Sakura's POV

I squint my eyes, and stare off into space, as I grab my chin gently, and thoughts began flooding my mind.

How am I supposed to catch Uchiha if he blackmails me? I don't want to put Naruto's life at risk, but I also want to take this bastard's ass to jail. He's killing way too many people, yet it seems like he doesn't give a care in the world. I also don't understand why he would save me from those men. If I were in his place, I would want me dead.

"Haruno, you okay?"

I snap out of my trance, and look at Naruto. I give him a reasurring smile, "Yeah, just thinking."

"What about?" Sai asks.

I sigh, "Have you guys noticed how he doesn't hide the bodies? He just leaves them there."

Kakashi nods, "I never really thought about it. Maybe he's not as smart as we thought?"

"No, he's smart. He knows what he's doing, but why leave the bodies out to rot where investigators will find them? It's pointless."

"Y'know," Naruto begins, "It could just be me, but I think he does kill criminals."

Everyone directs their attention towards Naruto, including me.

He continues, "I mean, think about it. The four victims we saw all had some kind of criminal record. Assults to be specific. Maybe he's doing this for the good of others."

I couldn't help but smirk at Naruto. He could be right. Uchiha was watching me get harrassed by those men at South Avenue, and that gave him an excuse to kill them. That doesn't explain why he took my gun though.

Kakashi shakes his head, "No, no, no. I refuse to believe that yet. There are still 15 other victims that have the same neck wound. It could just be coincidence that the last 4 had a criminal record. We can't make conclusions this quick in the investigation. I have a bad feeling about him. I don't believe this theory."

I scoff, "You're baseing this off of personal opinion. This is a good theory that needs to be kept in mind. Maybe it was coincidence, but this is the best explanation we've got so far. Just because you hate the guy, doesn't mean Naruto's theory is wrong."

"Hm," Kakashi starts, "You're right. My mistake." He sighs, "I've been doing this for years, and some of these cases are just skeptical to me. I don't want to believe in Uchiha's innocent attempt at justice, because every case I have solved has never had a single suspect give a good reason to murder or steal."

"Well," Sai starts, "Perhaps this could be the first case where someone has a good reason to murder."

I nod, "True, but let's not jump to conclusions quite yet. I have my doubts about this theory, but it seems legit to me. Until we gather more evidence, I say we put in word that this is a sign of justice. Let's not defend the Uchiha quite yet."

The chief's door slams open, "We've got seven more!"

~*~*~*~*~*~

"This is. . . Crazy." Naruto said, his eyes wide as he stared at the bodies in front of him.

I gulped, trying not to show my nervousness.

"How is this even possible? Seven guys at once is a bit extreme." Sai stated.

Kakashi places his hand on my shoulder, "You okay?"

"I was right. He was in South Avenue and no one believed me."

I know it's not a good idea to say this, especially since I was around when Sasuke did this, but I couldn't resist the urge to announce I was right. I mean, I wouldn't have had to go here by myself, if it weren't for Kakashi and the rest not believing me about his location. Damn, I shouldn't even be calling Uchiha by his first name, even if it is in my mind. . . This whole thing is just such a mess.

Naruto sighs, "It's not that we didn't believe you, Sakura. It's the fact it seems too early to be going where ever we want to find him."

I slap Kakashi's hand from my shoulder and glare at Naruto, "If we want to solve this case and capture him, then we have to go through risky measures! Even if we're wrong about something location wise, we should still take the chance and go for it. Otherwise, we won't get anywhere with this investigation, and you know it!"

"Sakura. . ." Naruto frowned.

"You all know I'm right. We aren't rookies anymore, especially you Hatake. This could be the hardest case we've ever done. We have a fast and smart criminal on our hands, and if we don't go to locations we think he's hiding at, then what's the point? Just trust me, okay?"

Sai replied, "So what? You want us to start investigating the area now?"

I shook my head, "Not today. Tomorrow. I have a good idea on where he's hiding. . ."

~*~*~*~*~*~

I unlock my door, and walk into the apartment. After what happened the other day, I get skeptical on whether or not someone is in here. I get my gun out just in case, but stop myself. Even if he is in here, would I really want to threaten him? He'll just blackmail me even more, and I don't want that.

I throw my bag down on the floor, and walk in the bathroom. I stare at myself in the mirror for the longest time, and examine myself. I have come to the conclusion that I'm not conceted, but I know I'm at least a little attractive. Everywhere I go, men tend to flirt with me, but I usually shrug them off and walk away. It seems as though I never make an effort to go on dates or meet guys. I mean, I'm 25. My Mom and Dad live in a whole other part of the world for work reasons, so I've been feeling lonely since I moved out to pursue my dream of becoming a detective. It's rare for Naruto to visit, and I've slowly drifted apart from my other friends, whom I was close to in Highschool. It's sad, really. Maybe I should try to hang out with people more. Whether it's friends, or dating wise. I never make time for myself to be social with others, so maybe it's time for me to start.

After a while of thinking, I decide to leave the bathroom. It's not too late. Maybe 9 or 10, but it's pretty early for me. My damn pizza is of course gone, so I have no food. God, I hate that Uchiha.

I need to get groceries before I die of hunger.

~*~*~*~*~*~        

After shopping at a 24/7 grocery store, I get in my apartment, and put all the groceries away, and go into my room to change into some pajamas for bed. When I walk into my room, I stop. I don't know whether or not to be mad or surprised. Maybe both?

I walk up to my bed-side table, and tilt my head at what's on the surface. The Uchiha's left me another note, but that's not all. Laying on top of the letter is what seems to be a rose, but without the flower part, which just leaves the green stem and red, sharp thorns. Is he trying to scare me? No, this is a sign of dominance from my perspective.

I pick up the note and read it.

Everything I'm doing has a purpose.

I furrow my eyebrows, and hear footsteps behind me. No. . . It can't be. He can't possibly be here, is he? I spin around, and my question is answered. He's standing in the doorway like he lives here. This bastard. . .

"Why are you here?" I ask, glaring at him.

He sends me a glare back, but 100 times stronger, "To warn you."

I stay silent, and he continues, "If you plan on investigating my wareabouts outside South Avenue, don't."

I scoff, "Since when should I have to listen to you?!"

His glare grows stronger, "Are you really going to ask that?"

Once again, I'm silent and he continues, "Go there, and I'll kill that blonde dobe on the spot."

My lips turn to a sad frown and I say, "I'm just doing my job."

"Hn, like I care," He turns around, preparing to exit the apartment, "Go there, and he's dead." Then he began walking.

"You won't do it!" I scream.

Uchiha's head slightly turns towards me and he smirks, "Try me." He begins to leave again.

I clench my hands in fists, crumbling the note. My anger meter begins to rise, and I charge at him with his back turned to me. I bring my fist up, and try to target his head. He turns around, grabs my hand, and shoves me against the wall hard. He puts both my wrists in one hand, and places my hands above my head. I try to struggle out, but his grip is too strong. I grit my teeth at him.

I keep struggling, "Let go of me!"

He scoffs, "I don't see why people call you amazing. You're the weakest detective I've been confronted with."

I bring my knee up, but he pushes my body against the wall harder.

"Stop." He demands.

"N-no." I close my eyes, too embarressed to look at him. He's defeated me once again.

His grip tightens around my wrists, "Look at me."

I keep my eyes shut.

"Don't make me repeat myself." His grip begins bruising my wrists.

I try to scream, but he places his hand over my mouth, and says, "Don't think I'm going to be the nice guy I was yesterday and show you mercy. Now open your damn eyes and look at me, or this will become more painful for you." His voice is harsh.

I open my eyes slowly and look at him. He takes his hand off my mouth.

"Do you see my eyes?" Uchiha says, pointing at his eyes, "All seriousness is held within them."

I feel like crying, but I hold back the tears. I'm supposed to be stronger than this. . .

He continues, "This is the last time I'll say it. Go to back to South Avenue, and I'll kill your friend. Do you understand me?"

I finally speak, "How do you expect me to do that? It's already been confirmed that we're doing an investigation tomorrow."

He lets go of me, "That's your problem, not mine."

Uchiha begins walking away from me.

"Wait." I say softly. He stops.

"That note. . ." I stare at his back, "What does it mean?"

He is still turned away from me when he says, "That's for you to figure out yourself."

Then he leaves.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Sorry for the late update! I've been busy playing my new Pokemon game, haha.

Anyway, I hope you all had a Merry Christmas! (I know I did, I got a real Katana! Now I'm the girl version of Sasuke Uchiha. Pff, no. I'm not that strong xD)

Ta Ta ;D

~Kit_Katzzz