Sasuke frowned deeply, clearly displeased. He stood in the middle of his bedroom, mind fully concentrating on finding the source of Itachi's chakra signature. He was having great difficulty doing so even though he had been honing his abilities for so long. It angered him that his brother wasn't as easily pinned down even though he was clearly sticking close to the village.
A stupid move. Having put the pieces together, he had deduced that it had been Itachi that had left his scent behind at Sakura's the other day. He found it exceedingly strange that is immoveable sibling was drawn here by the medic. Sasuke had never taken the time to really see what was so great about her. Yes, he had mild friendly feelings for her once, but never anything stronger.
So what drove an Uchiha to fall so far?
The youngest couldn't figure it out. But then he had been blinded by rage and hate for so long he couldn't see the good in anything anymore. He didn't see how big a heart she had, able to forgive grievous crimes regardless of anyone else's opinions. She had forgiven him for his crimes against her personally yet he couldn't see such kindness since he was hell bent on killing her.
He let out a sigh and gave up for the moment. After so many years, he should have known that it would be harder than just following a chakra signature. Come now, Sasuke. You're smarter than that. There's a much more precise way of finding him. He thought to himself, and it was a much easier way of tracking. He just had to wait for Sakura to actually do something about his brother still being around.
/
Sakura herself was unsure how exactly to go about things. For the past few days she had been greeted on her way out and upon coming home by a crow. It came in with her for a short while at night, but was always gone by the time she went to bed. It was sad that she slept alone, but it was a comfort to know that she hadn't been left like she originally thought.
It was hard to think of a good reason to go searching around the woods surrounding the village for no apparent reason. She couldn't remember a time when she hadn't had a good reason for going out there, otherwise she would just stay in the village to do work or relax. It would seem very odd for her to say "Oh, I won't be reachable today. I'm going for a stroll in the woods like its perfectly normal." Someone would find is suspicious if she did that.
She ran her hand through her hair, trying to come up with a logical reason to be outside the walls so she could find Itachi. One luckily fell into her lap. She had been spending the day with Naruto in the office, sifting through papers and going over various plans with him. One of the neighboring smaller countries was having problems with a sickness running through a couple of villages.
They had competent medics, but they couldn't keep up with the amount of people that needed healing. They needed extra hands and Konohagakure was apparently their choice for asking aid. Being the nice guy that the blond was, he was willing to send some of their better medics out.
He grinned at the pink haired woman, clearly about to ask more of her than he all ready did. "Sakura, there seems to be a little problem. Can you and Ino go help a few little villages?" He asked, giving his best puppy eyes. She blinked at him, considering giving him the hard time that he obviously expected from her. Sure, she did a ton for him, but this was the perfect excuse to leave. Though, Ino would be with her, at least for part of the way it seemed.
She sighed and snatched the paper requesting aid from the Hokage, glancing over it with feigned irritation. "Yeah, I guess that's fine. It'll take a few days," She murmured, envisioning a map in her mind for both the quickest and longest routes to the villages listed. Then a thought came over her. This would be her first away mission since she had brought Sasuke home.
Had that been why Naruto was nervous? Had he been sheepish about asking her in case she was afraid to go out again, lest she be kidnapped a second time? Her sudden pensive look must have worried the blond as he hastily stood. "We can send ANBU with you guys, or you can stay here. You really don't have to go." Blue eyes were wide, hoping that Sakura wouldn't think he was pushing her out into danger again.
She blinked at him, surprised at both offers. "Its okay, Naruto. I don't mind going with just Ino. Its been so long since I've been out. I think its time that I do an away mission again. I think it important I at least try. For my own self-confidence," She said, trying to sound reassuring. She gave a soft smile to ease his worry. She actually wasn't at all worried about her safety, knowing that she would have a shadow the entire way to protect her. No one could know that particular detail, but she was very aware of it herself.
Naruto settled a little, looking mildly soothed but her willingness to go out again. She might not have been the strongest of the team when they were younger, but she definitely could match all the men in determination. He grinned with a nod and sighed. "I think we should have dinner tonight. The three of us. Then we'll do dinner again when you get back," He said firmly, hands on his hips and pleased with the suggestion.
Of course, the medic knew he meant Sasuke, even though they had other close friends such as Sai. Sasuke has been so long missed that he had to be included in so many things to assure the Jinchuuriki that he was really back, really in the village to stay.
/
The following day was a busy one for many. So many had different plans for a single mission. Sakura and Ino left the following day at noon, both chatting pleasantly as they headed toward the needy country. Sasuke had been informed of the mission at dinner. He had found this to be potentially useful to his cause. He felt certain that his brother would be trying to keep a close eye on his "friend." At some point he would be sure to show himself and provide the youngest Uchiha an opportunity at them both.
In fact, that was exactly what Itachi had in mind, following at a safe distance, but certain of the medic's whereabouts and condition. He had learned through his feathery friend that Sakura would be leaving the village. The presence of the blond woman was irksome as it would prevent him from escorting her the entire way. It did sound as though they would be splitting up at some point to go to different villages. That would provide him time alone with the small powerhouse as she made her way "alone."
Unbeknownst to both Uchiha men, a third gentleman would be following the medics. Naruto, the caring Hokage that he was, was very worried about his former teammate and now top medic. He was certain that she had put on a brave face in front of him but was secretly scared for her own safety. Sakura had quite the entourage following her. Three brave and very powerful men following her, though only two wanted her safe. Such an odd turn of events.
One was expected to care for her given they were always close friends. Two were supposed to be indifferent to her as she meant little to nothing to them.
Ah, but one person had been forgotten. Or rather, never noticed. Madara still kept watch over the whole scene, waiting sound his services be needed. The clan had hope once again. A new start could be had for the Uchiha, It wasn't the ideal restart he had considered, but it was one none-the-less. He wouldn't allow for Sasuke to ruin it. He was certain that the festering feelings of rage, hate, and now bitterness of lost sight and failure at his long awaited goal.
This would not bode well for the unlikely couple. He also had to wonder just how the blond would take all this news as the eldest Uchiha felt certain he would end up in the fight as well. Such a story this would be. Truly one for the scrolls.
