~Bulletproof~ SasuSaku Mafia Story

Chapter 23 ~ The Prophecy

Kabuto sat blindfolded on a cold metal chair with his hands and feet tied tightly. The concept of time had left him completely as he sank into the darkness of his thoughts. He knew this day would come, he'd just wished it wasn't so soon. He sat in anticipation of what was to come, though he knew it all too well, as he was fully familiar with the Uchiha protocols.

He had played a high risk high reward game, so this was an outcome Kabuto had considered and expected over the past few months. He'd mentally prepared himself, but the smell of concrete and the feel of cold cement on his legs had him unnerved. You can not ever fully prepare for torture.

"He's all set in the cell, I notified Shukaku and he's on his way. Anything else you need, Sasuke?"

It was the morning of July 14, the day before the ballroom event. Shisui rushed into Sasuke's office. They had about a day to gather information from the moles and prepare for the next day. The mansion staff had spent over a week preparing everything for the big event. The invites had been sent, the furniture was arranged, decorations put up, catering sorted out and the bar fully stocked.

"What about Karin?" Sasuke took off his blazer and rolled up his sleeves. It was going to be messy.

"We still have not located her, she just disappeared. I sent Sakon and his team after her, will keep you posted."

Sasuke nodded and walked past Shisui and toward the basement.

Sakura was sitting at a kitchen table in one of the guest lounges with Sui and Tobi. They each had a bowl of oatmeal in front of them and ate in silence. The men at the table both agreed it was reckless to have Sakura at the ball, but did not want to freak her out by expressing much concern.

Sakura had to force down each bite of her breakfast. She had spent time with Kabuto. She had spent time with Karin. Even though it was unpleasant and uncomfortable each time, to her they were real people. It was different with Danzo. To her, he was more of an evil idea, a cruel presence that represented the enemy. She'd never seen or met him so she couldn't tie the name to an actual person - hence, she was much more comfortable with him suffering due to her involvement.

But this was different. Because of her work, two people she'd interacted with were going to... actually, she didn't really know what would happen to the two moles.

"Sui?"

"Yes babygirl?" He was happy someone broke the silence.

"What happens now?"

"What do you mean? Like, after we eat?"

"I mean to Kabuto... and Karin..." her voice sounded faint, like she didn't really want to hear the answer.

"Sakura... I think it's best if you don't think about that." Tobi intervened sharply, "You did your job exceptionally well. They knew the consequences of their actions."

"But what will happen? Will they be shot dead?"

The men exchanged a look that freaked her out even more.

"Tell me! I deserve to know what I've done to them!"

"You have done nothing to them. They did it to themselves." Tobi put aside his food.

"But there's nuance, Tobi! Maybe they were forced, or pressured, or threatened!" Sakua became increasingly agitated.

"We can not blame circumstances for our actions, you know. They did what they did, and they will get what they deserve."

Sakura looked down. What a ruthless perspective to carry with you. People come from different experiences and backgrounds, so it made sense to her why Obito thought this way. She'd heard how the clan involved in Rin's demise had been eradicated for most part by the Uchiha, therefore Obito couldn't afford to think differently. He couldn't afford to question whether the Hyuuga deserved what they got or if they were 'victims of circumstance,' as Sakura had put it. She was in a different world right now - a world of survivors, a world of predators. Her 'civilian' outlook on life felt foreign to these people. Sakura felt oddly singled out and outcast.