Chapter 9: The Past Part 3

Itachi watched the reunion between the two. He had never seen this side of Kakashi. From all the rumors that were floating around, Kakashi was a cold-hearted man who wouldn't even flinch at the thought of killing someone. The man that stood in front of him now, didn't fit that description.

"Kakashi, we need to leave."

Kakashi looked at Itachi and gave him a look that would've sent a man running for the hills.

"Tsunade is waiting for us."

Kakashi sighed and nodded. Tsunade was waiting for them and he wanted to get Sakura out of this place. Slowly releasing Sakura, Kakashi stood up and offered his hand out to her.

"Are you ready to go home?"

Sakura nodded before reaching her hand out to Kakashi. His hand felt warm.

"Let's go."


Tsunade stood outside the main gate with Asuma, waiting for Kakashi's return. He didn't even bother to call to confirm if he had found Sakura. Tsunade sighed before she began to pace. Please tell me he found her.

Asuma watched as Tsunade began to mutter to herself. It was understandable as to why she was nervous. Hell, he was too. Reaching into his pocket, Asuma grabbed his cigarette carton. Just as he was about to light one, two motorcycles pulled up. Forgetting about the cigarette entirely, Asuma and Tsunade rushed over to greet Kakashi and Itachi.

"Did you find her?"

Kakashi nodded before he gestured to the little girl sitting on his lap. She had pink hair and green eyes that were glowing in the light. Tsunade clamped her hand to her mouth as tears began to form. Sakura!

Asuma smiled at the little girl and watched as she jumped off the bike. Grabbing onto Kakashi's pant leg, the girl peered at the man and woman who were staring at her. Asuma ruffled his hair before whispering a thank you prayer.

"Sakura, this is Tsunade and that man over there is Asuma."

Sakura looked up to Kakashi before slowly approaching the two people standing before her.

"I'm Sakura."

Tsunade couldn't hold it in anymore. She rushed forward and hugged the girl.

"Sakura. I'm so glad we have finally found you! I'm Tsunade, your godmother."

"Tsunade...be gentle. I need to take her to the infirmary."

"What do you mean Itachi?"

"Look at her."

Tsunade released Sakura and examined her from head to toe. Her arms and legs were covered with angry red marks that stood in stark contrast to her skin. She also had marks all over her neck and scraps on her face. Tsunade felt a flash of anger as she examined Sakura. That damn bastard, what the hell has he been doing to her?

"Do they hurt?"

Sakura looked at the marks the woman were pointing at. She barely even noticed them.

"No. I'm used to it."

Asuma watched as both Kakashi's and Tsunade's expressions turned murderous. Asuma probably had the same expression on his face.

"May I ask how you got them?"

Sakura grew silent and refused to answer the question. Tsunade saw the girl begin to withdraw from her.

"Ok, how about why did you get them?"

It took a bit before Sakura answered.

"Orochimaru said he did it because he loved me."

Sensing the change in the atmosphere, Itachi thought it was best if he stepped in.

"Sakura, how about we go to the hospital to get you checked out. Are you fine with that?"

"Ok."

Itachi smiled as he held Sakura's hand. As they made their way to the hospital, bits of their conversation could be heard.

"You know I have a younger brother about your age..."

Asuma, Kakashi, and Tsunade watched as the two walked off into the distance. Taking out another cigarette, Asuma lit it and began puffing away.

"I swear I'll kill him."

Asuma didn't know if it was Kakashi or Tsunade who spoke, but he knew that either of them would be more the willing to fulfill that promise. Taking another long drag, Asuma blew a ring of smoke before he turned to assess the current situation.

"I think that will have to wait. We finally got Sakura back, and it is vital to make sure she is safe and hidden from Orochimaru."

Kakashi sighed. What Asuma said was true, it would be of no use to go chase after Orochimaru right now.

"I agree. Orochimaru won't know about Sakura's disappearance until this weekend. Until then, we need to hide her. Orochimaru went through an ordeal to get Sakura. Who knows what he will do when he finds out she is gone. "

"True."

"I've also found some interesting information regarding Orochimaru while we were at the hideout."

"Oh?"

"Yes. It has something to do with the Akatsuki. There wasn't much information, just that word."

"I've heard about them."

Both Kakashi and Asuma turned to look at Tsunade. She seems calm. Feeling their stares, Tsunade glared at both of them before answering.

"They are an up and coming group in the yakuza organization. They have attracted some attention from the other groups. I believe their main house is located in the Amegakure district. What would Orochimaru want with them?"

"No idea, but I believe we should have someone infiltrate the organization. Just so we could have some eyes on Orochimaru."

"Not a bad idea, but who?"

"I'll do it."

Everyone turned to see Itachi walking towards them.

"How's Sakura?"

"She's getting a check-up. But she should be fine."

"Good."

"Regarding the Akatsuki. I will join."

"Hmm, you are one of the top fighters now and Orochimaru doesn't really know you. It could work."

"What about your brother?"

"I'll bring him with me. After our parents' car accident, I think it will be a good idea for him to step out of the Konoha district for a bit."

"That's fine, but be careful Itachi."


Present Day

Kakashi pulled up into the 44th district. Taking off his helmet, Kakashi quickly ran his fingers through his hair. Itachi has been with the Akatsuki group for the past 10 years, making his younger brother about 20 years old. Damn, same age as Sakura. Has it really been that long since that incident?

"Kakashi, I didn't know you missed me."

Breaking out of his thoughts, Kakashi saw Asuma leaning against the gate, cigarette in hand.

"Wrong. Tsunade needs all of the district leaders at the main house. He's back."

The smile on Asuma's face disappeared.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Itachi called."

"Damn. I'll follow you back."

"No, head back first. I need to go tell Kurenai and Guy."

"Ok. What are we going to do about Sakura.?

Kakashi took a minute to think. After Sakura had returned to the ANBU, she suffered from nightmares, always waking up in the middle of the night, screaming 'Don't Touch me'. It had gotten to the point where Tsunade took her to a doctor where he prescribed some medication that would suppress the memories, thus dispelling the nightmares. After some time, Sakura didn't need the pills, and the nightmares had disappeared. Plus, Tsunade had made it clear she wanted to train Sakura just in case Orochimaru would come back. That worked out too well. She enjoyed fighting way too much and she is currently the best.

"At least she will be able to protect herself this time, but her past is to remain hidden for now."

"I don't think..."

"It's Tsunade's orders. See you at the main house."


"Took you long enough."

Kakashi walked into the meeting room to see everyone settled in.

"Sorry."

Tsunade acknowledged Kakashi's apology before turning to address the district leaders.

"I believe Kakashi has already told you the reason for the meeting."

"Orochimaru."

"Yes, he seems to have returned and it has been confirmed that he is the backer for the Akatsuki."

"That's not good. We have witnessed the Akatsuki's strength. If Orochimaru plans to attack the ANBU house... I don't know if we can stop him."

"Why do you think I called for this meeting Guy? We are already short two district leaders and I can't afford to lose any more of them."

"What if we attack the Akatsuki base?"

"We can't Kakashi. Who knows if the Akatsuki has aligned themselves with another group."

"Then what are our options? Sit around and wait for an attack? I sure as hell won't be idly waiting for Sakura to be taken again."

"Kakashi! I know you are frustrated but as you know, Sakura is more than capable to defend herself. Not to mention, I have assigned two other members to safeguard her."

"Still..."

"I know you are worried Kakashi and so am I, but as of now, we don't know if Orochimaru knows about Sakura. All Itachi had said was that he was back."

"That is true..."

A knock on the door stopped Kakashi midsentence.

"Tsunade?"

Sakura's voice rang clear in the air. Isn't she suppose to be asleep? Kakashi felt Tsunade's glare. It seems Tsunade had the same thoughts.

"Come in Sakura."

The door slid open and Sakura walked in wearing a green silk robe. At least she was sleeping and not out wreaking havoc in the other districts.

"What is it?"

"I have important information regarding the Akatsuki."

"Yes?"

Sakura nodded before continuing.

"They have changed they objective. Apparently their main goal is to capture me. It was a special request from their backer."

"Oh? And how do you know this?"

Sakura waited before she answered. She didn't want to bring up Sasuke.

"A... reliable source."

"I see. "

Damn. He knows we have her. This will change everything.

"Sakura be on your guard. If you plan to step out of the ANBU house you better make sure both Naruto and Sai are with you."

"I don't need them following me..."

"That was an order. I will not have any arguments."

"Yes."

"You are dismissed."

Tsunade waited for Sakura to leave before she slammed her fist on her desk.

"Goddammit."

"At least we know their goal Tsunade, and we can prepare for an attack."

"True. Here are my orders. Kakashi and Asuma, you both will be reassigned to stay at the main house. Shikimaru will take over the 44th district for now. Kurenai, I need you and your team to scout out the Akatsuki's territory. See if you can find out any information. Guy, your team will be in charge of the other remaining districts. I need them to be fortified in case the Akatsuki receives assistance from other yakuza groups. Everyone is dismissed except for Kakashi and Asuma."

Kurenai and Guy both nodded in agreement. Asuma and Kakashi waited for the two district leaders to leave before turning their attention to Tsunade.

"What is it Tsunade?"

"I want to make myself clear to both of you. Sakura is not allowed to be told about her past. I don't know what the hell Orochimaru did to her, but it was bad enough to scar her."

"I agree."

"Also, I need you two to start training our newer recruits."

"Why?"

"Because Kakashi, I'm not going to let Orochimaru get away this time."

"Do you mean..."

Tsunade looked at both Asuma and Kakashi before she replied.

"The ANBU organization will be declaring war with the Akatsuki."