A/N: First off, I want to say this was a one-shot that got WAY out of control. It was not at all supposed to be this long. Second, I want to thank all those that reviewed. IshtarAli, i'mtheone, angel897, Lawlietliveson, AwesomeEyes, Dark Krissia, nickule, Pance, minniemousemom, AlinaLotus, dontcallmenutmeg, devinemendy, Hayeden 14, Readalot-TMB, Kakashisgf, and IeKeys. THANK YOU!
Next: There WILL BE an epilogue. So stay tuned. Last: I don't own Naruto. I do love reviews though!
CHAPTER 6
Kakashi wasn't worried until four passed and Sakura was still not home. She had been gone for hours, and while at first he could delude himself into thinking she had made a side trip, he could only do that for so long. He tried not to feel too worried. After all, it could be she was just reveling in escaping the house by herself for the first time in weeks. But still....
Kakashi grabbed his keys and wallet and strode out of the house to this car. He would double check, at least. Maybe she would be doing nothing except relaxing at a cafe or lounging at the library and he would have to deal with her anger, but that was better than doing nothing if she was in trouble.
The first place Kakashi stopped at was the grocery store. He entered, checking the aisles for any sign of the pink haired girl. He didn't see anything, but he didn't expect to either. He ended up going to the check stands, which were thankfully empty of customers. The checker in the express lane was a teenage girl with neon orange hair and heavy makeup.
"Excuse me, but have you seen a girl with pink hair come through here? Perhaps a few hours ago?"
The girl regarded him a few seconds with a slightly put upon expression, eyeing his mask suspiciously.
"No. I'm pretty sure not," she finally said.
"Ah...." said Kakashi.
The girl leaned against the edge of her check stand, crossing her arms. "But," she finally said, being a little helpful, "the fire alarm went off a few hours ago, so maybe she didn't go through a line."
Kakashi frowned. "Was there a fire?"
"No, someone opened one of the back doors."
She turned away to help another customer who walked up and Kakashi meandered off thoughtfully. It could just be a coincidence. Glancing around, Kakashi made his way to the back of the store. In most stores, he found, there were usually two rooms where video feed was hooked up. The first room was the manager's office, which would certainly be occupied. The second room was usually another room in the back dedicated to camera and video supplies. It was also were a security guard would be if the store had one. Luckily, the store was so small that Kakashi was almost certain they would not have an official security guard.
Kakashi slid into the backroom, glancing around to make sure no employees might catch him. He remained by the swinging doors until he caught sight of another door, painted a peeling, dingy blue. Checking the room again, Kakashi strode over to it quickly.
The door was locked, but Kakashi expected this. From his coat pocket he took out a stiff wire and a pin. It took a few minutes, but Kakashi got in, grateful the back room was so deserted in this store. He shut the door behind him as he entered the closet size room. A monitor sat on a rusted metal desk to his right, along with stacks of dated tapes on a shelf. Kakashi studied them quickly, not finding the one he was looking for. It must still be taping.
Kakashi sat at the desk and began to rewind the VCR. A simple keyboard sat before him, and depending on which button her pressed he could go to a different camera. He stuck with the camera that pointed directly at the front sliding glass doors. He rewound until a little before noon before he caught sight of her. She had entered, and Kakashi frowned because if she had exited that way then he should have seen her. Sakura had wondered over to the baskets, smiling, before walking out of view.
Kakashi switched through the other camera lenses, catching glimpses of her trotting down the frozen food aisle, or fingering produce thoughtfully.
Then she disappeared. He couldn't find her anywhere. Slowing the tapes down, Kakashi watched the time on one. It skipped fifteen minutes. The tapes had been tampered with.
In a flash Kakashi set everything back to normal and walked out. He was almost positive now something had happened to Sakura, and he cursed himself for not noticing earlier. Dusk was already setting, making it more difficult to find her.
Kakashi kept his cell phone in his car. He dialed quickly.
"What's up?" Naruto asked fuzzily, as though he had been napping.
"Sakura is gone," Kakashi announced flatly.
"What?"
"Since about one."
"How did you lose her, Kakashi?" Naruto growled.
"She went to the store and didn't return. I checked the tapes. She definitely entered the store, but didn't exit. They were tampered with and approximately fifteen minutes were missing from them." Kakashi explained quickly.
Naruto cursed. "Okay, I'll get right on it. Where are you going now?"
"I'll check the area where I found her. Maybe something is around there."
"Okay. I'll contact a few others and call you in an hour."
Naruto hung up and Kakashi threw his phone into the passenger seat. He gripped the steering wheel, clenching his jaw with muted anger. Somewhere beneath that, not admitted, there was also the slight tremor of fear.
Break break break break break break Break break break break break break
Jiraiya was dreaming. Jiraiya was in heaven in his dream. Everywhere he looked he was surrounded by long legged, large breasted, pouty lipped women. He loved them. And they loved him.
It was just when the brunette sat in his lap that the phone rang, and all of his beautiful, loving women disappeared into a pipe dream puff while Jiraiya remained mournfully anchored in reality. He rolled over with a growl and answered.
"What?"
"Jiraiya, we need you?" breathed Naruto urgently.
Jiraiya let his head collapse into his pillow with a groan. "At," he checked the clock, "midnight, Naruto?"
"Sakura is missing. Kakashi thinks she was abducted."
Well, shit. Jiraiya sat up, rubbing his face tiredly. "I take it you want me to get a hold of my contacts, then?"
"Yeah. We've been looking for hours but can't find her anywhere. We've checked some of the regular mob hide-outs but they were deserted."
"Odd," replied Jiraiya. "All of them?"
"Yeah."
Jiraiya scratched his chin, staring at the wall across the room. "Abnormal," he finally muttered. "Something up." He paused. "I'll call you back in a bit. Don't do anything stupid."
"If it helps Sakura I will," muttered Naruto rebelliously. Jiraiya ignored him and hung up, reaching to dial another number.
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Itachi paused as he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He glanced at Kisame and Hidan who were hovering over a map of the city streets. They had it flattened haphazardly against a damp brick wall and cursed every time it ripped or fell. It was past midnight and they still hadn't found the girl. They had scoured the city in an ever widening circle from where Kisame had lost sight of her, but they had yet to find a trace.
Itachi glanced at his phone screen, frowning.
"Phone call," he said flatly. Hidan ignored him and Kisame nodded before they focused back on the map. Itachi walked down the street a ways before he answered.
"This is a bad time," he greeted.
"It's always a bad time," responded Jiraiya. "But we have a little bit of an emergency."
"I'm listening," Itachi said, glancing covertly behind him to ensure the other men were still preoccupied with the map.
"We have a missing person. A certain Haruno, Sakura. Would you know anything?"
At her name, Itachi's eyebrows lifted up, and he almost felt amused. "Haruno, hm?" he said, mildly.
"Yes," said Jiraiya, sensing that Itachi knew something. "I certain Fox and Hound are on the lookout for her. And who knows who else."
Itachi frowned. "How did she get involved with you guys?"
"Ah, so you do know something," stated Jiraiya.
"Yes. We happen to be looking for your girl right now, ironically enough."
"Why are your people looking for her?" questioned the older man.
"Danzo wants her. We don't know for what. We've been searching for years and just managed to get her earlier at a grocery store. Scouting for your man Kakashi, incidentally. She escaped."
Itachi glanced behind him again to see his cohorts rolling up the map and watching him expectantly.
"I have to go," he said. "I don't have any other information. Just warn your guys. Most of our people are out searching as well."
"This girl must be something special to have both sides searching for her," mumbled Jiraiya. "Well, hope we find her first." Then he hung up.
Itachi lingered for a moment too, before he whispered, "I hope so too."
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Once upon a time there was a little girl. This little girl was a happy little girl. She had a loving mother, and a loving father and many loving friends. She didn't realize things were different in other families. After all, her friends either didn't have families, or their families were just like hers.
She didn't know that a mother was not supposed to stay in bed all day for fear of collapsing. She didn't know fathers were supposed to work a normal business day, instead of dealing secretly behind closed doors and tall, cold security guards. All of her papa's friends were to be called "uncle," except for a few, where she was forced to stay in her room when they were there. They didn't come over often though, so she really didn't think much about them.
When they weren't there she spend her time showing off her cool karate moves to her parents, where they would clap politely, until her father had to get the doctor because her mother was having trouble breathing.
It wasn't until later that she realized this wasn't normal. Mom's were supposed to shuttle their kids to and from school, and dad's where supposed to come home from work a little after five in the evening. After that, she started to watch a little more carefully, and the shadows of her family slowly came to light.
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Sakura had scrounged enough change for coffee in one of the dingiest establishments possible. She huddled in a corner booth, out of sight from the entrance and any windows. She had the hood of her jacket up so her bright hair couldn't be seen.
She cradled her cup, ignoring the waiter who shot her irritated glances for staying so long but not ordering anything except a cup of coffee. Despite her attempted vigilance, Sakura's mind was slowly flat-lining. She was stumped, unsure of where she could go and what she could do. In previous encounters with her captures she always had some kind of backup, whether it was money, or a place to stay, or even something she could pawn.
The only thing she had, literally, was the clothes on her back. She had considered perhaps selling her jacket, but completely discarded the idea. It would be suicide this late in winter, and it wouldn't glean her enough money to get anything useful in turn.
Sakura sighed and leaned her forehead into the palm of her head. She didn't notice the shadow fall over her table.
"So tired," she whispered.
"Is that so, girly?" a voice crooned back.
Sakura jerked violently, finding herself face to face with the group of men she least wanted to see. Kisame grinned alarmingly at her, revealing a set of disturbingly pointed teeth. He slid into the booth, shoving her over and squishing her against the wall. Itachi and another man with silver hair and violet eyes slid across from her. Sakura remained silent.
"We've been out all night looking for you," commented Kisame lightly.
"Yeah?" replied Sakura, trying to keep the quiver out of her voice.
"Fucking pain in the ass, seriously," griped the stranger, glaring at her. "I should be fucking praying right now, not searching for your stupid ass." Sakura, wisely, remained impassive.
Itachi looked around the table, then strait at Sakura. "I think it would be sensible," he said smoothly, "if you came with us calmly, Sakura."
Sakura answered, trying not to let her voice rise in pitch from fear. "And what if I screamed? We're in a public place."
Kisame's lips quirked. "I don't think that would very smart. You have a conscience, right?"
Sakura paled, clenching her fists in her lap. She caught Kisame's insinuation. If she didn't cooperate, then the other people in the diner would be hurt, possibly even killed. She didn't doubt they would follow through. These were not the petty criminals who roamed the streets and pick pocketed changed and beat up younger kids. These were the calloused criminals, the ones who did the dirty deeds for the organization, and either didn't care, or enjoyed it. Kisame seemed like the type who would enjoy it.
Sakura finally nodded. "Okay, I'll go."
Kisame reached and downed her coffee. "Tastes like shit," he said jovially, pulling out a crumpled five dollar bill to leave on the table. Then he grabbed her hand in a vice grip and tugged her out of the booth. Itachi and angry stranger followed at a more leisurely pace. Sakura's eyes roamed around the area, looking for any opportunity that could lead to escape, but found none. Kisame's hand tightened around hers and she winced slightly but tried to ignore it.
They all strode out. The waiter ignored them, and Sakura wasn't sure whether to be angry or relieved. Once on the street they walked about a few meters before arriving at a familiar black car. Itachi went to the driver's side again, and the stranger went to the passenger side.
Kisame winked at her. "You're in the back with me."
Sakura remained silent as he shoved her in, then followed suit. Itachi started the car and pulled away from the curb. Sakura stared out her window.
"You know, girly," mused Kisame, "I don't think we should take an chances this time."
Sakura had only a second to wonder what he meant before something hard hit the back of her head, and she was knocked out.
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Danzo say behind a massive oak desk. It shone in the dim lights, it's lacquered surface interrupted only by the organized spread of papers and firearms. His expression and posture were stoic when the knock on his office door came.
"Come in," he ordered, leaning back in his chair expectantly.
Kisame and Itachi entered, expressions guarded and deferential. Sakura was flung carelessly across Kisame's shoulder.
"Danzo-sama," Itachi greeted, bowing his head fractionally.
"Itachi," Danzo replied, voice commanding and deep, "I'm assuming you got what I wanted." He nodded in Sakura's direction.
"Yes."
"And not too damaged, I hope?" hedged Danzo, threatening. "I need her lucid."
"Of course, Danzo-sama," Itachi ingratiated. Kisame remained silent. He let Itachi do the speaking for the two of them. Itachi was much better at not being so offensive at inopportune times. Itachi continued, "she should be awake soon."
Danzo hummed, eyes level, almost magnetized to the girl who lay unconscious in Kisame's arms. "Pity she's not awake now. I'm getting impatient."
Itachi kept his mouth shut, waiting for orders. Danzo thrummed his fingers across his desk. His wrapped arm was anchored comfortably against the armrest of the chair.
"Very well," Danzo waved, "take her to a room. I can't have her dirtying my carpet, can I?"
"Of course," acquiessed Itachi, inclining his head one more time before turning around.
"Oh, and one more thing, Itachi, Kisame." Danzo smiled, though there was no humor in it. It was a smile promising malice and pain if disobeyed. "Don't let her escape again. I really tired of these games, and inept men don't belong here."
Kisame looked like he wanted to snarl, but refrained, whirling to exit the room. Itachi remained for a few more seconds before nodding stiffly again, and following his partner out.
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Kakashi and Naruto crouched in an alleyway, merging into the shadows. They were next to a towering business building, one that blended in with the rest of the skyscrapers in the center of the city. Mechanically they checked over their weapons--holstering their guns and sheathing their blades to ensure smoothness in drawing.
Kakashi scowled. "I'm going to throttle her when we get her."
"Not if I get to her first," Naruto whispered darkly.
Both knew they were bluffing, but the irritation at being left oblivious as to why Danzo was so fixated on Sakura was a strong thing. Images of him spanking her, or possibly kissing her senseless, kept running through his mind. Perhaps both.
Naruto finished his check-up and pulled out a wrinkled blue-print for the building. Kakashi finished twirling his kunai experimentally and sheathed it fluidly before focusing his attention of the paper.
"So Asuma is going in here, Shikimaru here, and us here," Naruto informed while marking spots on the map with a pencil. "Jiraiya thinks she is probably being kept up top. Hasn't been able to contact his informant yet. So me and you will be searching top, others searching bottom."
"I'm assuming I'm paired with you because the stronger men are upstairs?" Kakashi stated dryly.
Naruto nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, who better than the most awesome assassin ever?"
"Right. Awesome."
Naruto made a face at Kakashi's flat response and Kakashi rolled his eye. "Let's hurry up," Kakashi muttered, "we don't know if she is okay or not."
"Alright, alright. Let's just go. I don't care for plans anyway," said Naruto, crumbling up the map and stuffing it in a pocket.
"For once, I have to agree with you," replied Kakashi.
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Sakura felt heavy. It was as though a wet blanket was smothering her senses. Her nose was clogged, her eyes sealed shut, and her limbs numb. It took her a few minutes to realize she was laying on an extremely hard, cold surface. It took another few minutes for her to be able to open her eyes, blinking as a harsh, fluorescent light nearly blinded her.
Memories rushed back and she sat up with a gasp. Immediately, she regretted it as her vision tilted and swirled and her stomach heaved. She turned to the side and retched up the coffee she had drank earlier. Her head felt as though it was about to implode with the pressure, and she could feel her blood pounding.
Shifting away from the bile, Sakura sat with her head in between her knees, taking in deep breaths until the fuzziness vanished and thoughts came more clearly. Looking up, she found herself in a small, square room. The walls were white, the floor was a dirty, off white, and the ceiling was white. The only break in the color monotony was a rusted drain set in the middle of the floor. Sakura stared at it with distaste as she imagined why that drain was there. She imagined that the drain was not a good sign.
Steadying herself, Sakura slowly stood, leaving against the wall for support in case her body decided to rebel against her again. Darkly, she thought about what she would do to Kisame if she ever had him alone with a weapon in her hands and him at her mercy. He didn't need to hit her that hard. Gently, she brushed her fingers over the tenderness at the back of her skull and winced as a sharp pain shot through her head.
"Asshole," she muttered, her voice cracked and hoarse.
Sakura walked to the (white) door, proud of herself for only stumbling only once. She wasn't surprised that it was locked when she rattled the handle. Trying once more with no success, Sakura slid down the wall beside the door. Perhaps she could surprise whoever was coming in and get out before they had a chance to react.
Sakura played the scenario out in her mind and sighed. That wouldn't work and she knew it. Most liked whoever was sent would have a partner, and though she might be able to take one out, she knew she couldn't take two. These men we're trained fighters, and though Sakura was nifty in battle, she was not near as experienced as people like Itachi, or even Kisame.
Closing her eyes, Sakura mused over what she could do now. What she came up with was a series of images resulting in her beaten, tossed in garbage can, or even the good old cement block treatment. None of these ideas appealed to her, so she started thinking about other, more pleasant things.
She was halfway through imagining Kakashi without a shirt when the door beside her slammed open. The hulking figure of Kisame appeared, followed by the slim, almost delicate figure or Itachi. Sakura remained seated, craning her neck to stare up at them as they shut the door and turned to face her.
Itachi wrinkled his nose at the bile in the far corner, but said nothing. Kisame grinned. "Finally awake, girly?" he asked smugly. "Took you long enough."
"I hardly think that's my fault," Sakura quipped with a scowl.
Kisame shrugged. "Eh, you know how it goes."
"No, I can't say I do."
Kisame laughed raucously at her dry comment. Itachi remained expressionless, though his eyes narrowed slightly. "I do think you hit her a bit too hard, Kisame," Itachi admonished. Kisame's smile disappeared.
"Nothing we can do about it now," shrugged Kisame, "should we get her to Danzo?"
Itachi hesitated a moment. "I suppose we must," he finally said blankly. Kisame reached down and grasped Sakura's bicep, hefting her up. She staggered as white dots rushed through her vision.
"Carry her," Itachi commanded, "she can't walk herself."
Kisame scoffed, but dragged her over his shoulder. She hung limply, trying to ignore the way her head felt like it would split open from pain. She must have made some nice because Itachi glanced at her, then at Kisame.
"Carefully," he said pointedly.
They left the room and strode down a long, dimly lit hallway. The floor was carpeted and the walls were painted a soothing beige. Sakura vaguely noted that it looked like a rather normal hallway from a business, or an office. They passed some more closed doors and Sakura couldn't help but wonder if there were more people like her behind them, or whether they were actual offices.
Reaching the end of the hallway, they entered an elevator. Sakura shifted, hoping to relieve the sharp ache caused by Kisame's shoulder digging into her stomach. They stood in silence until the elevator door opened smoothly. The room they stepped into looked like a small waiting area, though it was ornate and much more ostentatious than any other waiting room Sakura had ever seen. They bypassed the cushy leather chairs lining the wall and went straight to the door at the end of the room.
A soft knock and a voice telling them to enter, and they were in an office. Sakura couldn't see who's office they were in, but she could hear his voice and it send shivers down her spine.
"Ah," the urbane voice said smoothly, "so she's finally awake. Set her down, Kisame, I want to see her face."
Swiftly Sakura was flipped over and set on the floor, facing a desk with a man behind it. Kisame settled a massive hand on her shoulder to support her. Sakura stiffened as she recognized the man behind the desk. His face was lined much more deeply than the last time she had seen him, and bandages were wrapped haphazardly on one side of his body, but she knew him.
"Uncle Danzo," Sakura greeted tightly. The whole wall behind him was windows, and from that Sakura could see the sun rising. She must have been knocked out for most of the night. It had almost been a full day since she had last seen Kakashi. She vaguely wondered what he was thinking about her disappearance.
"Ah, Sakura, so nice to see you after so long. We've been looking for you." Danzo smiled slightly, though it didn't reach his eyes. His voice was cold.
"I noticed," Sakura replied.
"It warms me that you still refer to me as Uncle after all this time. Your father would be proud of your manners, I'm sure."
Sakura felt sick. Her throat tightened and her belly clenched and rage simmered, deadly and furious in her breast. "Yes, well," Sakura hissed, "I'm sure if he was alive, he would be proud."
The smile slid off Danzo's face fluidly, and he waved a hand in the air faintly. "It was all for the best, Sakura. I'm sure you could understand."
"No, I really can't. You're a murderer."
Danzo shrugged and leaned back in his chair, completely relaxed. Sakura felt the burning kiss of tears in her eyes, but she blinked them back.
Danzo continued speaking. "He turned his back on the organization. He took some stuff that was ours, Sakura. Surely you can understand the concept of property, can't you?"
Sakura bit the side of her cheek.
Danzo hummed, "Well, perhaps not. You are your father's daughter after all."
The sun was higher now and the fiery rays burned into her eyes, but Sakura refused to look away from Danzo's smug face. Her pride was relentless and she would not allow herself to show any submission to that man.
"It took me a while to get you. It was a tad bit... vexing, to say the least." His fingers thrummed against the smooth paneling of his desk. "I'm looking for recompense."
"I don't have anything. You made sure of that, Uncle Danzo," scoffed Sakura.
"Money, Sakura, would be nice, but I didn't expect you to have that. I retrieved my funds from your father quite easily."
Sakura's control wavered. "How could you do this?" she ground out, uncaring about the consequences, "we needed that money. Mother--" Danzo interrupted her.
"Yes, I know all about that," he said mildly, "but did you really expect to allow him to use company funds for hospital bills?"
"Yes!" Sakura cried, "He would have paid it all back and you know it. You were his best friend, you were my Uncle! How could you turn your back on us?"
Sakura dragged in a shuddering breath to calm herself. Danzo remained quiet, staring at her thoughtfully.
Finally he responded. "I never hid myself. Your father knew what I was. He knew what I would do. I'm not a forgiving man, Sakura, which is why you are here before me instead of off gallivanting in the streets."
Sakura finally looked away from him, eyes flinty and bright.
"Before I decide what to do with you, I want to know one thing," Danzo continued, "did he give you anything before he died? Any papers, and chips, anything?"
Sakura turned to stare at him, eyes wide. Her face blanked. "No," she whispered, "if he did I would have given it up years ago."
Danzo frowned. "Not a surprise then. It was too much to hope that I could recover more. You're father was never good at looking ahead, was he?"
Sakura didn't, though Danzo didn't seem to expect her to. "Ah, well" he sighed, "I'll figure out something for you. Death would be a waste, I think."
His eyes raked over her body lewdly and Sakura had to suppress a shiver of revulsion. "I still don't understand," she stated bravely, though she felt anything but, "I had nothing to do with my father and the money."
"Sakura," he replied, as though the answer was obvious, "we're the mafia. Do you really think we just punish one person? No, the whole family is punished. Surely you should know this by now."
Danzo shrugged at her lack of response. "Take her back," he waved thoughtlessly at Itachi and Kisame, "I need time to think about what to do with her."
Kisame gripped her bicep tensely, but not tight enough to cause harm. Itachi paused. "Danzo-sama, if I may speak."
"Only if it will please me, Itachi."
Itachi's face remained blank. "She has some skills: fighting, hiding. They may be useful to us."
"You're going soft, Itachi. We don't need another guard."
Sakura stared in shock at Itachi. He did not look in her direction, instead he inclined his head to Danzo and followed Kisame out of the office. Once in the elevator the tension in all three of them drifted away like the sun dispersing a heavy fog.
"What was that about, Itachi?" grumbled Kisame, "You tryin' to get killed?"
Itachi stared straight ahead. "No, Kisame, but I don't believe in wasting valuable resources to pursue petty revenge."
"You're in the wrong business then," Kisame replied lightly.
Sakura remained silent, though her brain remained active. She mulled over Itachi's comments, and then over Danzo's response. He would plan something truly awful for her, she was positive. But, depending on what he decided to do with her, it could provide an opportunity to escape. The elevator stopped and they exited quickly, striding back down the hallway, though Sakura couldn't remember which door was hers.
They stopped at a door and Itachi was reaching for the handle when a voice cut through the silence.
"What the hell is this?"
Sakura looked up and gasped. "Sasuke?"
He was older, she noticed, and thinner than he used to be. His cheeks were sallow and shadows looked engraved beneath eyes. A sword hung from his hip casually. His gaze darted between her and Itachi.
"What is going on?" he asked, voice steady and flat, but she could tell it was like the calm before the storm.
Kisame was the first to reply, "It's nothing, kid. Bead it."
Sasuke's face darkened and he turned to stare at Itachi expectantly. "Tell me now."
Sakura felt the urge to yell at Sasuke, to tell him that she was captured and he should save her, but she held back. If he was here, patrolling the hallways so relaxed, then he was not an intruder, which meant he worked for Danzo. Sakura couldn't help but wilt a little. She had missed so much in the years she spent running.
Itachi sighed, "We can't stay in the hallway. Come in with us."
Sasuke remained stiff, suspicious, but jerked his head slightly in ascension. Itachi opened the door and Kisame pushed her. She was followed by the men, Itachi the last to enter and the one to shut the door firmly behind him. Kisame relaxed against the wall, keeping an eye on her and apparently ignoring the brothers.
"Unnecessary drama shit," her muttered to himself.
Itachi glanced at Kisame but nothing registered on his face. Sasuke began to stride across the room towards Sakura, but Itachi stopped him.
"Don't," he scolded, "Danzo wants her personally."
Sasuke glowered. "How?" he breathed harshly, "Why?"
Itachi glanced back at her. "I can't say."
Sasuke exploded, "We were looking for her! And you knew. The whole time you knew, and--"
"I didn't know, Sasuke!" Itachi countered harshly. His face showed more expression than Sakura had ever seen, a mix between anger and exasperation. He continued a little more calm, "I didn't know until just recently."
Sasuke clenched his jaw, and Sakura observed a muscle tweaking slightly.
"What do you expect me to do?" Sasuke hissed, waving a hand in Sakura's direction. They all knew what he meant. Kisame stiffened slightly, lifting himself off the wall and moving to grab Sakura to his side. Sasuke saw this and his eyes narrowed.
Itachi opened his mouth to respond when from somewhere in the building an explosion occurred. The ground rocked beneath their feet and Sakura reached out a hand to steady herself against the wall.
"I don't think you will have to worry about it," Itachi replied, drawing his sword and exiting the door. Kisame sprinted behind him, shooting Sasuke a flinty look. "Guard her," he commanded, before shutting the door and locking it behind him.
A thick silence settled and Sasuke stared at her from across the room. A small, watery smile spread across her face. "Sasuke," she whispered.
In just a few quick strides he crossed the room and pulled her into a tense hug, then pushed her away, choosing instead to look searchingly at her face.
"You've change," he finally stated, and Sakura managed a half a nod. "You too," she replied.
"Where have you been?" he asked, his voice almost coming out in a hiss. She noticed he had gained control of himself though, his expression back to his atypical flatness.
"Everywhere. No where specifically." Another explosion ripped through the building, this time closer. Sakura cast Sasuke a worried look but he seemed unaffected.
"Why are you here?" she countered.
"I work here."
Sakura clenched her fists. "I see."
Sasuke glared at her, the age-old, familiar glare. "Don't, Sakura. I didn't know."
Sakura forced her fingers to relax, trying to push the anger back down inside of her. "Yeah, I know. Um, are we going to be okay?"
Shouts were coming from the hallway now. Sasuke stepped away to face the door, drawing his sword defensively. Sakura snorted and went to stand next to him, raising up her fists. Sasuke shot her a demeaning glance and Sakura glared back.
"I'm not weak, Sasuke," Sasuke just shrugged and Sakura shook her head disbelievingly. The shouts were louder, and suddenly the door was blasted open, nearly hanging on its hinges. A tall blond burst through, though he paused and gaped as he caught side of Sasuke and Sakura.
"Sasuke?" Naruto yelled, disbelievingly.
"Idiot?" Sasuke responded back, just as shocked. The two stared at each other for a moment before beginning to growl.
"What the hell are you doing, jackass?" accused Naruto.
"Protecting Sakura, obviously," replied Sasuke, having recovered his composure.
"Sure as hell doesn't look like it. Looks like you're keeping her prisoner."
"Want to bet?"
At that moment Kakashi strode through the blasted entrance, and Sakura couldn't help the grin that spread across her face.
"Kakashi!" she greeted, pushing past Sasuke to get to him.
Kakashi nearly jogged over to her and began checking her over. "Are you hurt?" he breathed, running his fingers over her arms and waist.
"No, no, I'm okay." Sakura grabbed his hands to stop their frantic perusal. "Kakashi, what the hell is going on?"
"Um, well, " Kakashi scratched the back of his head. "We came to rescue you."
"Oh... well that's nice. Thank you, Kakashi," said Sakura politely.
Naruto whirled around, staring at Sakura appalled. "That's it? 'That's nice, thank you?' What is wrong with you, Sakura?"
Sakura grimaced. "Well, what do you expect me to say, Naruto? Should I fall all over myself in gratitude?"
Sasuke smirked as Naruto frowned. "Well, I guess not."
"Hmph," said Sakura. She turned to peer around Kakashi's shoulder, through the doorway. Some bodies slumped against the floor, and Sakura assumed they were Danzo's men. She didn't ponder whether they were dead or not. She would rather not know.
"Well," Sakura said decisively, clapping her hands together, "we should probably get out of here now."
Kakashi shrugged and Sakura rolled her eyes. "You coming with us, Sasuke?" she asked.
Sasuke deliberated for a few seconds before nodding. Naruto scowled. "Nice to see your loyalty is as shifty as ever, jerk."
"Nice to see your temper is as uneven as ever, idiot," replied Sasuke, unaffected. Naruto snarled, and Sakura snapped at him. "Later, Naruto."
Break break break break break break Break break break break break break
The hallway was in shambles, Kakashi was proud to notice. They all strode down it briskly, easily avoiding the bodies and fallen furniture. Sakura stayed close to him, ignoring the destruction around them with practiced deftness. Another explosion echoed through the building and Kakashi reached out to stabilize Sakura before continuing on.
"Genma is a little liberal with his explosions," he muttered quietly.
Sakura glanced at him and Kakashi smiled back blandly. Sakura frowned.
"You know," she said conversationally as they stepped over a body, "I think it's about time you tell me what your job is, Kakashi."
"Oh? You think so?" he replied mildly, holding the door open for her as they stepped into the staircase. He let it close on Naruto and Sasuke, ignoring their scowls at him.
"Yes," Sakura said staunchly, "after finding weapons in your closet, stitching up your wounds, then having you blow up a building to save me--well, I think any of those reasons alone are enough for an explanation."
"You went through my closet?"
"Don't change the subject."
They continued down the steps. The elevators had been disabled with the explosions, so the stairs was the only manner of escaping. Behind them, Kakashi heard Naruto muttering into his radio, informing the others that Sakura had been found and they could begin exiting. This meant that Genma would most likely become more bomb-happy.
They were about to reach one of the doors leading to another floor when it burst open, revealing a few guards. Immediately Kakashi lunged, slashing at one with his Kunai. Sakura burst forward as well, landing a heavy punch on a man's nose, then turning to deliver a swift kick to the temple of another man who tried to grab her from behind.
Naruto whined, "Aw, man, you guys! I didn't even get to take one!"
"That's because you're slow, idiot," Sasuke goaded calmly, wiping off his sword on his pants. He had stabbed one of the men through.
Kakashi stared, appalled, at Sakura, who was cracking her knuckles obliviously. She caught his look.
"What?" she asked, irritated, "I'm not useless, you know. I did take lessons for years, Kakashi."
"Ah ha..." said Kakashi, before turning to continue their plunge down the stair case.
Break break break break break break Break break break break break break
Danzo sat tensely behind his desk, an expression of fury gracing his features. He was beyond angry, almost verging on enraged. He didn't know what the hell was going on, but he knew that his building was being attacked.
This lead to two very bad thing. One, that he lost men and a good portion of his funds would have to go training new ones. And two, that he would come under focus of the police, which would severely limit some of his business ventures for the next few months.
Danzo paused as he heard a few thumps outside of his office. He made to stand, but stopped as his door burst open.
"Jiraiya," he snarled.
"Danzo," Jiraiya greeted with a grin, "It has been too long."
"Not long enough. So it's your men taking out my business."
"Well," said Jiraiya thoughtfully, as though looking for an excuse and finding none. "Yes, yes it is."
Danzo scowled and settled back in his seat. "Did you really have to use Genma? He is much too loose with his bombs. It will take weeks to clean up his mess."
Jiraiya went to sit in the chair before the desk, leaning back as though he was relaxed. "We had to get in somehow," Jiraiya admonished, "you have tightened your security quite nicely, I must say."
"Not good enough, obviously."
"I doubt it ever will be."
Danzo stretched his fingers from their clenched fists in his lap. "To what do I owe this pleasure, then? Why have you and Tsunade seen fit to release your dogs on me?"
Jiraiya pressed a finger against his chin and stared up at the ceiling. "I could ask the same about you, Danzo. We don't take lightly to our men being set against for no reason."
Danzo waved a hand. "Kakashi, you mean? I was just testing him. Wondering if his skills were rusty since the last time we met. Is he here, by the way? I would so like to discuss a proposition with him...."
"It's not going to work, Danzo. And he's currently busy. I think he should be with a certain pink-haired girl right about now...."
Danzo froze and his eyes narrowed, gaze sharpening on Jiraiya dangerously. "Excuse me?"
"Yup, with Naruto too, I suspect. By the way, does Sasuke know about your little prisoner?"
Danzo's voice was tight, restrained. "How did you find out? How does she even concern you?"
Jiraiya studied his fingernails languidly, taking his time to respond. "As luck would have it," he finally replied lightly, "she made friends with a certain sharingan user who has grown quite attached to her."
"Kakashi?" Danzo hissed, "she is involved with Kakashi?"
Jiraiya grinned smugly.
"Devious bitch," Danzo muttered.
"Even funnier," continued Jiraiya, ignoring Danzo, "is she doesn't even know. It was pure luck on her part."
"I have claim to her, you realize that, Jiraiya."
Jiraiya's voice hardened, and his expression flattened, his grin fading. "You have claim on nothing, Danzo. We're not in the dark ages. You extracted your revenge, and she has suffered enough at your hand. It's time to let it go."
Danzo snarled, "It's my choice if I want to let it go, and I certainly don't. Her father--"
"Do you want to make an enemy of us, Danzo? Think carefully."
Danzo ground his teeth, his expression dark and foreboding. Slowly, though, he relaxed, settling back into his chair. His face smoothed over to a flat mask.
"Fine, take her. Do with her what you will, Jiraiya. I won't promise to stop hunting her though."
Jiraiya's smile returned. "I would know you were lying if you did promise anyway," he quipped.
He got up, moving towards the door, then turned to grin back at Danzo. "I forgot. My new book is out, why don't you take some time to read it. You might recognize some of the characteristics...."
Danzo scowled. "Get out, you pervert. You've done enough damage to me today."
Danzo could hear Jiraiya's laugh even after the door was shut.
Break break break break break break Break break break break break break
They all piled into Kakashi's car, out of breath and grungy. Sakura rubbed her knuckles tenderly. It had been a while since she had hit anybody so hard, and she didn't have any gloves on. Kakashi collapsed into the driver's seat with a groan, and Naruto and Sasuke stuffed themselves in the back.
"Well," said Sakura. "That was fun."
Kakashi glanced at her darkly and started the ignition. "Please don't get kidnapped again."
Sakura rolled her eyes. "I think you should tell them that, not me."
Naruto's cell phone trilled in the background, and Sakura twisted to listen curiously. Naruto grinned at her before answering.
"Hello?" He paused. "Oh, okay. Yes, yes. I said yes!" He said exasperatedly. He mumbled a bit more before hanging up, then he turned to Kakashi. "Don't go home yet. The old lady wants to see us now."
Kakashi let out a long drawn sigh. "Now?"
"Yeah."
Break break break break break break Break break break break break break
Tsunade drummed her fingers on her desk lazily as she gazed flatly at the door to her ramshackle office. She sure hoped the Sakura girl was worth it, because Danzo would never let them live the destruction of his base down. The peace held between them had been tenuous at best, and despite his fear of them, he was still sneaky enough to attempt attacks, or worse.
Tsunade sighed, and a knock came from her door.
"What?" she yelled anxiously.
"They're here," Shizune murmured on the other side, opening the door to allow a rag tag group of people to shuffle in.
"Hmph," grunted Tsunade, unimpressed as she crossed her arms across her chest.
They all lined up before her, and the large-busted woman remained silent as she studied them. Naruto and Kakashi she recognized, both of them dirty and rugged and quite possibly the cause of all this trouble. She raised an eyebrow at Sasuke, interested in hearing how he had come to join the group. Then her eyes landed on the pink haired girl.
'Haruno Sakura,' she thought to herself. Interesting.
"So," she grumped, "I hear all of you started this mess you left me with."
They all shifted awkwardly.
"We didn't start it," muttered Naruto.
Tsunade shot him a quelling glare and continued. "Sasuke, I'm interested as to why you're even here, considering recent events."
Sasuke made to open his mouth, but Tsunade raised a hand. "Not now," she commanded. "I want to speak to the girl. Alone."
"Tsunade--" started Kakashi, but she interrupted him.
"Out!" she snapped.
The three assassins trudged out sulkily, and Sakura remained, nervous and stiff.
"Sit," Tsunade told her, pointing at one of the ragged chairs situated before her desk. Sakura sat, clenching her hands in her lap, teeth gritted.
"Oh, relax," Tsunade said, "I'm not going to hurt you or anything." Sakura unclenched her hands for about three seconds. Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Tell me your story. I know facts, but I want to hear it straight from the source."
Sakura shifted slightly. "I guess..." she trailed off, obviously struggling with herself over something. After a few seconds she came to a decision. "My father worked with Danzo. I never understood that it was... not quite... honest work." Tsunade nodded absently. "My mom got sick when I was younger. Cancer, I think, and we didn't have quite a enough money to cover the cost, so father borrowed."
"From Danzo."
"Yes. Though, I think it was more like... secret borrowing. Danzo didn't know. I'm not actually really sure," muttered Sakura.
"Alright, go on."
"Mom...died. Naturally. Dad... did too. Unnaturally. I saw, and I ran. That's about it."
Tsunade hummed, staring vacantly above Sakura's head, then turned to study Sakura. "And Kakashi found you."
"Yeah..." Sakura fretted. "I should have left earlier. I didn't think... Well, I didn't want to be the cause of--"
"Don't apologize, girl. Once our boys found you, you were stuck. They would have looked for you whether you had left willingly or not."
Sakura bit her lip in surprise and remained silent.
"Alright, enough of that." Tsunade waved a hand as though pushing invisible matters away. "I heard you have some skill in medicine. How about we offer you a deal?"
"A deal...?" Sakura asked. "I'm not really trained. I've just read a bit."
"I realize that," Tsunade replied. "I'm a doctor, as well as Shizune, but that's not quite enough. It would be nice to have someone else trained."
"I see."
Tsunade rolled her eyes. "What I'm saying is that we'll train you and you can join our... organization. I'm assuming you have a fair idea of what we do now?"
"You... kill people?"
"For money."
"Okay...."
"Bad people," sighed Tsunade. "We do background checks. It's not like we're killing innocent children or anything."
Sakura settled at that, allowing a small smile to cross her face. Tsunade had a feeling that this would be an addition to their group that she would be proud about, and she was a pretty damn good of character.
"Where would I stay?" questioned Sakura apprehensively.
"With Kakashi, of course."
"I'm not sure that's such a good idea," Kagome demurred. "I don't think he really likes having me around."
Tsunade snorted, "If he didn't like having you around, you wouldn't be around. Obviously he's not too opposed to it, else he wouldn't have went and freaked out when you disappeared."
"...Freaked out?"
"Yes. Now get out of my office and tell Naruto and Sasuke to come in. You and Kakashi can go home."
Sakura stood hesitantly, inclining her head. "Thank you. For everything."
"Don't thank me. Just work hard. You have a job now."
Sakura nodded again, then exited the office.
The drive home was mostly silent. Kakashi didn't speak because of fatigue, and Sakura didn't speak because she was too embroiled in her own thoughts. Her head ached slightly, and she felt as though she had whiplash. Everything was just moving so fast. A few hours earlier she had been captured and preparing to undergo awful humiliation by a mob boss, and now she was under the tutelage and employment of an assassin organization.
They pulled into his driveway, both zombie-walking their way to the front door. Entering, Kakashi waved to the stairs.
"You shower first," he mumbled, tugging off his gloves and other various articles of clothing. Too tired to argue, Sakura just nodded and made her way to the bathroom. She let the warm water soak through her, warming her muscles and causing her already foggy head to drop even further. When she got out she realized she had forgotten clothes. Wrapping herself in a damp towel, she opened the door to find a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt folded right outside it. With a grateful, Sakura dressed and went to find Kakashi.
He was in the kitchen, drooping in a chair. He straitened when he noticed her.
"Feeling better?" he asked gently.
"Yes, it's your turn now," she replied. Kakashi nodded and stood with a stretch.
"Alright," he said, trudging past her and reaching a hand to ruffle her hair. "You can take my bed. Go ahead and get some sleep."
Sakura's brow furrowed. "I don't think--"
"You need it more than me," he interrupted, then left the room so she couldn't protest anymore. Instead of going upstairs to his room, she walked and collapsed on the couch. The hum of the shower started and Sakura allowed herself to doze.
She was awakened by a hand on her shoulder and a mask-less Kakashi frowning down at her.
"I told you to take the bed," he informed her, and Sakura blinked.
"Sorry," she muttered as he pulled her up and lead her up the stairs, her hand firmly grasped in his. The bed was unmade when he pushed her into it, pulling the thick blankets up to cover her legs, until Sakura stopped him.
"Kakashi," she murmured, and he paused, looking at her curiously. She wasn't used to him being so serious. Grabbing his hand, she studied it. "Thank you," she whispered. "For everything."
Kakashi's lips quirked slightly and he just offered a half a shrug. To his surprised, Sakura suddenly threw her arms around him, practically strangling him.
"Mmph," he said into her shoulder, and she pulled away flushed and embarrassed.
"Sorry," she said again, but was cut off as his lips smashed against hers. Sakura remained stunned for about two whole seconds before she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down onto the bed. He came willingly, one hand resting innocuously at her waist and the other supporting himself against the crumpled sheets.
It felt as though electric currents were running through her skin, as though warmth and heat and the sun itself was warming her wherever he touched. Her muscles were oh-so tense, anticipatory, yet completed unguarded. He tore his lips from her and began to trail moist, scorching kisses down her neck, her collar bone, the edge of her jaw. Sakura trailed her fingers loosely against the soft fabric of his shirt, searching for the wired muscles underneath. His abdomen, his chest, his biceps, they were all unhidden from her curious fingers.
Kakashi pulled away, gasping into her neck as Sakura stared up at the ceiling.
"Please," he whispered hoarsely, "tell me next time someone plans on abducting you."
Sakura laughed faintly. "When they warn me, I will."
Kakashi slowly lifted himself and began to pull away, but Sakura tightened her hold on him. "Stay," she breathed.
Kakashi glanced up at her, his mismatched eyes studying her intensely. "I don't want to stay out of gratitude, Sakura."
She rolled her eyes. "Though I am grateful. It's not that."
"Hm." But he relaxed, lowering himself to her side, muscles coiled as though ready to jump from the bed at any second. Sakura ignored it, cuddling herself into his side and heaving a deep sigh of relief.
Sun still shone through the windows as it was only mid-afternoon, but they both lounged in the bed. Sakura had fallen asleep immediately, betraying how exhausted she was. Kakashi meditated in the foggy land halfway between slumber and wakefulness. He let his fingers trail over her hip, his eyes drawing circles across her face, her lips, the brush of her eyelashes against darkened skin of her cheek bones.
Perhaps he was making a mistake allowing her to infringe on his life so much. She was like a creature that had burrowed itself into his house, and though he should remove it, find it some place to live, he had become irrevocably attached.
Maybe things would work out. Maybe they wouldn't. Kakashi couldn't help but be curious. As he finally slipped across the line leading to dream land, the last thought that came to his mind how content he actually was. For now, that was enough.