This is the continuation of Competition.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Sakura Haruno could not seem to grasp the concept of competition. Throughout her life, she always thought fairness outweighed competitiveness. Sure, she understands not everyone plays fair. In her eyes, she believes if everyone competed fairly, no one would strive to defeat their rivals. In a way, Sakura faced the reality of all of it. The moment her top business rival spoke those words to her, made Sakura realize what business really is.

There's never fairness in the business world.

How did it take her this long to understand? Competitive business is like a game. The player with the most points wins. But in this particular situation, the company willing to pay the most money wins. You either get a billboard, or you don't. All of that depends on money.

It seems like money is all the world wants these days. In everyone's eyes, pieces of paper weigh more than love and happiness. Because to them, money is love and happiness. I guess you could say Sakura Haruno thinks quite differently from the rest of them. She believes that no matter how much money you have, it could never come close to what love and happiness brings you.

~*~*~*~*~*~

"Sakura, good news," Her crimson-haired assistant started, "The billboard company has given Haruno Web Industries the spot on the highway."

She turned to him, and squinted her eyes, "How? The Uchiha Corp won that location."

Gaara shrugged, "Apparently Sasuke Uchiha dropped the request, and we were the second highest bid."

Sakura slammed her fist down on her desk, "That bastard."

Her assistant tilted his head in a questioning manner, "What happened at that party anyway?"

The pinkette sighed, "Nothing really happened. I just told him how unfair he was. This is all out of pity."

"I don't see what the problem is. We have the highway, which means more business."

She shook her head, "I understand that, but everyone knows there is no fairness in the business world."

He crossed his arms, "So do you want to give up the spot?"

"No," Sakura glanced at him, "It'd be idiotic not to take the spot, but I'm not letting this go."

~*~*~*~*~*~

Stepping out of her million dollar Fiat, the sound of the doors locking was heard throughout the area. She adjusted her long, white trench coat, and she walked confidently towards the large building, but not without the sound of her heels echoing under her feet. The air was crisp, and the setting sun left traces of orange and pink in the sky. Men stared at her in awe, while envious woman gawked at her. Who could blame them? Rich, beautiful, successful, and kind were all anyone could ever hope to make themselves.

Others dressed professionally who exited the building knew who this pink-headed woman was, and they were baffled by her sudden appearance in this area. Indeed, Sakura knew what they were thinking. She herself has never stepped foot in this building.

This successful corporation belonged to her business rival. That's right, she was walking into the Uchiha Corp.

Owned by Sasuke Uchiha.

Once the pinkette entered the building, she walked to the receptionist's desk, and leaned forward. The red-haired woman with glasses looked bewildered.

The emerald-eyed woman gave her a smile, "Hello, I'm here to see Sasuke Uchiha."

Composing herself, she glared, "State your business."

"That is confidential. You're not important in this matter, so I have no right to tell you." She replied, keeping a fake smile.

"Listen up, Sakura Haruno," The receptionist replied, still glaring. Sakura gave her a questioning look, and she continued, "Yeah, that's right. I know who you are. That disgusting pink hair can never go unnoticed. I saw you at the business party and if you go after my Sasuke-kun, I swear to Kami-sama, I'll-"

"You'll what," She smirked, "Try to seduce your Sasuke to make me mad? Go for it. I could care less, Karin."

The red-head widened her eyes, "How did you-"

"Your name tag. Glasses make you look intellectual, but obviously you don't have the intelligence to know I can read a name tag. How sad."

She grit her teeth, "Why you little-"

"That's enough." A voice cut Karin off.

Sakura turned to the voice and smiled, "It's been a while, Itachi."

He nodded, "Indeed it has, Ms. Haruno. It's quite unexpected to see you here."

"I'm just here to see your brother."

Itachi smirked, "I see, I'll take you to him then. Ignore Karin, she tries to intimidate every woman who wants to see Sasuke."

Sakura began walking with Itachi to the elevator, "She fails at intimidation."

He chuckled, "I'm aware of that."

After going 17 levels up the elevator, the older Uchiha walked her to a wide door, and he pecked on it.

"Sasuke, someone is here to see you."

On the other side of the door, he responded, "I don't care to see anyone at the moment."

"Don't be so foolish. You'll want to see this one."

Without waiting for a response, Itachi opened the door for Sakura. Once the pinkette walked in, Itachi closed the door behind her, and she and Sasuke were the only ones in the large room. Scanning him, Sakura noticed how he didn't even look up at her, but instead stared at his computer screen.

"Why'd you do it?" She asked.

Finally, the younger Uchiha looked up at her and smirked, while crossing his arms, "Nice to see you too."

"Just answer my question. I'm in a hurry."

He exhaled, "How unfortunate, because so am I. I have a date to attend to tonight, so I don't have time to answer your silly question."

The pink-headed woman scoffed, "You're a bastard, y'know that? Why did you give up the billboard spot on the highway?"

"I don't have an obligation to-"

She cut him off, "Just answer my damn question! You're pissing me off!"

Sasuke's smirk grew, and he stood up from his seat. Walking towards his rival, he placed himself in front of the pikette, towering over her.

"Glare all you want, Haruno. You don't scare me."

Gritting her teeth, she groaned, "Kami-sama, you're hopeless! I absolutely despise you!"

Staring at her, he replied, "Calm down. You'll distract my employees."

"Why you-" The Uchiha cut her off, by placing a strand of pink hair behind her ear.

"I did it because I know how much you wanted that location." Sasuke put his hand down.

She shook her head, "That's not how it's supposed to be," Her voice was soft and quiet, "You're supposed to want to beat me, not help me."

He leaned closer to her, "Consider this a peace offering."

"What?" She questioned.

"I don't want to be your rival anymore."

Sakura widened her eyes, "Why? There's always rivalry in the business world."

"Just accept the offer." He retorted.

She turned away from him, not wanting to meet the Uchiha's charming gaze, "I suppose I will. I'll be going now."

Once her hand was on the door handle, she also said, "Enjoy your date."

"Hn."

Once Sakura left the room, she saw Itachi standing near the door way and she nodded towards him as a goodbye.

Once the pinkette was gone, Sasuke appeared at the doorway, and Itachi looked at him.

"Date, huh? Foolish little brother, look at the woman you let leave."

Sasuke smirked, "There is no date. I'm going to make plans with her."

The older Uchiha squinted, "And how are you going to do that? She's as stubborn as ever."

"She'll accept," He looked at his older brother, "I'll call her later."

"Good choice, little brother."