Pawns and Power
"Oh I'm so sorry, my prince. I did not know these lands were thine domain. Please do not strike me down with thine fury!" She jested. She watched the Uchiha's brow furrow with anger. However, he did not speak further. Honestly, the boy was very easy to rile up. No doubt this was one of the things she was supposed to be observing. She only hoped that she did not receive a headache like the last time.
"Ahem, the joking aside. I did not mean to interrupt you. Continue with your training. I'm just going to collect some herbs," she claimed. She then waved him goodbye. Sasuke turned around and resumed what he had been doing.
Naruto continued to watch this. Even from where he sat, he could see the motions of blood which made Sasuke turn his head. Though the Uchiha tried very hard to hide it, Naruto could see that the academy student was entirely enraptured by his servant.
And yet, Naruto did not know why. Perhaps that 'Kaa-chan' comment needed looking into. Then again, if Sasuke wanted a mother, then who was Naruto to deny him? After all, the Kyuubi jinchuuriki was known for his selfless attitude.
Meanwhile, Sasuke kept on training. He tried various kunai and shuriken practice targets. He performed the katas of Uchiha Clan taijutsu, and he performed the basic handsigns for the Katon techniques which he was able to use. However, no matter how hard he tried, his eyes lingered on the woman for longer than he would have liked.
She was the one who had delivered that videotape to him, and the voice behind it had said so many things which angered him. However, none of them was more than...Konoha having ordered his brother to kill his clan. If that was true then, the village would be the next to face his wrath!
Yet, why would someone tell him this? Was it to make him give up his revenge on Itachi? Was it to make him hate Konoha? Or was it even some cruel joke that he had unknowingly been a pawn in a grander scheme? Either way, he absolutely hated it.
Sasuke walked over to the woman and stood before her. "I have a question for you," he quickly claimed. He stood over her, his shadow blocking her from collecting what she needed. However, the young Uchiha failed to see the smile which came on Uzumei's lips.
The young woman turned around. "Oh? Well since you have questions, would you mind helping me pick some herbs? You can just place them in the basket," She said. She could hear the Uchiha give a slight curse, but he must have held his tongue because she heard no retort.
Minutes seemed to pass by in slow motion as Sasuke picked the herbs around the field. Whether he was aware of it or not, the young Uchiha stole glances at the woman of red hair while she pulled vegetation by its roots from the earth. However, he never could have known that she knew he was watching her.
He did not know why looking at her made him so angry. Every time he looked at her it was as if knots were turning in his stomach. Unwelcome thoughts of his mother intruded into his mind without rest. Nightmares of that night became more frequent, but they were also accompanied by those...bittersweet memories from before then.
Sasuke had enough of the silence. "Who is your boss? What does he want with me?" Sasuke asked. Uzumei was fairly certain that they were safe. She did not know how she knew this, but she was pretty confident. So...she spoke.
"The first question I can't tell you. You haven't proven yourself privy to that information yet. As for the second question, he...originally didn't seek you, but...I asked him to. I had been watching you a long time, Sasuke. I know what it's like, that desire for vengeance, that loneliness which no one else understands, and...lies carried by those you once thought closest.
When I learned what this village did to you, just as they had done to me, I knew you would be perfect for our organization. We will give you the strength to bring your enemies to their knees," she claimed.
Sasuke tried to keep the smile off his face. That sounded too good to be true. There was no way this was all they wanted. He didn't say it, but behind the woman's gentle tone laid a fiery sting of rage that resonated within him. So she too had been stung by betrayal and suffering as he had. Unfortunately, the woman didn't wait for his reply. However, she handed him two cards.
"You're just like me, Sasuke. People offering sympathies, pity, and condolences, like these herbs. They offer relief for a moment, but they only remind you of the pain when they are gone. This village, Sasuke, is profiting its happiness of the lives of our families. If you will join us, give this red card to Uzumaki Naruto. He is a central part of our plans though he is unaware of it yet.
I hear he's the dead last of the academy, yet even he has his uses...pathetic as he is. If you don't wish to embark upon your revenge, then place this blue card back here in the field. We won't meet again," she said. She then did something which surprised the young Uchiha. She kissed him on top of his head. His body shivered. That...was almost like his mother used to do.
He watched her leave without a word. He then looked down at the two cards in his hands. Uchiha Sasuke suddenly growled. What use could the dobe have in his revenge against Itachi? Even more than that, what did she mean the village gained its happiness from his family and hers? There were too many questions and not enough answers. However, there was one thing he did understand. They had power, and that was enough for him.
Naruto and Yugao watched Sasuke leave the area. Not a minute later did Uzumei appear at the bottom of the tree they had been on. The blonde found himself clapping. "Excellent performance, Uzumei-chan. Perhaps I should have you working for movies," he replied. Uzumei wasn't sure if that was a compliment or not, but she decided to take it as one.
"Naruto-sama, if I may ask, why would you want me to be close to him? I thought you hated him," Uzumei said. She watched Naruto lean his head back against the bark of the tree. A smirk appeared. There was no indication that this smirk held any evil intent, but the look of bloodlust in the blonde's eyes was hard to miss.
"Because Uzumei-chan, the best type of corruption...is willing corruption," Naruto replied.
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