Summary: Through absence, Uchiha Sasuke begins to grasp the true value of Haruno Sakura. Post-562. Drabble series.

Disclaimer: Naruto is (c) Masashi Kishimoto and Shueisha, Inc.

IN ABSENTIA

The Mission

Sasuke's proclamation made the already tense atmosphere intensify even more.

Naruto appeared to wilt before their very eyes at his candidness. The ordinarily optimistic teen's knees buckled underneath the weight of this newfound knowledge, and he heavily collapsed into a nearby chair for visitors. After having his rose-colored glasses forcibly removed, everything about the jinchuuriki seemed to become duller - his bright blond hair did not seem so bright, his vivid blue eyes did not seem so vivid and his invariable smile seemed to have permanently subsided.

"Again, this is simply conjecture," Tsunade reminded. "We need to investigate further and not leap to any conclusions."

"What do you propose, Hokage-sama?" Kakashi solicited.

"T&I uncovered two potential sites for the Ishikawa Group. One's a hidden base located at the border of Wind Country and the other's a gambling den, Koganeiro Koishi, located at the heart of Ishigakure."

Yamato interceded, "The base has most likely been abandoned since our prisoners failed to return with Sasuke's bounty."

"Indeed," Tsunade concurred. "However, the gambling den is purported to be a lucrative source of income for the group. Many of their business transactions, legal and otherwise, are rumored to emanate from Koganeiro Koishi. That means it'll be much harder, if not impossible, for the group to walk away from it."

"To be safe, we should still check both sites," Kakashi recommended.

Tsunade assented. "I have another team on standby. Team Gai will support you on this S-class operation. Swiftness and secrecy are paramount, so we'll not dawdle by seeking permission to enter Stone. I'm sure you all can discern the significance of this decision, which isn't being made lightly. One mistake could incite an international incident between Fire and Stone, the repercussions of which could last for years to come."

The significance of her decision was not lost on anyone, Naruto included. In hopes of retrieving their teammate and her protégé, the Hokage was going to hazard infiltrating a neighboring country without sanction from the Fire Daimyo. Any error on their part would not only incite an international incident, but would cost Tsunade her title as well.

"Gai's team has the necessary stamina to get in and get out fast. Since they're currently a three man unit, Sai will accompany Gai, Rock Lee and Tenten to the base. His Root training should help him keep apace. Meanwhile, Kakashi's team will travel to Koganeiro Koishi in the guise of patrons."

"Excuse the interruption, Hokage-sama," Yamato said. "I'm no medic, but Sasuke hasn't recovered enough to partake in this mission. That leaves Kakashi, Naruto and I. Without Sai, we're a man short."

"Actually, you're a woman short," Tsunade clarified. "The head of the Ishikawa Group, Masaru, is believed to haunt the gambling den. If our intel is proven accurate, he'll have three vices we can use to our advantage - money, booze and beautiful women. Ergo, you'll require a woman capable of capturing and maintaining his amorous attention. If the Ishikawa Group has Sakura, this man will definitely know her whereabouts. If Black Zetsu has Sakura, this man may be able to provide us with a lead."

Shizune spoke up. "Do you have a particular kunoichi in mind?"

The forgotten T&I officer, a burly man with a receding hairline, took Shizune's question as an opening. In contrast to build, he began to eagerly jump up and down while boisterously waving a meaty hand in the air. His voice held a disturbing feminine pitch, "Oh, pick me! Pick me! Me, me, me!"

Sai blankly peered at the officer. "No offense, tubby, but I really don't think you fit the Hokage's description."

"Don't judge a book by its cover, Sai," Tsunade drolly admonished. "I think they fit the description splendidly."

The officer gave a self-satisfied smirk.

"Welcome to Team Kakashi, Yamanaka Ino. Your punishment for eavesdropping will be dispensed once this mission has been successfully completed."

The smirk was fleeting.

Distracted by Ino's antics, no one registered the oddity of Sasuke meekly acquiescing to bed rest in lieu of a mission.

TO BE CONTINUED