DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter 3: Complications

"All patients need-... All patients need to- ….." The words on the page started blurring and blending as Sakura re-read the same sentence for what had to be the tenth time.

She sighed, and stretched. Turning to the clock it read 11:30, she should have had these reports looked over and sent off hours ago….

A groan of frustration escaped her lips, the constant double shifts she worked had finally caught up to her today seeing as she couldn't accomplish anything.

Setting her sights on the report she tried reading it again, only to have her eyelids grow heavy.

I guess closing my eyes for a few minutes won't hurt. Sakura thought as she laid her head against her desk.

Sakura groaned as she opened her eyes, how long had she been out of it?

A dim light illuminated the small room she was in, squinting hard she could barely make out the door on the wall in front of her.

She tried to move for it only to have her movement be restricted. Looking down Sakura saw powerful chakra restraints binding her to a chair. NO! Not again! She shook herself, trying to free herself from this prison.

Sakura's struggling ceased when she heard a deep chuckle come from behind her.

"What ever are you doing?" Her assailant whispered in her ear.

Swallowing hard she fought the urge to gag when she felt his breath fan over her neck.

Her actions caused him to laugh some more, grabbing her chin the man brought Sakura's face level to his.

Repressing a shudder, fear clutched her heart as she glared at him.

Red eyes glinted evilly as they drilled into hers.

"My sweet, sweet Sakura."

"Dr. Haruno? Dr. Haruno?!" Sakura jolted up meeting the apprehensive face of one of her nurses on call.

"What is it?" She snapped, "Is this about the patient in room 307, because if he's bitching about his care plan I'll-"

"N-no Dr. Haruno, you have a visitor." The nervous nurse stepped aside to reveal an ANBU member leaning against the wall.

Narrowing her eyes at the clock, she asked "And what exactly does the Hokage want at 3 am?"

"A mission. Report immediately." The ANBU answered before disappearing.

"Call Shizune and tell her I might be leaving. Now get out of my office." Sakura ordered the nurse. Then placing her head in her hands, she tried to ignore the haunting after affects from her nightmare.


"It's way too early for a personal visit and I have patients to tend to so I'll decline the mission." Sakura stated as she entered the Hokage's office.

A sleepy Naruto being supported by an equally tired Hinata turned to face her, while Kakashi just stared from his desk.

"I'm sure you'll change your mind when you hear the details of this mission. We just have to wait for the final member of this team." Was his dull response.

As if on cue, an irritated Sasuke strode into the room to stand beside her.

"What is it Kakashi?"

"An urgent matter has arisen. A few of our Shinobi were deployed to investigate a group of rogue ninja responsible for causing distress in a village bordering the Land of Fire and the Land of Hot Water. We received a distress signal from this group and believe that they have been taken."

"Your mission is to find the hideout and rescue our shinobi. Anything else you need to know will be on this scroll." Kakashi tapped the scroll on the desk in front of him while looking out at the assembled team.

Sakura was the first to speak, "Like I said earlier, I decline this mission. I'm sure you'll be able to find another medic for this mission."

"Let me inform you that Sai was a part of the captured group, and that you have come into contact with these ninja before. Making you the most qualified for this."

This halted Sakura in her tracks. Balling her hands into fists, she said through clenched teeth, "You found them and didn't tell me?"

"We know nothing for sure." Kakashi replied calmly.

"Sakura what are you getting all worked up for?" Grumbled Naruto while leaning further into Hinata's shoulder.

"If you have any more issues, hold them for later." Kakashi stated while looking directly at Sakura. "Sakura, you are team captain. Meet at the gates at first light for departure. That is all." And with that the Hokage dismissed them.

Sasuke who had been silent the entire time let out a "tch" while leaving. Sakura huffed and left as well leaving Naruto and Hinata to follow.

"Wait Hinata, I have something more to discuss with you."


Standing in front of the Hokage's desk, Hinata wrung her hands together trying to find a way to voice her troubling thoughts.

Kakashi seeming to have sensed this asked, "Is there something bothering you?"

"Well, I'm just a little unsure of how to feel about Sakura as the team captain. She's been a little off since that mission and then Naruto told me something troubling as well….." She trailed off looking down at the ground.

"I understand your concern, Naruto informed of the training ground incident as well. This is why I asked you to stay behind. I have a mission for you concerning Sakura, that will take place during the mission you are about to depart on."

Hinata stood attentive, ready to hear what it was.

"I want you to monitor Sakura and report to me on her behavior and mental state when you return from this mission. Don't let her catch onto you, and leave nothing out of your observance."

"Yes sir." Hinata said, "Um, What will happen to Sakura after this?"

"As of right now, nothing. But her career as a ninja may be at stake." Kakashi sighed leaning onto his elbows. "That is all I have, you may leave."

A/N: Here is chapter 3! I just want to say that I am so thankful for the reviews/favorites/follows, and I am so happy that you guys are enjoying this story so far. Although, I know that this wasn't the most exciting chapter and it's kind of short…there is good stuff coming up!

Some questions answered:

-Doesn't Sasuke have the Rinnegan?

Yes! He does, but Sakura was solely focused on the Sharingan at that moment. So I didn't mention it.

-Do you have an update schedule planned out?

Unfortunately I cannot promise an update schedule for you guys. I'll be returning to college soon so that will take up my time, and I take a long-ass time to write chapters (Writer's block is the death of me…and I'm lazy 8P).

Finally, I'm not too happy with the title of this chapter sooooo if anyone has a better suggestion let me know and I might change it.

Enjoy reading and please review!

~Stay Classy~

Writing Simply