It's been 3 years since I last saw him. Since I last saw that trademark smirk of his, and the way his hair would always spike up at the back. I'd gotten over the fact that he'd probably never return until he had fulfilled his goal or ambition as he referred to it as. That one goal that caused so much hatred and destruction in his heart that at times even I felt trapped and afraid. I knew I could never convince him to return because I would always, and will always be annoying to him, but to have turned down his "brother" as well as best friend was truly shocking to everyone, especially Naruto who doesn't just give up that easily, because well that's not his way of the ninja. After being called weak countless times, and not just by Sasuke, but by others as well, made, me realise I needed to change. I decided that change was good and that i was no longer gonna be the weak kunoichi that depended on everyone else during missions and watched their backs. No! I would now be an independent girl and wherever i would go, people would know that it was me, Haruno Sakura walking there. So after 3 long years of endless training, i had finally gotten stronger. I knew that i had no special jutsu, so i decided to become a medic-nin as i always wanted to help people, i just never imagined that at the age of 15, i would be one of the best medics in the world. Not only was i a medic-nin, but i also had this monstrous strength that paid off really well during battle. So i guess you could say i was happy right? But i couldn't shake off the feeling that something was missing. Not even Naruto could fill that feeling of emptiness, although he tried numerous times with his dates, but he also moved on after i convinced him to go out with Hygaa Hinata, who at the time nearly fainted from happiness. Even Ino moved on from our childhood rivalry over Sasuske and is now pursuing Nara Shikamaru even though he turned her down countless times, saying that girls were too "troublesome". Everyone was happy with the exception of me and with the death of my parents wasn't helping with the situation either. I took my mind off things by accepting a whole lot of missions from Tsunade-shishou as well as to help me in the upcoming Jounin exmas. I had accepted a simple C-rank mission to Suna and i was actually looking forward to seeing Gaara, Temari and Kankurou, but little did i know that this mission would change my life completely...

I had an hour to prepare before i was due to leave for Suna, so i decided to get some medical supplies and say goodbye to everyone. Fortunately, i was already in my ninja attire so i didn't have to go back home. I'd let my hair grow out again as my parents liked it that way, so it was now ¾ down my back. After preparing and collecting my supplies, i went to say goodbye to Naruto, Kakashi and Sai. Sai probably didn't care if i left, but i knew the other two would miss me, even if i was just leaving for a short while.

SAKURA-CHAN! Konohas no.1 most unpredictable, not to mention noisy ninja, Uzumaki Naruto, come running down the road to the main gates, along with Kakashi-sensei and Sai in tow.

"Jeesh Naruto, could you be any louder!"

"Sorry Sakura-chan, i'm just gonna miss you thats all." I couldn't help smiling at this.

"I'll only be gone for a few days, but I'll miss you to Naruto, Kakashi-sensei and Sai as well."

"Come back safetly, Sakura-san" Kakashi- sensei said, sounding like an older brother.

"Don't worry Kakashi-sensei, I'll be back soon. I guess i better be going now, say goodbye to everyone else for me." As i turned to leave i could faintly hear Sai saying "See you Ugly" and Naruto swearing him out. Aah, those 3, i'd miss them. It would be really boring without them; i just hoped i wouldn't encounter any missing-nin along the way.

After travelling non-stop for 4 hours, i decided to stop and rest for a bit. After eating some snacks and drinking water, i fell asleep, but staying alert as you never know what you could encounter in these forests. I was contemplating life, when i felt it. 2 strong chakras were approaching at top speed; they probably knew i was here. I just had time to grab a kunai, when they made their appearance. The first thing i saw was black cloaks with red clouds.

"Shit, the one thing that i don't want to happen, happens. Jeesh, can't i catch a break? Fate just loves proving me wrong." i muttered to myself, audible enough for them to hear

Its your own fault for sleeping so long. We could've been in Suna by now!

Oh shut up! I shouted at my inner self. I need to concentrate on the situation in hand!

I decided take advantage of this situation by studying them, so i could make a report for Tsunade when i got back to Konoha. I knew this fight wasn't going to be easy and i hoped, no prayed that i would survive. The one member had blonde hair and looked a lot like a girl. His one eye seemed to be covered and he had these mouths on his hands. I wonder what his abilities are...

"I never knew they had female members on the Akatsuki?" i remarked without thinking.

"Why you bitch! I'm a guy okay! Quite handsome, if i say so myself." I had to laugh at that, this guy is ridiculous.

"Deidara," That's when i noticed the other one and got the shock of my life. There in front of me, stood an older version of Sasuke, just his hair was longer and he had these lines on his face.

"Uchiha Itachi," i stated, still in shock

"Haruno Sakura, you're coming with us."...