Chapter 3:

The three day journey from Haruno to Uchiha territory was less than pleasurable. The main road was littered with potholes due to rain storms and frequent traffic, not to mention Sakura had to sit in the carriage alone. The entire first and second days of travel were spent in complete silence, with the exception of single-worded commands to the horses and curious pedestrians passing by. Izuna was clearly avoiding her- he wouldn't even look at her unless absolutely necessary. Part of her was grateful, he had an attitude problem and she was still upset with him, but being a natural social butterfly, she decided to finally break the silence before they arrived to the Uchiha compound. She understood that she needed to create friendships and alliances while she was there. They would become vital to her survival, and her success.

The Heiress poked her head out of the window of the carriage when she heard the bustle of life that naturally emits from busy villages. "Izuna-san," She called to the man sweetly, who had been riding his black mare a few feet from her. He turned his head to the side to acknowledge her but did not speak.

"Would it be too troublesome to stop by a local street food shop?" She shot him a warm smile as her eyelashes fluttered innocently.

He remained silent for a while, as if he were pondering if it were a good idea to stop. But they had been well ahead of schedule, and she hadn't been as much of a nuisance on the trip as he had expected her to be. But the idea of a clan carriage stopping in the local streets was bound to draw some unwanted attention.

He signaled the driver to stop under the cover of some trees that were growing over the road, and pulled on his own reigns to stop his own horse.

"Wear your cloak." He finally said to her. She grinned at him happily, and pulled the curtain to window shut. It took her a mere few seconds to finally step out of the carriage, dressed in a long, baby blue cloak with a large hood that covered her pink tresses. Izuna then extended his hand out to her and she quickly grabbed hold, then together they hoisted her behind him onto the horse. Izuna then glanced to the driver of the carriage who looked mildly amused.

"Proceed on course to the main house." Izuna instructed.

"Shall I inform your father of your detour as well?" The driver asked with a curl of his lips.

"Hn," Was his only answer before the two started off ahead. The driver could only give the boy a knowing grin before he clicked his tongue and followed behind, being sure to give them some space before he did so.

Sakura knew she was making him uncomfortable, and she took full advantage of the fact. Her legs brushed against his thighs as she straddled his back, and her full breasts were pressed ever so slightly between his shoulder blades as she lightly held on to him. Lifting her chin to rest on his shoulder, she whispered a gentle 'Thank you' into his ear, making him shiver ever so slightly and tense up.

They stayed like that for a while as they walked through town, and they were both fully aware of all the looks and stares they were receiving from the villagers. Sakura was shocked when she quickly realized that the ratio between civilians and shinobi was quite equal. Where as back in her own village, there were more civilians. She took note of the shadows watching her as well, some following along while others shot off ahead, no doubt to inform the head Uchiha of their little endeavour.

"Do you enjoy Onigiri?" Izuna spoke up, keeping his eyes on the road. She nodded in response and slightly blushed. "We will most likely be dining with the main branch of my clan tonight, so it is best to eat a light."

He stopped his horse just outside a tiny stand, and the owners quickly bowed when they realized who it was.

"Izuna-sama! What a pleasant surprise!" The large man bellowed as he waddled his way around the counter and towards the horse. Nervously, Sakura tugged at her hood to cover more of her head, but gave the man a polite smile when his gaze shifted to her curiously. "This must be the Haruno Hime that has the whole city talking. Good afternoon, you're even more beautiful than the rumors imply. It is a pleasure to meet you." With that the man bowed deeply, then stood back up with his hands out.

"Thank you. I just arrived, but I am starting to love it here already." Sakura gracefully dipped her head before she continued "If it wouldn't be too much trouble, may I purchase some of your most popular Onigiri for myself and for Izuna-san here? I would like to thank him for being so kind to me on our journey." She then smiled warmly, and reached for her coin purse that was tied at her hip

"Oh, nonsense! You two eat for free! Kimi, two orders of our best!" The man clasped his hands together and waited for the young girl behind the stand to assemble their order. She then scurried over, nearly tripping over her apron as she did so, and stood to the side of the horse. Dipping her head low she held up a package with their order.

"Please enjoy!" The young girl awkwardly shouted, keeping her head down. Sakura couldn't help but giggle at the poor girl as Izuna snatched the package from her hands and passed it back to Sakura. She took the package and said her thanks, before they once again set off on their way.

Once they were a good distance away, Sakura pulled out one onigiri for her and one for Izuna, then handed him his. He took it from her wordlessly, his hand brushing against her own as he did so. Sakura hummed softly as she leaned back on the horse and moved his hair to the side so that it would not get in her food. They ate in silence but it was comfortable, and it wasn't long before they had reached the gates to the large Uchiha estate. Unlike her own home, the Uchiha complex had a gloomy aura to it. She could hear distant shinobi training, but there were no birds singing or children laughing. The guards straightened up upon their arrival and hastily greeted the young Uchiha in front of her, but merely gave her a quirt nod when she made eye contact with them. They had been expecting her, and Sakura knew this but she couldn't help the sinking feeling she got in her stomach as they continued their way through the gates.

Izuna stopped the horse once they reached the stables. He hopped off carefully, then extended his hand out to Sakura to help her off as well. Her legs were a little wobbly, causing her knees quickly buckled under her weight when she landed, but Izuna was quick to assist her, wrapping his arms around her waist to prevent her from falling flat.

"Ah, Izuna-san. Thank you." She huffed out, extremely embarrassed at their close proximity. He didn't say anything, just helped her steady and extended his arm to her so that he could assist her to the main halls. It had been so long, since she had last road a horse. The Heiress pulled her hood down, and tugged her hair out from behind her neck so that it flowed behind her and aired out. "Do I look okay?" She asked as she fussed with her clothes, attempting to smooth out any wrinkles and look somewhat presentable. She knew she was going to meet the head family, and possibly discuss her arrangements before she could get washed up in time for dinner.

Something softened in Izuna's eyes. "You look fine," He mumbled under his breath. He couldn't understand her change in behavior. When he first met her, he was less than impressed. She had a horrible attitude, and came off to him as a spoiled brat. But now, she seemed like a proper maiden. Soft spoken, feminine, and innocent were words that quickly came to mind. Without thinking, he reached out and tucked one of the pink strands that had fallen in her face behind her ear. "The civilian man did not lie," He stated absentmindedly, "You are very beautiful."

Oh gods. Her face felt like it was on fire. Hearing that from Izuna, who was extremely handsome himself... Her heart was ringing in her ears. Her plump lips parted to relay her thanks but he quickly cut her off.

"You'll draw a lot of unwanted attention while you're here." Izuna took a step back and released the breath he didn't know he was holding. "You'll need to be wary. Don't go anywhere alone and don't trust anyone who isn't from the main branch. Your… Situation. Most of us already know of it, and many may want to take advantage of that."

Seeing the way she was staring at him made him uncomfortable. He wasn't used to talking to girls like this. He turned his back on her and began to walk away with a slow pace so that she would know to follow. And she did. "I'll try to keep you safe." He said softly, more to himself than to her. But she heard him clearly, and with the blush still staining her face, she mumbled her thanks as she followed closely behind.

'Oh my god, did he really just say that? Why is my heart beating so fast!? Calm down, Sakura.' She took a deep breath and pulled her shoulders back. She could still feel eyes on her and needed to keep it together. 'What was with that look on his face?' She'd never seen him make that face before. She didn't think Uchiha's were capable of making soft, genuine, caring expressions.. Much less say such things. Did he actually care about her wellbeing? He was a lot more chivalrus than he gave off. At least she had someone in the compound that she could trust… for the most part, that is.

"Izuna-sama, welcome home!" A feminine voice quickly pulled Sakura out of her thoughts. Peeking around Izuna, she saw a smiling woman with ebony colored hair and matching eyes. Her skin was very pale, and she was wearing a plain navy blue yukata. "I'm glad you've returned safely from your travels. Your father is at the training grounds right now, he's watching Itachi-kun spar with Madara-sama." The woman then looked to Sakura, and she politely bowed. "Hello, Haruno-san. My name is Mikoto, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am the wife of Fugaku Uchiha, and the mother of Itachi and Sasuke. I am also in charge of the main and secondary branch households, so if you need anything please do not hesitate to ask." Mikoto bowed once more out of respect for the young Haruno girl.

Sakura quickly bowed back "It is nice to meet you, Mikoto-san. Please, just call me Sakura."

"Right then, Sakura-san. Please come find me once you have met with Tajima-sama. I will help you get settled and show you around." With a polite smile, Mikoto was on her way. Sakura looked to Izuna who was watching her carefully.

"Uchiha women are absolutely gorgeous, I would have never guessed that she had two children!"

"Aa. Itachi is older than you, but Sasuke should be right around your age." Izuna gestured for them to continue. Instead of going through the main halls like they had originally planned to, he guided her around to the back. Sakura guessed they were headed for the training grounds.

Sakura was impressed.

The grace and skill of Uchihas in battle was truly a sight to behold. The two handsome men that were sparring- Itachi and Madara as Mikoto had said- were in the heat of their spar. Switching rapidly between fighting styles and moving so fast that a civilians eye would not be able to keep up. Sakura noted that the rumors were true, fire was their elemental affinity. One of the Uchihas, the one with the long untamed raven hair that went to his mid back looked calm and calculating. It hardly seemed like the spar was a challenge for him at all, whereas the other Uchiha with ebony bangs and deep stress lines under his eyes clearly seemed to be becoming exhausted. Their immense chakras were overwhelming and seemed to lick at her as soon as she arrived. They had easily sensed her well before she had even come into view. Towards the front of the training grounds there was a man who's aura alone suggested importance standing under the cover of a large maple tree, Silently observing the fight.

'That must be Tajima-sama…' Sakura thought to herself as she gulped and fisted her hands to her sides. She would not let these men intimidate her. Or at least, she would not let them know that they intimidated her. She had a job to do, her people and her village were depending on her to succeed.

Izuna continued to lead her to where Tajima was standing. It wasn't until they stood right next to him, did the head Uchiha acknowledge them.

"My son." Tajima said as he extended his arm to Izuna. Izuna reached out as well, and they grasped forearms firmly, nodding once to each other as they looked in each others eyes before letting go.

"May I introduce to you, Haruno Sakura. The Heiress to the Haruno clan." Izuna stated as he stepped to the side so that his father could look at her.

"Indeed." Tajima gave her a once over as she bowed deeply. Sakura kept her eyes lowered, and held her tongue. Her mother had told her that when in the presents of the Uchiha head, she was not to speak unless directly spoken to. Sakura thought that was complete shit, but first impressions are everything. It seemed like Tajima was testing her knowledge of this because there was a long pause before he spoke again.

"I trust your travel went smoothly." Tajima turned his attention back to the sparring men and held his hand up, signalling them to stop. Both men quickly came to an abrupt halt, having been paying attention to the new arrivals since they arrived.

"Yes, Uchiha-sama. Izuna-sama ensured I was well taken care of and safe." She willed herself not to blush, but failed miserably. 'What the hell!?' She frantically thought to herself, but pushed it to the back of her mind.

"I see." Tajima raked his eyes over her form once more before eyeing Izuna who was also watching the girl with interest. "And the scroll?"

"Signed in blood, and sent straight to your office father." Izuna replied quickly, before his attention turned to the two other Uchiha males that were making their ways towards them. He couldn't help but feel a ping of jealousy at what he saw- both Itachi and Madara had their eyes locked on Sakura. He could see the interest in their eyes, and he couldn't help but get a little possessive of her. Quickly he dismissed the feeling, and took a slight step towards the girl. Catching on instantly, his father smirked at him knowingly. It was clear that Tajima approved of the girl, for obvious reasons. Her wealth, lineage, and her abilities would be extremely beneficial to any clan.

Sakura bowed for what seemed like the millionth time that day once the two other men approached.

"Sakura-san, this is Madara, my son. And Itachi." Tajima introduced them with mild interest, but his attention was quickly stolen by the incoming messenger bird that cawed and landed on his shoulder after depositing a small scroll into his hands. He glanced at the message, brows furrowing ever so slightly before he sighed deeply then turned to face the heiress. "I assume you already understand the terms and conditions of you being here. Madara will work with you to coordinate a troop to be sent to your home lands and show you where our clinic is. You will begin your work immediately." He nodded once to her, then disappeared in a cloud of smoke before she could even reply.

Sakura fidgeted, and bit her lip nervously. She could feel their eyes raking across her body, and she felt nude under their gaze. She nearly gasped out a thank you when Izuna finally chose to speak up.

"Brother," Izuna said to Madara, silently attempting to take the older man's attention away from the Haruno girl and to himself. "Care to spare tomorrow?" He couldn't understand why he was so bothered, it must have been that damned special clan ability of hers, drawing him in and making him look like a damn fool. It pissed him off.

Much to Izunas embarrassment, his brother decided to ignore him and instead spoke directly to Sakura. "I heard that you have also been trained for battle." He began, and Itachi couldn't help but tilt his head in curiosity.

"Is that true?" Itachi piped in. She had his curiosity.

Sakura wasn't quite sure how to respond to that. They lived in a time where women were expected to stay home and tend to their households and children. In most villages it was illegal for women to learn how to fight. Even her own village didn't exactly approve of it, but that didn't stop her brothers from teaching her how to defend herself.

"My brothers made sure I knew how to look after myself before they left for training." Sakura spoke slowly as she raised her eyes to meet Madaras. Risky, but she wanted to make a point-Don't test her. "Only natural, considering I am the youngest and with my.. condition." Holy ovaries? She wasn't sure how to put it.

"A woman trained to fight? Disgusting."

Sakura flinched. That was not the reply she had been anticipating. But it did not come from the man she expected it to come from. It came from Izuna. She took a step away from him and glared angrily at him, all respect for him lost and all caution thrown to the wind. How dare he! After everything they went through? The time they just shared together? She thought he was her friend!

"What's disgusting is your pea-sized brain!" She shot back. How dare he?! Who did he think he was?! If that's what he really thought, than he is not the man she thought he was. She frowned, her disappointment in him showing and without thinking she turned on her heel and stormed off in a sashay of fury, rambling insults and cursing his name as she did so.

She didn't even bother to turn around and look back. If she did, she would have seen the large twisted grin plastered across Madara's face, and Itachi covering his mouth, trying his best not to laugh.

'I can't believe I said that!' She silently scolded herself as she continued to storm off. She was sure she was well out of sight from the Uchiha men, but then she quickly realized she had another problem.

She was lost.

In the middle of the Uchiha compound.

The place was huge and eerily quiet besides the few crows cawing in the distance and the faint sounds of running water nearby. Sakura ran her fingers through her hair, pulling the long pink tresses over her shoulders and combing through some of the tangles that twisted together. She still had a slight adrenaline rush from that episode, so she decided that perhaps this would be a good time to explore the compound a little. Maybe there was a garden nearby? She hummed to herself delightedly at that thought. Gardens always made her feel safe. Growing up, when her brothers would pick on her and bully her, she would run and cry, and often find herself sprawled amongst the flowers. Her mother or father would eventually go searching for her and discover that she fell asleep, with petals and leaves scattered about. Sakura ran her hands down the front of her gown and fisted the material just above her knees, then lifted it up a bit so that she could be free to take larger steps without tripping. With a steady pace, she set out on her way, humming a soft tune that her grandmother used to sing to her as a babe.

She continued to walk until she found herself in the middle of a large courtyard that had a gorgeous koi pond in the center. There was a small man-made waterfall, which Sakura assumed was the source of the running water she heard earlier. There was a beautiful red bridge with a stone path that lead right up to it, the bridge allowing one to cross and gaze down at the fish swimming below. Which is exactly what Sakura intended on doing. Slowly she made her way to the center of the bridge, and rested her arms on the splintering rail. She missed home, terribly. This was the first time that she had spent so long away from home. She missed the laughter of children, and the bustle of the town. People coming to visit her, and actually be nice. The Uchiha compound was a sight to behold, but it didn't feel like home. It felt cold, and empty. Unwelcoming. A tear threatened to fall from her eyes but with all her being she willed them away. She could not show weakness here. 'Remember your purpose, Sakura. You got this.' Although she wasn't so sure anymore honestly. Maybe she bit off more than she could chew? Maybe she should have waited for her brothers to return, and had one of them come to the Uchihas aid?

"You shouldn't be wondering around here alone, Haruno-san."

Sakura's head quickly jerked back, her lips forming an 'O' and her eyes wide in shock. Her hands instantly went up in a defensive position, but once she realized who it was that spoke to her, she shoved her hands back to her sides with tightened fists. "Uchiha-san," She whispered out "About earlier, I must apologiz-"

" He deserved can call me Itachi. My mother sent me out to look for you, she wanted me to let you know that your room is ready." Itachi did not smile, but there was a kindness about his dark eyes that Sakura found strangely comforting.

"Please, call me Sakura. I hope we can be friends." She bit her lip before she continued "I'm sorry if I've inconvenienced you."

"You can make it up to me with a spar, once you get settled in." Itachi made a jester with his hand, and started to walk off the bridge towards a set of buildings that looked to be just recently built "Follow me, I'll show you to your room." Sakura nodded and followed close behind, memorizing the way so that she won't get lost next time.

He led her through beautiful ornate doors, and into a very large room. It was clear the room was made for a woman- there was an indoor bath area to the right side of the room, separated by a room divider that was decorated with fish and lotus blossoms similar to the ones she saw in the pond. There was a comfortable looking futon in the center of the room, that was decorated with elaborate silk pillows and blankets. To the other side of the room, there was a vanity with a different array of glass bottles she assumed contained perfumes, soaps, lip coloring and powders. There was also a beautiful looking brush with the uchiha crest on it, with a matching hair beret.

Did they really think she would wear their crest? They must be out of their minds. She was proud to wear her Haruno crest, and until she was properly married she would not be caught alive wearing another clans symbol.

She was drawn out of her thoughts when Itachi stepped to the side of the door and gestured to the front corner of the room. Her travel bags were all neatly stacked to the side, and next to them was a large armoire that held all her dresses, night wear, and work clothes.

"My mother took the liberty of unpacking for you, I hope you don't mind."

"Oh, that's fine. Where is Mikoto-san, if you don't mind me asking?" Sakura tilted her head cutely to the side, but was making her way towards the indoor bath that was already made for her. It smelled of spring flowers and made Sakura miss home even more. She sighed happily as the steam rolling from the warm water tickled her fingers when she reached in.

The corner of Itachi's lips twitched. He shifted his weight before replying, "She went into town, one of the lower branch wives went into labor about an hour ago. You'll probably see her sometime tomorrow."

Sakura's ears perked up at the news. "If there's any complications, be sure to have someone fetch me."

"I'm sure they have everything under control," He walked towards the door and began to make his way out "But if anything goes wrong, you'll be the first to know. Dinner is in two hours, I'll have one of the servants come and show you to the dining hall." With that he left, closing the door with a soft click behind him as Sakura silently voiced her thanks.

The pink haired maiden rolled her shoulders back and let out a deep sigh. That bath had been calling her name since the moment she set foot in the room. She had to admit, it was really cozy and beautiful. She could easily use the room as her safe place. But she couldn't help but feel that the room may have been made exclusively for her… It was freshly built, and there was a beautiful painting of a cherry blossom tree on the main back wall. The colors in the room, from the sheets to the trimmings all complimented the color of her hair and eyes. One of the paintings above the bed she quickly recognized as the sunrise over the hills near her village. Sakura took the time to feel for any chakra signatures and made sure that it was safe to strip down and bathe. Once she knew that she was okay to do so, she quickly peeled off the now sticky dress from her skin and slowly lowered herself into the heavenly waters. She decided she should probably wash her hair, she could use a small wind jutsu to dry it in time for dinner. Looking to her side, she picked one of the vials of colorful liquid she assumed was soap, and began to wash her hair and body.

'Oh man, whatever this is, I have to take some home with me before I leave.' She thought to herself as she could feel the suds doing their job, leaving her feeling clean and good smelling.

But she couldn't help that small nagging doubt that.. She may not be returning home for a very long time.

The dinner was rather boring, but the food was very good. Sakura was happy that she was secretly able to eat more than everyone thought she did. The men were so busy talking about battle strategies and politics that they didn't even notice Sakura whispering to the servants for second and third helpings. The servants simply giggled and winked at her, and even set her up with some desert after. Sakura was thankful, but she couldn't help but feel a bit of sadness. The sugary treats made her miss her mother.

She had later learned that the girl helping her was named Aoi, and before the girl retired for the night, she set up a lunch date in the city so that she could be shown around and get away from the compound for a while.

Sakura had sat next to Itachi, and furthest away from Izuna, who made it a point to ignore her. This did not go unnoticed by Madara who was amused with the whole situation, and couldn't help but poke fun at his younger brother between conversations with Tajima. She was shocked that Tajima showed no interest in talking with her, or informing her of her duties while she was here. He only made a comment on how he approved of her choice of dress for the evening, which was a deep navy blue color with black trim.

Mikoto was still absent, and by the end of dinner, It had begun to to rain. The man Sakura assumed was Mikoto's husband Fugaku, had sent one of the servants out to her with a basket filled with various items and an umbrella. Sakura couldn't help but smile slightly at the small act of man seemed strict and cold like most of the Uchihas, but when it came to his wife there was a softness about him that she wasn't sure many saw.

Of course, there were many eyes on her throughout the dinner. A man who looked around her own age kept staring her down, and watching her intently, especially every time she leaned to the side to whisper Itachi a question. She could feel the hunger and anger in his eyes, like he was being pulled by her but then hated her for it. When dinner was finished she politely excused herself. Tajima nodded once to her approvingly, probably because she kept her mouth shut and didn't cause any problems for him. Itachi had asked her if she needed assistance getting back to her room, but she giggled girlishly, placed a hand on his shoulder and told him that she would be okay.

She took the longer, scenic route that the maids had told her about while she walked back to her room. It was beautiful, the trees were swaying and the wind seemed to be singing to her. The rain made the air thick and humid, but it smelled familiar and would make her feel peaceful had she not realized she was being followed.

"I know you're there," She voiced out, irritated. "You can stop being a creep now, thanks."

A man suddenly phazed right in front of her, but she didn't flinch having grown used to Uchiha men appearing and disappearing out of nowhere.

"What were you saying to Itachi?" The man asked, but it sounded more like a demand.

"Why is that any of your business?" Sakura was short, the crown of her head barely reached the mans chin. But she raised her head and glared up at him, showing no signs of backing down. "What Itachi-san and I discuss should be no concern of yours."

"It is my concern when a strange female with pink hair is trying to seduce my older brother."

Wait. What the hell? Is this ass hat serious? Seduce? She was merely asking him a question about when she would be starting in the clinic. She wanted to get started on her work so that Tajima would send troops to her village. Strange!? The only one strange here was him, he was the one stalking maidens in the middle of the night! The aura around Sakura suddenly darkened, and she couldn't help but release a wave of killing intent. This little shit had the audacity to think she was just some common bimbo trying to get in bed with his brother. Mind blind in a rage, she took a step forwards and shoved her index finger under the mans chin, being sure to use a little bit of chakra behind it.

"Listen here, boy. The last thing you want is to piss me off, I promise you." She growled out at him, "If it weren't for my family needing your fathers help, I would have drop kicked you all the way to the Sound Village. Try me." Her brows furrowed and she spiked her chakra to back up her threat, making the man's eyes widen.

He went to say something back and his hand shot up to smack her hand away but he was suddenly thrown back on his rear a few feet away. There stood Madara, Sharingan blazing, with his right arm wrapped protectively around the pink haired woman who looked flustered beyond all belief.

"Sasuke," Madara drawled out, and Sakura could feel the rumble of his chest against her cheek. He smelled like cinnamon and fire, with a hint of something rusty that faintly made her think of blood. "What do you think you're doing?"

"I- what? She started it, she called me-"

"A boy. Because that is how you are acting. Get him out of my sight." Madara ordered the guards that had also been drawn to the scene due to the killing intent and foreign chakra spike. Sakura noticed with embarrassment, that Tajima was standing around the corner, possibly having heard and seen the whole thing. His face was unreadable, and when his eyes met Madara they seemed to be speaking with no words before he turned the corner and walked away.

As Sasuke was being escorted away, back turned to Madara and Sakura, he looked down in his hands and eyed at the small necklace he managed to pull from Sakura's neck when she was busy threatening him.

The Heiress sighed. She had only been here for a day, and she was already fed up with Uchihas. Madara still hadn't let her go, and it felt like he was smelling the top of her head. He was much taller than her- it seemed all the Uchihas towered over her- but she refused to be treated like some kind of pet. She pulled herself out of his arms and turned to face the man before her, her cheeks sprinkled with a shade that matched her hair. She squared her shoulders, and placed her hands on her hips.

"I appreciate your help, but I had things under control." Sakura said softly. Her voice didn't match her body language. She couldn't help that he practically dripped with power and could see right through her.

"It wouldn't be becoming for an Uchiha to strike a woman." Madara began, and then he started to walk towards an arched walkway. "Walk with me, it will calm your nerves. You put the whole compound on edge with that killing intent of yours." he extended his arm out for her to take, and she wrinkled her nose at it but curled her arm around his nonetheless.

It felt strange, she fit almost perfectly against him. Before, when he held her and also now, with her arm holding his as he guided her to a place she hadn't been before. It felt almost like a date, the hard rain had stopped and the droplets glistened on the leaves and flowers around them, reflecting the light from the lanterns that lit their way. He slowed his pace to match hers, and kept his eyes forwards, but she felt like he was still staring at her and into her soul.

"Madara-sama, about my village." Sakura rasped out, then awkwardly tried to clear her throat. " I wanted to speak to your father about it at dinner, but I never got the chance."

Madara stopped her in front of a beautiful pagoda, and it was only then that she realized he had led her into a garden. He unwrapped her arm from his, and left her to stand in front of him while he sat down on a stone bench. She wasn't looking at him, she was avoiding his gaze. But the red in her peripherals caught her attention and when they made eye contact, she gasped at the beauty of his Sharingan. He smirked at her and leaned back, while tilting his head to the side to get a better look at her.

"Which is originally why I sought you out, you're quite the trouble maker, aren't you?" he said as he crossed his arms.

She blushed and whipped her head away. "Ah, yes. I suppose so."

He took a minute to reply. He seemed to be thinking about his next words. "I've assembled two troops. One will stay and help aid your father. The other troop will be responsible with bringing back supplies and resources for our army. Assuming you keep your end of the deal as well, things will go smoothly."

Green orbs narrowed at him. Did he think she would not stay true to her word?

"I'm the best healer in our clan." she turned to face him fully, a shock of confidence raked through her body as she raised her chin at him, thinking carefully about her next words. "And I know how to fix the damage created from over exerting your Sharingan." She smiled smugly at him, "I could make them good as new."

Madara smirked in such a sinister way that it made her stomach turn. Did they not realize she could heal their eyes?

"My dear Sakura," He huskily replied, reaching his hand out for hers and she found herself placing her own in his tentively. He kissed the back of her hand, while keeping his eyes on her the whole time. His Sharingan swirled dangerously. "That's the best news I've heard all day."

That's when it hit her…

Sakura, you stupid, stupid girl! Do you realize what you've just done?! Now you'll never go home!

Sooooo sorry it's taking me so long to update, I tried to make this chapter extra long. Thank you all so much for the awesome reviews they literally give me life! I'm desperately trying to slowly build this story but I have so many ideas! Yes, Sasuke is an asshole, but don't worry, it'll get better. I don't hate him that much… Izuna is an asshole too. Buncha pricks.

Mind you I have no Beta so bare with my errors please, you know the drill.

Also, shout out to those who favorite and follow my story! Those keep me motivated as well!

Currently working on chapter 4, hopefully I'll have it done soon~

-Whiski