Chapter 02: A GHOST FOR A REVENGE...

Hey readers, I am loving the direction this story is heading towards in the next few chapters. Thanks for the 2 people who bothered leaving a review! I was squealing of happiness when I noticed. Check out my other stories in case you're loving this story.

I never knew that I would once be so thankful for how strict my parents had raised with me. They had kept me isolated from the world for years. Private and intensive education, modest and isolated upbringing. In the Haruno clan no one could lay eyes on me at anytime. And those who did couldn't even confirm if I was indeed my Sakura Haruno. That's how secretive they were.

They'd had such a bright future for me. Only people of higher ranks were to meet me once I was of age. But that never came as they'd passed before that.

My mother had always had told me my beauty was out of this world. I'd been blessed with the rare pink pigmented hair of a Goddess the Southern people worshipped centuries ago.

Pale, silky pink. My father had had plans to betroth me to the imperial house one day. He had had so many plans for the future of the Haruno clan. But of course people envied his wealth, his blessings and his strength. None of his dreams ever became reality as they both lost their lives to envy and greed.

Waking up in sweats, I was having one of these nights again. I hated when it happened. These sudden chest pains, this familiar pressure build up caused by severe anxiety.

Immediately Hinata was at my side. A candle in hand with a cup of water in the other. As I took it she began these soothing hand motions she always did on my back when I was under duress. Her familiar humming accompanying it. This always magically dragged me back to reality.

I could only dream of the day my mind would rest peacefully and I could sleep like everyone else. But that wasn't meant for me.

I grew up training in the wild forest, learning how to conceal bodies, learning how to give men pleasure so good they forgot themselves and to keep their safety in check. For 5 years I'd roamed the country, province by province in a quest for more blood.

It was always funny to me how I looked nothing like the evil person I actually was deep inside. I craved nothing but chaos, revenge and bloodshed. No interest at all in getting married and dropping children like every other 20 year old out there.

Men desired me a lot. Plenty attempts were made to take me by coercion or by force and none worked. Either they were ignored or they ended up buried under a farm.

"Are you alright?" Hinata asked as she took a seat next to her in her bed.

"I'm okay now."

They'd been on the road for 7 days now. As much as the West and the South weren't too far from each other, the journey was quite intensive. The southerners took pride in not allowing just anyone to pass through their borders without the proper documentations so they'd had to use the longest road. Their guide, who was one of Hinata's many spies had been able to get them a pathway but they needed to pass through the forest rather than the ports.

Apparently since the pending conversations with the Uchihas, insecurity had been running rampant in the South, so they'd increased their security.

They had now stopped at the closest village to their meeting point. The population here was small and shy but she'd noticed the different looks she'd gotten from the people here compared to anywhere else in the country.

Her mother had been right. Many had mentioned to her resemblance to their Goddess Kushiino. Children had flocked to her when they saw her, hands all on her hair in admiration.

Men gave weird looks. Either it was shock or desire per usual. But shock she wasn't used to though. She didn't know how to react.

"What time is it ?"

"We have to leave discreetly in the next hour so I think you should get ready and start changing."

They were meant to meet their intel in the forest at dawn. To draw no interest from these curious and intrigued people they probably needed to leave while everyone here was asleep.

"Alright."

She stood up and put herself together quickly before staring at the finished product thoughtful.

Hinata had recommended they try blending in as much as possible so she'd copied the traditional Southern hairdo and kimono. Her hair was half up half down with some two braids in joined you with flowers and her kimono was pure white with black ends.

As she walked back to the room she noticed Hinata's outfit. It was a less flashy version of her outfit. All grey. That was what lower ranked people wore here. Her hair was also done the same way but with a modest hair cover reserved for married women.

"You're married now?"

Hinata smiled

"It's for the role, don't worry."

She smiled back.

As the sneaked away from the quiet village and deep im the forest, Sakura stared at her friend in admiration. She was handling her sword with such ease. Cutting through the wild herbs, making pathway for them like a professional.

The Hyuugas were known to be the best of companions. Their blessed eyes helped guide them anywhere. Being lost was truly foreign to them. Hinata consistently proved just how much she was efficient and reliable.

She was also a terrific fighter. In the last 4 years Sakura had barely needed to pull her sword out. Hinata was protective, talented and she cared about her too much to allow any enemy to harm her.

She always wondered what had happened to her when Konoha had fallen. They'd lost touch after the war and had reunited randomly in the North on one of her assassination missions. She'd been a Geisha. At least that was her cover at the time. It made sense, Hinata was beautiful and the profession fit her very well. She was well bred, educated, had the looks and the voice to entertain.

She had been living a comfortable life in the North until Sakura shared what had happened to her and what her current plans were set to be. Hinata had wanted in immediately. Of course she had. She'd lost everything to the war as well. No news from her brother since he'd made sure she'd escaped during the war. No news from their childhood friends from back home... What a sad life they lived. They'd lost everything in only 14 days. How embarrassing was that...

The familiar sound of the coded whistle Hinata and her spies shared finally resonated in a corner, pulling her dark thoughts away. The intel quietly walked out of the shadows with a bag in hand.

"Terrible news Madam."

"We can't get through?"

He shook his head.

"You can... But there is war."

Hinata turned to Sakura with questioning eyes. It was her decision how they'd proceed from there.

"War with the South?" She asked

"Yes. Their enemy has not been named yet but word is they are a collective of highly skilled swordsman from foreign lands."

Hinata took the bag he was handing her and read the letter. That's how she and her spies communicated. They passed as sellers, fishermen and poor kids to gather information without raising eyebrows.

Hinata's intelligence was out of this world. She only hired educated individuals who could read and write which made a great prospect for a spy.

The letter read:

[They'd marched to the South on unmarked black horses from the East. Carrying no flags, armies all men. Their way of operating intriguing. They do not kill or kidnap children or women. They free slaves on their paths which in return willingly join them in their fight.]

"From the East?" Sakura asked.

Hinata was making the same face. It looked somewhat close to hope. The East was home. The East was their people. Was it possible at all that Konoha had risen from the ashes again on a quest for revenge?

"Some of our spies have been sent to their camp to join their forces and get more details. We'll get confirmation soon."

"Okay but how does that affect us not being able to get to the capital?"

"The southern nobles are running away. There is talk that the Shō clan is planning to leave in the next few days to Hikuru. They are to seek refuge there and let their armies fight the enemy."

Sakura almost laughed. How typical. These cowards could never face combat. The Shōs were known to rely heavily on deceit, witchcraft and cowardice. That was how they'd gotten so strong within the 8 provinces. They probably had the weakest army, which was why they had made sure their defense technology was the best in the world. The south was plagued with sickness. The plague had been slowly reducing the population. That was probably why it was crucial for the nobles to leave and secure an agreement with the Uchihas of Hikuru to secure their hold on their lands even if they deserted.

"Where is the plague striking the most" Hinata asked.

"Deep in the southern region but it's spreading... fast..."

Hinata turned to her with thoughtful eyes.

"If we're going to the capital we'll need to make it quick this time. How fast do you think you can do it?"

She thought for a second. She knew she had relatives here. She had deep connections with the Shōs actually. This one could be very easy if she would use her own name this time but it was risky... Using the name Haruno would attract some of her father's enemies that she couldn't let know she was alive just yet. They'd run away. It wasn't time yet.

"I don't know... I can't use Haruno Hinata..."

Nodding her head, Hinata understood. Whenever it was too risky she wouldn't push. She turned to her spy.

"For now get us there. We'll figure out something once we get there. I think I know someone."

"Who?" Sakura asked

Hinata turned to her with a smile.

"Have you ever thought of being a Geisha?"

Hikuru: 6 days before the arrival of the Shōs

"Out of question." Sasuke blurted as he stood up, ready to go as far away as this meeting room as possible.

His brother sighed, his counsel mute and quietly sharing anxious looks at each other. They had probably expected this reaction. Good. A political marriage? Please.

"This would solidify our ties with the South in blood. We'd be free agent and have complete power over the last of the 8 provinces we have yet to conquer Sasuke. Then after that we can focus on defeating the fake Emperor and make the country ours officially."

"Then you do it Itachi. I don't care enough about your political goals to let you stick a puppy wife into my arms for the better good of your interest. I won't. Find someone else."

On that note he walked out. First Itachi had made him Chief of the Uchiha armies, named him his heir. Then he had prohibited him from leaving the palace as he'd always done and now this...

A political marriage was out of question for him. Itachi probably knew it very well also. That was why he wouldn't even stand there and give him the opportunity to try to convince him.

He was one hell of a hypocrite. He'd refused a wife for how many decades but was now trying to stick the task on his back. Absolutely not. He didn't care that much about the thriving of their clan to subject himself to this kind of commitment.

As he joined his quarters he noticed that same faint presence that always followed him around. Henko...

He'd noticed the boy following him around for a while now and as much as he didn't care to ask why the small boy was so obsessed with him. Maybe he would have to be very clear about how he didn't need a little puppy hot on his heels.

"Value your life boy and stop disturbing my solitude. If I wanted company I would've called for ladies to my chambers."

He didn't turn around to face him but he know the boy had heard him. Seconds later he'd walked out of the shadows. When he graced him with a look he noticed the boy had gained some more colors.

It wasn't surprising since he'd secretly threatened his men to make sure they feed and train the boy nicely or they'd pay with their lives. Was that why he was here ? Because Sasuke could not be bothered.

He wasn't trembling like last time. He could still tell from his body language that he was scared of him but who wasn't. Looking up, he finally spoke.

"I hope to one day have the honor of fighting in your honor Highness. I wanted to say thank you."

He simply stared back. Calculating which kind of emotion regular people would've displayed in the moment. I guess flattery? Or compassion? He felt neither. Just plain boredom.

If he was honest the only reason he had decided to pay attention to that boy was not clear to him. But it certainly wasn't pity. He liked games. If the boy was worthy he would stand, fight and up his ranks. Only then would it be clear if he had been worth the stress at all. But for now ? There was no need for him to hear such corny talks.

"Leave." He simply said as he disappeared onto his terrace. He didn't check if the boy obeyed but he knew he would. He wasn't that brave to defy him in his own chambers.

Staring at foggy night, Itachi's words came back.

Marriage sounded like a horrible task. All emotions, all promises, all duties. How very un-him. He chuckled. It was actually funny to think there were people out there who fought to death in the name of love. Not that it concerned him. He didn't have half the ounce of respect for a woman's feelings one should probably have to be able to get along with them enough to live with them and get them with child. Itachi was truly hilarious for that.

"Highness."

Speaking of women. Wasn't my it oh so convenient to have at their disposition the best looking women in the country all ready and trained to satisfy their wildest wishes?

Cocking his head slightly acknowledging the woman he regularly called to his chambers. She looked the same.

He knew what the other ladies said. They spoke ill of this lady because to them her looks didn't compare to the attention she was getting from the higher ups.

Unfortunately for them, the pale looking, mute lady was exactly his type. She couldn't speak nor hear and that was music to his ears truly. One pleasure woman he wouldn't have to bother watching his back from. Her weakness unfortunately made the sick bastard that he was hard. And so he allowed her to do her job, for the 3rd time this week.

Shō Palace: The Geisha and her noble friend

"You haven't changed Hina-Chan!"

"You're flattering me !"

That was Lady Fuku. One of the most popular Geishas in the country. She was originally from the Southern province. After Hinata had hit the road with Sakura they'd lost touch but the lady had taught her everything she knew. She'd made her the best talent at the convent.

Sakura sat still as lady Fuku's servants got her ready for the dinner the Shō clan was having in honor of their future alliance with the Uchihas of Hikuru.

How incredibly arrogant. They hadn't even sealed the deal yet and here they were inviting all the powerful southern families to come display their new found trophy. It was typical.

Sakura was trying her best to look as nonchalant as possible but this one was a bit hard. The Shōs had wanted her father to betroth her to them for years. Without even seeing what she looked like they'd insisted that it was meant to happen as her father's family had been dominating the better part of the country.

Looking as her reflection, she couldn't believe just how talented these ladies were. Her make over was absolutely out of this world. Her hair long, shiny and covered with expensive ornements. Her blue eyes loud and hypnotic with the smoky make up. The best part though ? Her lips, they'd done an excellent job putting together this fake hypnotic purity.

"You look sensational by the way." Hinata whispered at her as the servants finally stepped away to let Lady Fuku assess.

"I'm not surprised your friend has noble blood... God she's a sight."

Hinata nodded.

With this, their plan would work quite easy. Sakura was passing as a noble lady on the road with her friend on a quest for a business opportunity in the south. Lady Fuku had already bought the story. If anything she didn't even ask too many. She'd received them with warm arms and was now taking them as her guests to the private Shō gathering.

"With your looks I hope you won't be privy to betrothal... They will be floored" Lady Fuku said with a smile.

She'd been right. As they made their entrance with Lady Fuku and her maidens the entire room went still. The silence was loud and the stares to match.

Sakura's head was held high. Here they were making their big entrance within the walls of the distant relatives to her father. Some people in attendance here probably had had something to do with his demise. She hated their guts, bad.

As they finally reached their table in the busy garden. Hinata immediately got to work.

"The man at the front is Master Shō the leader of the clan. The young child next to him is his daughter Anae."

Noticing the tiny human at his side. She struggled to hide the genuine chuckle that was building.

The daughter was a literal child. She hadn't even grown breast yet. Was that who they were considering marrying to the Uchihas next week? Hilarious.

As much as she hated the people of Hikuru, they were probably the only region in the whole of this country who did not practice child marriages. It was against some of their rules. Not that she knew much about them anyways.

A marriage deal was not going to go through. Just for that reason. That was probably why the Shōs were in such a rush to seek refuge elsewhere.

This news meant the only thing they could bargain now were their metal. But that didn't hold as much weight for them. The Uchihas could simple invade the South and make the land theirs in that case.

As she turned to Hinata, both smiled in satisfaction.

Smile that immediately disappeared as a loud bang resonated through the building. Before Sakura knew what was happening she was on the floor. The decorations ruined under debris. She looked around confused...

An explosion. In the middle of the party. Of course... It wasn't surprising. They were in the middle of a war.

Once her confusion passed it was time for action. She looked to her right for Hinata. It was a sight she hated to see. The woman was almost fully covered under debris.

Worried, Sakura was already on her feet, daggers in hand rushing to her friend.

"Saku-

"Shhh... Can you get up?"

"I don't think so."

In two movements she had removed her from the debris and was holding her up shoulder to shoulder. Her state didn't look so bad. She clearly couldn't walk 100% because of her injured and bleeding knee but Sakura would drag her out of there even if she had to carry her. There wasn't much time. The culprits would show up soon enough. And either they were bandits or enemies to the Shōs, she wouldn't stay around to find out. They couldn't afford to bet on neither. Especially her best fighter was down.

But as she was rushing towards the entrance they'd come from earlier a dagger flew inches from her face. She turned around immediately to notice who the culprit was.

"Going somewhere ?"

Two men. One in the back, one facing them. With Sakura's injured leg on the brink of losing consciousness this meant trouble.

"We're not enemies to you, let us go." She bargained

The man in the front chuckled with a smirk. He was up to no good. Tense, Sakura looked around... She needed to at least get Hinata to safety...

As she was thinking tho, a voice spoke behind her.

"We don't harm ladies remember."

Following the voice, she couldn't believe her eyes. Blond hair, blue eyes and the flag...

"Impossible"

That voice was Hinata, staring wide at the man in front of them.

And so the revenge finally began...

To be continued...

THANKS FOR THE SUBSCRIPTIONS, LEAVE A REVIEW IT!S FREE!