Chapter Fourteen: Safe

"What the hell is taking Forehead so long?!"

"…Well, Sakura-chan said she would be home by sunset…"

"Th-The sun's starting to s-set right now…"

"Troublesome…"

Naruto frowned as he stared up at the sky, the light blues of day already melting into the surreal pinks, purples, and oranges of sunset. He, Ino, Hinata, and Shikamaru had left Ichiraku's Ramen Shop over an hour before the designated arrival of one Haruno Sakura. When they reached the Gates of Hidden Leaf, all four had promptly taken a seat on a nearby stone bench, patiently waiting for the Medical Jounin's return home from her Mission.

Well, now their patience was wearing thin and their worry growing deeper.

Even Sasuke, who had appeared at the Gates not long after they did, was scowling and stealing dark glances at the Gate every second he got, as if awaiting the chance to reprimand Sakura for her unpunctuality – and for making him worry – once she walked through those large double-wooden doors.

At least, that's what Naruto thought he looked like.

"Annoying," Sasuke muttered as he crossed his arms, leaning casually against a tree not far from where his four companions were sitting.

Frowning, Naruto switched his gaze to the Gates then back to the darkening sky, "…Do you think Sakura-chan's okay? I know she can take care of herself, but she always keeps her promises…She should have been back by now…"

"P-Perhaps she was held up," Hinata offered timidly as she watched Naruto's brows furrow with trouble and Ino begin to bite her bottom lip as she snuck glances at a silent Shikamaru, "Th-The Clinic may have needed m-more help than they th-thought…"

"…I hope you're right, Hinata," Ino whispered as she followed Naruto's and Sasuke's gazes to the still-closed Gates.

Only silence ensued, tense and suffocating as everyone continued to anxiously wait for their pink-haired teammate and friend – continued to edgily anticipate for those double-Gates to finally open to reveal a tired but smiling Haruno Sakura.

Minutes passed until the sun finally disappeared beyond the horizon. Sunset was over, evening began. Naruto had begun to pace, muttering under his breath with the occasional glance towards the Gates. Hinata's brows were furrowed as she nervously wrung her dark hair around her fidgeting fingers. Ino was uncharacteristically silent, continuing to pass fleeting looks between the Gate and Shikamaru. The Nara Genius was neither slouching nor bored; he was sitting straight, his dark stare penetrating the Village Gates, sharp with rapid thought as his frown deepened even further with every passing minute.

Sasuke remained quiet, his fists clenched as he remained rooted at his spot beside the tree, obsidian eyes never once leaving the wooden Entryway.

Another hour passed, the skies were now the darkest of blues and stars were beginning to appear against the vast expanse. Naruto had stopped his pacing, sitting on the floor and glaring at the Gate, as if willing it to make Sakura appear. Ino and Hinata were leaning against each other, cold from the evening breezes but adamant on staying. Sasuke and Shikamaru hardly moved.

"M-Maybe…" Hinata whispered, all pairs of eyes snapping her way; the first break in silence, she swallowed, making her voice steadier, "Maybe she's staying another night a-at the Border Village…Perhaps she will r-return tomorrow morning instead…Ad-Admittedly, healing does take a t-toll on the body. M-Maybe she n-needed rest."

"…But she promised…" Naruto sighed, sapphire eyes anxious as he looked up at the shining stars now coating the skies.

"And she would have sent word," Shikamaru added, surprising almost-everyone with his cool, calculating tone – Sasuke stared at him suspiciously; "…Sakura knows she has a Mission with us tomorrow. She would have made it back in time or sent word of her delay."

Ino frowned, placing a hand on the Nara's shoulder, grey-blue eyes clearly worried, "…Shika-kun…You don't think…?" She trailed off uncertainly.

Shikamaru sighed, standing up, "I don't know Ino."

"What's wrong?" Naruto asked, seeing their withdrawn expressions and not liking it, "What's the matter?"

Shikamaru shook his head, facing towards Ino and pointing his thumb towards the direction of the Hokage Tower, "Ino…Go ahead and inform Hokage-sama about this. She'll know what to do."

Ino stood up, still uncertain as she glanced between her boyfriend, Naruto, and Sasuke, each male giving off their own air of seriousness that made her nod her head and grab Hinata's hand, intent on taking the Hyuuga Heiress with her and inform her of what was going on. She knew Shikamaru could handle the temperamental boys of Squad Seven alone.

"Inform Tsunade-baa-chan what?" Naruto demanded as Ino and Hinata walked hurriedly away, "What's going on?"

Sasuke had finally pushed off from his tree, walking towards Naruto and Shikamaru with a deep frown, dark eyes trained solely on the Tactical Ninja, "Explain yourself, Nara."

The Shadow-User sighed, but his posture didn't lessen into relaxation a bit, "We have reason to believe Sakura has been targeted."

"Targeted?!" Naruto exclaimed, Sasuke's eyes narrowing even further, "By who!?"

"Who else?" Shikamaru asked with a roll of his eyes, "Akatsuki. It's just a precaution but I'm sure Hokage-sama will send out a Team to be on the look-out. For all we know, Hinata may be right about Sakura staying the night at the Border Village…But we can never be too sure."

"Well, we should go look for her too!" Naruto reasoned, brows furrowed in concern, "If she needs help, Sasuke and I can do it!"

Sasuke didn't say a word but his eyes clearly portrayed his agreement with the blonde.

"We already have a Mission to worry about," Shikamaru countered seriously, "We're leaving with the Lightning Diplomat tomorrow and sending out his assigned guards isn't advised…Like I said, this is only a precaution, I already had Tsunade-sama send escorts for Sakura's return here…All we can do now is prepare for tomorrow's Mission. I suggest you both go home and get some rest."

"But Sakura-chan–" Naruto began to protest.

"–Will be fine," The Shadow-User finished calmly, "We all trust her to return to Konoha safely and she will. She's probably only delayed. Go home, sleep, and I'm sure we'll all see her by tomorrow afternoon."

"But you sent escorts–" Naruto tried again.

"–As a precautionary," Shikamaru responded impatiently, "Jeez Naruto, she'll be fine. If anything happens, you'll be the first to know. I'm sure word of her whereabouts will turn up soon," His dark eyes locked onto their irritated faces critically, completely serious, "Don't do anything stupid. Go home."

"And if she's not fine?" Naruto asked in a rush, hoping not to get interrupted again.

The Nara Genius frowned, his dark gaze locking onto the silent Uchiha, "…Then we'll have a reason to go after her. For now, just worry about the Mission tomorrow. Clear?"

Naruto cast a longing gaze back to the Village Gates, his frown deep before he waved his hand dismissively, "…Yeah, yeah, we're clear."

"And you?" Shikamaru asked as he stared at the dark-haired ex-Avenger.

Obsidian orbs locked onto his intensely and after a brief fleeting glance at the Gates also Sasuke began to walk away, forcefully dragging a sulking Naruto after him, "…Hn."

As Shikamaru watched the two Team Seven Comrades disappear down the street he let out a soft breath and shook his head, also staring momentarily at the still Gates before reluctantly walking off towards the Administrations Building, "…What a drag. You'd better be okay Sakura."

"What happened here?"

"A battle."

"Well, I figured as much. Whose battle though?"

Tenten and Neji alighted on low, sturdy branches just meters above ground level. The forests were dark as night had descended on Fire Country, although trained auburn and pearlescent eyes easily observed their surroundings, bodies tense with unease as they studied the obvious evidence of a recent battle. Despite the darkness the color of blood was still a deep red and the smell of fire, smoke, and death was quite prominent. Stray weapons littered across the clearing and a number of trees were splintered, a pathway of destruction leading deeper into the foliage.

"Byakugan!" Neji whispered, chakra surging towards his pale-white eyes, allowing him to see more than regular sight could reveal.

Tenten cautiously observed the clearing, checking for any traps that had not yet been set off. Brown brows furrowed as she looked even closer at the blood-stained floors, abnormal cracks in the earth just barely visible under the moonlight. Pulling her dark cloak closer to her body, the kunoichi carefully jumped from her perch and landed beside one of the more noticeable fissures, crouching beside it and inspecting how it was created. Following the crevice, Tenten came upon a single crater where other cracks were connected to, a crater that was only the size of a single, petite fist.

"Sakura…" Tenten breathed, her eyes widening as she snapped her head forward, immediately looking for any signs of pink or red.

"I see bodies up ahead!" Neji informed urgently, "Half a mile away, South…No movement. Signs of battle also evident. I sense chakra but it's too low to make out!"

"It's Sakura!" Tenten shouted as she took off in the direction Neji pointed out, the Hyuuga Prodigy already at her heels, "Is it her?! Can you see her?"

"…I sense two chakras…" Neji answered gravely, "Both low…Dormant even. One is familiar…I'm sure it's her. The enemy Shinobi are Rain Ninja…I see their hitae-ates."

"Rain Ninja…" Tenten scowled, jumping effortlessly over a fallen tree, mindful of the sharp weapons lying around and the deep gaps Sakura had undoubtedly created, "…It's that same pattern Neji. Rain Ninja attacks. But what are their intentions?"

Neji's frown deepened fractionally as the duo drew nearer to the faint chakra signatures, "…We'll find out their motives soon enough…It seems Sakura-san paralyzed one of them. We'll take him in for interrogation."

Tenten nodded in understanding, picking up speed, "Right."

Their blurred movements were swift and silent as they moved easily through the chaos the Medical Jounin and her adversaries had created, jumping gracefully over unmoving bodies, darting skillfully through still-active traps, and growing even more wary as the disorder of the battle continued to worsen.

Tenten's chocolate eyes were frantic as she searched desperately through the ill-lit night, inwardly wincing with every puddle of blood she bypassed and cursing her inability to see just as well as her companion. Neji remained quiet, but his lips were pressed firm and his expression drawn as his chakra-enhanced sight remained fixed on particular point ahead.

Finally, when they emerged from the final cluster of thick trees, swatting away branches in their hurry, Tenten was quick to run towards the first flash of pink she saw. Half in shock from seeing the state of one of her closest friends, Tenten fell to her knees beside the motionless form, brown eyes raking anxiously over the Medic's battered figure. Pink hair was matted down with blood and sweat; bruises covered her frail skin, a ragged cut was on her right arm, and crimson liquid was pooling under body which meant a serious back wound. To the Weapon Mistress' immense relief she could see the young woman breathing – albeit shallowly – and when she put a finger to her pulse viridian orbs sluggishly fluttered open.

"Sakura…" Tenten whispered softly, her heart pounding as she anxiously watched the Medic's green gaze slowly focus on her face, comprehension gradually dawning on her battered features.

"…Tenten?" Her voice was soft with fatigue yet struggling to sound strong, viridian orbs glazing over with pain as she tried to shift her body, which only irritated her recent wounds.

"Yeah, it's me Sakura," The Weapons Mistress responded with as much reassurance she could muster, her hands hesitantly hovering over the Medic's body, unsure if the lightest of touches would cause her friend immense pain, "Don't move alright? Neji and I will get you home."

The pink-haired woman chuckled weakly as she nodded her head in understanding, eyes fluttering closed, "I…I stayed awake. But…"

Her statement fizzled into a shaky exhale and Tenten urgently began looking around the clearing for Sakura's pack, inwardly hoping that there were left over medicinal supplies that she could use that would be able to help Sakura, even if just a fraction. However, to no avail, Sakura's usual Medical Pack wasn't in sight and the brunette could only assume that it had been left behind or dropped in a different part of the battlefield.

Brown eyes landed on Neji, the Hyuuga Prodigy already making work of checking the enemy shinobi bodies and their valuables, obtaining any scrolls or discarded weapons that could be of use to them. After stashing away some stray senbon into his kimono, the Byakugan-User made way to an unmoving figure beside a splintered tree and effortlessly pulled the man onto his shoulder, an audibly pained groan exiting their prisoner's mouth.

"…I couldn't…" Tenten's focus immediately snapped back towards Sakura, the younger female still struggling to produce words, her eyes clenching together tightly with suppressed pain which only caused Tenten to worry more, "…I don't……have enough chakra…to flush out…all……the toxins…"

Tenten's eyes widened with Sakura's final words before a vicious cough escaped the Medic's throat and a slither of blood emerged from the corner of her pale lips. Eyes frantically leaving hers to find Neji – who had just reached the pair, chakra-enhanced eyes critically analyzing Sakura's condition – the Weapons Mistress stood and began to untie her dark cloak.

"Her chakra is shifting throughout her body ominously," Neji stated with underlying concern, pearl eyes shifting towards Tenten who walked towards him and roughly pulled the prisoner from his hold – the Rain Ninja fell to the ground roughly, eliciting another pained groan but the Weapons Kunoichi hardly cared.

"We need to leave now, Neji," She answered gravely – urgently – gesturing the Hyuuga Prodigy to carry Sakura on his back, "She's poisoned and I'm guessing we don't have too much time left. How much longer until we reach Konoha?"

Scanning his surroundings briefly, Neji's contemplative frown deepened slightly before he swiftly moved to carry Sakura's frail form onto his back, being careful not to jar her wounds or move any potentially broken bones, "…An hour…If we go our fastest."

Tenten's expression tightened, feeling an hour was too long, especially when poison ran rampant through shinobi's veins. Her russet orbs scanned over Sakura's scratched and burned arms, which hung loosely around Neji's neck, and grit her teeth as the Medic's open back was presented to her, the jagged scar still bleeding lightly as her torn clothes clung to the wound. The cloak Tenten had removed was instantly on Sakura, covering her back from the cool air and providing the tired body with warmth.

"…She's losing a lot of blood Neji," The ANBU Kunoichi whispered as she roughly picked up their prisoner and flung him non-too-gently on her shoulder, "We're going to have to push our limits to make it."

The Hyuuga nodded wordlessly before taking off into a run through the darkened trees, wasting no time. Tenten followed close behind him, relying on her partner to use his Byakugan to find the shortest route possible back to the Village Hidden in the Leaves.

Haruno Sakura's life depended on it.

"We can make it…" Tenten whispered, if only to reassure herself and not think of darker possibilities, the hold on their prisoner's arm tightening painfully, "…We can make it."

"I can't believe we're on house arrest!! I mean, does no one trust us? I can understand not trusting you Teme, but me!? What's Shikamaru thinking?!"

"Hn."

"Seriously, Kaka-sensei…Pull some strings! Let me and Sasuke out!"

The silver-headed Jounin slowly peeked over his favorite Icha Icha Paradise novel, lone eye silently taking in the sight of his sulky, broody, and whining Team Seven male comrades. Naruto was fidgeting frantically on his couch – where a hot bowl of untouched Ramen sat just feet away, obviously forgotten under the blonde's worry. Sasuke sat silently at the window looking out at the darkened streets and also ignoring the basket of juicy, ripe-red tomatoes beside him.

Apparently food bribery would never work on Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke when the welfare of their female teammate was concerned.

With a sigh, Hatake Kakashi disappeared behind his book and flipped to the next page, "…I'm sorry Naruto. I can't."

"Why the hell not?!" Naruto growled viciously, obviously displeased with his Sensei's answer, azure pupils glinting red dangerously and hands tightened into fists, "Sakura-chan could be hurt! How can we just sit here and do nothing?!"

Sasuke turned his head to stare passively at Kakashi, but his obsidian depths were adamantly hardened, expectant of an answer, chakra spiking dangerously with poorly suppressed threat. Both males of Team Seven were beyond furious with their current situation and Kakashi was neither pleased to be caught in the middle of it nor happy with the fact that he was feeling helpless to their predicament also.

Heaving another sigh, Kakashi placed his orange novel down and bravely met both his comrades' stares, feeling their heated glares but acting professionally unaffected; he swept his hands tiredly through his silver mane, "You know I want to be out there looking for Sakura just as much as you do, but the Godaime and Shikamaru are right in having us watched. We can't be doing anything stupid, especially with your Mission tomorrow."

Sasuke's dark brows furrowed as he studied Kakashi searchingly, "Us?"

Kakashi smiled under his mask as he scratched the back of his neck, though both Naruto and Sasuke could tell that his apologetic expression was half-hearted, "You see kids, I wasn't sent here to watch you…I was sent here by Godaime to be watched too."

As the elite Jounin's words settled around them, Sasuke's frown returned full force as he snapped his gaze back towards the window and the street beyond while Naruto dramatically pulled at his spiky-blonde locks, "What?! All three of us are on house arrest?! What the hell!" Azure orbs narrowed in on Kakashi's covered features, "What about Yamato-taicho and Sai? Maybe they can break us out!"

Kakashi sighed as he half-shrugged, pocketing his orange novel while he shook his head, "I don't know the whereabouts of Sai or Yamato. If we're being kept under surveillance I wouldn't be surprised if the Godaime have them under lock-down also."

Naruto wasn't giving up, "Rookie Nine!? Team Gai?! Hidden Sand?!"

"You need to calm down Naruto," Kakashi placated softly, his eyes sharp with superiority, "Hokage-sama and Shikamaru are doing all they can do to find Sakura. We have to wait."

"Aren't you worried though Kaka-sensei?!" Naruto growled, crossing his arms over his chest stubbornly, teeth barring as he glared out the same window Sasuke was staring at, "They have us on house arrest! Why? Because it's serious, that's why!"

"You don't know that," Kakashi sighed as he stood from his seat, walking towards the kitchen to make some tea – all the yelling was giving him a headache.

"Oh yes I do!" Naruto retorted, "And Sasuke-teme agrees!"

Kakashi cast a fleeting glance at the ex-Avenger, taking the Uchiha's silence as ready-agreement towards the blonde.

"Well, there isn't anything we can do," Kakashi responded in resignation – he was far from happy with his statement, he understood the boys' worries, "We need to follow protocol."

"Then you're trash Kakashi-sensei," Naruto muttered lowly, earning two heads snapped in his direction, one expression with surprise, the other impassive yet sharp.

Kakashi stared at Naruto, his body seizing up with tension as the blonde's words sunk in. Azure eyes failed to meet his dark one and the elite Jounin could tell that once those words had left Naruto's mouth some regret followed, but with the lacking apology the self-proclaimed future Hokage was sticking by his word.

Yet the statement, so scornfully murmured, caused Kakashi's chest to constrict painfully, still stunned that it had been Naruto who dealt the blow. It was understandable however, Naruto was upset and cared deeply for his friends; his anger was getting the best of him.

But that anger also brought out painful truths.

As memories bombarded his head, Kakashi took a step back and leaned tiredly against the counter, his hand coming up to rub at his throbbing head, "…You're right."

"Enough," Sasuke stood up, his obsidian stare panning back and forth from Kakashi and Naruto, both shaken and trying to control themselves, "…If we're going to find Sakura, we're going to have to sneak by the guards," He looked at the window with an expression of calculation before turning back to his company, "I've been studying their patrol patterns and we have three second intervals to get passed them every fifteen minutes…We're breaking out then."

Naruto was immediately for the idea, his cobalt orbs filled with determination as he nodded his head in agreement.

Sasuke turned his head towards Kakashi, the older man quiet as he stared at the floor, "…Are you with us Kakashi?"

It was silent for a few moments, but finally, Kakashi looked up from the floor, his dark eyes penetrating deeply through obsidian and sapphire.

"Count me in."

"I don't like this at all. I want to be out there looking for Sakura too."

"H-Hokage-sama chose the b-best team to find her, Ino-chan. K-Kiba-kun and Shino-kun are the best t-trackers for Hidden Leaf. They'll find her."

"…I hope you're right. We both know how much trouble Forehead gets into."

"B-But we both know how strong she is too."

Ino smiled weakly in agreement, her grey-blue eyes clouded over with thought as she and Hinata made their way through the darkened streets of Hidden Leaf. After the two kunoichi had urgently informed the Godaime that Sakura had yet to turn up from her Mission, the hazel-eyed Sannin made quick work of calling upon a three-man cell to search the perimeter for Sakura. Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino, Shizune, and Akamaru were summoned, given direct orders to find Haruno Sakura and return her to the Village. After firm and determined nods of the head, the four figures disappeared in a flash of leaves.

Now, Ino and Hinata were walking back to the Hyuuga Compound, ordered by Lady Tsunade to get some rest and stay in their homes and especially keep their focus on the Mission the following day. Of course the two women wanted to protest and aid in the search for their pastel-haired friend but after one firm look from their Hokage, the two bowed their heads and dejectedly left the Administrations Building.

"I wonder how Team Seven is reacting," Ino sighed softly; "…I wonder what Shikamaru's doing."

"Sh-Should we try and find them?" Hinata asked quietly, her hands fidgeting with the cuffs of her jacket, "P-Perhaps make sure that everything's alright…?"

"But is everything alright Hinata-chan?" Ino responded pessimistically, her hands running through her platinum-blonde locks with aggravation.

Their long walk continued in silence, one kunoichi scowling towards their current dilemma while the other silently hoped that everything was going to turn out for the best. Hinata knew Haruno Sakura's abilities were very much admired and envied and was hardly a kunoichi to be taken lightly, yet with the Akatsuki as their adversaries she couldn't help but doubt if that power was enough. Such thoughts only led her back to their Escort Mission the next day and the Hyuuga Heiress was left to speculate whether or not the combined power of six elite Jounin would be formidable enough towards such feared and resilient enemies.

"Hey, what's that?"

To normal civilians, what would have been seen in the darkened streets of the Hidden Leaf were flickering shadows under the stars, moon, and street lamps. However, to trained pearlescent and grey-blue eyes, both Hinata and Ino could see the shape and advancement of those shadows and could follow the sharp movements in its haste. Wary, the two kunoichi crouched down in the defensive, still unsure, their hands twitching towards their thigh holsters.

The figures were becoming more prominent the nearer they became but the shapes were still too blurry to make out against the ill-light.

"Byakugan," Hinata whispered, the familiar feel of chakra bursting towards her eyes allowing her to see things a lot more clearly than normal.

"What is it?" Ino asked urgently, gaze shifting left and right minutely to ascertain whether there were any other threats. It was absurd to think they could be attacked in the middle of a civilian neighborhood in the heart of the Village, but the two kunoichi were no strangers to surprises.

A soft gasp escaped Hinata's lips, catching Ino's stare instantly, "…They're back!"

Stunned surprised, Ino stood upright, forgetting her kunai or any danger as she focused her gaze on the approaching figures, the shaggy form of Akamaru becoming more obvious though the Mind-User could see that they were showing no signs of slowing down to talk with them, "…They're not going to stop."

Another gasp escaped Hinata's lips and Ino briefly looked at her, anxious to see deep concern etched on the Hyuuga Heiresses pale features, "…They have S-Sakura-chan. B-But…"

Ino frowned as Hinata trailed off shakily, eager to hear the rest, "But what, Hinata-chan?"

It was then that the figures zoomed by without a second of hesitation on their part, leaving Ino's worries to sink deeper into her chest. For a minute, she stood looking out at the empty street which continued to lay undisturbed as if nothing had just passed through its path. It was until she landed her blue-grey eyes on a shaking Hinata that the wetness on her clothes and the dark crimson on the cobblestone – covered by shadow – had her heart begin to pound rapidly with fear. Looking down at her purple attire and her exposed abdomen, the Mind-User froze at the sight of rivulets and drops of red littering across her front, splattered there – Kami there was so, so much.

"Blood?" Ino whispered.

"S-Sakura-chan's…" Hinata replied unsteadily.

"Ino. Hinata."

Both women immediately whirled around, surprised to see a single figure garbed in the gear of an ANBU Ninja yet her clay mask was strangely missing. Russet orbs met theirs firmly, her hair in disarray and her breaths coming out in controlled pants signaling a long and rigorous run for her. Over her shoulder lay an unmoving figure and for a split-second Ino and Hinata thought it was Sakura, but the foreign clothes proved otherwise.

"You're medical expertise might be needed to help Shizune-san," Tenten stated firmly, "Please come with me."

The Weapons Mistress turned without another words, jumping off in the direction her comrades had disappeared, following the blood trail to the Hidden Leaf Hospital.

Yamanaka Ino and Hyuuga Hinata followed without complaint.

"Thought you could get by me? Che, Amateurs."

"Come on lady, let us out!"

"Sorry Uzumaki, orders are orders, I can't slack off on the job."

"You won't be slacking off, you're helping the cause!! If your teammate was out there and hurt wouldn't you want to find and help them?"

"Now Uzumaki, there's a difference between being heroic and being stupid. I'll admit you're more on the former side but you got to trust Lady Tsunade when it comes to finding Sakura. So shut up, sit down, and let me enjoy my tea."

"Arghh!"

"Are your students always such interesting company Kakashi?"

Mitarashi Anko chuckled lightly before taking a sip of her herbal tea, propping her feet up onto the table as her purple orbs studied the three men before her lazily. The smirk remained on her lips as she waved a hand in the air, two ANBU that had also been standing silent in the small living area disappearing in a cloud of white smoke.

Naruto sat scowling on his couch, arms crossed and expression drawn into defeat and irritation. Sasuke was sitting at the kitchen counter, clearly annoyed as his obsidian orbs glared savagely at her. Kakashi was quiet, although he was staring at the Containment Seal on the door in cool contemplation, causing Anko's fine brow to rise, wondering what exactly was going on in the elite Jounin's clever head.

"You three should lighten up," Anko sighed, running a had through her amethyst tresses before beginning to fiddle with one of her shuriken, the other hand playfully balancing her tea on one finger, "Do you all have such little faith?"

"It's not like that!" Naruto defended angrily, "Something's wrong! I can feel it!"

"You're just being an overprotective boyfriend Uzumaki," Anko sang mockingly, "Give Haruno some space will ya?" She turned her gazes towards Kakashi and Sasuke, a feral grin stretching over her lips, "And you two aren't helping…Kakashi's acting like a doting father and the Uchiha's the concerned brother."

Both Kakashi and Sasuke twitched uncomfortably as Naruto inwardly suppressed a soft chuckle – although Anko outwardly cackled at her analogy. Kakashi as a father-figure, Naruto might agree, but Sasuke as a brother-figure to Sakura? Nope, that was his job.

"Whether we worry or not," Kakashi began firmly, "We have the right. Being on house arrest with one of your comrades in potential danger isn't a desired situation. I know you have your duties Anko but just let this slide this once. We're not going to do anything stupid; we just want to find her."

Anko frowned, her fun coming to an end as she studied the three men before her. Behind their tough and strong facades she could see – feel – their worry. It was admirable, it was envying, and it was just so – Team Seven. With another sigh, Anko gulped down the rest of her tea and threw her shuriken at the door, effectively breaking the seal that had been keeping the men in.

"Fine, go," The Special Jounin drawled, although her smirk returned as she stared straight into Kakashi's dark eye, "…But you owe me big time. And I'm hardly getting in trouble for this alone."

Naruto whooped loudly as he jumped from the couch, Sasuke immediately standing and making his way to the door while Kakashi shared a grateful glance with Anko, a small upturn of his lips shifting under his dark mask.

"Let's go!" Naruto shouted, pumping his hand in the air as Sasuke ripped off the Containment Seal and began to open the entryway, "We got a lot of ground to cover! We're coming for you Sakura-chan!"

Yet once the door was opened, they were greeted by a lone visitor. With one hand raised up to knock and the other hand stuffed in his pocket, the males of Team Seven gazed at the newcomer, a burst of anxiety running through their tense forms.

"Shikamaru?"

The Nara Genius lowered his hand and stuffed it into his other pocket, dark eyes piercing through three other pairs, "…We have her. We found Sakura."

"Really?!" Naruto jumped forward, accidentally pushing Sasuke over – who scowled – and subsequently watching the minute shake of the Shadow-User's head, "…Where is she?"

"Hospital," He responded firmly, his dark eyes conveying the graveness of the situation, "Emergency Room."

"Kami…We could have run faster."

"We pushed our limits Tenten…We did all we could."

"But did we save her by doing all that we could?"

"………"

"Don't beat yourself up. You two are fast, I don't doubt it. All we have to do is rely on the Medics now."

"…She lost a lot of blood."

"Don't think about it."

The waiting room was unsurprisingly filled. It mostly made up the Team that had returned Haruno Sakura back to Leaf. Tenten and Neji sat beside one another, their eyes fixed intently on the double doors that led to Sakura's operation room, the red light above it signaling the procedure that was still commencing. A few seats down sat Kiba with his large dog, Akamaru, at his feet, the shaggy dog's white fur tinged with pink from the injured-Medic's blood.

Shino leaned quietly against the far wall, arms crossed and expression typically hidden by his dark sunglasses and high collar. Hinata, Ino, and Shizune had also been in the room but were predictably called into the Emergency Room to lend their medical aid.

In the far corner of the room were Yamato and Sai, who had been brought by Tsunade herself before she entered into the Operational Room to also lend her expertise. Both the Captain and ANBU Root Member were completely quiet, shoulders tense as they cast fleeting glances at the closed doors. Apparently their new bond with Team Seven was considerably strong since their comrade's welfare left them anxious.

"Where's the prisoner?" Shino asked quietly.

"I had him sent to Morino Ibiki," Neji responded, "We'll deal with him soon."

"…Has anyone told Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi-sempai yet?" Yamato asked quietly, dark eyes scanning the room for any form of answer.

"I don't doubt that they've already been told the situation and are making their way here now," Tenten sighed, "Knowing them at least."

"So…" Kiba started lightly, a weak grin spreading over his expression, "Who's going to hold down who when they get here…?"

Tenten snorted half-heartedly while Neji shook his head. The room was plunged in another tense silence, most eyes darting towards the double doors and the red light above it.

It was when Akamaru lifted his head and whimpered slightly that everyone knew that chaos had arrived.

"Get out of the way!"

"Move."

"Excuse us please."

"…Troublesome."

"I call Kakashi-sempai," Kiba muttered.

It took seconds before the doors to the waiting room burst open and a flash of orange and black zipped through towards the Emergency Room. Yamato and Sai were quick to stand and block the newcomer's path, hands outstretched to prevent the blonde's access.

"Let me through!" Naruto shouted, sapphire eyes shining with irritation.

"Where is she?" Sasuke asked darkly, just as he and Kakashi entered the room followed closely by the Nara Genius.

"Still in surgery," Yamato answered calmly, "Which means no rushing in unannounced," He fixed Naruto with a pointed glare causing the boy to frown before stubbornly dropping on a seat closest to the doors.

"What happened to her?" The Uchiha questioned again, his gaze panning around the room, faltering slightly on the two ANBU Members covered in blood.

"Ambush," Tenten stated softly, "Chakra deprivation, poison, and blood loss."

"Will she be…okay?" Naruto inquired hesitantly, slightly afraid of the answer.

"She will make a full-recovery."

All heads instantly snapped towards the Emergency Room Doors, the apprehension of hearing Lady Tsunade's voice gradually fading away to relief as they fully registered her words. The Hokage stepped out more fully although held up a hand to disallow Naruto from plowing through. Ino and Hinata emerged seconds after looking tired but pleased.

"Let's see her Baa-chan!" The Kyuubi-Vessel pleaded.

"Sakura needs her rest," The Slug Sannin countered before panning her gaze across the room, "However; she has lost a lot of blood and will require a blood transfusion. Is anyone here Blood Type O and willing to donate?"

Naruto and Sasuke pursed their lips, disliking the fact that they were unable to help.

However, both Neji and Kakashi raised their hands, the former standing up and the latter stepping forward.

Tsunade offered a grateful smile, "More than enough. Thank you, you two. Please follow me."

As Ino and Hinata stepped further into the Waiting Room Tsunade disappeared back into the ER, Kakashi and Neji readily following. Although, before Kakashi could completely depart from the room, Naruto had immediately stood up and captured his former-sensei's arm, blue eyes already conveying his apologies, lips turned downward into a regretful frown.

"Kaka-sensei," He began softly, "…What I said before…About you being trash…I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. You're far from scum."

Slowly Kakashi began to smile, his lone eye crinkling into gratitude and appreciation as he pat the younger male's arm, "I understand Naruto. Thank you."

And, after a final meaningful stare, Naruto released his arm and watched as Kakashi finally entered the room, the ER doors shutting quietly behind him.

Uncomfortable seconds of silence passed before Hinata purposefully moved towards Tenten, pearlescent orbs strained. The brunette looked up as the Heiress approached her but remained quiet.

"A-Are you injured T-Tenten-chan? I saw the b-blood on both you a-and Neji-nii-san."

The Weapons Mistress looked down at herself searchingly, the frown on her lips becoming fractionally deeper before she met Hinata's worried gaze. The blood on her person was hardly hers.

"Neji and I are not injured Hinata-chan," Tenten answered softly, "All the blood belonged to Sakura."

Several faces paled but none more so than Naruto's.

"We managed to take a prisoner," Tenten continued, her eyes roving towards Shikamaru, "He should be with Ibiki-sempai now. He's a Rain Ninja and one of the ten or so shinobi to have attacked Sakura. We found him paralyzed so we're hoping to get some information out of him."

Naruto growled, hands clenching and unclenching, a part of him wanting to see the prisoner and show him a piece of his mind for hurting his best friend. Sasuke's expression looked slightly similar – only more darkened.

"…Well, Tsunade-sama has called for a meeting," Ino spoke up, "After she completes the transfusion for Sakura she wants all the Lightning Diplomat's Escorts to meet at the Administrations Building to decide a replacement guard. Sakura needs to recover so she won't be up for the Mission…"

"…Maybe it's for the better…" Naruto muttered to himself, "If it keeps that Kiyoshi-bastard off her."

"Hn."

"Troublesome," Shikamaru sighed as he leaned against the wall beside Shino, "And I was hoping to get some opinions from Sakura before we left…"

"…Maybe you should stay here during the meeting, Naruto," Ino suggested, clearly still worried for her friend's well-being as she fidgeted with her blood-stained medical coat, "I don't think Forehead should be alone just in case she wakes up."

Naruto sighed. A part of him agreed with Ino, he wanted at least someone to be present and explain things to Sakura when she became conscious, yet at the same time he felt that he should be present at the meeting, if just to help ward off the Raito family – specifically Kiyoshi – from seeing Sakura, and to ask the Godaime some questions of his own.

Perhaps someone could take his place.

Scanning through the small crowd gathered in the Waiting Room, Naruto began to weigh his options. He'd rather someone close to Sakura like Ino or Hinata but the two looked tired after their Healing Session so presumably after the Meeting they would have to go home to rest up for the Mission. Tenten looked worn out so she would probably want some rest and Kakashi was probably going to feel too woozy from the blood transfusion to keep watch on the Medic. Although Sai and Yamato were very close to Team Seven Yamato and Sakura were not yet fully comfortable on a personal level while Sai would probably pester and annoy the kunoichi causing unwanted violent results.

Shikamaru would be needed at the Meeting as Captain and Neji had the same outcomes as Kakashi and Tenten. Although Kiba and Shino were close friends, they weren't that close to Sakura either.

Azure orbs fell on the last standing figure of the group, hands shoved roughly in his pockets, obsidian orbs glaring at the linoleum floor, and chakra patterns just spelling out his sour mood. Naruto grinned. The man's mood was just sour enough that they wouldn't want to risk jeopardizing the Meeting with the Diplomat because of it.

His grin melted into a soft smile because Naruto could tell that behind that same mood there was an even heavier air of worry for their female comrade.

Perfect.

"I really want to talk with Baa-chan about this," Naruto finally responded before settling his gaze back on the brooding Uchiha, "Hey Teme, do me a favor and stay with her."

Sasuke looked up, silently taking in Naruto's serious expression before raising a single, skeptical brow, "You're her boyfriend dobe; she'll want to see you."

Naruto rolled his cobalt eyes, "And you are her teammate, Teme. Either one of us she'll be fine with. Besides, you'd think you'd jump at the chance to miss spending any more time with the Raito Family," Sasuke continued to stare at him suspiciously, dark eyes narrowed, watching as Naruto mockingly clasped his hands together, "Come on Sasuke! Please, for me!? I trust you with her."

Silence prevailed for several moments, Sasuke and Naruto continuing to stare at each other as if daring either one to give in first. After Tenten impatiently cleared her throat Sasuke looked away to the floor and indifferently shrugged his shoulders.

"Awesome! Thanks Teme!"

Sasuke remained silent, frowning as Naruto bounded towards Hinata and Ino, quick to ask how Sakura's condition was before they began to migrate towards the door. Shikamaru, Shino, Kiba, and Akamaru followed after while Tenten remained seated, most likely waiting for Neji to emerge from the Operating Room. Sai and Yamato also remained where they were, their reasons for staying similar to Tenten, but rather for Kakashi.

"…How to tell Lee this…" Tenten mumbled as she slouched in her seat, rubbing her arm with her left hand while the other hand played absently with her blood-covered shirt.

Sasuke's frown deepened as he stared at the state the Weapons Mistress was in, the crimson staining her clothes belonging to his female teammate resting in the room not meters away from him. The thought made his fists clench in poorly suppressed anger.

Whoever had hurt her…

"Thank you Kakashi, Neji…Your donation is greatly appreciated."

"Anything for her…" Kakashi's voice drifted to Sasuke's keen ears as the door to Sakura's room opened.

"Not a problem, Hokage-sama," Neji's fatigued voice followed.

The two Jounin Shinobi slowly emerged followed closely by Tsunade, all three looking worn-out. The Hokage had drained a lot of chakra to save Sakura's life and blood transfusions of large amounts did take a toll on the body. Sai and Yamato had stood at their entering, briefly glancing Sasuke's way before meeting with Kakashi in the middle of the room. Neji had gone straight to Tenten and had taken a seat beside her, sighing minutely before closing his eyes, Tenten smiling softly before she placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it in an act to show that his blood contribution to Sakura was a noble and compassionate deed, and physically conveying her pride towards him.

"I'll be going to meet with the Raito Family now…" Tsunade sighed as she raked her fingers through her slightly disheveled blonde locks; she looked around briefly, "It looks like the escorts have already left," Hazel orbs then landed on Sasuke, one brow raised in curiosity, "Except for you Uchiha."

"Hn," Sasuke grunted as he crossed his arms, "Naruto asked me to watch over Sakura while he went to the meeting."

The Hokage's orbs narrowed suspiciously – skeptically – before shaking her head, exhaling as if it would help all her troubles and problems be swept away, "I see…Well, I suppose your presence isn't exactly necessary…But Sakura won't be waking up until tomorrow at the earliest."

Sasuke's only response was an indifferent shrug, though his obsidian orbs portrayed exactly what he was thinking.

'So? I'm not leaving. End of story.'

"Just don't be causing any trouble," Tsunade sighed in resigned response as she closed her eyes and began to walk towards the door, "I'm already going to have to deal through hell when the Raito Family hears about this," Hazel eyes opened to gaze upon Yamato, Sai, and Kakashi who were slowly following her towards the exit, then to the ANBU team that had brought Sakura back to Konoha, "…Rest up you five. Tonight has been eventful and busy and I am beyond thankful that Sakura is home and safe…" Her stare narrowed and everyone in the vicinity immediately felt the seriousness of the situation presented, "…But these continuing attacks need to be discovered and stopped as soon as possible."

The Hokage's fist clenched briefly before she slid her sights towards Tenten and Neji, "Hyuuga-san, Tenten-san…I would like to see you both in my Office tomorrow morning, another Mission of utmost importance."

Brown eyes sharpened and opalescent orbs narrowed fractionally, "Of course Hokage-sama."

Tsunade nodded before setting her sights on Kakashi, the older male still slouched but his lone eye regarding her curiously, "Kakashi…I know you need your rest from the transfusion but are you willing to take Sakura's place as an escort? You would be the next best choice since you've also worked with the Raito Family in the past."

Kakashi remained silent for a few seconds before he nodded his assent, "I have no other assignments lined up. I'll accept."

A long exhale escaped the blonde woman's lips before she closed her eyes once more and began to rub her right temple with her forefinger, spinning on her left heel and beginning to leave the room, "…Now to deal with the Diplomat and his family…Kami, I need some Sake…"

Yamato, Sai, and Kakashi wordlessly followed after who was trailed not seconds later by Neji and Tenten. Both ANBU glanced Sasuke's way as they left, titling their heads in farewell and gaining the same gesture in return from the Uchiha, his obsidian orbs also conveying his gratitude for bringing his female teammate back to Hidden Leaf in time.

"Take care of her," Tenten whispered with a faint smile, brown orbs flickering towards Sakura's closed door before she helpfully hooked her arm with Neji's and began to walk away.

Sasuke silently watched the couples' retreating backs until they disappeared around the corner, his crossed arms slowly losing their tension as he panned his gaze towards Sakura's room and hesitantly took a step forward. As each stride became more confident, Sasuke's arms relaxed – still crossed against his chest – before one fell to his side while the other quietly opened the door.

As he peeked into the darkened room it was then that Sasuke realized that he had been holding his breath. He let it all out in a sigh of relief when his dark gaze landed on the small, breathing, alive lump in the center of the small bed. She was turned away from him, pink head poking out from under the thin sheet of blanket and back slightly exposed, bandages tight around her body and reminding Sasuke painfully what had happened to her.

As quiet as a shadow could be, Sasuke entered the room fully, closed the door and took a seat on the only available chair in the room, right beside her bed. Staring at the back of her head and the bandaged wound that could have ended her life, Sasuke's obsidian orbs narrowed with thought.

Perhaps it was best that Sakura didn't accompany them on the Diplomat Mission. With the Akatsuki involved, it would be dangerous to have her there.

And now that she was off the Mission, Sasuke could breathe a little easier; worry for her safety a little less.

Until then, he would watch over her as she recovered; be there for her if she woke.

…For Naruto of course…Because he asked…

Uchiha Sasuke's contemplative frown deepened further.

A/N: So…Yeah, sorry for the delay…Again. BUT I have a Surprise for you!! Chapter Fifteen will either be coming out in a few hours or tomorrow!! Either way, expect it within the next 36 Hours simply because I feel super sorry for the long wait and I want to get your next chapter out to you ASAP. So, please take Chapter Fifteen as a gift and apology for my long delay and please tell me what you think about the story so far. Admittedly this chapter was a bit of a filler, but some things become more apparent in the next chapter, and thankfully you don't have to wait too long for it. So…I should get on typing it right now so I can get it to you in the 36 hours that I promised.

(Btw, The Curse will be Updated in the next 50 Hours, well, HOPEFULLY, but I'll immediately get on that too!!!!)

Thank you all so much for reading and/or reviewing!! I love hearing from you all!!!

Disclaimer: I wish…

Next Update: In 36 Hours!!!! Or less!!!

Next Chapter: Chapter Fifteen: Ulterior Motive

And Please Check Out My Other Stories Forbidden Bonds (Which is a little more Mature and Serious than It All Started With) and The Curse which is a Horror!!! Please and Thank You!!

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You Are All The Best!! And Feel Free To PM Me About Recent Naruto Manga Chapters Too!! Heehee!

With Love!!
Luvinukag83
aka Len83