Shiro-chan presents…Mistaken Identity
Note: Ahhh…sorry everyone for the very extra late late late late late late update, I had tests and assignments to finish. I almost killed myself with those assignments, I stayed up for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT. Well I did passed out for a few hours; I woke up with my face smashed against the keyboard. I now hold an extremely large grudge against History. I never thought that 10th grade would be such a pain. but next year…it would be even worse.
Right now I'm on my winter break, yes, different compared to most of you who are on summer holidays. If you're wondering why…I'm from Sydney that's why.
Note 2 : Please note that the character Ayame is an actual character from the Naruto anime/manga. You know the ramen girl? Yeah, please don't flame me because you think she's an OC. That actually happened to me before OO.
I was also advised not to write in acts since it was confusing people. So no more acts people The only reason I used acts was because I'm way too lazy to re-edit the chapter in the online editing menu where you can add the 'breaks'. But the chapter would look bad without it. So therefore, my laziness resorted to me writing in acts. Stupid reason I know. Plus I like making up nice sounding tittles that somehow relates to each other.
And I was also advised NOT to use the ' mark and use the " mark instead.
Hope that helps.
Disclaimer: Look I'm sure you know how it goes…if you don't…then here we go, AGAIN. I don't own Naruto, I have dreams but it will never come true, unless if the world turns upside down. Naruto belongs to its respective owners. Why the hell do people write these 'disclaimer' things anyways?
Other Notes
Thoughts – thoughts are written in Italic
Location, time, sub-heading – Location, time, sub-headings are written in Bold
Chapter two – The ring
Stepping out of her bed, Sakura was ready to face the dawn of daytime, a horrible reality which she lived in. Her head was heavy due to the night at Daimyo's chamber; the first night was a strange experience.
Faced against a skilled shinobi Sakura was certain she'd be caught sooner or later, yet, she was still here alive, in one piece. She measured her strength, the strange aura that the shinobi gave off wasn't normal; it was that of a dangerous murderer like herself. Fear and respect enveloped each other as she knew that sooner or later her mission would come to an end.
But that wasn't all; the first night was a little out of place for her. When her eyes met that of the young prince sharpening his katana skills, their gazes crossed, it was like their first time seeing each other. She knew her red eyes scared him away, the image; the fake façade gave off a scent of danger, probably. Red was never really her color anyway.
Slowly Sakura approached the mirror in front of her, the image of Misaki hime stood there, unfamiliar eyes staring back at her, sharp red eyes, and the same face. She cast off the genjutsu and her own image appeared, and pure green eyes and bright pink hair stared at her in replace. A dainty knock came from her door as she quickly formed a few hand seals, her image turning back to normal.
"Your highness" bowed the maid, clad in a dark maid like outfit the brown haired female stood under the frame of Sakura's chamber; drapes of transparent red material blurring her image. Sakura smiled that fake smile.
"Come in Ayame-san" the older female slowly approached Sakura, lifting her hand delicately and pushing the tresses of red curtain aside, Ayame smiled.
"I've already done what you've asked" she announced cheerfully, the news took a little weight off her shoulders as she dropped herself onto the seat in front of the mirror. For once without containing her emotions, Sakura actually smiled.
Ayame was like her, she was also a spy from the Spring, when the kunoichi confronted her after her 'walk' Sakura's heart almost jumped out. It was utter shock when she learnt that Ayame was a fellow 'dog' trapped in the same fate. Sakura widened her smile and praised her underling. Although Sakura was much younger, her position gave her the permission to praise.
"Good work" she muttered. Ayame grinned and turned around; she headed to the large wardrobe nearby and opened the giant doors, picking out a red kimono, slowly drawing out the material.
"Your highness, how are you enjoying our country so far?" Ayame asked, Sakura reached for the brush on the table and ran the thing through her pastel pink hair that was drenched in red. Sakura politely answered with confidence. The real message was 'How are you finding the mission so far'
"Yes, it is a fine country, Ayame-san"
The true meanings of the conversation were understood clearly by the two females, no one, no shinobi should be able to understand them. As soon as Ayame completely pulled out the kimono from the wardrobe, Sakura stood up.
Staring blankly into the distance of her chamber, she pulled the fabric onto her waist, the one thing which kept her robe together. The white silky fabric slithered smoothly down her silky skin. The white robe dropped upon the ground. She slowly stepped over and once again experienced the painful process of dressing up. (1)
She strolled through the beautiful Sakura fields, clad in a bright red kimono that matched her eyes. She was invited to the prince's garden, the one which held her namesake. Her real name. Ayame followed closely behind her. Sakura had grown quite fond of her senior; they would go almost everywhere together. Except for her night walks. For the last three weeks everyday had been the same. She had heard nothing strange. Nor seen anything strange. It was simply a castle filled with bloodshed everyday.
"Hime-sama, you sure seem happy today" exclaimed Ayame pleasantly as her soft hands got hold of a small Sakura flower.
"Do I? I feel the same" responded Sakura as she flicked her pink hair drenched in red.
"Your face sure looks different though. Is it because of the invitation?"
"Yes, I'm getting close to my completion…"
Sakura trailed off as her eyes met the end of the road, where the largest Sakura tree lay, there sat Uchiha Sasuke on a white table. Standing behind him was a maid that Sakura was quite familiar with. Her blue orbs glared daggers toward Sakura, her presence gave off a possessive aura around the prince. Picking up her pace, Sakura headed over to the two. Forcing out her charming smile, Sakura bowed and greeted the prince, Ayame bowed along with her.
"Sasuke-sama, you called?"
The prince picked himself up and headed over to her, his hands reached out for hers and slowly pulled her closer to him.
"Leave" he motioned the two servants.
The blonde maid who introduced herself as Ino shot Sakura a glare which she definitely didn't miss; Sakura's only acknowledgement of it was a playful smile in return. If Ino hadn't been Sasuke's servant, Sakura was sure that she would have ripped the Blondie to pieces.
"She won't harm you" spoke Sasuke. Sakura stared at him oddly; he was like a double bladed sword. Sharp and blunt at the same time, but still dangerous. Seeing his sharpness was something ordinary, Sakura smiled cheerfully and responded.
"Yes, I'm sure you didn't just call me here to just…talk" Taking a hold of her delicate left hand he slipped a ring on her left fourth finger. Staring at it, her forehead creased showing her confusion.
"A tradition…' he paused '…it was my mothers". Her eyes trailed down back to see the ring, probably made of white gold. Three comma like circles were engraved across the face of the ring.(2)
"I-I can't take this…its-"
"She asked of me to give it to the person I were to marry" his sentence shook her. All that time she was not aware that she had vowed as his wife that day. It may be a mission to her, but to many people's eyes, she was an Uchiha. Realizing how big that vow really was, Sakura's face paled for a second. And it didn't go unnoticed.
"You seem ill, we should head back" without letting her have a say in the sudden decision, Sasuke wrapped an arm around her waist and placed the other on her shoulder.
"No, Sasuke-sama, I am fine" Sakura forced out a smile, trying to reassure him with her fake innocence. Staring at her for a while, Sasuke let go of her.
"Very well then" he muttered.
"Your mother, what is she like?" asked Sakura, trying her best to start a conversation. Believing that by having a close-knit relationship to one of her targets was a good way to start. But as soon as she saw the look in his eyes, Sakura knew that she had made a mistake. It was a glare, a simple glare. Yet it threatened to eat the life out of her.
"I'm sorry, I've sp-"
"Forget about it" he cut her off and headed back to the same road which she had come from. Sakura merely stood there watching his back as he walked. That day, Sakura learnt that getting close to Uchiha Sasuke would not be an easy task.
There was no moon that night. The sky was dead. The only thing that was alive was the strong wind; the loud cries sometimes haunted her sleep. The cries of those which she had killed and destroyed. Heading back from her daily night walks, Sakura stumbled upon the beautiful Sakura garden once again. Tempted to climb the highest and oldest tree, Sakura headed over to the ancient life form.
Sure that the area was clear, Sakura landed on the same area which they had stood that morning. She let the wind sweep past her body. A sudden familiar cold feeling was pressed against the nape of her neck, a familiar presence lingered, as the same voice spoke.
"Who are you?" his katana threatened to eat her alive. Uchiha Sasuke's voice cut deep into her very soul. She didn't know how to answer him, if he was to see her face, would he suspect the 'princess'? Her natural voice answered.
"Isn't it obvious?"
It wasn't like her to answer, she felt obliged to answer. The cold metal was withdrawn from her neck as the sound of the wind blew by. She turned around to face the prince, he frowned slightly when he saw her face covered, revealing only her eyes.
And within a split second, her mask was separated into two pieces revealing her real features. Her long pink locks dropped along with the mask. His eyes widened, and it didn't go unnoticed. Shit! She cursed inwardly. A rustling sound came from all around them as Sakura realized she was followed.
"What are you guards doing here?" Sasuke asked in a cold tone referring to the guards, a firm grip was held on his sword as it was placed back upon her neck. "Leave!" he demanded. Within a few seconds, the presence of twenty guards disappeared. The blade remained upon her neck threatening to slice it, offering to end her mission.
"Who sent you?" he asked sharply, with her fast thinking speed Sakura answered naturally.
"No one, I came her- "
"Liar!" he hissed. Seeing she had no answer, he continued his interrogation.
Her life was in his hands, he could kill her, and he could let her go. Withdrawing his sword, Sasuke took hold of her wrist. And with just a split second her vision was a blur, she appeared inside his chamber.
"Where are we?" she asked, feigning confusion.
"My chamber" he answered. Noticing the mystified gaze from the kunoichi, Sasuke answered the silent question. "We can't talk out there, those guards belong to my father" slowly nodding, Sakura sensed that it was far more than that. Something strange was going on, and she had a feeling that her prince was about to fill that empty piece of knowledge.
"What could a spy like me do for the great Sasuke-sama?" she asked, the words dripping with light sarcasm. A scowl was what she received.
"Your life is in my hands ninja, don't you forget that" his words were filled with poison, something she'd witnessed too many times to call it unusual in her life
"You are in my chamber and with just a click your life could end." Her face features twitched a little. She had given up on living ever since she stepped foot upon the castle walls. But she did it for the sake of her cousin. I must continue the game. She told herself. Her eyes watched him carefully, seriousness etched her pretty face.
"You came from the direction of the Daimyo's chamber." He paused; his eyes showed that he was thinking, searching of a way to continue. "What did you hear?" he finally asked, eyeing her closely, "Tell me". His voice told her if she didn't, she'd really die. Gulping she responded confidently.
"Now why is the prince asking a spy like me these questions?" she asked playfully, he wouldn't kill her, a gutted feeling told her so. His eyes hissed danger, yet it wasn't a danger that would threaten her life.
"It's not in your favor to speak to me like that" eyes watching her sharply. It wasn't until moments later that he spoke.
"Who are you working for?" he asked in a no-nonsense tone, walking towards her.
"I'm a one man team" she answered coolly. And in a blink of an eye the prince disappeared for a moment then quickly reappeared. Incredible speed.
"Why are you spying then?" there faces were mere inches apart, her green eyes just couldn't help but stare, drowning in his dark pools. They were sucking the answers out of her. Snapping out of it, Sakura diverted her gaze.
"It's none of your business" was all she could conjure up with.
"What have you learned so far?" his warm breath blew against her forehead. He was taller then her, almost a head. Her eyes shot up once again meeting his dark ones.
"Why are you asking me these things?" staring at her for a while, his arms wrapped around her waist carefully, pulling her closer to him. His warm breath whispered.
"What if I say…I need you to work for me" staring at him in disbelief, her mind was in shock, she couldn't quite comprehend what was going on as fast as she'd liked.
"Why? What's the catch?" she quickly recovered.
"I'll spare your life, but you must give your loyalty to me in return" the voice and eye gesture this time showed her that he was sending a half empty threat. He was a serious man and Sakura knew that well. I might be able to gather more information this way. She told herself. She bit her lower lip and hoped that she had made the right decision. Closing her eyes to refresh the strained orbs, she nodded.
"I don't have a choice do I?"
"Your name?" the prince asked ignoring her obvious question. She stared at him, collecting her thoughts. After a short while, she muttered an answer.
"Haruno Sakura"
Thus began the new alliance.
Slowly knocking on his door, Sakura was once again summoned to the prince's chamber. This time as the princess. Unlike most royalties, Sasuke didn't have any servants in his room, guarding him. From what she heard from Ayame, he liked being alone. And inviting her was considered as a strange…happening? His messenger wasn't exactly clear on the topic.
The door flung open revealing Ino; only giving a small glance toward Sakura to acknowledge her, as she moved away making way for Sakura. Closing the door, she led Sakura to the inner chamber which almost seemed identical to the outer chamber, other then the fact that there were no windows. The prince stood in the middle of the chamber. His back facing her.
"Leave" he motioned Ino without turning around, looking at him for a while Ino bowed and muttered a soft 'Yes' and left, leaving Sakura alone with him. The room echoed the sounds of the servant's footsteps. Slowly, grudgingly moving out of the chamber. It wasn't until the sound of Ino closing the door had she decided to break the silence between them.
"Sasuke-sa-"
"Come with me"
Following him deeper into the chamber, Sakura felt hesitation. They didn't usually talk, and he was acting strange. He wanted something from her and she knew it. Princes are snot nosed brats, and she learnt that first hand.
She recalled back in her younger days when she had just become a teenager. Misaki-hime's twin prince Ryu (who passed away) decided he could have some 'fun' with her, without knowing the consequences of harassing a shinobi, let alone a kunoichi.
She was scolded afterwards, for defending herself. After that day, Sakura couldn't help but create a hate towards princes, and the person whom she had 'married' happened to be one. Her life was a twisted drama series.
Finally meeting a door down the long endless corridor. Sakura watched as the prince stood between open doors filled with bright, luminous lights. Turning around to her for the first time since her summoning to his chamber, he lifted his hand offering to take hers. With her role as a princess, Sakura accepted it, but at the same time she increased her cautiousness.
White light met her eyes as she found herself in front of a very beautiful Sakura garden. Her eyes widened, as she was tempted to remove her façade and scamper freely upon the garden with her ninja gear to climb up the hundred feet tall trees, to watch the birds fly across the endless fields of pink. She was truly amazed.
"Magnificent" she whispered as the wind blew by bringing thousands and thousands of petals along with it. The part of her hair that was loosely let down blew around her face, in sync with the wind.
"Sasuke-sama?" she asked with an obvious sense of curiosity accompanied by a sense of caution. Carefully she picked her words around him.
"Two nights ago, I came across a kunoichi passing by this area" he paused, a droplet of sweat rolled down Sakura's face as she sensed the fear of her identity hanging on the line. Her hand slowly reached for the hidden kunai attached to the delicate fabrics of her sleeve. He couldn't have, my acting has never failed me. Her mind yelled upon fear.
"Oh my" a gasp was faked. She could sense him staring at her with the sharp corners of his eyes. Watching her every move, pinning her back, placing the kunai in her hands around her throat. She could picture it all.
"I just want to know…whether or not there have been any strange happenings in your chamber"
His distant voice sounded like that of the normal Uchiha Sasuke tone, but sounded deadly and poisonous to her ears. If she were to give into that poison, she could and would die instantly. Behind every beautiful mask lay a dangerous one. Uchiha Sasuke was the ghastly proof of that.
"None…nothing" she answered softly. He's on to me.
"That's good then" the figure that stood in front of her faded as the wind blew by. Appearing behind her, Uchiha Sasuke spoke contemptuously, his warm breath tickling her ears as his arms wrapped around her petite waist, her legs slowly turning into jelly. He is dangerous. She cried inside her head, asking for an escape, away from the scary mission. He whispered.
"We wouldn't want anything strange happening to you"
"Y-Yes" she choked out. He once again disappeared with his high speed and reappeared in his old spot.
"But I've called you here for a different reason" he spoke, her brows fused. What now? She asked in her mind.
"There has been news, about a new kind of alliance between our two countries…" he paused as his head lifted up and stared at the Sakura trees dancing in the wind.
"A Chunnin exam was created for shinobies all over the world to participate. And at the same time, it is replaced by war" she furrowed her forehead, his sharp eyes caught the little expression on her face and decided to elaborate.
"So they're making Genin do the fighting?" she found herself blurting it out without realizing that the princess knew nothing of ninjutsu. A rather sharp answer was her consequence. Her mask slightly slipped.
"Yes…Otou-sama is expecting us to become one of the judges for the last test" finally understanding the whole concept Sakura nodded, showing him another mistake. She showed him her awareness of his deadly gaze. Something only a ninja would notice.
"We will leave in two months time."
Catching a petal with his palm, the emotionally calloused prince once again disappeared from her sight and appeared in front of her. Taking a hold of her hand, he placed the frail petal onto her own delicate palm. His arms once again wrapped around her waist and his hot breath once again tickled her ears.
"Green suits you better than red…"
Her fake red orbs widened. Her mind baffled on whether he was referring to her eyes or her kimono? Had she slipped herself? Did she miss something? Or was she still in the game? Sakura could have almost screamed out her confusion as his warmth once again left her body. Sometimes, a Genjutsu wouldn't seem as scary if it were compared to the experience of facing reality.
To be continued…
- Kimonos are very hard to put on, well from what I saw in 'Memoirs of a Geisha'. And well, since Sakura here is posing as a princess I'm sure she goes by that painful process everyday.
- In the Japanese olden days, rings weren't needed for marriage. That's why Sakura didn't have one until now…I think, that's what I saw in Kenshin, correct me if I'm wrong. This is partially based on the Japanese olden days and the Naruto ninja world.
Sorry the chapterwasn't that long…I'll try to update more often. But I'm really busy so…all I can say is that I'll try my best. Hope you had fun. . I'm sorry once again, this chapter's quality is not that good since I didn't edit it before sending it to my beta. I'll try to edit it more next time. Thank you so much for the support. See yahz all in a while...