Chapter 43

I know it was wrong, but I didn't tell everyone about my blood having been collected. There were too many things I didn't have details on. For example, how much of it did they receive in total? Do they simply plan to take it because it tastes good to vampires, or is there another reason?

My gut told me Amegakure had terrible plans. If it's true, and something awful happens, it'll be all my fault. It's my blood, after all.

"Did you see enough to estimate how far along the queen is into her pregnancy?"

A hand brushed mine, snapping me from my thoughts to look at Sasuke and Madara, who were staring expectantly. The king's question finally registered, and I shook my head as though it'd do away with the anxious mindset.

"Oh, I'm not sure. She wasn't showing, so it's likely she's still in her first trimester."

After gaining firsthand experience with Ino and getting some more information after being rescued, I was sure in my response. A vampire's gestational period can vary between twelve and fifteen weeks.

"Good. We have time to locate them before its birth."

The word "its" caught my attention, and my brow furrowed. Fugaku used a word to dis-personify the baby like it's an object rather than a being. That didn't sit well with me. A sick, cold feeling arose in my gut. Regardless of their heritage, no child is born evil. Feeling uneasy, I looked around at the others in the room: Sasuke, Madara, Itachi, Sai, and the king. No one seemed to notice his phrasing, and if they did, they did not care.

I opened my mouth, intending to ask Fugaku his intentions once he finished speaking with his eldest son, but a hand slipped into mine. Sasuke gave a cold expression, subtly shaking his head. He doesn't want me to speak up? Why not? Bewildered, I gritted my teeth but narrowed my eyes. Surely he knows what's bothering me. I chose to adhere to the warning but wasn't happy about it.

By the end of the meeting, a rough plan outline had formed. I'll dive back into Hidan's mind to find information on where the remaining enemies from Amegakure may hide. Small groups of soldiers led by someone trusted by the Uchihas will travel to any locations mentioned. If and when something looks promising, reinforcements will hopefully capture them alive.

It didn't need to be outright said for me to understand that they'll kill all three of them if they have to, even Konan.

I lay with my back turned to Sasuke later that evening, unable to think about anything but Ino. The situation we're in now is similar to what happened in Sonukuni Village. Kaguya saw Ino as an enemy, just like we see Konan. What I can't wrap my head around is that someone so blinded by their grief and power didn't even threaten to harm Inojin, but the people I love, and respect are considering it.

The prince knows I'm upset, too, because he's left me alone since then. As though thinking about it jinxed the fact, the prince suddenly said, "Go to sleep, Sakura." He sounded almost like an exhausted parent trying to get their child to rest. I might've laughed if I wasn't in such a sour mood.

Huffing, I sat up and frowned at him, "I can't."

"They're our enemies. Don't allow yourself to empathize."

Entirely stunned, I turned my upper body to face him with wide eyes, "...Are you serious right now?"

The Uchiha man's frown deepened, "They tortured you. They killed you, Sakura."

"That baby didn't do anything wrong. Why should he have to die for his parent's mistake?"

Sasuke's stern gaze morphed into a glare, "It's not like any of us want things to come to that, but if it's the only way to ensure you're safe, I won't hesitate."

Something akin to disgust washed over me, my mouth opening slightly as I searched the handsome man's face. Not once have we talked about children, but Madara said all vampires want children because it's so hard to conceive. He had to have been wrong, judging Sasuke's demeanor.

I don't know how I feel other than shell-shocked and disappointed. Does this change how I feel about him? It depends on how serious he is about this.

"Don't get upset."

Tears welled in my eyes, but I blinked them back, "Would you really hurt an innocent child, Sasuke?"

He sighed, closing the book in his hands and setting it on the nightstand before offering his full attention, "I would never hurt a baby unless there's no other choice." When my dissatisfaction with his response was evident, he dug the hole he was in deeper, "Listen, you're still recovering your strength. Tsunade said it could take weeks. You're more emotional than usual. Just calm down. You're overreacting."

What the hell did he just say to me?

There's no way he actually thought that would calm me down.

My face fell, and I felt my eyes alight. Sasuke obviously realized his mistake because he groaned, a hand covering his eyes as though he'd developed a headache.

I inhaled, realized how hurtful my words were about to be, lifted my hands, and then gave up as I shook my head, "I don't think I need to tell you how much of an asshole you sound like."

"Sakura, that's not what I meant. Come on."

He's not even going to apologize?

"Sasuke, I love you, but if I stay in here, I'm likely to kill you tonight."

So, teary-eyed and thoroughly pissed off, I left the room. It didn't help that the Uchiha prince could only roll his eyes at me. Not only did he vow to hurt an innocent baby, but he all but laughed at my opinion on the matter. What in the world has gotten into him? He's been perfect ever since he and Madara retrieved me from Tsunade's bar.

I walked down the hall, intending to go downstairs to curl up in front of the fireplace but froze when I passed Madara's door. I know his exact stance on children. He'll agree with me, right? Shooting a glare toward Sasuke and I's room, I knocked on my other master's door.

The moment it opened and his curious expression met my eye, the anger disappeared for some unknown reason. The tears overflowed despite my eyes still burning bright red.

"What happened?"

I sniffled with a red face as I crossed the room to sit heavily in his desk chair, "You'll tell me if I'm overreacting, right?"

He closed the bedroom door and sat on the edge of the bed with a smirk, "Of course."

I explained the awful argument Sasuke and I just had and felt much better after having vented.

"I agree with you, but you also overreacted, Goddess."

Frowning with crossed arms, I waited for his elaboration. Madara laid back on the bed with a sigh, "You can't expect him to want children just because that's the stereotypical male-lead thing to do."

I knew it.

"Don't pout, my dear. You should've known better after seeing how uncomfortable he is with the young prince." The young prince being baby Inojin.

Instinctually, I came to Sasuke's defense, "Hey, he's been trying really hard to get better at it!"

"Yes, to remain on your ever-coveted good side."

Madara's opinion on the situation made sense. Maybe I unintentionally developed expectations because the prince is perfect in every other aspect.

Depressingly, I moved to lay beside him on the bed, lightly intertwining our fingers on one hand, "I'm sorry for coming in here and making you listen to me complain. Especially when…." What I wanted to say was, "Especially when I know you'd give anything to have a family of your own.".

"Don't let the fact that I have actual emotions convince you that I'm so sensitive that mentioning children would have a visceral effect."

Sleeping in Madara's room without Sasuke's knowledge felt a little inappropriate, so I excused myself soon after our little heart-to-heart about the future. When I went to the family room, though, I was surprised to find Temari and Izumi sipping drinks by the fire.

"Oh, Sakura, join us!"

At first, I hesitated, but then I saw the small collection of wine bottles nearby and plopped beside Izumi, grabbed one, and took a big swig right out of the bottle. "Whoa. Take it easy. There's no rush," the brunette snickered.

"Don't mind me. I'm drowning my irritation. Carry on with whatever you were talking about," I waved a dismissive hand, sighing with my eyes wandering to the fire burning in the hearth.

"We were swapping war stories."

"War stories? I thought you were only recently turned, Izumi?"

"Ah, not that kind of war."

Temari, obviously drunk judging by her less stoic than usual demeanor, "Best kisser, go!"

Squealing excitedly, Izumi beamed, "Oh, that's a hard one. Shisui, maybe?"

She nodded at the Sunagakure princess, who tilted her head warmly, "Definitely Koji. He's my current favorite back home."

The two turned their gaze onto me, making a blush appear on my face, "O-Oh, uh, Sasuke."

Temari rolled her eyes, "Boring."

"Don't judge her, now. She's still new to the culture!"

"Ugh, whatever. Let's move on."

Izumi giggled, waggling her eyebrows, "Best experience overall!"

The pair looked at me, and I sighed, taking another large drink rather than answering because they already knew my answer.

"Well, mine's the Nara heir," Temari sighed wistfully, tossing back a swig of wine with studied grace.

Nara? Does she mean Shikamaru, the vampire who helped us with Obito's retrieval?

"It's not Itachi? He's your husband!" The alcohol started kicking in, making my lips looser than usual.

The Suna woman's face fell at the mention of her betrothed. Izumi interrupted with an expression that said she hadn't noticed, "Well, mine is Itachi," she grinned sheepishly at the blonde woman, "Nara must be a real stunner because if he can top that man!"

"You know what? I thought I was adjusting to all this but was wrong!" I shook my head with wide, disbelieving eyes. First, I pointed at Izumi, "How are you comfortable telling Itachi's wife that he's good in bed?" Then, I pointed at Temari, "And why do you look completely unbothered by it? Don't you care even a little?"

The duo glanced at one another, the mood sobering. I feel like I just stumbled into a conversation they didn't want to have.

That being said, Temari straightened her spine and averted her gaze down to her wine glass, "My marriage wasn't born of love, you child. Back then, Gaara and Kankuro pestered me about choosing a husband who would benefit Suna. Itachi's father was doing the same to him. We've been acquaintances for centuries, so we mutually agreed to be married so our families would be happy."

I frowned, "And now?" It was apparent she wasn't finished with her explanation.

"Now, I wish I hadn't gone through with it."

When I glanced at Izumi, she nodded with a somber expression.

"At first, things were going well. Our families left us to ourselves, but it wasn't long before Itachi brought up the concept of having children."

The blonde's gaze hardened, voice becoming monotone, "I know how inhuman I appear to you, Sakura, but I believe it an abomination to knowingly conceive without love."

Suddenly, I recalled the warm look on her face after Ino and I were rescued, and Itachi held Inojin. Then, on the way to Amegakure to save Obito, Itachi mentioned his wife didn't want to start a family. It'd confused me because both seemed open to the idea. Now, I understand. It's not that Temari doesn't want children. It's that she doesn't want children with Itachi.

"Then I met Shikamaru."

The unexpectedly soft tone surprised me, and I paid attention once more.

"We were sat together on the way to Amegakure. In all my years, I've never met a man like him. He's intelligent, sexy, and interesting as a conversation partner."

With a frown, I took another swig of the wine. I know where this is going now.

Temari sniffled, angrily wiping at the few tears that dared betray her, "I've never felt this way about someone before. If only I could go back and…."

She scoffed, shaking her head as she glared at me, "Don't get the wrong idea. Itachi is aware of my feelings and asked my brothers for permission to annul the marriage, but they turned him down, so we didn't bother asking Lord Uchiha."

I shook my head, empathizing with her situation, "I'm not judging you at all. It must be hard, what you're going through," I knew I was pushing it, but I ventured to ask, "How does Shikamaru feel?"

A bitter laugh met my ears, and I averted my gaze to the wine bottle in my hands. I had an inkling what her response would be.

"How does he feel? I haven't told him! What will I say? I'm unable to be properly courted by you because your status isn't high enough for my family's acceptance?"

Drunk and emotional, I teared up, too, "I'm so sorry. I had no idea."

"I might as well come clean, too, while we're having this heart-to-heart," Izumi whispered. Her pretty eyes sparkled with unshed tears, but they were focused on the Suna princess rather than me.

"You've been the most wonderful friend to me, and I've come to love you like a sister," red tinted her cheeks as she childishly fell into sobs, obviously more drunk than anyone realized, "I-I really like Itachi!"

When I came downstairs earlier, I didn't expect much drama and information to await me. If anything, at least I'm distracted from my argument with Sasuke earlier.

It was the furthest thing from my mind as Izumi cried, Temari reassuringly rubbing the girl's back, "I know. I have a premonition he's also taken an interest in you."

The younger vampire sniffled, wiping messily at her tears, "Y-You do?"

"The look in his eye when you're speaking is something I've never witnessed before. When I asked, he denied it, but he's too polite to admit to me that he has feelings for another, regardless of the circumstances of our betrothal."

I covered my face, crying more heavily at the two women's tragic stories, "Isn't there something you can do?"

"To annul a marriage, both Gaara and Lord Uchiha would need to-" "Oh my, ladies! Is everything alright?"

The three of us turned to see the queen approaching us with a concerned furrow on her brow. We were all three trashed and crying, after all. I gasped. If there's anyone that can sway Fugaku's opinion, it's Mikoto. When I thought about it, Matsuri's very close to both Subaku brothers, too. She'd undoubtedly try if I asked her to work on wearing down Gaara and Kankuro. A plan began to form.

"Temari, Izumi, can I tell her?" The pair looked at me like I'd grown a second head but then nodded at one another. Mikoto gracefully sat on the plush rug with us, eyes attentive as I explained to her what they'd just explained to me.

"This is quite the dilemma, I'm afraid," she mused sadly once I was finished.

All three of us younger women pouted, nearing tears again, only for her to notice and gracefully make a soothing gesture with her hands, "It will be difficult, but as a mother, how could I not help?"

She smiled warmly at Temari, "Sweetheart, please don't worry about my perception of you. True love doesn't consider the rest of one's life when arriving. I appreciate how respectful and honest you've been to my son, and I know he does, too."

Then she turned her gaze onto Izumi, who blushed sheepishly, "I know I'm not pure-blooded. I don't even know if he feels the same way about me, but I-" "You needn't concern yourself with such things. If my Itachi is to find love with you, I support it wholeheartedly."

To my surprise, Mikoto then looked at me, her grin tugging wider as though my drunken appearance was amusing, "And you, my dear Sakura. Don't be discouraged. I see you as my daughter, no matter how long it takes my son to overcome his pride."

Before we could respond, she put her palms together in a praying fashion, "If we stand a chance at convincing the king, we need to start now."

I was surprised by the uncharacteristically girlish excitement the queen offered, as though we were sharing gossip.

"Sakura, your job is to have Madara convince my husband that the Nara boy should stay in the castle to assist with strategizing. You also need to write the Lady of Suna to explain the situation so she can begin helping on that end of things."

Izumi smiled eagerly when it was her turn for orders, "You are to get as close to Itachi as possible. That way, you can gauge whether he's interested. Even if he isn't, it would be good for Fugaku to see you two together."

She then moved on to Temari, "And you, Honey, should use this opportunity to get closer to Shikamaru. The sooner you find out how he feels about you, the sooner we can decide whether or not to include him in our plan."

A drunken pact was made between three drunk women and a queen. Life outside the castle was crazy, dangerous, and even depressing at times, but it's nice to have something non-life-threatening to focus on in the meantime.