Symbol of Power

Chapter 3

What the hell happened? This Question was constantly running through my head. The more patients I treated the more I became aware of the extent of the incident that must have happened recently. Some patients were shot and the blood just wouldn't stop to gush out of their wounds. Blood. The only thing I actually saw for the last few hours. As a surgeon I thought I was immune to the sight of blood, but this whole floor seemed like a butchery to me. It was beyond sickening. Aside of that there were also some who were burned beyond recognition. It especially hurt me to see young women bearing such horrid burns. They were never going to be the same again. The only things I could do for them were to lessen their pain and to ensure their survival. Needless to say that the air was filled with the odor of burned flesh. The nurses and doctors here were obviously totally overstrained, thus I decided to assume control over this situation. Keeping a clear and collected mind was the key to save lives. And when it came to saving lives I was a whole new person. Analyzing the patient's condition and strategizing the next steps to ensure his life with the best outcome that was what I did best. In addition to that I had to measure 'my staffs' abilities, which was quite hard since I did not know any of them. Naturally some doctors weren't able to handle their surgery. While doing my own surgery I supported them as best as I could via phone call. This hidden hospital was indeed very well equipped, but it lacked competent staff. All in all everything went haywire and I seemed to be the only one able to cope with the situation. I think more than eight hours passed when things were starting to calm down. Most casualties were provided with medical treatment.

"Doctor Haruno! Please! Over here!"

I instantly rushed over to the nurse and already saw on my way that the patient's heart rate was increasing and he was spasming uncontrollably. If untreated it could degenerate to a ventricular fibrillation.

"The chart!" I ordered. I quickly assessed his condition. He just had a cardiac surgery, but everything went well without a hitch. His heart shouldn't be failing like this. Several seconds passed before it hit me.

"Inject him with 20ml Magnesium!"

The nurse scurried away, preparing the injection. High pressure on the pulmonary artery combined with ventricular fibrillation after a cardiac surgery, all signs were pointing to a simple Magnesium deficiency. It was seldom, but it did occur from time to time. Especially when his condition wasn't very good to begin with. His body and his heart relaxed. The nurse and his now present doctor were visibly relieved.

"Haruno-sensei, Doumo arigatou gozaimasu! You're really a blessing for us all!"

It was very considerate of him to thank me in Japanese for he was clearly from Chinese lineage.

"There's nothing to thank for! I just do what all doctors here are doing. ALL doctors and nurses here are a blessing for the patients."

The nurse giggled. "You're way too humble! Without you here today we would have lost so many."

I felt flattered and really couldn't hide the blush on my cheeks. Not wanting to engage in any further conversation I made up an excuse.

"If there's anything you need help with, just call for me. I'll go check on the other patients."

"Yes, ma'am! We will!"

With that I hurried out of the room. Did he really just call me 'ma'am'? This was so embarrassing. Thinking back, we did lost three people tonight. There were just too many vital organs injured. I couldn't do anything for them. Sure, it wasn't the first time I'd lost a patient, but it really didn't occur very often. Every time I did, there was also an emotional impact on me and tonight I lost three. I pushed that thought to the back of my mind. I'll definitely deal with it later. Right now I needed to concentrate on the ones that survived.

In front of me was woman about my age. She had burns that covered most of her body. Luckily her face was mostly spared. Heaving a sigh I checked her vital signs. Her bandages needed to be changed and since I wanted to take a look on her skin too, I did it myself. She was on her way to recovery, though those burns would certainly leave her scarred, physically and emotionally. We induced an artificial coma to protect her from the unbearable pain. It is almost a miracle that she survived, she must have been a fighter by nature. Just as I was about to change the bandages on her legs I heard everyone outside the room gasping. Out of curiosity I turned to look outside the window. Madara was coming. And he was coming straight for me, ignoring everyone else's greetings. I totally forgot about him. Flashes of last night plagued my mind and before I knew it he was already standing next to me.

"Sakura." His deep baritone reached my ears and sent shivers down my spine. I stopped my actions and glanced at him.

"I'm busy." With that I turned my attention back toward my patient, where it belonged.

His facial expression didn't give much away, but I could feel that he wasn't very pleased with my reaction. He stepped closer to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. Now, who was this guy to interrupt me in the middle of my patient's treatment?

"Madara-sama, I-" I was cut short.

"You are coming with me. NOW." His tone didn't leave any space for an argument. I gave him the best glare I had, before I motioned for a nurse to come over. With short instructions from me she immediately started to continue my work. He put his hand to the small of my back and we walked towards the elevator. His touch felt uncomfortable. I didn't like it at all.

"Where are you taking me?" I made sure he heard the annoyance in my voice.

"To rest."

I got a good couple of hours sleep when I finally found the energy to open eyelids. One glance at the clock told me it was well past four in the afternoon. My exhaustion was still very apparent but my patients needed me. Yanking off my warm and way too comfortable blanket I got ready to get out of bed, only to be held back by a huge hand atop of my belly.

"What the-"

When I turned around to look at what or rather who was holding me back, I saw Madara all curled up comfortably behind me. Right, I almost forgot again, that I'm being held captive here and apparently I am the boss' newest favorite stuffed animal. Thinking back it was actually quite nice of him to stop me from overworking. The only thing that wasn't right was that he insisted that we would have to share a bed. I didn't have it in me to argue with him about that matter and just went to sleep the moment my head touched the pillow. But now that I was able to replenish some of my energy, there was no need to tolerate his obtrusiveness any further. I tried to take off his hand but his grip only tightened, causing my back to collide with his thorax. He huddled against me and buried his head into my hair and then resting his lips at the crease of my neck. I woke him up.

"Slept well?"

I didn't bother to answer him, since my priority was to get away from his embrace while fending off his wandering hand. I could literally feel him raising an eyebrow behind my back.

"Huh? What happened to your lovely voice, dear doctor? I'm actually quite sure it was perfectly fine last night."

I then felt him sucking my sensitive flesh at the juncture of my neck and shoulder. He was very zealous at that, but it wasn't enough for me to answer him vocally. Not until his hand moved up to my breast and gave it a firm squeeze. It at least made me draw a deep breath. My hand grasped his and I stubbornly tried to remove it. As usual he ignored my attempts to free myself completely and continued his onslaught. My nipple was caught painfully between his thumb and index. It was too much to bear and I arched my back, pushing my curves even more into his body. Madara finally got what he wanted.

"Oh, there is your voice. I was almost worried that you might have lost it."

"You pervert! Let go of me! I need to tend to my patients!"

"They are all very well cared for. No need to rush."

I managed to turn my body so that I was facing him. At least he couldn't violate my breasts in this position. I looked up at him, pleadingly.

"Don't give me that look. You know very well, that you cannot avoid this. It's going to happen anyway. I make sure of it, that I can promise you."

"I don't want to!"

"I know."

I'm powerless against him. He probably has guards scattered all over this building, making an escape impossible for me. Not to mention that I am no match for him physically. No matter how much I wanted to escape him, I am incapable of doing so. Was there really nothing I could do? Was my only choice to submit to his will? Of course, I thought about sedating him, but without any anesthetics it would a very difficult endeavor. Even if I had them, how could I overwhelm him to inject him with it? It felt like a déjà-vu.

"Madara… sama…"

My eyes got teary and all I could think of now was that I wanted to be home, where all my friends were and Tsunade-shisho. Right, Tsunade! She must have been worried why I wasn't at the hospital! I'm sure she already called the police! An immense wave of confidence overcame me.

"Let go of me and I will not file a charge against you!"

"Are you threatening me?"

"Exactly! I'm sure the police is already looking for me everywhere! My colleagues must have been worried by now."

"Is that so?"

"Y-Yes, of course they would be! It's suspicious when I don't go to work."

I was looking at him hopefully. Hopeful that he will understand what situation he is in. On the contrary Madara just smirked at me.

"As I said before, everything has been taken care of. Your absence from work won't be suspicious to anybody."

"W-What!? H-How can that be? Explain!"

"Did you really think we're bloody amateurs? Your work-colleagues must think that you're sick or visiting someone around Hong Kong. Honestly, I don't know what my men told them exactly. Important is that no one is missing you."

I was speechless. It can't be! I know, I should have been scared to death about what will happen to me, but I couldn't hold my temper. I was becoming furious!

"Who do you think you are?! Is it not enough that I work for little hospital down there? Do you have to take my dignity as well? Is this how you treat people helping you? Really, you fucking bastard? I've had enough!"

With that I untangled myself from him and went straight for the door. To my advantage the door was open. I marched angrily through the corridor, reminiscing where the elevator was and soon I found it. A man and a small boy exited the elevator, but I did not pay much attention to them. I didn't care about their curious glances. Once inside I pressed the first floor. Now that I calmed myself a bit, I realized what I've just done. Calling him a 'fucking bastard' was probably not the smartest thing, but he didn't chase after me. So, here's actually my chance to finally escape!

'35th floor'

'20th floor'

'10th floor'

With a small 'Ping' the elevator door opened, revealing a huge entrance area and the gates to my freedom. Without any hesitation I ran for the exit. Getting out of here was my highest priority. I didn't care that people were looking strangely at me. And then it happened. I was in the middle of Hong Kong's streets. A fresh breeze of wind brushed through my dirty hair. I did it! Now, all I had to do was to maintain my freedom. I looked back frantically, but there were none of his men behind me. Relieved I let out a huge sigh. I hurried to catch a cab and went straight for the hospital where Tsunade was.

Without knocking I pushed the door to Tsunade's office open.

"Tsunade-shisho!"

She looked up in surprise.

"Sakura! What are you doing here?"

"Tsunade-sama, something happened!"

"I know. That's why I wasn't expecting you."

"Wait, what? You KNOW what happened?" She raised an eyebrow quizzically at me.

"Of course, I do. You let me know this morning."

"Then, please-"

"-No, stop it Sakura! I am offended that you decided this all by yourself behind my back. I still can't believe it. But, congratulations anyway! Your resignation from Tokyo Medical University Hospital is accepted. And you over there! Get out of my sight! You're the last person I want to see."

I didn't understand a word she was saying. What decision? And what resignation? Just then I noticed that someone was standing behind me. He had the palest skin I've ever seen, almost unhealthy. Long black hair and really small eyes. Definitely Chinese.

"Tsunade, get over it. Your student deserves the best possibilities. And it's me who can offer her these. I'm sure you'll understand soon. Besides you still have Shizune."

"Orochimaru! Just shut your mouth you… you… back-stabbing serpent! Stealing away MY student! I came here to help you and you just thank me this way?"

"Wait, what's going on here? Tsunade-sama, you know this man?" I really didn't understand a thing they were saying. What was stolen?

The corpse-like guy started to laugh.

"Oh dear! Your ex-professor just accused me of stealing you away from her. But I wouldn't say it was a theft. I merely made you a better offer than she did and now you're one of my doctors here at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Now come."

Just when I started to protest that I did no such thing, Orochimaru cut me off and took me by the hand, leading me out of Tsunade's office. I could hear her mutter some very nasty insults. They stopped when we entered my new mentor's office. I immediately shook off his hand when I realized that we reached our destination.

"The hell is going on here? I did not submit a resignation letter to Tsunade-shisho!"

"Now, lower your voice, will you? We don't want to drag Tsunade in this too, right?"

The way he spoke and the fact that I was confined with this person in one room gave me chills.

"I don't think I need to explain much to you, since you're smart enough to figure it out by yourself. This hospital is owned by the Uchiha and I am this hospital's director."

"Do you mean… you're working for Uchiha Madara?"

"Exactly. And now you do too."

A few seconds of silence passed between us.

"You mean, I resigned yesterday to work permanently in this hospital? And that's the reason why Tsunade-sama was so upset just now?"

"Clever girl. I'm sure Madara mentioned something to you."

Unbelievable! When did all this happen? Not a day passed since the crime happened! Just how powerful was this man, even owning this hospital!

"He only said that I needed to treat his men when they are injured and that everything else is taken care of. But I don't understand. Am I working here now? Or in the other hospital?"

Orochimaru licked his lips in a way that was utmost disturbing.

"I guess both. This hospital is giving you a cover… or more an excuse for your stay here in Hong Kong. Like this your friends and family won't suspect anything. And you will work here partially to keep up appearances. Of course, I'll excuse you when you are needed by Madara."

"I… I don't know what to say to that."

"There is no need for you to say anything. Come over here for a second. I need you to sign this labor agreement."

Before I could think about what I just did, the contract was signed.

"That's all for now. Madara called moments before you arrived at Tsunade's office. There will be a car waiting for you outside the building. Now, hurry up and go. I'm quite busy here."

I was pushed outside his office rather unfriendly. What should I do now? Should I talk to Tsunade-sama again? No. She needed to calm down and I needed to find out more about what's going to happen with my life now. I refused to go back to this perverted scary man. If his men were waiting for me, I needed to use the back door to avoid them. But where to? Now, that I was more or less free I needed to stay out of their reach. I made up a plan in my mind. First, call the police and report the murder. Secondly, head home and pack your things. Thirdly, fly to somewhere far away from Hong Kong and Tokyo. Sounded like a good plan to me. Walking through the hospital I finally found a phone and dialed the police.

"Hong Kong Police Force, how can I help you?"

"Hello, I-"

The phone was snatched out of my hand and Kisame continued for me.

"Oh, is this the police? My daughter must have dialed the wrong number. There is nothing wrong here. I'm sorry for the inconvenience."

After he hung up, he looked angrily at me. Even Sasori appeared beside me and grabbed one of my arms, ensuring that I won't try to run away.

"Don't try this again! It won't end well for you, little doctor. Now, hurry. We're already late!"

Was this really happening? Couldn't I get at least a bit luck in my life?

Some of the staff were looking curious at us. Then Annie spotted me and began to run towards us.

"Sakura! There are rumors that you will be staying here, is that true? And is this red-head hottie here your boyfriend? You two look so good together!"

Sasori contorted his face. He didn't like her assumptions while Kisame was more than a little amused. The fish-head seemed to like Annie, judging from the way he looked her over.

"Beautiful lady, the rumors about our little doctor here are true. But more importantly are you free for a date sometime this week?"

The nurse blushed slightly at Kisame's sudden invitation and started to stammer something not understandable. I interfered refusing to see my friend falling into their hands too.

"Annie, we need to go now, I'll talk to you later."

I hurriedly tugged on Kisame's arm and we made our way to the car.

It was a good 15 minutes' drive before we arrived at a really large and extravagant estate.

"Where are we?" I asked those two.

"This' the boss' mansion, sweetie. Get in, you're already expected."

The car drove away once I got out. A butler was already there to greet me.

"My Lady, please follow me."

I was led into a huge dining area. The table was already set with some servants surrounding it and two people were already seated there. When I reached the table, I recognized Madara and a young boy. He looked at me with big eyes, just as dark as Madara's.

"You're finally here." Madara's voice sounded way too friendly to be true. I glanced at him conveying my unspoken question 'What's going here?'

"Sit, my dear. You must be famished. It must have been a while since you last ate, considering how hard you worked."

I hesitantly took a seat beside Madara who was sitting at the head of the long table. The boy from before kind of looked at me hopefully and then started to smile. It was almost dazzling.

"Daddy, am I going to finally have a Mum, too?"

Author's note:

Surpirsed? :O

Longest chapter so far! I'm sorry if there are any mistakes! After all, english is not my mother tongue.

Anyway, thank you for your reviews and follows! It made me really happy to know, that there are people interested that I continue my little story.

I hope you liked my newest chapter!

Let me know your opinions in the review section! :)