The pain of love
A/N: So this is technically chapter 10 according to the website but in all actuality this is chapter 9 because chapter 9 on the website is a summary of chapter 1-8. Does that make sense? Oh well, the basis is this is chapter 9 and I hope you enjoy it.
As Kakashi and the reminisce of team seven headed into the thick of the forest toward the mist they slowed.
"Are we *pant* almost *pant* there?"
"Not quite but we better take a rest."
Everyone stopped and Naruto and Sakura collapsed from exhaustion.
"You know I'm surprised you both made it six hours non-stop. I'm proud of you guys."
"Thanks *pant*."
They all leaned up against some trees and went over how they would observe and attack.
"So what happens if we can't stop them?"
"If that happens then we withdraw and call for back up then continue to tail them."
"Ok."
Naruto stood and punched his fist in the air.
"Let's go save Sasuke!"
"Ya!" agreed Sakura.
"Ok team if you're ready then we can head out."
They headed off into the forest yet again and by now it was turning light.
~Sasuke~
He awoke with an awful head ache and sore everything. To his delight he was still tied to a tree (Sarcasm). He felt dizzy, nauseous, hungry, sleep deprived, sore, pained, anxious, scared, and exhausted all at the same time. His mind automatically kicked into gear.
*If I try to escape when they untie me should I go up or around? Should I try to run straight? I got it. I'll push off the tree forward and take some of the wire with me then if I can maneuver properly I should be able to fling myself backwards. That way when they chase me forwards I can get ahead of them going backwards. Maybe I'll even knock someone off balance and that would give me like three or four extra seconds right? Either way it's my best option.*
He took a few deep breaths and waited for them to untie him. By the time one of them walked over to him he could see day light, barely but it was definitely early in the morning. He prepared to launch himself off the tree. He felt the wires loosen and he shot forward. He didn't expect it to be so painful and winced but he kept going despite the pain. His plan was working and he was able to fling himself backward. By then all of the four bandits were chasing after him.
"You idiots let him get loose!? Hurry and recapture him."
He jumped out of the now half broken wires and ran for his life. The men were just as fast as him and he took crazy turns and did loops to try to shake them but he couldn't loose them. He stepped in a pit and his balance was thrown off. He fell to a rolling stop and managed to roll under a bush as the four came around a corner.
"This is pointless spread out."
"Yes sir."
They all fanned out in different directions and just as Sasuke started to think he might be able to get away he was swept off the ground and encased in water.
"Gotcha!"
This wasn't a normal water prison jutsu it had big pockets of air that he could breathe but he didn't know why.
"Hey boss I got him!"
Everyone else came around the corner and started to walk back to the camp site.
"Nice job Koichi now let's hurry and gather our things so we can leave."
Koichi began to walk with Sasuke floating in the bubble of water next to him and Sasuke began strategizing what to do next. The only thing was his mind was all fuzzy not from drowning but all of his thoughts were in pieces.
"Were you sure to drug the water?"
"Yup!" he said proudly.
There was his answer and yet his mind continued to float around like a jellyfish not retaining anything. He felt light like all of his problems had left him as he let himself lazily drift into sleep.
~Naruto~
"How long till we get there?"
"Well according to Pakkun twenty minutes minimum. Would it be possible for you two to speed up? Our target is on the move."
"Definitely."
"I can try." Sakura sounded out of breath.
"Ok let me know when I get to fast."
Kakashi sped up quite a bit but Naruto and Sakura were still able to keep up. About fifteen minutes later they reached their abandoned campsite.
"Looks like they left a little bit ago if we leave now we should be able to catch up to them right before they hit the boarder to the village hidden in the mist. Let's get going."
The sun rose overhead as the three of them left the campsite in pursuit of their friend. It had now been about twelve hours since Sasuke had been kidnapped and Naruto was still blazing with determination to get his friend back.
"Kakashi sensei?"
"Yes, Sakura."
"How do we know where they went?"
"Well, I have Pakkun up ahead following their scent he's relaying feedback to me every minute or so."
"But how?"
"Look."
He moved his headband back to reveal a small earpiece.
"Oh wow that's really smart."
"Well don't give me the credit the Hokage said to use them. Huh? Ok. We're nearing the boarder but there is no sign of the group they might have already passed through."
Naruto sped up and Kakashi sped in front of him.
"Don't be rash."
"But… fine."
He slowed back to where Sakura was and they continued to the boarder in silence.
~Sasuke~
There was some banging and a loud thump he felt pain shoot through his body and looked around frantically. Realizing he had been put in a shipping crate he started to panic. *Calm down, breath. Where am I?* He pressed his ear up against the crate and listened intently. He could hear people whispering and wheels turning. Was he on a wagon?
"Let me out!"
"Hey boss I think the kids awake what should we do?"
"LET ME OUT!"
"If you're not quiet we'll have to silence you."
He kicked the side of the crate hoping it would break open and free him but all he got was a sore foot.
"Stop being annoying and cooperate."
"Why should I?"
He felt his crate being lifted off the wagon and they started to shake the crate. Sasuke hit his head, back, knees, shins, and feet on the walls of the crate leaving him sore and uncomfortable. With a thud he was replaced on the wagon.
"You'll stay quiet unless you want to be shaken again."
He didn't respond.
"Good."
~Naruto~
"Were here."
Kakashi looked around and Pakkun appeared from under a bush to greet the three of them.
"Hello you three. Listen we don't have much time for explanations so pay attention. When I got really close to the bandits I turned off my wireless communicator so I wouldn't be detected. When I actually reached them they had already crossed the border but, they were disguised as travelers. I believe they have Sasuke in a crate on their wagon. They are still only five minutes ahead of you so get a move on."
"Alright. Thanks Pakkun you can go back now."
"No problem *poof*."
"Ok you two let's hurry."
"Right."
They all ran in the direction Pakkun had shown them and prepared for battle. After five minutes of anxious travel they had found their target. There were four of them and they had one wagon.
"You guys ready to go?"
"Yes."
"Of course!"
"Ok then, on my count. One… two… THREE!"
They all launched themselves at the travelers. Kakashi pinned two and Naruto and Sakura each pinned one.
"AHH! What's going on!?" screamed a frightened traveler.
"Oh no!" Kakashi said startled.
A/N: Not another cliff hanger! Feel free to be mad at me. This cliff hanger wasn't planned but I assure you the next chapter will be out soon.