Chapter 4: Late
It had been two days since they commenced and had yet to reach the hideout. They were traveling in silence, each consumed by their own thoughts.
Suddenly, Sai spoke, "We are not too far from his lair. I would say we would reach in another thirty minutes. I think it's best if we stop to take a break and formulate a plan."
Kakashi agreed, "Mina! The plan is simple. If we can get to her as quietly as possible, all the better. Sai, Sakura, both of you proceed ahead and find her cell. Naruto and I will follow behind."
They finally reached the boulder that signaled the entrance to Orochimaru's bode. Sakura sneaked a glance at Naruto's face, which shone with furious determination. Sakura pushed the boulder to the side and she and Sai set off down the stone steps.
Kakashi followed and after a quick shake of his head, Naruto did too. It wasn't hard to find the entrance to the prisoner's ward. However, the lack of Orochimaru's henchmen made everyone much more aware of their surroundings. They halted to a stop when a silver door decorated with metal bars suddenly flew open, revealing an unconscious girl, surrounded by a pool of dark blood.
They were much too late.
A menacing voice laughed behind them; Naruto whirled around to face its source, growling, "Kabuto!".
Kabuto continued laughing, "Are you here to save her Hatake-san? I'm afraid you didn't make it in time."
Naruto flipped and ran towards the silver haired ninja, forming Kage-Bunshin to close in on all sides.
Kakashi shouted, "Sai, back Naruto up. Sakura, come with me. She needs your attention."
Sakura quickly felt for a pulse before exclaiming, "She's alive, but she's been poisoned and its spreading rapidly!"
Kakashi saw the blue patches of her skin on her arms and legs and quickly picked her up in his arms. Making sure she was secure, he bolted out of the room, with Sakura following behind.
Once they reached the clearing of the forest, he placed her behind a secluded corner and let Sakura tend to her.
"Sakura, please save her.", he said in a serious voice.
Sakura looked up at him in alarm, but firmly nodded, "Hai Sensei. I will, but you need to get back to Naruto and Sai!"
Sai and Naruto were faring well in their battle, but Kakashi stopped them. He explained in a calm voice, "if you beat him any further, he won't be able to talk. We need information."
Naruto protested loudly, but Kakashi ignored him, while activating his Sharingan causing Kabuto to convulse in pain on the stone floor.
Kakashi questioned him, "What did you want with her? How long have you been experimenting with her?"
Kabuto merely laughed maniacally, "So, you've noticed how low her Chakra levels are Sharingan Kakashi. I have to say, her chakra is special, especially considering she's nothing more than a civilian."
He continued, "Her healing ability is remarkable. Her entire body itself is a life force. How foolish the Sandaime was to let her go, but now Orochimaru-sama has another power that the Third never dreamed of."
Kakashi considered him before asking, "Why have you been poisoning her?"
The four eyed shinobi scoffed, "I've stored enough chakra that she is no longer useful for us. The poison spreads rapidly, and unfortunately for you, she will succumb to death long before you can save here. Even with your skilled medic, I am afraid you will have to say goodbye Kakashi- san."
Naruto growled, stepping on his throat, "If she dies, I will personally kill you. Dattebayo!"
Kabuto pushed Naruto away, before jumping up.
"Good luck then, Naruto-kun", he smirked before disappearing in thin air.
Naruto shouted, "Where did he go?!"
Kakashi sighed, "Never mind Naruto. Let's go, Sai."