Shoi's smirk deepened. "Something personal, something to show me how far you're willing to go. Let's say… a kiss," he said.
While he wasn't interested in forcing her, he needed to complete the system's mission to get stronger. Otherwise, he'd end up just like Naruto—dead.
Strength was essential, no matter what it took, even if it meant taking advantage of Sakura. He was also curious to see Sasuke's reaction when he found out about Sakura being with someone else when he woke up.
"One simple kiss, Sakura, and I'll give you everything you want to know."
Sakura felt the bile rise in her throat. A kiss? It was humiliating, disgusting, but not nearly as bad as what she had feared.
For a moment, she considered it—just to get the answers, just to know the truth behind Naruto's death. But her pride screamed against it.
She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "You think a kiss is worth the truth? You seriously think I'll stoop that low for a few crumbs of information?"
Shoi raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying her reaction. "It's just the start. If you want more… maybe I'll ask for something more." He winked.
Sakura's jaw clenched, fury bubbling just beneath the surface. "You're disgusting," she spat, taking a step back. "You want to use me to feel powerful? To control me?"
He laughed softly, the sound grating on her ears. "I'm offering you what you want, Sakura. The real question is, how much do you value the truth?"
For a brief moment, she was tempted to unleash her full power, to break his smug face into the ground, but her mind caught on something—his arrogance, his confidence. He had the backing of the Hyuga, and any rash move could ignite a fire she wasn't ready to deal with.
Her mind raced, calculating her next move.
Sakura's eyes narrowed as she thought her options carefully. But instead of backing down or lashing out, she straightened, her resolve hardening like steel. If he thought she was weak, easily manipulated, he had no idea who he was dealing with.
She smiled, a cold and dangerous smile. "Fine, Shoi. You want something intimate?" Her voice softened, becoming almost seductive as she leaned closer, her lips barely an inch from his ear. "Here's something you should know… I could tear you apart in less than a second."
His breath hitched as her words sank in, the threat laced with dark intent.
Sakura leaned back, her expression now icy, her eyes flashing with resolve. "You want to play games with me? I could have you begging for mercy before you even get the chance to blink."
Shoi swallowed, his confidence visibly faltering. But before he could respond, Sakura took it a step further, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
"You've got the Hyuga backing you? Fine. But what will they do when I tell them how you tried to blackmail me? You think they'll protect you after that? Or will they let me finish you off, just to save their reputation?"
The smirk on his face wavered, his eyes flickering with uncertainty.
Sakura leaned in one last time, her tone full of deadly promise. "So, you've got two choices, Shoi. Tell me what I want to know, or I'll make sure the Hyuga Clan knows exactly what kind of man they're protecting. And trust me, I'll enjoy watching them take you down."
The tension shifted, and for the first time, Shoi seemed to realize he wasn't as in control as he thought. His smirk faded.
Sakura straightened, her eyes locked on him, waiting for his answer.
Shoi's lips tightened.
"Hmm, Sakura, I underestimated you," Shoi admitted, his tone lacking its earlier bravado. Inwardly, he cursed himself—what the hell was he thinking? If he had taken it slow, he could have easily trapped her. But no matter, he knew how to turn the tables once more.
Shoi straightened up.
He took a deep breath, forcing his expression to shift back into one of confident nonchalance. "But you should know, Sakura, that the game is far from over."
"There's something you don't know about me."
Sakura narrowed her eyes, her instincts screaming at her not to trust him. "What do you mean?"
Shoi chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Let's just say I have a way of making things… difficult for those who cross me." He leaned in even closer, his breath chilling against her ear. "If you think you can threaten me, think again. I have ways to make you regret it."
Her heart sank as she processed his words.
He could see the flicker of doubt in her eyes and seized the moment, pushing forward. "Imagine what would happen if something were to happen to Sasuke. You wouldn't want to find out what I'm capable of if you push me too far."
Sakura clenched her fists, anger bubbling beneath the surface, but she forced herself to stay calm. "You wouldn't dare—"
"Wouldn't I?" he interrupted, his confidence flooding back. "You see, I know the power of fear. It can be a wonderful tool. If you don't want to play my game, I can make sure you regret it."
His voice took on a persuasive edge as he continued. "I'm offering you a chance, but it comes with strings attached. You want the truth about Naruto? It could be yours. But if you continue to resist me, I'll have no choice but to show you just how serious I am."
The weight of his words settled in the air between them, and for a moment, silence hung heavy, each of them lost in their own thoughts.
Sakura gritted her teeth, determination surging within her. "You think you can just manipulate me into doing what you want? I'm not a pawn in your game, Shoi."
"Of course, you're not," he replied smoothly, a sly smile creeping back onto his face. "You're a player too. But in this game, players make sacrifices to win. All I need is for you to prove you're willing to make that sacrifice."
Sakura's brow furrowed, trying to grasp his meaning. "What are you saying?"
He leaned in closer, his voice low and dangerous. "I want you to sacrifice your autonomy to me. if you will, and in exchange, I'll give you the truth about Naruto. You'll have access to everything I know, every detail that could help you."