AN: It's been a while since I actually wrote something decent. This is a long boring chapter, but it has to be done. Hmmm, I wonder who will join this ship with me? Okay so this will be the crackiest of crack pairings but I will try to keep everyone in character. Also, I know most of this won't follow the actual manga but hey, this is my story and I can do what I want xD I hope you guys enjoy this and look forward to my updates!

Rating: I don't believe there's anything in here that needs to be warned about as of yet but I'll rate M just in case. Rated M for later chapters.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything pertaining to Naruto (insert ugly tears).

To whom this may concern,

If you are reading this then that means the mission has been compromised and, in turn, has failed.

This is the report of Yamanaka Ino, Head of Torture and Interrogation Unit of Konohagakure. Ninja Registration Number 012604. Age 20.

Entailed within this mission report are the details of the interrogation of captive Uchiha Madara. This will start from the very beginning of the process to the final stages of this mission.

There are, however, conditions that I wish to be upheld.

One: Do not repeat any of these events to any lower ranking shinobi. Only the Hokage and a select few may know about this scroll. Whoever you decide to tell is to your choosing.

Two: Seal this record away from the world. This holds many secrets, some of which may cause conflict within and outside of the village.

Three: Do not mention this mission to either myself, Yamanaka Ino, or Uchiha Madara. If you are reading this, then that means that I have taken drastic measures. I have erased and sealed away both of our memories of our encounter, as a counter measure.

Four: Months after reading this, revoke my title as a Konohagakure Kunoichi and allow me to live a civilian life, away from the village.

Five: This is the final condition. Please allow me to live a peaceful life alone, with our child.

These are the conditions that must be upheld. I have no way of knowing if these conditions will be but I do hope that you are a compassionate person.

I shall detail the events that have unfolded between myself and Uchiha Madara.

-Yamanaka Ino

Chapter One: A Game

There are moments when one wants to feel important, needed. There are moments when a person doubts that they will amount to standards that have been set prior to their birth. It had taken such a long time for her to overcome those trivial thoughts. It took her time to understand that that things didn't happen overnight, all at once. Now, in this point and time, she was satisfied. She was satisfied with many aspects in her life. She took her role within the village seriously, she strived for perfection and she was willing to do anything for the sake of her beloved home. She was satisfied with the bonds that she had created throughout her life, although she was still looking for someone to stay by her side, thick and thin, but it wasn't necessarily a priority. She didn't need to be a famous Shinobi. She didn't need to compete to see who was the better Kunoichi. She had passed that phase in her life, for now, she tried to figure out what she could to better herself.

Overall, Ino Yamanaka was satisfied with her life.

However, despite feeling rather content with her life, she still felt as if there was something missing. Where had all the excitement gone? Where had the thoughts of this being her final moment runoff to? Sure, it wasn't like she desperately craved the thrill and adrenaline of a higher ranking mission, but due to the duties that she had, she found herself often daydreaming of those days. Those days when she would infiltrate foreign borders to retrieve a scroll. Those days when she wondered if she would come back home complete or if she would die in enemy territory. Nowadays, it was unlikely for her to leave beyond the walls that surrounded Konohagakure.

It had been quite sometime since the war had come to a conclusion and things seemed to be going back to normal. How many years had passed since those darkened skies and screams of terror? She could still remember all the events that had led up to those final moments and she relived many of them in her sleep at night. However, it had ended and peace had filled the village once more. With all the countries allied, it seemed as if war was just a thing in the past, but the scars that it had left ran deep. There were still things being rebuilt and there were many people missing their homes and family members. She was no exception either. There were many nights that she would stay away from her house, the memories at that place haunted her constantly. It was like living in a never-ending nightmare some days. Still, she had a duty to keep things running so she dealt with the unbearable pain that ached in her chest.

Three years had passed since the Shinobi World War and she had decided that there was no longer time to idle in despair. Being the heir to the Yamanaka Clan, she had duties to fulfill and roles to take over. Under the guidance of Morino Ibiki and a few others, she became Head of Torture and Interrogation at the age of nineteen. As the only Yamanaka left in Konoha, she felt obligated to take over that role, after the sudden death of her father. He had wanted her to train under his wing when he felt she was old enough but some things in life were bound not to happen. Still, it was difficult. There had been no one there to help train and guide her with the family jutsus that were left behind. She had been nothing but thankful that Shikamaru and Chouji had been around long enough for her to get the basics down. She knew that she wouldn't be able to rely on them forever but it was appreciated that they complied when she looked for them.

After the war, Shikamaru took himself more seriously, perhaps it was because of the parting message Shikaku had left behind or how Naruto had seemed to change everyone that day. He now trained to be the right hand to the Hokage, a similar position to Shizune while becoming the Jonin Commander of Konoha. He spent most of his time in the Hokage Tower studying and making sure that the peace that they had fought for remained in tact. She rarely saw much of him but when he did have some down time, he would visit her at the shop or they would have lunch with Chouji, for old time's sake. She knew that he worried about her, being alone, but she was a tough woman and he had better things to focus on. It was a pleasant reminder that she truly wasn't alone when he stopped by.

Chouji, on the other hand, became Jonin after the war and took on his duties as the sixteenth head of the Akimichi Clan. From time to time, she would see him around the Academy and she was sure that he would be teaching soon. He was a gentle soul and she knew that he would do great things with the future children of Konoha. She saw him more than Shikamaru, so she knew that he was currently looking for someone to settle down with. It was strange, how much confidence he had gained in such a short period of time. She always enjoyed listening about what woman had taken his heart and currently it was the daughter of the Ichiraku ramen shop, Ayame. She found herself smiling and trying to help him actually ask her out on a date but still Chouji was too shy.

Thinking about her team, they had really changed in the last three years. They were still Ino-Shika-Cho when it came down to it but they now walked along different paths. She almost missed the days when they were still Genin, still wet behind the ears. She smiled fondly at the childhood memories before letting out a sigh. Those were the days when she really didn't have much to worry about...now she wasn't as lucky.

Sitting behind her desk, she was reviewing a few files of recently captured Shinobi. Although there was peace, for the most part, there were still those who refused to conform. There were still those who seeked to bring chaos, after all, the world truly could not have peace. It was a complicated goal that everyone wished to obtain. So that was why her Department was still needed. They could find out if there was going to be a revolt and who was behind it. Azure hues read over the piles of papers on her desk, frowning here and there. After this was done, she would have to look at the new recruits for the division. Everyone who was here prior to the war was ready to retire and enjoy their lives, which made things increasingly difficult for her. With Ibiki retired, she had large shoes to fill while gathering the most skilled into the Department to make it ten times as great than when Ibiki was here.

A knock on the door had taken her out of her thoughts and she glanced up, sensing the familiar chakra signature. "Come on in," she called out, setting down the papers in her hand. She wouldn't say it but she was glad that she had a distraction.

A familiar face poked his face through the opening of the door, a slight grin on his face. She returned the gesture before glancing at her clock. "It's a bit late for a lunch date, isn't it Shikamaru?"

"As much as I would like to go out for some type of meal, the Hokage would like to see you," the spiked ponytail male said in his usual drawl. He reached into his vest pulling out a cigarette and placing it in his mouth.

"No smoking in my office," she quipped before getting up and stretching. "I would have expected someone else to get me, must be important."

With a slight sigh, he tucked the cigarette behind his ear glancing over at his long time friend. "It is rather troublesome to come all the way here but I needed the break." He turned to leave her office, knowing that she would be following behind him. She caught up after a few seconds, walking right beside him. They walked through the dark hallways of the T&I Department, the blonde stopping to tell her assistant that she would be out for a while. After they had left the building, Shikamaru chuckled, gaining her attention. "You know, Ino, I still can't get used to seeing you in that place."

She smiled slightly and nodded. "I know, I feel the same way actually, like is this really where I'm meant to be…."

"Ino…"

She shook her head and looked at her friend. "I am happy here, Shikamaru. This place….I feel that I can change things and do well, it may not be the most exciting title but I know that I'm damn good at what I do."

Lighting his cigarette, he took a slow drag before exhaling, lazily watching the grey tendrils of smoke drift away. "I'm proud of you, you know. You….you found what you could do and you're doing it better than anyone else. Inoichi and Asuma would be proud too..."

"My, my Shikamaru, it's not like you to hand out compliments like this," she teased, a grin curling her lips. It did make her feel better about her choices knowing that her genius of a teammate spoke to her. "What's the occasion?"

He stared at her with dark eyes, a frown touching his lips. Letting out one of his infamous sighs, he shook his head. "You're so troublesome, can't even give you a compliment without being pestered."

Her eyes narrowed and she quickly moved in front of him, crossing her arms over her chest. "You can't hide things from me anymore, Shikamaru," she stated. "You know that," she said with a mild threat. She tilted her head a bit, staring up at the Nara heir. There was a frown tugging on the corners of her lip.

They stared at one another for a few moments, tension building in the air. Dropping his cigarette, he stamped it out in an annoyed manner. "Look, you'll find out soon enough, I promised Tsunade that I wouldn't say anything." He looked at her, seeing how that seemed to pacify her.

Today was not a day that he wished to have her dive into his mind and find out what was in his mind. Hell, he knew that she wouldn't even have to go that far. There was a reason that everyone trusted Ino to handle the position that Ibiki and Inoichi had left her with, she was dangerous. She was so intune with other people's emotions that even without having to use her family jutsu she could figure out what someone was hiding. Perhaps she had picked up her observation skills from being on the same team as him, not that that was a bad thing. He was extremely proud of the leaps and hurdles she had overcome after the death of Asuma and her father. She had truly focused all of her might into becoming a better shinobi and it showed.

She had blossomed into something beautiful and deadly at the same time. There was a calm, calculative look in her eyes though she was still as energetic as ever. She walked with measured steps, even when she was not in danger, she was constantly on guard. After the war, she expanded on learning how to be a better Sensor and her range was rather impressive, it wouldn't be long before she surpassed Inoichi's abilities. He knew that she still had plenty tricks up her sleeve, some of which he didn't even know about. He had many thoughts about what she could become. While knowing the mind inside and outside, she had knowledge of medical jutsu. Combining that with her diligent studies of flowers and plants, she would be unparalleled once she reach her fullest potential.

It wasn't just her mindset that had changed, she even changed to a different outfit, donning a sleeveless one piece dress that came down to her mid thigh with a pair of black shorts beneath it and a long gray trench coat that was more than likely the influence of her most recent teacher. The dress was still in her favorite color but the was to be expected of the Yamanaka. She had matured in so many ways that it honestly took Shikamaru by surprise. Seeing her with her own office and the seriousness that she exuded, he wondered where did the old Ino go? He could sometimes catch glimpses of her but she was hidden beneath the surface.

"Well, when you say it like that," Ino said with a gentle smile. "Let's go, I still have a thousand of papers to look through."

Shikamaru groaned. "Don't remind me, Tsunade has been throwing all her paperwork at me while she trains Naruto."

Ino chuckled slightly. "You would think that she would give it to Naruto."

"There's no way we can trust him with all that paperwork just yet," Shikamaru complained while rubbing the temples of his forehead.

They continued to catch up and joke around as they walked to the Hokage Tower. The time it took to reach the tower was short and left the blonde feeling a bit dissatisfied. It wasn't often that she was able to spend time with Shikamaru but she still knew that she should be happy with the time that they did get. "So how are things with Temari," she asked, a smile coming to her face. She made sure to keep her voice down, as lol they walked up the stairs.

A slight flush came to Shikamaru's face and he shrugged. "She's troublesome, as usual."

"Oh? A little bird told me that she would be coming soon. I know someone must be excited," she said with a small wink.

"Nothing gets past you, does it?" He said with a slight smirk. She stuck out her tongue and the conversation ended as they arrived in front of the Hokage's door. "Well, this is where I leave. It was good seeing you, Ino."

"Yeah, you too, Shikamaru. We'll have to go out when Temari gets here, I haven't seen her in ages."

He nodded and turned to go back to where his and Shizune's office was located. Turning towards the large doors, Ino readied herself briefly. Knocking on the door, there was a gruff reply and she opened the door. Walking in, she looked at the buxom blonde who was, surprisingly, reading a file in her hand. She cleared her throat, feeling the atmosphere and bowed politely. "You requested to see me, Hokage?"

The older blonde looked up from the the documents, a brief smile coming to her lips. She pulled off the glasses that had been perched upon the bridge of her nose. "Ah, yes, glad that you could come in a timely manner, Ino."

Ino was rather hesitant to speak in this moment as she stared at her former teacher, she felt it strange that Tsunade didn't greet her in her usual manner. "Seeing how you sent Shikamaru, I figured this was not a matter to procrastinate on."

Tsunade let out a dry laugh nodding her head slowly before she stood up. "How right you are," she in a gentle tone, walking over to the large window. Her honey hues stared out at the village that she had risked her life for on more than one occasion. "You are insightful as ever."

Biting down on her lower lip, Ino shifted her weight becoming increasingly uncomfortable. "If you don't mind….what is it that you need me for."

Blinking slightly as if she had been lost in thought, Tsunade nodded her head. The younger blonde could practically see how worn out their leader was. The weight of whatever she had been keeping was a heavy burden upon the Hokage's shoulders. "Of course…" She said after a few more moments, turning to face the Yamanaka heiress. "Ino, there are many things that you will have to face now that you have become accustomed to being Head of Torture and Intelligence. You will also come to find that this village, Konoha, holds many secrets that will burden you for the rest of your life."

The younger woman felt her mouth run dry. She knew that there were many things that were kept hidden within the village. Ibiki had warned her that much but she was still surprised that she was learning about this so soon. She watched with patience as Tsunade began to pace back and forth, as if she were trying to collect her thoughts.

"I have a mission for you, one that you must carry out without question or hesitation," Tsunade murmured after a while. "Can you do that?"

"B-But of course, Lady Tsunade," she said with a polite bow of her head.

Pressing her lips together, she studied the young woman before her. She could see that the Yamanaka was having a hard time trying to understand but she was relieved to know that she would agree regardless. Picking up the file on her desk, she slowly walked over to the younger blonde. "Good, read the details in this file and head over to the prison. I will have Ibiki waiting there for you."

With unsteady fingers, Ino took hold of the file. Opening it and glancing briefly at the contents, she nearly dropped the papers though she knew better. Her eyes flickered up towards the intense gaze that Tsunade had. She knew better than to say anything though the question hung silently in the air. Biting her lower lip once more, she continued to read the information, a sinking feeling forming in the pit of her stomach. Closing the file, she handed it back to Tsunade. "I understand," she said in an emotionless tone, trying her best to conceal how she truly felt.

Tsunade stared at her for the longest of times, before taking the file from the other woman. "I will ask you one last time. Yamanaka Ino, will you carry out this mission to your fullest potential?"

"Yes, Lady Tsunade."

"Will you carry it without questioning those who have authorized this mission?"

"Yes, Lady Tsunade."

"And if told...would you die for this mission, without hesitation."

"Yes, Lady Tsunade."

"Good then you are dismissed. Once you reach the prison, your mission will commence."

With a curt bow, the Yamanaka Heiress left her office. Tsunade stood there for a while before letting out a heavy sigh. She walked back over to the window, watching the sun cast an ethereal glow over the village. Her eyes stared at the Hokage monument, looking at the stone carving of her grandfather. "Am I doing the right thing, Grandfather," she asked though she knew she would not get a reply.

Running a hand over her face, she pinched the bridge of her nose. It had taken years to decided who was the perfect candidate for this mission. No, that was not true, the Council had already come up with the idea, she could only delay it for so long with flimsy excuses. She could only hope that this mission turned out to be a success or else she would lose another precious person in her life.

Ino knew when there was a time to be afraid and when there was a time to simply do as she was told. Briefly, she could feel herself become rather...frightened at the prospects of the future. To be entrusted with such a mission, she was sure that Lady Tsunade thought too highly of her. Nonetheless, she would prove that she was worthy of this mission, even she still had doubts about herself. Walking from the Hokage Tower to the Prison, she had many thoughts on her mind. How should she go about this? Was there too much risk involved? This mission easily went up to A-rank, if not S-rank, given all that she was putting on the line. She had never wanted to have her name go down in history nor did she want to be famous. This mission would make sure that she would be highly regarded but only a select few would know about it. In all honesty, this was perfect for her but could she handle it?

She had to, it was her duty and there was no point in backing out now. It was far too late to change her mind. Letting out a steady breath, she looked to see Ibiki waiting for her outside of the prison. She could feel her heart rise in her throat, the stern look he gave her sent familiar jolts of fear down her spine. Morino Ibiki had been the only one who could teach her the Yamanaka abilities after her father passed. He knew how to explain the Justus to her in way she was sure that her father couldn't. Perhaps it was because he dealt with the mind as well. She really wasn't sure but she was grateful to have him around.

He may have not been her first pick as a teacher, but he certainly had done the job well. Ibiki was one of those people whom expected the very best, even from the beginning. He hardly ever threw compliments, saying that it would likely boost a person's ego and therefore the results would lack. None of those things had ever really bothered her. This was the path that she had chosen and she knew that expectations for her were high. She had heard rumors of Ibiki and she kind of knew what to expect. There were, however, times when she would be able to see the look of pride in his eyes. She especially remembered when she had completed her first interrogation, it had really tested her. She hadn't been too sure if she could be cruel to what seemed like an innocent person. Once she had stepped into said person's mind, it all changed. It was one of the first lessons she had learned herself, never judge anyone by appearance.

"How's the retired life, Ibiki?" She asked in a casual tone. She was never very good at getting serious from the get go and Ibiki understood as much, so he complied with her easily.

"It's been peaceful so far," he replied back in his gruff tone. She knew that he was leaving off the fact that it had been peaceful until now. She smiled gently.

"I'm glad to hear that." Her eyes glanced at the dull looking building that was the Konoha Prison. She had spent many days there after the World War and she knew that this would be where she spent the rest of her life, well at least until retirement. "So I'm assuming this is important, seeing you've come out of your hermit life."

His eyes narrowed slightly at the small joke she made but he nodded his head in return. "Indeed you are correct, let's go inside before unwanted ears hear what I need to discuss with you."

She nodded in agreement as her former teacher led her inside the Prison. It was familiar here, almost too familiar. This place was like another home aside from staying within the drab walls of the T&I headquarters. She could hear the sounds of the captives sobbing and screaming. Some were even trying to instigate a fight with one of the guards, who had become their escorts upon their entrance. It was strange that now, none of their pleads and mournful cries bothered her. It was just something that she had gotten used to.

There were only certain parts that she had been in this building before. A few times she had come here with her father as a sort of mock tour. She refused to glance at the prisoners who choose to heckle at her whistling and cat calling. They knew her face already and knew that she would not easily fall for their degrading comments. It was routine, these people, they never could think of anything new to call her. She allowed a small smirk to come to her face as they continued down the corridor.

The fact that Ibiki had yet to discuss with her the details of this mission had her on edge. Was this mission really that much if importance. Azure hues glanced around as they turned down a hallway that she had yet to be shown around. There was this sinking feeling in her gut. The air seemed to become thinner as they trekked down a flight of stairs. The Yamanaka had always known that there were underground cells in the Prison. She had always felt chakra signatures beneath her. She never expected to be taken down here, especially since the war was over for years now.

The guard soon left them as they neared a single door at the end of the hallway. From what she could tell, there was no one there. There was supposed to be someone here, from the mission report, there was to be someone here. A small frown touched her face and she was ready to enter the room before before a heavy handed landed on her shoulder. She glanced at the hand before looking up at Ibiki, concern swam through his eyes.

"Are you sure about this, Ino," he questioned in a low tone. "It's not too late-"

"I can handle this," she said quickly before taking in a deep breath. "I've handled everything that has thrown at me. There is no need to underestimate me."

Clearing his throat, Ibiki shook his head. "No one is doubting your abilities. This mission is just..."

"Delicate," she concluded only to get a hum of agreement. Her eyes looked back at the door in front of her. "I will complete this mission," she muttered with a heavy breath.

"Be cautious, Yamanaka," he warned, an authoritative tone caused her to identify that the mission was about to start. "He uses tricks and games to confuse the enemy."

"I know." Her hand clutched the knob of the door and she gingerly turned it.

"If you need anything, I shall be out here."

With an understanding nod, she opened the door heading into the dark room, the door slowly closing behind her. There was an uneasiness in the air as Ibiki watched his protege leave. He wanted more than anything to deal with the captive but the Council had denied him. They were betting everything on this girl and he only prayed that they weren't wrong.

Time moves slowly, that was something that he had learned. It doesn't flow as fast as one may think. When things continuously happen, one thinks that time is speeding past them never giving the chance to catch up. In reality, it is dragging on like a wounded animal. That much he understood. How long had he waited? What was only years seemed to be an eternity. He had had the patience, the time, and the plan for everything to fall into place, yet it all ended far too soon. Where had he gone wrong? Was it when he put most of his faith into a mere child? Was it when he had been betrayed by a friend? These thoughts constantly racked his brain and still he had yet to find relief in an answer. So, he continued to move, slowly through time.

How long had he been here? He lost count of the days long ago, none of that seemed to matter. He recounted the last few moments of his memory before coming here. Each thought caused this undying fire of rage to burn within him. Each time he saw that face. he wanted to howl and curse in anger but he couldn't. He couldn't say a word, couldn't see a shape and he couldn't hear a sound. He merely existed, suspended in the never-ending flow of time. He could have been here for minutes, hours, days and so on. All he knew was that he existed, nothing more and nothing less.

One thing that was peculiar was that he could feel. There were moments that he swore he could feel someone near him, touching him. Did they speak? He didn't know but he knew that someone was there. Was it a familiar person or someone else? He wanted to know. He wanted to know what they did to him. He wanted answers, he wanted to draw blood. It drove him mad knowing that he could do nothing but be some poor fool, withering away as time went on. How long would this last?

His thought ceased as his skin began to prickle, tingle. It was here again that feeling of someone being close to him. He wished he could reach out at touch them, to know that he was not going mad. He wished to see the face of whoever was here.

It was silent as it always was, how long would this feeling last? How long would this person monitor him? As he went through these questions, he felt a cool touch across his forehead, he wondered if he moved away from the sudden contact. As soon as the hand touched his face, a fire rushed through his body and he hissed in pain.

It was as if someone was pouring acid through his veins, he could feel his heart pounding in frantic patterns in his chest. His head throbbed in pulsing pain and he wished it would cease. The feeling went from the crown of his head shooting to his fingertips and his toes, like pins prodding his skin. Gasping out for air, the sudden intake caused his chest to burn, his lungs expanding as far as they could. When he exhaled, a soothing wave washed over him and he felt his body immediately relax. That was when he heard a sharp intake of breath.

He had heard someone.

He stilled briefly before he opened his eyes, the world around him was blurred with odd shapes and dull illumination. He glanced around trying to figure out where he was. In his peripheral he spotted a bright speck of pale yellow, before purple filled his vision. He looked up at the ceiling before a pale face came in front of him, eyes made from the ocean stated intently at him.

A smile came to his face before his eyes spiraled into red, stunning the person before him.

What he had intended was to place the person in a compliant state of hypnosis, freeing him from this damned place and allowing himself to extract revenge on the ones who placed him here. He had been devising this plan since he regained consciousness. Anyone would be caught off guard long enough for him to stop them with his Sharingan and making them do his bidding. Of course, his plan was perfect and yet when the person dispelled into a cloud of smoke, he was stunned.

"Ah, so I was correct." A feminine voice called from across the room.

He tried to move but his body felt sluggish. Gritting his teeth, he does not to respond. He blamed the disorientation that he felt to why he could not differentiate between a simple clone and a human.

The sound of careful footsteps neared him slowly, as if she was worried that he would try to use the same attack. He scoffed, knowing that he had been outsmarted for a few moments. He knew better than to use the same approach again should it fail the first time. Closing his eyes, a scowl appeared on his face. He would simply bide his time for now, he would have another chance to escape. When the footsteps stopped, he opened his eyes to look at the young woman, appeasing his itching curiosity.

Long flaxen hair was pulled into a high ponytail, falling down her back. A sleek, angular face peered at him with calm and calculative eyes. Her lips pressed together in a thin line before she hovered a hand over his forehead. His body was soothed with the warm flow of her medicinal chakra. He was curious as to why she was taking such time to assess his current state of body.

"In order for me to do my job, I need you to be healthy," she said in a knowing tone, causing him to question if she had read his thoughts. The corner of her lips curled in a slight smirk.

"What business do you have with me, child," he asked, his deep timbre rumbled with mild curiosity.

"My business is none of your concern, for now," she muttered, moving her hand towards his chest.

"I am sure Hashirama's granddaughter has a plan," he inquired with a slight grin. When she didn't respond his grin grew. "Ah, yes, so that is it, is it not? What plan is she scheming? What good am I for her?"

"Listen up, I don't have the patience to play this little game. Therefore, I would like you to remain silent, least I feel inclined to place you back in your comatose state."

His eyes narrowed. "Are you threatening me, child?"

"No, I'm simply telling you what will happen." She quipped in annoyance, retracting her hand from hovering over his body.

Scoffing slightly, he felt angered by her insolence. She should be cautious with her words, did she undermine his status? "You are a Yamanaka, correct?"

She looked at him with a raised brow, questioning him silently.

He chuckled slightly. "Tell me are you going to dive into my mind and find if I have a plan of contingency? Or will you try to make me some sort of tool for your pathetic village?"

The blonde stared at him for a while before pulling her hand away from him. Her eyes narrowed slightly and she leaned closer to him. "Oh you think you have this all figured, don't you?" Her hand gripped his chin tightly, a sneer coming to his face and she smiled. "You...you think that the world is just for your taking but you're wrong. You're just like everyone else." She pulled away from him. "But you forget, we're all pawns whether we like it or not."

He was surprised in the least that she would be so bold. To think such a child would disrespect him like this. Did she not know who he was? Crimson eyes narrowed on her face before mild recognition came to his face. "You were there?"

She glanced at him before she nodded her head in confirmation. A snarl left him and he tried to move but his body still would not respond. "You did this to me?"

The blonde in turn scoffed and shook her head, writing down a few notes on a clipboard that had been laying on the desk in the room. "No, I didn't. Would you please shut up. You're distracting," she bit out venomously, her eyes sparkling with a hidden threat.

He could do nothing but obey her commands. He was at a disadvantage here, knowing that he was currently incapacitated. For now, he would play along with her little plan, until his strength came back to him. He watched her with a curious eye, wondering what she was writing down. He watched a frown touched her lips before she set down the chart. "I'll be back to do a check-up tomorrow," she muttered, turning to leave the room.

"You are going to leave?" He hadn't wanted to sound panicked. Being here for so long...it was maddening. Now that he was conscious, he felt anxious at the prospects of being alone, once more.

She stopped, looking over at him. "Yes."

"Why did you wake me, if you are simply to leave?"

She let out a sigh, crossing her arms over her chest as she turned to face him. "You're not ready yet."

"Elaborate, child," he hissed out.

A glare full of ice landed on him and he was sure that she would not indulge in his command. She neared him once more, with a deadly and calculated grace. He was not one to fear but he knew that she could easily harm his defenseless body. She stared at his face, eyes searching for something. Her lips pressed together in a thin lip, before opening to speak.

"You are a S-ranked criminal within the borders of not only The Land of Fire but the allied countries as well." She stepped away from him, knowing that he understood what kind of position that he was in. She fell silent, wondering how she should phrase her next sentence. "Once I have collected what I need from you," she said slowly before leaning towards him, a smile touching her lips. "I will destroy your mind."

With that she pulled away from him, feeling satisfied however the moment she looked him, she felt the color drain from her face. He was grinning, like a madman. His eyes narrowed before a cruel rumble of laughter echoed in the small room. "Oh. I do look forward to your….interrogation, Yamanaka. I do hope that you succeed, should you fail…" He trailed off as he chuckled slightly. "You expectations are too high."

"What happens if I fail," she asked, knowing that she was already falling into his mind games but if it was one thing to underestimate the Yamanaka heiress.

"Then I shall break your mind," he said with ease, a callous grin came to his face, one that she could remember from the battlefield all those years ago.

She felt her rage boil beneath the surface, two could play this game. She had mastered the art of playing with the mind and a small smile came to her face. "I see that we have made a game of this." She turned to leave, stopping just before she reached the door. "I look forward to seeing your next move, Uchiha Madara."

She left and the room fell silent. He lay there knowing that Hashirama's granddaughter was scheming a plan but it was one that he could not see clearly. He would allow himself this time to indulge in this pathetic excuse for a game. The Yamanaka had piqued his interest and he wondered if she could truly carry out her plans. To think that it was a woman who had been sent to end his life, what happened to when men were in command? At least he had his body back, no matter the state it was in now.

He had already started moving the pawns on his side of the board, now it was only a matter of time before the blonde crumbled before him and he could reign in terror once more.

This was a game that he would enjoy playing, thoroughly.

AN: Whew! That was a lengthy one and hopefully there'll be more long chapters to come. I'm so terrible at ending chapters. I felt it was going on for too long but I was like 'Derp, how do I end this.' Oh well. There's the first installment of Within the Bush Clover. I hope you all enjoyed it. Anyways...Feedback is greatly appreciated. It keeps the motivation up! Thanks for reading! -Tinyraver