no sex appeal in this."
Suigetsu rolled his eyes, "That's the point, and besides you don't normally have it anyways."
Karin growled and threw a shoe at him, "Shut up Asshole! Don't forget you slept with me so you know that's not true!"
Suigetsu stuck his tongue out, "Don't remind me and I was drunk. My judgment skills were off."
Juugo took slow breaths as he listened to them bicker more; it was amazing that even beside their constant fighting he seemed to always stay in control. He tilted his head to the side; he wished he could be with Kimmimaro though…
He gave a mildly sad sigh and began walking towards the door; he turned to his comrades, "Rima, Ushio…let's go."
They both turned to him confused for a split second by the cover names but followed soon afterwards with mild bickering still between them.
_at the police station_
Fugaku gripped his hands on the table he was leaning on; he looked up at Inabi, "Whoever we're dealing with…they're good aren't they?"
Inabi nodded as he stared at pictures of the restaurant site, "They have to be affiliated with Danzo so it means they're in his league or better. We haven't been able to find anything on the Karin girl Sasuke mentioned."
Fugaku clenched his stern jaw, "Finding nothing probably proves she's involved."
Inabi nodded his head again, "Organizations like Danzo always make their people untraceable. If they somehow get found out they'll be killed before they can say anything."
Fugaku frowned, "We have to catch them though, for safety of the kids and justice for the people not even involved."
Inabi stared hard at the blood stain pictures where the massive sign had fell and crushed Sakura and others, "Have you told them about the other people the sign fell on?"
Fugaku shook his head feeling anger swelling up in his heart, "They don't need the burden, especially about the kid killed."
The sign had fallen on three people including Sakura. One had lost an arm and the other was a poor seven-year old boy who bled out before he even got to the hospital. Inabi felt rage stir in his heart but he kept his exterior calm, "Sai didn't know who Danzo worked with, everybody who knew about Danzo's visitor got killed, the camera's were tampered with…to think they have someone at the jail right now who works for them…We've started putting the entire jail staff through lie detector tests but we can't trust the people tested will keep quiet about it."
Fugaku shifted in discomfort, "How many do you think they could actually sneak into the force?"
Inabi paused a moment, "It's hard to tell, criminals like these…they're hard to come by but their resources are endless. Some of them are even trained to get through lie detectors no problem. I just hope there's not enough for Danzo to get out…"
Fugaku felt fear stricken his heart, "He'd go straight after Sasuke and Sakura…"
Inabi gave a small nod, "Whoever this is, we need to catch them quick. Now that Sakura's out of the hospital they could attack at any moment."
Fugaku gripped his hands together, "But not in my home…they won't be getting anywhere near my house, I'll make sure of that."
Inabi picked up a few files, "Good, keep them safe. Try not to be too obvious though, we're still playing dumb."
Fugaku gave a nod and they both went on their ways with determined minds to take down the enemy.
_author's notes_
So I know it's been a super long time and this is way shorter than you guys deserve but I have so much stuff to do. I'm on break right now which is my only chance to write and I want to update my other story too. I hope there was enough SasuSaku in there for you and that you're starting to feel suspense about Orochimaru's plan is. My next break is Easter so I might update then but not sure with all my projects due the week after. I hope you guys liked it and please review! I'll respond!
