A Mission Failed: Sasuke and Sayuri retreat

Disclaimer: Don't Own Naruto

Team Kakashi was stunned. Not only at how quickly Sasuke moved but at the fact that he had launched both himself and Sayuri out of Yamato's trap and back onto the ledge they were on. Giving them time to regroup or retreat.

"Why can't you understand?! He'll take your bodies Sasuke! Orochimaru is just using you and your partner!" Naruto yelled hoping to get through to Sasuke.

"If it happens, it happens," Sasuke said monotonously.

Clearly not caring what happened to them and he continued, "You're still such a child Naruto. I don't care what happens to me or anyone else in this world. So long as I can get my revenge nothing else matters. To be honest neither Orochimaru, Sayuri or I am strong enough to face Itachi on our own. But if I can obtain the power to defeat Itachi by giving myself to Orochimaru, I'll give him my life a thousand times over."

Hearing his words made Team Kakashi and surprisingly Sayuri shudder. While Sayuri was all for serving and protecting their master the thought of him possibly taking her body honestly scared her to death. But to hear Sasuke be completely for it all for revenge was even more terrifying. For in the time she knew him he always stressed that he was an avenger and to her she thought it meant he'd want to carry out his revenge himself on his own with his own power. For to her he was quite powerful already. Not by giving his life for their master. It was the first time she actually questioned her place and purpose in the Otogakure. And for the first time Sasuke saw raw emotion in her eyes. Making her seem less of a puppet and more of a human and a possible trusted ally.

"Enough talk, Sakura Naruto out of consideration from the two of you. I haven't drastic measures against Sasuke but I'm sorry I can't hold back anymore," Yamato said as he stepped forward.

"Captain Yamato.." Sakura said.

"What do you plan on doing?" Naruto asked.

"He's a rouge shinobi no different than Orochimaru he can't be allowed to roam free. We're taking him back to the Leaf by any force necessary," Yamato explained.

"The Leaf Village I'm done with the lot of you. Sayuri let's finish them," Sasuke said as he put his sword down and began starting hand signs to finish them off and she did the same.

Only to to be stopped by Orochimaru as he grabbed their hands. Stopping the chakra flow coming from their hands.

"I wouldn't bother with those jutsus be smart now," he instructed.

"Let go," Sasuke seethed.

"Now now I'm not gonna tell you again watch your tone with lord Orochimaru," Kabuto warned Sasuke as he body flickered up to where the three of them were.

"Give me a reason to stop," Sasuke challenged.

"Sasuke please hear Kabuto out," Sayuri pleaded.

"You do remember the Akatsuki are on the move now don't you? We want the good people of the Leaf Village to get rid of them for us. As many of them as possible. If the other Akatsuki interfere you might not get your precious revenge," Kabuto explained.

"That's a pitiful excuse," Sasuke retorted.

"But if it increases your chances by 1% it's worth it. Agreed?" Kabuto challenged.

Sasuke thought for a bit before finally easing up and Orochimaru let their hands go.

"We're leaving," He said. Sasuke sheathed his sword. Throwing one last glance at his former teammates. And just like that he, Kabuto, Sayuri and Orochimaru disappeared in flames that seem to engulf them. Leaving Team Kakashi stunned for they had failed to bring him back. Again.

Once they were safely in a new hideout, Orochimaru took the time to lecture his two prodigies on how they needed to be smarter and choose their battles wisely. Sayuri bowed in understanding while Sasuke merely hned at the suggestion. Sayuri was about to head off to a room to claim as hers when Sasuke stopped her, "Sayuri wait."

She turned on her heel at the sound of her name being called, "What is it? Did you need healing?"

"No, I'm fine. It's just your eyes," He commented.

She arched an eyebrow at his comment, "What about my eyes?"

"They showed emotion today. Fear, doubt. Are you having doubts about your purpose?"

Sayuri's eyes widened at his statement. How did he see right through her?

"I-I don't know," She answered shakily.

"I see," He said.

He then turned on his heel to head to a room he could claim as his. For while she claimed she was unsure, the fact that he even saw fear and doubt in her eyes was proof enough for him that she longed for something greater and for some reason he had this desire to free not only himself but her from Orochimaru's bonds.