Chapter 13 Beginning of the end.
The end of the day couldn't come fast enough. I sat impatient through the lectures, watching the sun willing it to set faster. They said "time moves slower when observed," but they never said it failed to move at all. Naruto and Sasuke had an excited grin on their faces the entire day. They at least had some level of patience, maybe I could learn a thing or two from them.
When Iruka-sensei finally said the classes were over I was to seconds away from flying through the window. He told us about shuriken extra classes for anyone interested. I glared at Sasuke, daring him accept when we already had plans. With a gulp he averted his eyes.
Finally free, I dashed out the window shutting; "I'll come to collect you!" over my shoulder. Iruka yelled something about the act being unladylike but I couldn't bring myself to care. I ran at full speed all the way home, there wasn't a moment to lose.
"I'm home!" I called running into the common area, barely managing to dislodge my shoes before entering the house.
"Welcome home," mother greeted kissing me on the forehead before walking behind the kitchen counter. She had become move affectionate after I fell in love with Sasuke and begun spending more time at the Uchiha district. I wasn't sure of her motive, but I couldn't say I disliked it.
Dum dum dum!
I sighed and braced myself.
In an instance I was in my father's arms being crushed with affection. Where mother had subtly shown affection so I couldn't determine her motive, father had been more up front. He wasn't going to be out done by Fugaku. I didn't understand and when I asked, he said I would understand one day, that I was very smart.
I was strong I knew, but I could never overpower the old man no matter how hard I tried. I knew there was a large gap between a prodigy and a Jonin, but that didn't explain how he was so strong. I had given up on fighting him after losing miserably. I was an acquired taste but his "cuddling" wasn't all that bad either. If nothing else it was warm.
"Papa, did you pick up the package?" I struggled to ask from being suffocated in his chest.
"Oh yes I did," he said putting me down to collect it from the dining table. I took the time to catch my breath, that man needed to learn his own strength. He came back with four boxes. I took them, inspecting the context; pleased I closed it.
"Thank you, papa," I said looking at him expectantly. He bent down to my level and I kissed his cheek, his bread tickled my chin but I powered through. If he realized I found it ticklish, I dread to think of what he would do.
He grinned pleased with himself, I was surrounded by children.
"What are you going to be doing with those anyway?" he asked the damning question. I fidgeted under his curious gaze. My cheeks heated and I refused to look at him.
"What's this?" mother said lending counter watching us amused. "I bet it's for Sasuke, you only ever blush when he's involved. Heat traveled to my neck and I resisted the urge to tug on my collar.
"Hahaha!" father released a belly deep laugh and I pout with frustration. Why was I struggling with things like this? I was older than this for god sake. Acting my physical age, I crossed my arms and huffed. Mother gushed and father only laughed harder. Forget dying of boredom, I was more likely to die of embarrassment.
Trying to preserve my life and dignity, I retreated. Run away to fight another day.
"I'm going to get ready!" I shouted as an excuse as I ran up the stairs. I could still feel my parents delighted chakra from my room. I glared at the blushing mess of a girl in the mirror. I patted my cheeks to relive some of the heat. I still wasn't use to emotion though as it only came around when Sasuke was involved I predicted I wouldn't have to worry about it too much.
I hope.
The sun hung low in the sky when I was dressed and ready to leave home. Scroll packed with all I needed I tucked it away. It was very convenient to have, I didn't way me down like bags would have and I hold more than any bag ever could. It was also great practice, win-win on all sides.
"Remember to collect me tonight at the "Sakura hill," I said turning to my parents. "I won't be in any condition to walk home tonight, so I'll need you."
"Oh oh, they grow up so fast, already going on a date with your boyfriend." Mother faked a tear.
"It's not a date!" I denied. If I started thinking of it as a date, I won't be able to think clearly.
"Like hell it's a date!" father proclaimed and I was a fool to think he was on my side. "That Sasuke hasn't come to me to ask for her hand in a relationship!"
My hope and sanity dwindled and died.
"Oh, do you remember when you had to ask my father for my hand in marriage." Mother said lost in the memory. She swilled suddenly wiggling about, "you were so cool!"
Father nodded eating the praise like a boss.
"Indeed, your father as a frightening man," he said before hugging mother tight to his chest. "But not even the universe could keep us apart!"
"Kyaaa!" she screamed like Sasuke's fan girls. I felt oddly uncomfortable, as though this was something I wasn't supposed to be seeing. I wasn't a child but, in that moment, my instincts were saying to look away; or was that just inner.
Nevertheless I did, and not a moment too soon as I could hear smooching noises behind me.
"Get a room you two!" I said as I bolted through the door. My cheeks were ablaze debunking my hypophysis. Sasuke wasn't the only one who could get me flustered. Stupid immature parents.
I arrived at the Uchiha district undisturbed; the sun still low in the sky. The streets still had life in them, though it was mostly people retiring for the night. I touched a nearby wall and activated the seal. I had to do the same at the police building before my arrival, though that was on a smaller scale. The Uchiha district wasn't big but it wasn't small either, I had to use the natural chakra in the air as fuel.
I felt my fingers begun to turn to stone but I didn't stop I could fix that easily. Ink spread from my fingers and through the district. I concentrated on everyone in the area, willing the seal to attach to those I previously marked.
By the time I got all of them, my entire arm was turn to stone. Without moving it, for fear it will break, I healed it. After a few long minutes of trying not to look suspicious trapped to a wall, I make my way to Fugaku's house. My hand felt odd when it was turned to stone, numb and stiff. If I wasn't worried about losing a limp I would experiment more. I knew for a fact I was going to attempt to achieve "Sage mode" but I needed a teacher. Apart from Jiraya and Oruchimaru I didn't know any other living sage masters. Jiraya wasn't even a master was he, so I actually only knew one living person.
I groaned at the thought of learning sage mode under Oruchimaru. There would be biting and lots of pain, oh and let's not forget the possibility of death. Thinking about it then, didn't Sasuke achieve sage mode via the curse mark. It was a corrupted form sure but it was sage mode.
I stopped in front of the Uchiha home spreading my senses. Sasuke and Itachi were inside the former rushing towards the door. The door flew open and Sasuke came rushing out.
"Sakura!" he cried leaping at me. He didn't make it far before Itachi grabbed him by the collar, pulling him back.
"What's your hurry Sasuke?" he asked holding Sasuke to his chest. Sasuke struggled, fail to escape, and sulked.
"Big brother, let go," he winded, "you're gonna make us late." Itachi smiled softly at him and nuzzled him.
"Even though I'm free," Itachi pouted, "don't you want to play with me now?" I couldn't help but smile as I watched them.
"Let go of your brother, he's going to be late for his play date." Mikoto stood in the door way looking out.
"It's not date!" Sasuke denied.
"Damn right it isn't" Fugaku stood next to his wife. "If I agreed to have you date, Sakura is sure to come by the next day asking for your hand in marriage."
"Father!" Sasuke sounded horrified. The scene was reminiscent of my own with my family. Sasuke was as red as a tomato. I smiled and stepped up in the silence that followed.
"We should get going," I said smiling at the boys. "Naruto should be at the Hyuga compound by now waiting."
"Right!" agreed and walked over to me when Itachi finally let him go. He turned at waved I am off." He declared.
"Remember to collect him to night Itachi." I said. He nodded.
"Have fun Sasuke, we love you" Mikoto said.
"Don't do anything that will embarrass the Uchiha family." Fugaku warned. Sasuke blushed again and grumbled under his breath.
"I won't," he said. "Love you!" he took my hand and booked it. "Bye Mother, Father, Big brother."
"Farewell Sasuke" Itachi said as we left.
Naruto was waiting with Hinata and Hiashi in front of the Hyuga gate. Naruto brighten like the sun when he saw us approach.
"Sakura-chan, Sasuke!" he waved. Hinata bowed, mostly to Sasuke than me, and Hiashi merely nodded. It never fails to amuse seeing the three of them together. Naruto had all but been adopted by the Hyuga clan. It was painfully obvious Hinata was in love with him and Naruto her. It really wasn't worth the hassle getting them to abandon their childish feelings.
I bowed to Hiashi before hugging Hinata and Naruto, were so cute.
"Young Uchiha," Hiashi greeted and Sasuke gave a small bow. Enough to show respect but not low enough to suggest submission. He had to learn to proper way to do it after Fugaku realized Sasuke was going to be spending time with the Hyugas. The two were both noble clans and Sasuke was the second son of the clan head.
"Has Hinata told you of our plans?" I asked Hiashi. He looked at me as he relied, his eyes carefully blank.
"Yes, I will personally collect her when night falls." He said his eyes narrowed, "I trust she will be in good health when I arrived." What a doting father.
"Of course," I grinned, "Naruto will take great care of her don't you worry."
His face scrunched up as though he swallowed a lime. His chakra chanced as well; lemon popsicle. I suddenly had a craving for something sour now. Naruto hid behind Hinata sensing the danger. I thought it was dump to hide your emotions around family, all the nobles I knew hide their true thoughts from outsiders. Hiashi and even Fugaku often did this when we met; while Fugaku has given up on forming a truly strong barrier with me, Hiashi needed more convincing. It was a shame he walked around with such a hard face as had a handsome relaxed face. He'd often look at Hinata and Naruto together with such a face. I had often wondered if he saw his wife and his younger self in the two.
He sighed and seemed to age just a bit more from talking to me. He patted Hinata on the head and gave her a gentle push.
"I'll leave her in your care." He said. I nodded knowing full well that wasn't true, I could already sense a Hyuga moving irregularly around us. He had a body guard for Hinata of course. After what happen with the cloud village I would be surprise if he didn't. Taking the chance for what it was, I took her hand and pulled her along.
"Let's go before he changes his mind." I slowly began to run with her the boys not far behind. Hiashi could only sigh as he left his daughter in the hands of a devil, that wasn't even the demon fox.
During the spring festival you'd be hard press to find breathing room let alone room for another stall. Now however; the streets were like a ghost town. I looked around at the oddly empty space with a shudder. I only really ever came to this spot during the festival, much like must villagers. It was odd to see the street so empty.
"Wow!" Naruto explained "this place is so creepy." He laughed as everyone nodded in agreement.
"Come on we're not stopping." I said all too eager to get going. We walked up the steps with no rush, Naruto distracting us with tales of adventures. I smiled listening to them chatter, it was a peaceful evening. Atop the steps during the spring, a sight of cherry blossoms would be what greet you. Looking at it now I only saw plan looking trees, not a hint of pink anywhere.
"I sometimes forget that Sakura blossoms have such short lives." Hinata spoke softly. "Father often says Sakuras are much like life, fragile and beautiful. "Life is overwhelmingly beautiful but tragically short," that's what he says anyway."
Deafening silence followed her little speech. She gasped seeming to realize her mistake.
"I'm sorry." She apologized.
What the hell is Hiashi teaching his children?
I rubbed the back of my neck and groaned. I only then realized my name was a death flag of sorts. If I didn't know the plot and fates design, I would have sworn I was destined for a beautiful death. What the hell were my parents thinking when they named me. The answer came to me then I and I bit back another groan. Those too were hopeless romantics.
"Well questionable parenting assigned," I said walking off, "we have places to be."
They followed without a fuss as we tread through the bushes. There was no real path and I was almost certain there was some level of genjutsu around the area, but it didn't matter. With Hinata's Byakugan, Sasuke's heritage, Naruto's enhanced senses and my genjutsu abilities, we would be fine.
With the parting of a few more brambles we arrived at our destination, Naruto and Hinata stood in gasping in awe. Cherry blossoms littered the grass but the tree didn't look to have lost a single petal. A sakura tree that never loses its beauty, it bloomed no matter the season. It was truly beautiful in winter. Sasuke had seen it when we first met, though he didn't know it bloomed all year round.
"I guess your old man was wrong," I said casually looking at Hinata, "there are Sakuras that are eternal." She looked at me eyes wide with awe and I smiled back. Like hell I was going to die off like a back ground character.
The room was empty but for a bed a desk and a mirror. Dull blue eyes looked at me framed by curly blond hair.
I unsealed my scroll and prepared the picnic, "let's get wasted!" I shamelessly encouraged pulling out the sake. The sun was finally setting in the sky."
Despite my best efforts, I was the only one drinking sake that evening. Twilight was truly beautiful, the almost eternal glow of the sakura tree; it was a sight to behold. The others seemed to agree seeing as they were in awe at the view. Sake with friends and a view, yeah it sounded amazing. If things weren't such a mess, I would have liked to bring the entire family here. Father would have loved it, Fugaku and Hiashi could relax and bond over sake; like they often did when Fugaku had to collect Sasuke from the Hyuga clan.
The relationship between the clans had been good, too good perhaps, the council were worried the two doujinshi uses would start a coup. It just goes to show if you treat you people right you won't have to worry about assassins in the night. I shook my head dismissing the thought, I was here with my best friends and fiancé if all goes well.
Mood set, I unsealed four small boxes. A lot a time and resource when into these though I believe it was justified as they had a long-term use.
"Ahem," I coughed getting their attention, with red cheek – not from the sake – I handed them each a box. They looked at it critically, using their shinobi training to try and figure out what was inside. Naruto was the first to lose his patience and ripped open the box. A golden locket fell onto the grass with a thud. He looked down confused before taking it in hand and inspecting it.
It was oval in shape and made of gold with a small sapphire gem in the center of a spiral patten. His eyes widen with awe, he looked from the locket to me and back again. I smiled at he awe struck eyes, he was really too easy to please.
"Go one open it." I Encouraged. Sasuke and Hinata stood behind him curiosity getting the better of them. I already knew what they saw when they gasped. I had to get it done by an outsider to avoid any suspicion. Genjutsu was also necessary to portray what exactly I wanted, it cost me a lot but it was worth it.
A man with blond hair and narrow blue eyes smiled softly at them, beside him a woman with long crimson hair and grey eyes grinned wide and bright. Between them a little boy wide blue eyes blond hair and a grin that match the woman. The resembles was undeniable, had anyone who knew all the parties saw it they would come to the same conclusion.
It was a mini portrait of Naruto with his family, Minato and Kishina both having a hand on his shoulder. I had them in casual wear, Minato in a full blue garb and Kishina in a green dress Naruto in plain white shirt with an Uzumaki spiral on the front. As dense as Naruto was even he could see what I was going for.
"Uzumaki's are known for their red hair," I started. "But I didn't think your old man should have it so I gave it to you mom. You need some level headedness in your blood so I gave it to your dad." I smiled smugly; the lie came easy though he was going to go nuts when he realizes the image was accurate as hell. I made a note to burn that bridge when I came to it.
Looking back at him, I found him in tears; snots, sobs and everything. Those were tears of joy, right? I hadn't mess this up right?
"Sakura-chan!" he cried leaping at me. I tried not to react violently and took the blunt of the impact as we fell back. He sobs in my chest leaving snot all over my blouse. I sighed and brushed his hair softly. I guess he wasn't mad, so those were tears of joy then.
Sasuke and Hinata's reaction was less dramatic.
Sasuke's locket was onyx with a ruby in the form of a tomoe (comma). He was excited to see a picture of his family with an extra member in the form of a baby in his mother's arms. I had made the choice to include it as Mikoto hadn't start to show any signs yet; it would be a waste not to include the child.
Hinata's own was amethyst with a pale pearl in the center. Upon opening it she was pleased to see her mother included in her photo with an older Hanabi. Their mother had died during childbirth, however in the photo Hanabi was at least two. Neji and his father was there too, I couldn't resist.
I of course wasn't in the family photos however; I was in the other photo that occupied the second frame. It was a photo of all four of us at the spring festival, cherry blossoms everywhere. I had a hard time picking the perfect scene, so I when with where we all came together. That was the festival. I was pleased with it and they seem to be as well, win-win.
My own was a rose quartz, the shape of a cherry blossom caved in the front, an emerald gem in the center. Inside were a picture of my family and one of my friends. I would treasure it of course but the served another purpose. Hiding around the frame of the locket were small kanjis; seals. I had hidden several seals inside the lockets, some were passive others I'd have to activate myself.
As none of them was life threating, I didn't allow the guilt to fester. I was doing this for their sake damn it.
"I'm gonna become Hokage and protected all of you" Naruto declared. Sasuke called him an idiot and Hinata praised him for having an ambitious goal, but I was confused. Didn't he want the acknowledgement of the village? That was the reason he wanted to become Hokage wasn't it? I frowned trying to remember if this was a thing. I must have stayed silent for too long as they all looked at me worried.
I blinked at them, tilling my head in question. "What is it?" I asked when they didn't speak up.
"What does Sakura-chan think of my goal?" Naruto asked, his face was guarded as if bracing for impact. I stretched my senses but I didn't find any threat nearby. He looked at me expectantly so I answered with the obvious question.
"Didn't you want to become Hokage so that the villagers would acknowledge you?"
Seeing my reasoning Hinata and Sasuke looked back to Naruto shocked, he grinned sheepishly.
"Yeah." He admitted. "But so many people have already acknowledged me. Hinata, Sasuke their family and Sakura-chan and her family too." He smiled sadly, "you all took me in and welcomed me as part of the family, so." He looked at me with determination then. "I don't need acknowledgement from anyone else, I finally have a family, people that are precious to me." My eyes widen with every word. "Now I only want to become strong enough to protect them!" he all but screamed.
Talk no jutsu, everyone that is a decent fan of "Naruto" knew of it. Naruto uses his charisma to swayed people to his side and seeing his world view. Many called it a dues ex machina it was so powerful. It doesn't really work on the enemy set in their ways but those around them often saw the light. It was overpowered at the best of moments, winning the fight by turning the enemy to your side; yeah overpowered.
That over powered technique had just been used on her as well as Sasuke and Hinata. They had already admired Naruto for one reason are another but to have that OP jutsu used on you.
Something wet ran down my cheek as my vision got blurry. A man standing tall with the role of the seventh Hokage stood before me then, a smile on his face looking like his father every day. I choked. Was this what it felt like to be proud? I was happy for him, he overcame his need to be accepted with friendship. It was cringy as all hell but it was so beautiful to see.
"What's it like to have a family?" sometime after befriending Naruto we sat in field of my secret base. I had just introduced him to my family making him curious what it was like.
"Tiring" I said looking to the cloudy sky for strength, "They demand you time and insist and giving you affecting no matter how much you protest. They take care of you and love you no matter how many times you cover your room in ink. No matter if you refuse to wear pink because you're a girl or don't eat their homemade sweets because it's bad for your teeth. They always love you, cuddle you and protect you from bad dreams." I looked over to see Naruto's eyes wide with awe. "But you know you don't have to be related by blood to be a family." He looked at me confused and I elaborate. "Family are the people you consider precious to you, so long as you stand by each other and love each other no matter what; they are your family." I patted his head, smiling gentle at him. "You too. Your precious to me and I want to protect you, so that makes you my family."
This life was so different from my last. Here I could actually form bond with those around me and not pretend to be interested because I was told to. I had things I wanted to protect; I had a family. I hadn't realized how much I longed for that.
My body moved on its own, rushing towards Naruto with unmatched speed. I crashed into him and we fell in a heap of limps. I had my revenge running snots on his shirt as I cried in it.
"Me too." I sobbed, "I want to protect those precious to me too." I looked up into his wide blue eyes. "let's get stronger together!" he grinned nodding before pulling me in a tight embrace.
"Hmph, don't forget about us," Sasuke said smugly, "I won't be left behind." Hinata stood then.
"I want us all to stay together so I won't lose either!" Hinata declared her cheers steaming red.
"Sasuke, Hinata." Naruto teared up looking at his best friends. I waved them over weakly. Curious they approached, in a swift move I had them all in a group huge.
"Let's all get strong enough to protect what's precious us."
It was a vow on our friendship the immortal Sakura as our witness we would become stronger. I could already see it. Dressed in the Jonin jackets, together we stood off against a giant beast with ten tails. Until I drew my last breath, I would fight to protect their happy ever after.
They arrived to find their children and Naruto fighting sleep on the top steps leading to sakura hill. Three out of four was anyway, Sakura recking of sake and was likely drunk, was fast asleep. Hiashi had to keep himself from strangling the girl for being so irresponsible. Hinata's shadow had inform him that they were in no danger and that Sakura was the only one that was drinking. That managed to calm the man but did nothing for the years of his life he lost.
He picked Hinata's sleepy fame into his arms, losing her warmth she snuggled into him. He smiled down at her lovingly as he had from her birth. Naruto lost the fight once Hinata was safe in his arms. Sakura hadn't been joking when she said Naruto would take care of his daughter. Then again, he never doubted the child.
The Uchiha heir appeared seemingly out of nowhere, Hiashi knew better; it was likely the boy was here with them the whole time. Itachi was very protective of his family that was clear from the day they met.
Itachi took Sasuke in his arm and tucked Naruto under the other, no one was coming for him, might as well drop him home. His eyes landed on Sakura asleep without a care in the world. She had been crying if her swollen eyes was any indication. It was unusual seeing the child express emotions, she was either happy, interested, determine, angry or embarrassed. They doubt she even realize she had such amusing expressions when they were present.
The sound of rushing air alerted them to the approaching couples. As shinobis they could without a doubt arrive in silence. It was a sign of trust and or respect that shinobi allow anyone to hear them approach. In a swirl of wind two shinobi stood back to back, perfect duo formation.
In that moment you could see the training they had, their undeniable rank as Jonin.
"Sakura dear are you alright?" the woman held the child to her worry on her face. When Sakura's unsupported head fell back like a dead animal they screamed in horror. And just like that the intense air around them evaporated, like water on a hot day.
Hiashi and Itachi sighed turning to leave with their children. Sometime they wondered if it was becoming a parent or just an act the Harunos preformed to mislead people. Thinking of it like that didn't Sakura try and fail to act childish.
"Thank you for taking care of our daughter." Kizashi Haruno said to the two nobles with a low bow. They looked back at the aloof man as his equal confusing wife stood with her daughter in her arms. Itachi was getting a headache just looking at them, their hair was ridiculous and their attire equally so. The husband was the worst of the two, his hair was combed in the shape of a cherry blossom, and his attire was far too casual for an active shinobi. It made him underestimate them and that was worrying in of its self.
"I can't believe she took a bottle of sake with her," Mebuki Haruno grumbled. "How did you fail to notice a bottle missing?" she scolded her husband. He laughed sheepishly, submitting to his wife's wrath.
"I was preoccupied, dear" he said in a weak defense. Mebuki gasped in offence.
"Are you saying this is my fault!?" she fired back.
"Why do I feel like I'm intruding on a private conversation." Itachi and Hiashi thought in unison. The two nobles made eye contact and silently agreed to excuse themselves. In a quick motion the two leaped away silently as to not disturb the couple. It was rude but it would surely be ruder to stay and intrude, surely.
"How rude they left without a word," Mebuki said looking at the spot the two nobles once occupied.
"You probably scared them away with that scary face of yours." Kizashi said. Said scary face looked at him daring him to repeat. "All I'm saying is you can be very scary dear."
"You need to work on your complimenting skills," she said walking down the steps. "Sakura is socially awkward as it is, we don't need your stupidity rubbing off on her." Kizashi bristled from the insult. She didn't mean it he know but if she was acting this way it could only mean, they weren't alone.
He stretched his senses and found nothing, that didn't give him the reassurance it should have.
"Come now my dear, how many times have you told me my scatter brain was my greatest charm?" he said. How many?
"Huh?" she looked back at him a grumpy scowl on her lips. "I told you five times since morning your stupidity was a danger to our Sakura." Five, I'm worried about Sakura.
He through his arm around her laughing as though amused. He patted his daughter head while his wife used the cover to retrieve a scroll from a seal Sakura had placed in her.
"Our Sakura will grow to be strong and beautiful. She already has herself a boyfriend at such a young age." He laughed loudly. She'll be fine we should head to the Uchiha compound.
Mebuki sighed genuinely as her husband covered her movement with his loud voice and body. She dropped small marble sized ball to the ground, some stayed where they land others rolled down the steps, that was fine.
"Somethings your stupidity, can be suffocating," she elbowed him and as usual he over exaggerated for a more dramatic effect. They are closing in hurry!
He scooped her up in his arms, Sakura secured in hers.
"Let's head home and put Sakura to bed so we can continue what we stared this evening." There was no hidden meaning there and Mebuki blushed despite herself. Her husband sure had his priorities straight.
With one big leap they were in the air. As they predicted those following them rushed to where they once stood.
"Kai." She activated the marbles and smoke off all colors exploded. They were only smoke bombs Sakura had made as a child as an experiment. She had kept all her prototypes as a keep safe. To think she would have to use them here.
"What the!" he faked surprise, "did we drop something?" Did that do it?
"Idiot! Its because you're so reckless!" Of course not idiot, look sharp.
They landed and quickly made their way toward the Uchiha clan. If they were fast, they might catch up with Itachi.
Wood burst from the ground in front of them, coiling toward them like snakes. The Harunos leaped out of reach surprise and confusion on their faces. Before the could gather themselves a barrage of kunai flew towards them.
"Dear!" she screamed and her husband twist his body until he was in front of her. Metals knock against wood, surprising the attackers. The man had ward off their attack with his geta sandals.
The couple successfully landed without a scratch and their child somehow still sleeping. The husband stood protectively in front of his wife facing the direction of the last attack. The wife however was looking to the left her eyes narrow and body tense, a sensor type, had to be. Losing their element of surprise, though they didn't have it to begin with, they stepped out of the shadow.
Five Anbu members stood before them armed to a "T" and ready for war. The woman gasped horrified, tense the man glared at them. They now knew what they were facing and realized they didn't stand a chance. To fight shinobis on your level was one thing but a fight against the elite; they didn't stand a chance. Even knowing this they stood their ground or were they too terrified to move.
"What is the meaning of this?" the man gritted out shaking in fear.
"By order of the third Hokage," and Anbu with sliver hair behind a wolf mask said. "We are here for the traitor posing as Sakura Haruno." He declared.
The couple turned pale as death. The man didn't dear look away from them but the woman looked down at the child in her arms. As though sensing her distress the child nuzzled her face into her bosom.
Wolf took one step forward getting their attention.
"The Hokage is a merciful man, he has agreed to spare your life on the account you hand over the child immediately."
They weren't stupid, they had to have realized the child was not their own. A wise and loyal shinobi would follow the rules and give up the traitor. He wasn't sure why but the image of his father on the ground bleeding out from a self-inflected wound, flashed in his mind.
This wasn't the same. Not even close.
Itachi sighed upon reaching his clan. Naruto and Sasuke had been dosing off since they left, muttering that they would become stronger in their sleep. Itachi wasn't sure what Sakura had done to his brother but he had to have faith it wasn't something bad. So caught up with his brother he didn't sense them until it was too late.
Adamantine chains sprung from the ground and rapped around him, holding him in place. He cursed having been caught off guard and attempted to break free.
"Don't bother, these chains are strong enough to hold a tailed beast." A silky voice from a distance cooed. Okobo clicked on the ground as they approached. Crimson hair danced in the in the cold night air, a pink sakura themed kimono, silky and glamorous trailing behind her. Her emerald eyes were framed by long lashed and pierced his soul. It wasn't her beauty that stole his breath, not her cold smile are the chains coming from her back. No, it was none of those for they all had a reasonable and acceptable explanation.
It was the blood that had him pausing.
Her beautiful pink role was stained almost completely in blood, her smooth face also had stains of blood upon it. For a woman who no doubt had the ability to entice a man with a single look. In that moment she looked like a demon come to steal his soul.
"Now be a good boy and give me the young Uzumaki."
Hello everyone, luna here and things are heating up. I hope this climax is as exciting as those I have read before. Everyone is making their move and the OP hero "saitama" ahem, I mean Sakura is out of commission.
Sorry I'm late there was a city wide black out last night and then like an ass my internet provider decided they were going on vacation. Sigh, my life. I've learned my lesson though it shouldn't be a problem once I get a new tablet, can't upload from mobile; it was a sad revelation.
When this arc concludes gonna start another story that has an ending, hopeful. Its not the end of the story just the start of a new one. I'm excited!
Next chapter 15 may.