Based on The Lion King II: Simba's Pride

Borderlines – Chapter 10
Year 2010; Tokyo, Japan

He had been given a room on one of the top floors, still one away from Sakura's chambers, and close enough to Akuari and Rakuna's in case anything of gravity would take place. And yet, it was still cozy and felt more like home to Sasuke than even his own bedroom. This chamber had at least three paintings, brilliant colours, soft sheets, and a window that overlooked the yard. His own room at home? A hard mattress on a single bed, one thin sheet, no colour and no décor; it was designed for a killer, fit for a criminal.

Sasuke stared out the window in this room, obsidian eyes unwavering and empty of emotion, but his mind was a turbulent sea. A felon, an assassin; that was what he was trained to be, and what his mother expected of him. And a few days ago, he expected it of himself as well.

But now there was this new development with Sakura, the Haruno heiress. She had bewitched him, body and soul, driving away his feelings of anger and hostility toward the Haruno family, and instead turning them on his own kin. He no longer thought of Akarui as a threat, or even the man that he needed to stay away from, or risk be corrupted. Those thoughts were gone, and all remembrance of even his own father, had become muddled and dim. That is what the Haruno heiress did to him.

The Uchiha closed his eyes, beginning to rub fingers against his temples. He was…confused, and uncertain, a complex mix of emotions he was not used to, nor that he was supposed to feel. He was supposed to be strong, emotionless; a killing machine built for revenge. Like his brother. But no, not anymore, especially after that which had taken place the night before.

-Flashback-

They had all taken residence in the lounge, the housekeepers, servants, and guards situating themselves at different tables around the rooms. Each table held six or so people, and so Akarui had led them to where Genma, Kakashi, Tsunade, and Shizune were seated. The deck of cards and poker chips were sitting ready in the middle.

Once the Haruno head had sat down, he gestured to the chair beside him. "Come sit here, Sasuke."

The Uchiha had been unsure at first. He had glanced to a corner with two plush chairs, lit by a lamp, where Rakuna and Sakura were now sitting. Despite their being deep in conversation, the pink-haired heiress glanced over, and smiled softly at him. Rakuna had followed her gaze, smiled, and then returned them both to what they were speaking about. Sasuke had looked back at Akarui then, who was smiling just as kindly. He had then sat down in the designated seat, folding his hands together on the table.

Tsunade gave him a critical eye then, and Shizune had told her it was a tad harsh, but she didn't relent. Genma greeted him in a friendly manner, and Kakashi nodded his head. It made Sasuke feel more at ease that he wasn't resented by these people. In his own home, they wouldn't have tolerated his presence when gathering with the others. Then again, they hardly did anything entertaining; it was all business and plans.

The cards were dealt and each person claimed their chips. But all thoughts toward the bets were lost as conversation started amongst them.

Sasuke, though having not yet been included, listened quietly to their antics. They were friendly, and treated each other with equality; another aspect that was not present in his upbringing. And, if he was being honest with himself, he much liked this better. It was comfortable and honest; not restricted and vague.

"So, Sasuke…"

That broke him out of his thought patterns, and he quickly lifted his gaze to Genma, who had just raised fifty.

"What did you kids get up to this evening?" inquired the brunette.

Sasuke just stared back blankly, not feeling inclined to answer. Sakura, he was sure, was probably turning a bright pink behind them all.

"I took them to a carnival, to help me with my research," Jiraiya announced, after slapping a card down onto his table.

Tsunade visibly popped a vein in her forehead. Shizune shot Jiraiya a glare.

"Is that all?" Genma queried, chuckling himself.

"Sounds fairly safe to me," Kakashi mumbled as he set his own hand down, calling a fold. That elicited a glare from Genma.

Sasuke shrugged, setting his mind then into the game.

Their evening progressed very much the same throughout, until it was too late to continue any longer, and all the company decided to call it a night. Akarui had personally shown Sasuke where his room was to be, and made it very clear that there was a great deal of halls and stairways between his room and Sakura's. Of course, he knew he was calling a bluff, but it was…cute for lack of better word, at how protective he was of his daughter. Sasuke had never been shown that courtesy.

They then bid each other good night, and the Uchiha entered his room to get ready for bed.

-End-

Akarui had taken him in, treated him like family, and then, even still, showed his protective father side. But even despite the latter persona coming through, the head of the Haruno Clan did more to accept and understand Sasuke in one night than his father had done in his entire lifetime. It was…a strange feeling, adapting to the niceties of this family.

And this was why he was so conflicted now.

The Uchiha heir exhaled deeply, turning away from the window to look around the room, despite paying little attention to anything in it.

A knock at the door broke him from his thoughts, and he briskly moved toward the wooden obstruction blocking him from whoever came to visit him. He pulled the handle in a downward motion, and set it ajar.

Genma was standing in the hall before him, fiddling with the needle in his mouth. "Haruno-san requests your presence in the dining hall. I believe he mentioned something about your being late for breakfast." He cracked a smile then gestured with his head to the way he had come. "He really seems to like you kid. I would suggest not making them wait."

Sasuke moved the door open the rest of the way, stepping through, and then closing it tight behind him. He then followed as Genma took the lead, proceeding toward the stairway that would lead to the main level, and the dining hall.

"Sakura's going out today, so you'll be on your own with the staff and Rakuna-san," Genma announced then, sighing dramatically thereafter. "And before you ask, your new object of attraction is meeting with her friends to do some shopping. Apparently it's mandatory to the Yamanaka girl. Naruto offered to go along as their bodyguards, but they declined. They won't even let us tag along, so Akarui gave us the…well…partial day off. Sort of."

Sasuke didn't question the 'sort of' business, and so silence befell the two men…until Genma began to hum to himself.

Five minutes later, they were upon the dining hall, and Genma bid his farewell as the Uchiha heir stepped into the room. He was greeted with a warm smile from the family, and given a seat beside Rakuna. Jiraiya, whom had apparently stayed the evening, was present as well, giving Sasuke the opportunity to be across the table from Sakura.

"Now that we are all here, we can eat," Akarui announced, and a variety of foods were brought out and uncovered once on the table. Akarui began the passing of the food, handing it to his right, where his wife sat.

Conversation was minimal as the party began to eat, though once the majority of the food had been consumed, it picked up again. Sakura and her mother, as well as Jiraiya from time to time, were discussing the sorts of things the heiress would be shopping for. Sasuke remained silent, though listening once in a while when his family was mentioned in Akarui and Jiraiya's main topic of conversation.

"Sorry I have to leave today," Sakura suddenly spoke, shifting her focus to Sasuke. "Ino wouldn't leave me alone; says that Hinata needs something dramatic for some big dinner the Hyuuga's are having. You know how they are." She laughed a little, tucking some hair behind her ear. "But don't worry. There's plenty to do around here."

"Yes," Akarui suddenly chipped in. "Actually, Sasuke, I was hoping you would accompany me this morning on a drive. It won't be too long, I wouldn't think. I just had a few things I would like to discuss with you."

Sasuke looked at the Haruno Clan leader, a miniscule flicker of uncertainty crossing his gaze. He then nodded once, and again he remained silent.

Rakuna left quickly after this, followed by Sakura. Jiraiya departed on the words of 'finding more research', which then left Akarui and Sasuke alone at the table.

Akarui stood then, mentioning that he would go ready himself, and they could leave soon. Twenty minutes later, he was walking with Sasuke to the front entranceway.

No words were spoken as they exited the manor, or when they stepped into the car alone (without guards or staff), or even when the car moved through the gates and off of the property.

Sasuke was uneasy, but he didn't mention it, which allowed even further silence as they drove through the city.

But when Akarui turned the car down an old, abandoned road, he couldn't help but wonder. He didn't have to ask, however, as conversation suddenly picked up, the stifling silence forgotten.

"I know I've been vague about where we're going and why we're going there, but I promise I have good reason." Akarui cleared his throat, slowing the vehicle as they entered a district of old, dilapidated buildings. "You know of the rivalry between our families; between our companies. I would think you stupid if you didn't, and that I know you aren't. You are an intelligent young man, and well capable of many things. But, as a father, it is my job to get to know the suitors of my daughter."

Sasuke shifted his obsidian stare to him, blinking slowly. "I have no intention of hurting, or betraying her, if that's what you're wondering."

"It had been on my mind, yes." Akarui then shifted the conversation over entirely. "Sasuke, did you ever get to really know your father?"

There was a long instance of hesitation, Sasuke having now turned to stare out the front windshield, trying to decide on an answer.

He finally opened his mouth and said, "I knew him very little. Whenever he was home, which was rarely, he was always with my mother, or training my brother. He was never satisfied, always complaining about your company doing better than ours…and…he was never pleased with me either." Sasuke's fists clenched at the end of his words.

Akarui merely nodded, and silence pursued his action. Moments later, he took a breath.

"Before you were born, before even your brother was conceived, your father was an amiable man. I knew him very little, but he and my father, at one time, got along well. But then, your father proposed a partnership between Hogo and Buki, and though it would have been in the best interest of your family's company, it held no prosperity for my own. My father declined, enraging your father, but he tried not to let it get the best of him.

"Then his company began to fall, his money began to disappear. No one had any idea as to how it had happened or where it was going, but the accounts were drained. Fugaku blamed my father, even though he held no part in it, and as a result of his denial, began causing a lot of trouble between the two companies. Employees of Hogo began to mysteriously go missing, and our stock suddenly began to disappear. Paperwork was suspiciously lit on fire, and computers crashed repeatedly. My father didn't want to think that Fugaku could be the cause, but there was no other evidence as to why it was all happening. Reports had found viruses originally created at Buki, the same ones that had destroyed some of our mainframe. Your father still proceeded to deny it."

Akarui took another breath. "Our company began to suffer, and so one day, my father decided it was best that he speak with yours regarding the situation. But Fugaku beat him to the call, and asked for myself to meet his nephew; said we'd get along. My mother was the one to answer, and had, upon very careful thought, agreed. None of us had known that the guard that drove me there was actually a Buki worker, under your father's direct authority. He was an undercover agent.

"He left me there alone with Fugaku, and at first, he seemed like a decent human being. He led me to the river, saying that he would bring his nephew," Akarui glanced at Sasuke, "your cousin Shisui, I assume, to where I would be waiting.

"I waited for about an hour before a car suddenly careened over the edge of the cliff. It smashed against the rocks, closer to the edge of the water, and was burning quickly. It hadn't gotten the fuel tank yet. Of course, being how young I was, I ran over to make sure that no one was inside; no one would be terribly injured.

"There was a man inside who appeared to be alive, and so I attempted to get him out, but the fire was burning hotter and suddenly I heard a small explosion. Then all I knew was that I was being barreled out of the way, and when I looked up, realized my father was pressing me low to the ground. The car had exploded a millisecond later, and we both pressed close to the ground.

"After that, we moved to the top of the cliff, where my father was apprehended by Fugaku's men. Two burly guards, I would assume. Your father pretended to know little to nothing about myself being there, and after words were spoken, he murdered my father, accusing him of tampering with Uchiha business."

Akarui swallowed hard, glancing at Sasuke once more, to make sure he was still listening. He stopped the car after driving around another bend, a cliffside, rocky and with little vegetation, being the only scenery now. When he cut the engine, the sound of a rushing river flooded the silence, despite the car's windows being closed.

"Though we all knew that it was purposeful, we still never blamed Fugaku. He was corrupted by earthen desires; he wanted wealth and women, power and notoriety, at least after the plummet. We had tried to save your mother countless times before your father fell to his own death, but she wouldn't have it, and despite knowing she had been cheated countless times by the man she had loved greatly, she was blinded by her own love."

Sasuke looked completely bewildered, though only his eyes would have shown it.

"Come out here and take a look with me, hm?" Akarui stepped out of the car then, glancing about before crossing the road to a too familiar place for him.

Sasuke hesitated before following silently, hands now immersed in his pockets.

Akarui was stopped now at the edge of the cliff, looking over the ravine with an unknown emotion crossing his glance. Sasuke came up beside him, and when the Uchiha had stopped, the Haruno Clan leader looked at him.

"Just because your father became the way he was, doesn't mean that it will happen to you too. Not if you don't let it. You've already proven that your ways have changed since I first encountered your arrival a few days prior, otherwise I would not have brought you here alone."

Sasuke shifted his attention to the man, blinking as he hesitated to speak. Now was about as good a time as any, he figured. "There is something I should tell you, if not Sakura as well."

Akarui tipped his head to the side. "Hm? Well, you can tell me now, and Sakura can know once we return."

The Uchiha hesitated yet again, choosing his words carefully, before saying, "Arigatou for your hospitality, but I don't deserve it."

Akarui furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"

Sasuke exhaled lightly, running a hand through his raven hair. "I mean that…even though I'm no longer…affiliated…with my family, I still…."

He was cut off by the sounds of a myriad of vehicles all screeching to a halt behind them, doors opening, and many people stepping out of each car.

Sasuke glanced over his shoulder, as did Akarui, though the Haruno was full out glaring.

"What the hell are they doing here…" he muttered to himself, turning his body to face the impending threat.

Before them now stood the leaders of the Uchiha family and company; Mikoto and Orochimaru, Itachi and Shisui, Karin and the rest of the guard. There were perhaps a total of thirty men besides the head family that had accompanied them there.

"Sasuke, it seems like you've done your job after all," Mikoto drawled then, looking thoroughly unimpressed at that moment. "And after so many failed attempts."

Akarui blinked, glancing at Sasuke out of the corner of his eye.

"Karin, bring your fiancé to us," Mikoto ordered then, nodding to the redheaded woman.

Akarui merely watched as the odd-looking girl approached the two of them, smiling serenely at the Uchiha's youngest son.

But as she moved to kiss him in greeting, Sasuke turned away from her entirely. "What are you doing here, okaa-san?"

"What am I doing here?" Mikoto smirked, her words followed by a bout of laughter. "I am here to follow up on the plan, Sasuke. And whether you realize it or not, you've led your new companion right back into our trap!"

Sasuke merely glared in return, while Akarui whipped his head around.

"You! I knew it! I knew you had no good intention for this family!"

Sasuke's glare found Akarui's gaze, and he grew just as angry. "I have only good intention for your family. Now. I hold them in the highest regard. But this was what I was trying to tell you. My mother has had this planned since the start!"

"Oh, don't be turning against us now, Sasu-chan." Mikoto pouted a little. "We need you to run the company when I'm gone."

"But okaa-san," Itachi whispered from beside her. "I could take over for you, and let this whelp suffer the consequence of betraying us."

"Silence, Itachi," Mikoto snapped, shooting him a warning glance.

Itachi glowered, evidently unhappy.

Sasuke just shook his head, taking a step toward Akarui, who in turn, stepped away. The Haruno though looked greatly confused.

"No, okaa-san."

Mikoto blinked, putting on her 'mother' face, which looked a lot more naïve and sensitive than her tyrant façade. "But…Sasu-chan…you promised me you wouldn't disappoint me."

"Until I realized the true mutiny behind the plot."

Mikoto glared once again, pure vehemence crossing her gaze. "I have been more than obliging to my son's obvious disgrace, but now I'm getting angry," she murmured softly, then glancing at Orochimaru. "Let's finish this and get back to the compound; I'm fed up."

The snake-like man merely nodded, lifting a hand to the air.

Sasuke's face contorted with rage, and he shifted into a fighting stance, moving in front of Akarui.

"What are you doing?!" Akarui demanded in a hiss.

"Saving your life."

And then the order was given, and the Uchiha followers started toward the two, now visible weapons poised and ready for attack.

Disclaimer: I don't own any part of either of these franchises.
Naruto © Misashi Kishimoto
The Lion King © Disney
Akarui, Rakuna, Akaroshi, Nadameru, and any other OC's © Me

A/N: Not as long as I had hoped, but I'm trying to get you guys your next chapters sooner. The final chapters will hold a lot more, I promise, but for now, these will have to do so we can progress farther in the plot before I lose all interest altogether. XD
Thanks for the reviews : )