Arrangements

6

THREE YEARS LATER

When Itachi had maneuvered himself into this arrangement, he had anticipated several things. His father's objections, the clan's objections, Sasuke's unfounded jealousy, and the resolvement of all three. The need to help educate his future wife on what he was expecting out of their partnership, the truth about his motives to join their clans. He had anticipated putting work and effort into cultivating a successful relationship with his much younger fiancé, and been rewarded with a mutual friendship and genuine - if childish - affection. He has, however, been surprised over the years, much to his, well, surprise .

He had hoped, though not necessarily expected, to grow to genuinely enjoy rather than merely endure his fiancé's company. He had expected the majority of his clan to take a dislike to the girl he had chosen, but over the years of her visits, she had won over more than he had thought possible. It is still not a miracle, but it is something surprising. However, what has surprised him the most, he admits, is finding himself outmaneuvered by a thirteen-year old girl.

Having not yet decided to join the Leaf ninja, Sakura had attended Sasuke's graduation last year standing next to Itachi, proud of him and the friends she had made among his classmates. The pressure for her to take the exams and gratitude herself had begun by Fugaku, though before Itachi could end it, Sakura had stood up on her own and reasoned with him.

"My loyalty is and always will be with Itachi, as my fiancé and future husband. He will lead my clan with me, and I will lead his with him. His loyalty lies with this village. I go where he goes. Therefore, I am already loyal to Konoha. Becoming a Leaf ninja will have no affect on this. If, or when, I become one I will honor it. But for now, Lord Fugaku, I feel I have much more to learn," she had said, back straight and lovely green eyes filled with determination. Polite and respectful, she had bowed. Twelve and a perfect example of a proper heiress, his father had been quietly impress. Itachi himself had found himself unacceptably smug at the way things were turning out. Truthfully, he hopes that Sakura will never join the ranks of Leaf ninja. He wants her to be strong and able to fight, but he does not wish for her to be subjected to that kind of violence. He'd been unable to keep Sasuke away from it, but his clan had so much less power over his fiancé, and he will keep it that way. Apparently though, so will she.

However, in wake of this, Itachi has been planning to slowly take over her training. He has been searching for a more permanent master for her to study under, and has been planning to have her permanently moved to Konoha by her fifteenth year. Lady Mebuki has been allowing Sakura to travel on diplomatic missions as the heiress to the Haruno clan, preparing her for her responsibilities. Although glad that Sakura is gaining experience of the world, Itachi does not like not having control over it. His plans are slowly moving forward, the rope around Danzo's neck growing tighter, the fall trap under the elder's' feet being cocked and ready to spring...Orochimaru and the Akatsuki promising future complications. The sooner he secures Sakura by his side, finally, the better.

So on her thirteenth summer, when she comes to visit him with a legendary Sannin, he is...surprised.

"Itachi! I've missed you," the girl laughs, cheeks bright pink and eyes bright. She's had moments of shyness around him over the years, and he suspects she is becoming infatuated with him. She is still a girl, but soon she will be a young woman, and he hopes to be able to return her feelings by then. Now, she's too young for him to consider, but he is awfully fond of her nonetheless. A friend, and a promising partner, she remains for now.

He returns her familiar hug, looking curiously over her head at the Lady Tsunade, who stands behind Sakura looking extremely amused. "It is good to see you again, Sakura," he replies, running a hand through her shoulder-length pink hair and rubs a few strands of it between his fingers. He's meeting her at the gate, as usual. "And it is a pleasant surprise to see you, Lady Tsunade."