DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO. MASASHI KISHIMOTO DOES.

A peaceful silence settled between them again and this Sasuke broke it.

"The last time that I was here, she's the one that was sitting beside me."

Itachi raised an eyebrow at his brother, "You brought her here?"

It was quite a big deal for him. This was, after all, a place that he had shown to Sasuke, and ever since, it became Sasuke's safe place.

"I can't even bear to think what she's been through. Loss, grief, pain, sadness, it's everything all at once..." Sasuke's face scrunched up in worry, anger and pain that he felt just by thinking of it, "She doesn't deserve all of it."

"She didn't deserve to feel all that pain." Itachi simply stated, "No one does."

Sasuke stayed quiet for a while, he couldn't grasp the idea of Sakura being tortured, harassed drugged and molested by that maniacs. And from what Haku described, Sasuke feared that Sakura might be beyond saving, that they might've broken her.

Sasuke's fist clenched tightly, 'No. Even if she was...'

'I will save her.'

He certainly has no idea on how to do it, he knows it'll be more than just being there and holding her hand. It will require a lot of patience, understanding and love. And that, that he was willing to give.

He might not have been there to protect her and be at her side but he's damn sure that this time, he'll be there to help her cope up and give her everything that she needs.

"You're Mine, Only Mine"

Chapter 23: "It's Never Too Late"

"It's time."

Shisui announced at the family, he was told by Jiraiya to bring the Uchihas with him as the immediate family of Sakura — if she ever needs support or reassurance that she is safe. He knew that it was Tsunade that told Jiraiya to do it, Tsunade would've been there as well as Mikoto but Mebuki regained her consciousness earlier on that day. They have to say with her and so it was up to Fugaku, Itachi and Sasuke to fill in their spot.

Fugaku nodded, his face is stern and glancing slightly at his youngest. His oldest, Itachi, threw a worried glance at Sasuke as well.

Of course, he knows that Sasuke won't do anything reckless after their small talk but he knew better than to underestimate his impulsiveness. Sakura is one of his precious people after all.

Sasuke stared at Shisui, he felt nothing and everything at the same time. It has been two days since Haku's interrogation and he had been thinking about Sakura non-stop. He just wanted to hug her and be there for her, listen and give her whatever she needs. She will never be out of his sight again.

"I know you want to see her but you have to stay in the car with Uncle Fugaku and Itachi. I have several of my squad to look after you. You will only be there if she ever needs someone that she trusts but under no circumstances that you will act into your own accord." His older cousin explained thoroughly and he found himself nodding and agreeing into his terms.

"Don't worry about Sasuke, I'm sure he'll be on his greatest behaviour besides father and I will be there with him," Itachi assured Sasuke, knowing that his brother would behave properly even if it is against his instincts or urge to save and protect Sakura, "Worry about your operation."

Fugaku nodded this time and joined in the conversation, "Itachi's right Shisui, the operation is a hard and dangerous one. You should be preparing for it, I can assure you that Sasuke will be safe with us."

Shisui sighed a worried look on his face, "I'm sorry, Sasuke-chan, I didn't mean to imply something but I'm just afraid that something will go wrong."

"I know Shisui. I'll stay behind unless I'm needed."

"Thank you." The curly-haired Uchiha bowed at them, "I'll wait for you in the station. The others will escort you to a place where you can see their hideout but not close enough to bring you harm."

Fugaku nodded once more and Shisui departed but not after he took one last glance at Sasuke, who's currently distracted to notice the worried and sad glance that his older cousin threw at him.

Shisui had heard from Itachi how Sasuke took all of this and how devastated he was knowing that he can't do a thing to save her but to wait. Something that Sasuke never really did – to wait. As far as Shisui remembers, Sasuke always comes at Sakura's aid when she's in need, but now deems to be a different scenario.

Tsunade and Mikoto wait anxiously for Mebuki to say at least just one word. She had been awake for the last 2 hours now but she hadn't asked anything yet nor said a thing.

Mikoto's getting worried every single second that has passed, she knows that she's partly the reason why Sakura's been abducted – Mikoto kept telling herself that it was her carelessness but Tsunade reasoned out to her that she couldn't possibly know that Gato already has eyes and ears at Sakura.

During the past few days, the Uchiha matriarch had realized that the moment that the Haruno knew about Gato's business, there was no going back. Due to his nephews position in the Konoha Police Force, she and her family have been informed that Gato usually does this with those people who had uncovered or known about his underground businesses, there's a lot of missing people cases that ended up a dead end and so she can't even begin to wonder how lucky the Haruno's are.

Tsunade, on the other side, just wished that the raven-haired woman realized how she and her whole family helped the Haruno's a lot. She hoped that they wouldn't blame themselves where it is evident that none of this is their fault but only the bastard's – Gato and his henchmen's fault.

"Sakura…"

They turned their head to Mebuki when they heard her coarse voice calling for her daughter. Mikoto gathered Mebuki's hand into hers, trying to soothe her.

"Where's my baby?" Mebuki looked at both of them.

"Don't worry, Mebuki, Sakura will be fine." Tsunade firmly but gently soothed her with her carefully chosen words. It is better not to tell her what had happened to Sakura. Not now when Mebuki still recovering from what had happened. Tsunade didn't even know if she recalls what had happened to her husband. But for now, this is the right thing to do.

"Tsunade's right, Mebuki. She'll be fine. Just rest and we'll be here."

Mebuki eyed them once more before going back to sleep. When Mikoto was sure that Mebuki is asleep, she carefully placed her hand on her side.

She had to ask.

"Doesn't she remember anything?" Mikoto asked the blonde doctor who kept a stern and authoritative atmosphere

"Not for now," Tsunade eyed Mebuki, lingering on the bandages on her head, "She hit her head hard. Her mind and her memories are still distorted but it is not full amnesia. She will remember in time after she recovers and after the drugs have worn off. There's no point of telling her Sakura's situation now."

Mikoto nodded in understanding, "It will only make everything worse and might be crucial to Mebuki's health."

Now's that Mebuki is awake and safe from any harm.

She cannot help herself to think about what is happening right now.

She knows that Sakura's rescue and buy-bust operation about the huge underground business by Gato will be any minute now.

She hopes that Sasuke will be able to handle himself and be able to help Sakura as well.

The rain's pouring hard when they left home, it almost left them zero visibility but it's too late to cancel the operation. They need to complete the raid and save Sakura and the other people that have victims of human trafficking by Gato.

With Shisui's command, they've been escorted by policemen and are led to the place. It was a fairly long ride to it as the only red district in Fire Country is found outside of their city, Konoha.

However, to Sasuke it was a dreaded wait to arrive there, their escorts informed them that Shisui, Obito and the other officers are in place and is only waiting for their signal, Jiraiya's signal to infiltrate the club and begin their operation. While Fugaku is driving the car with Itachi beside him, Sasuke sat at the back, throwing worried glances at his father, his brother and outside of the car. He knew that he is not going to be part of the operation of the police but he had hoped to be there when it starts. He has to be sure that he'll be there if Sakura needed him. Sasuke promised himself that this time he will be here for Sakura and that his time he won't ever let her go. Whatever that means mow.

The painstakingly drive skid to a stop, Fugaku eyed Sasuke by the mirror with a blank look and proceeded to exit the car with am umbrella after Itachi. The door on his side is opened by Itachi, who is now holding an umbrella, Sasuke took the offer and get off the car, sharing an umbrella with his brother.

The stand-by officers are there including — who's now with their father, seriously chatting about the situation in hand. It is indeed a safe place, they can see the club from a good distance and enough for them to be safe from any possible dangers that the operation can get.

"Kakashi gave the signal," Jiraiya murmured on his earpiece as Ibiki that is one of the officers near the entrance of the club signalled the other officers around to go in.

Sasuke visibly tensed with this, praying to a God that he don't believe in that Sakura would be unharmed throughout the raid and rescue operation.

She laid on the cold ground in a lifeless state.

It was days, days after that red-haired man's sexual attempt, in her mind, she thanked that someone had interrupted him, even if that person's working with them, she thanked that they've stopped it.

The man returned daily but he didn't make a move to touch her as he did before, instead, he returned to the harsh treatment that he does day by day, the drugs, the beatings and the threats only this time, Sakura doesn't seem to be fazed at all.

It was overbearing for her; grief, confusion, fear, betrayal and hopelessness. Hopelessness.

Sakura wished that this was all just a dream, a nightmare, that she'll just wake-up from this messed-up, twisted dream and then everything will be over.

She just wanted to turn back to normal, she wanted her parents back at their home, her mother will cook food as his father reads the newspaper. She wanted to go back to school, seeing her friends in their usual spot in the cafeteria and Sasuke… Sasuke would be there too. She wanted everything to be over. She just wanted to rest and be at peace on more.

"I just want to wake up." She whispered to herself as her eyes flutter shut, "Please, wake me up."

We're clear to go." Genma started earning a strict nod from the two Uchiha's before him.

"Let's go," Obito commanded and together with Shisui, they pushed the double doors of the club.

Genma threw a smoke bomb as soon as he saw a gap between the doors that successfully blinded three guards that were guarding the front door.

The operation is much easier since the club's normal operating day was closed due to a client which is Kakashi. And even though they're moving in before the nightfalls and with the heavy rain, there's no doubt that they can pull through the mission.

Genma leads the way this time, his eyes darting in every direction to ensure that they are still on the clear. They want to prolong the peace. The calm before the storm.

When they reached a metal door that says, "Staffs Only", He raised his fist, halting the movement of the other officers behind him, "This is the hallway that the intel told us. We have to split up."

Obito nodded and looked behind him, "Shisui, Hayate, Torune, and Fu. Come with me. The rest, follow Genma and back up Kakashi."

The others nodded but Genma shook his head eyeing a female officer, "Take Anko, they might fear the men. At least, you have her to calm them down before proceeding into taking them into safety."

Anko quickly moved forward and towards Obito's group. The Uchiha didn't voice out since he agrees to Genma's sentiment. The basement will be full of people that may have developed a fear of men due to the nature of Gato's business.

"Let's move." Genma turned to his squad and nodded, eyeing Obito before going down the hallway where Kakashi and the other guards supposedly are.

When the first group were gone from their sight, Obito made a signal for them to continue, walking through the hallways, entering the 3rd door to their right and just like the intel told them, it was a room that has a stair leading them underground; at the basement. Where the kidnapped people are.

"We're going down the chambers." Obito pressed into his communication device, softly speaking through it.

The two Uchiha's shared a brief moment before nodding to one another, even if the intel told them that there's no one will guarding the cells when a deal is being made upstairs, they still can't be sure of it, they do not know what awaits them below. They have to be wary and to be prepared.

Sasuke anxiously watched from afar. He had seen his cousins and the other officers entered the club.

He heard Jiraiya's signal and approval to attack.

And then they heard gunshots.

He wanted to go there and save Sakura himself but he knows that he'll only get in the way. It wasn't his place to intervene, he can't do anything but to wait and let them do their job and his supposed job of protecting and saving Sakura.

Jiraiya's radio barked into existence, "We've captured Gato and his men, we're going back down."

The white-haired man turned to the standby units and signalled them, "They've captured Gato. Assist them then search the whole area."

The officers immediately moved in Jiraiya's command as he returned to the radio, "Is Obito and Shisui with you?"

There's a moment of silence before the person on the other end of the radio who Sasuke identified as Kakashi replied, "They're still down the cells. I'll come in aid. Wait for our update."

Their superior didn't move nor reply with Kakashi's declaration. Instead, he moved down the direction of the club, where a lot of mobiles are positioned. "Fugaku, bring your sons. I can assure your safety with me instead of leaving you here."

With that words Jiraiya proceeded to join the other officers as Fugaku turned to his sons, silently commanding them to follow him down.

When they reached the area, Genma and the other officers are already there, they've arrested Gato and his men.

Sasuke got the urged to show Gato what he does to anyone who dared to hurt Sakura but his mind is busy thinking where is she if the man that brought her into her situation is already with them.

"You're surrounded." Shisui had his gun pointed to the Sasori copycat.

Contrary to what they anticipated, Kenji was downstairs with the other men, giving out food or doing other things to their captures. This made them more infuriated, they need to save them now and the only thing that's stopping them is Kenji who's currently holding someone hostage.

"Move just an inch and I'll make sure that my bullet will be engraved into her brain!"

The terrified woman continued to cry and beg for her life, "No! Please! Don't kill me! Don't kill me please!"

"Drop your weapon. We don't want anyone getting hurt." Obito tried to coerced him again but it only tightened his grip on the poor woman.

A set of footsteps were heard coming from above, they became a little baffled as Genma's team already reported that they've successfully got Gato and his men in captivity.

"Obito. Shisui. I came to help." The voice made them relaxed as they confirmed it to be an ally rather than an enemy, however, this agitated their enemy more.

"Y-YOU?! H-how did you?!" Kenji removed his gun from the lady and point it to Kakashi instead who pointed his weapon back at him as well.

Kakashi smirks under his mask but his eyes were filled with disgust and anger, "We were wrong. We thought you'll be with Gato when the operation started. It'll made it much easier."

"You're those brats' teacher!" The redhead eyed him with confusion and anger, "You're a cop?! You were spying on me?!"

"You're not the only secret agent, Kenji. Now, you better drop that now or you won't like what's going to happen." Shisui impatiently repeated their request but it only irked the redhead further.

In a split second, Kenji pointed his gun to the woman trapped in his grasp.

"How about I'll drag her down to hell with m—"

Bang!

The lady screamed at the top of her lungs for her dear life.

"We warned you."

Smoke from Obito's gun was seen as Kenji dropped his own weapon, Torune quickly kicked the gun away from the red-haired criminal as he crutches his right shoulder where the shot has landed.

Quickly, Anko and Hayate went to assist the woman who had fallen to her knees beside Kenji while Obito and Shisui arrested the redhead.

"You bastards! I'll kill you all! I'll—"

"You better shut that mouth of yours." Shisui retorted as hotly as before, the redhead really got into his nerves. This mission is a bit personal anyways.

Speaking of mission, Torune, Fu, Hayate and Anko began to open the cells and rescue the ladies and children one by one, they were indeed reluctant at first when they saw the policemen but with Anko's help they've trusted them afterwards.

Meanwhile, Kakashi stands before one identical metallic cell door, "This is her chamber."

Obito nodded at him, "I'll hand her to you, Kakashi. I assume you know her as well. More than I do. You should be able to reach her." He knows that it might not be that easy if it was him reaching out to Sakura but Kakashi is their teacher, she should be able to feel safe towards him.

Even so, he had no choice but to give this to Kakashi. They were still holding Kenji, Shisui called a paramedic to give him first aid to stop the bleeding before moving him upstairs and outside where the other officers and medical personnel are waiting.

Kakashi gave him a nod and proceeded inside.

There was a commotion outside.

She heard loud thuds.

She heard glass breaking.

She heard muffled voices.

Shee heard muffled screams.

And gunshots a lot of them.

She heard her violator's tensed voice screaming to another person and a woman begging for her dear life.

Sakura was confused at first thinking it's probably that drugged that he had injected to her, it made her feel drowsy, her visions are hazy as well.

She does not know whether this is reality or not but because deep inside her whatever's happening outside is help and she doesn't want it to be a mere hallucinations or a daydream.

She wanted it to be real.

Bang!

Sakura felt her heart skips faster, that was definitely close. She pulled herself in a sitting position. Bringing her legs, feet and arms together close to her chest.

Someone's standing before her cell door and she feared that it might be him again. Again.

She trembled in fear, her breath hitched in her throat when the door made a screeching sound as it opens.

She waited for him to mock her again or even worse shoot her like those of the gunshots that she's been hearing but she didn't expected this.

Sakura didn't expected to see another familiar face inside this hell, "Ka...Kakashi?" Her voice is coarse and dry, and it's quite obvious to tell that it hurts for her to speak.

The man that she recognize as Kakashi, their forever late teacher, approaches her in quiet, cautious and calculated steps.

'No. It can't be true! It can't be Kakashi!' Her eyes widened in panic, 'I'm hallucinating! He can't be here!'

Sakura forced her eyes close, softly hitting her heard while murmuring, "I'm hallucinating." Over and over again.

Kakashi eyed her worryingly, that's right, she doesn't know his job. He stopped approaching her and stands still, he realized how badly she was treated.

Her body was littered with bruises, fresh and old. Fresh and dried blood are also evident from her body and her tattered school uniform.

It hurts him to see her in that state. Sakura is innocent and yet they had hurted her harshest and hardest.

"Sakura." Kakashi calmly called her. 'I'm real, Sakura.'

Her head snapped at him, still wide in non-belief, "You're not real."

"But I am." Kakashi removed his mask, "You're the only one who had seen my face and I'm quite sure you remember it. This is me. I'm real."

The pink-haired girl stared at him longer, her eyes are unfocusing, she's feeling hazy again, must be the drugs again. But she tried so hard to focus on the person before her.

"You're real?" She whispered in disbelief, her voice coated with bittersweet hope as she slowly reached out a hand to him.

It was the only way to find out.

Kakashi saw this as a sign that the girl is willing to test whether this is just a dream and so he approached her slowly, meeting her hand with his.

Sakura gasps when their hand touched, her eyes brimming with tears and soon enough Kakashi found himself, cradling the poor girl.

"You're real. You're real!"

The officer sighs in relief, "I am. I'm here to help, Sakura. You're safe now."

"Safe."

He heard her mutter under her shaky breath before snapping her head towards the cell door. "Did... Did you catch h-him?"

"Who?" Kakashi furrowed his eyebrow, did they missed someone else? Was there someone else that they need to worry about?

The girl turned to him, her breath shaking as she find the courage to tell him a name, "Sa-sasori."

His eyes widened in a nano-second before realizing that Sakura still mistook the criminal as Kenji. "That person is not Sasori, Sakura."

"He is... not?" It's her time to furrow her eyebrows, she can't be hallucinating, she knows what she saw. That hair, his hair, it's the same shade of red as Sasori and his voice it's lazy as his! 'If it isn't him then who is it?'

"No. He is not. Sasori's been with us the whole time we're planning into rescuing you and bring Gato down. He's real name is Kenji."

"Kenji... b-but—"

"He looks almost exactly like him. But his eyes are of a different colour, I don't blame you if you didn't notice it Sakura." Kakashi understood Sakura's relentlessness about the topic. All this time she thought that her abuser was Sasori and to tell her that she mistook him for someone else who's close to her will definitely damage the way she looks at the redhead.

This was Kenji's plan after all. The question is why. But that will have to wait.

"I thought... he was S-sasori." Sakura looked down, hiding her eyes from his view. She felt a shame not to see the difference of the man and to Sasori. Even if they have an unresolved matter in hand, he doesn't deserve to be accused like that. But that Kenji. What he did to her. No matter how people remind her that it isn't Sasori. She will always be reminded of her abuser through Sasori. And that's something she have to live through.

"Don't worry, that was his intention. Sasori would understand if you mistook him in Kenji's place." Kakashi already have a hunch as to why Sakura suddenly felt responsible for her actions. The poor girl, she's going through a lot and yet her problem never seems to cease.

Sakura felt Kakashi shifted, he have a set of keys on his hand. He reached the chains that's bounding her to the walls and floor and unlocked it. Dropping it to the ground with a clanking noise.

Sakura stared at her feet and wrists, they were no longer bounded.

The skin on her feet and wrists were blackened and bruised but she had never felt so alive.

She's saved.

She knows quite well that things are far from finished but for now, she can finally be free of this hell hole. 'Im going home.'

Seeing hee face, Kakashi decided to carry her but Sakura immediately held a hand on his shoulder, "I... I can."

Kakashi gives her a firm look, "Are you sure? You don't need to be shy, Sakura. We prioritize your safety. I can carry you if you want and if you couldn't."

She gives him a weak smile in return that doesn't quite reach her eyes, "I can... I can walk. Just please be my guide."

Kakashi was reluctant at first but gave in to Sakura's request. He held her arms and guided her up.

Finally making their way out of the cell, out of the place and back home.

Home.

Sakura felt ill all of a sudden.

"D-dad... is h-he rea... really?"

It was a nothing but a mere whisper but Kakashi heard it clear enough. He sighed deeply and shook his head, "Unfortunately, they were talking the truth when they've told you that."

She stopped on her tracks and so did the silver head, "Mother... My mom... W-where is she? How is s-she?"

"She's in the hospital, Sakura, she's doing fine. In fact, if I heard it right, she's awaken."

Sakura smiled genuinely at this, she lost his father but she is glad to know that her mother survive whatever they've been through and she's happy that she did as well. At least, her mother wouldn't go through it all alone. They'll both have each other.

He gives her a small smile and turned to the stairs. "Are you sure you don't want me to carry you?"

Still stubborn as always, she shook her head and started to walk towards the stairs, dragging the officer who's guiding her. Kakashi held her by her arms careful not to touch her bruises nor agitate her. He knows how these cruel people had handled her. And the last he wants is to hurt her even if it's accidental.

They didn't speak as they trudge the stairs. Sakura poured her energy going upstairs. Her eyes are drooping, her pupils are dilating again and her vision is hazy but she need to do this. She needs to be strong, even at this small moment. Kakashi saw how bad Sakura's condition is but he didn't bother her with a question again, he know that she's doing this for herself. And so, he quietly and patiently guided her instead.

The front doors busted open, Anko, Torune and Fu escorted the woman, children and several man. While Obito and Shisui held a red-haired man.

"You!" Sasuke purely let his instincts got into him and landed a blow on the man's face, "I'll fucking kill you."

Fugaku and Itachi immediately held Sasuke back, his father firmly holding him down, "Sasuke, we talked about this."

The redhead turned sideways and spit blood before laughing maniacally, "What're you going to do about it, huh?"

The two Uchihas who's holding him dragged him on one of the police cars, handing him over to the police standing by.

Sasuke shrugged off his father and his brother's grasp onto his arms, frantically looking over the women that the three police officers escorted. But there is no sign of Sakura.

"Where is she?" Itachi beat him into it, he was already questioning Shisui. However, Obito is the one who answered the question, "I left her with Kakashi, we can't be sure if she trusts us so we thought that Kakashi is the best option that we've got. We just have to wait."

Sasuke stood there in silence, he just have to be more patient.

He just have to wait a little longer.

And so, he did, we stood there, eyes glued on the front door.

Almost begging it to open up and show him the person that he wanted to see the most.

When they reached the top and continued to walk through the hallways.

They're almost out, Kakashi pulled up his mask to hide his face once again and decided to fill-up the silence between them.

"Sasuke's waiting for you."

Sakura's breath was caught from her throat, "S-sasuke-kun is here?"

"He's been beyond worried." Kakashi smirks under his mask. At the past few days he have seen how protective and possessive Uchihas truly are and Sasuke isn't an exception to that.

"He was furious that you're nowhere to be found right after you're supposedly hangout with Sasori. The next day, he hunted the poor boy and beat each other out " Of course, Kakashi knew about the problem that the Uchiha brothers and Sasori faced. Thanks to his Uchiha best friend, Obito, he has latest updates on Uchiha gossips.

"They did?"

"They did. They were suspended."

The picture girl find it to be impossible after her realization towards Sasori's confession. Maybe she's wrong this time, maybe Sasuke truly did care no matter how they'd ended up together. No matter how Sasori or Itachi intervened.

"Sasuke... I..."

"If you're uncomfortable or not ready to see him yet, you can tell me and I'll inform my men to tell him or make him stay away from you." His words are full of reassurance but Sakura finds it to be not needed.

"It's... It's fine. Thank you, Kakashi-sensei."

They slip into silence again after Sakura's reassurance that she'll be fine. Only to realize that she had called him, sensei. He smiled at this, it'll be a long process but he knows that she's going to be alright. With her friends, her remaining family and with Sasuke beside her, there's nothing to be worried about.

"Anything for my favourite student."

The front doors opened and he snapped his head towards it. His breath caught in his throat. He can feel the stinging sensation in his eyes. He can feel his heart constricted as if someone's squeezing it whole.

It's as if the whole universe stopped, Sakura's dishevelled appearance made him want to vomit, she is full of bruises and scars, she have experienced unimaginable pain both physical and emotional that Sasuke isn't quite sure on how to talk to her again.

The two, Sakura and Kakashi approached the waiting officers. Said officers are cheering, they've been successful in their mission. Everyone is saved and the criminals are caught. It's a day well done.

But Sasuke knows that to Sakura, this is only the beginning. A path towards healing.

Sakura's eyes are glued to him as well, Kakashi was right. Sasuke's here. And he's waiting for her.

After a painstakingly walk towards them, they finally reached the Uchiha. It's as if the world stopped to watch them.

Kakashi removed himself from Sakura and Sasuke took this chance to do what he was supposed to do.

Slowly and with a sense of nervousness, Sasuke reached to Sakura's arms, his eyes never leaving hers. Asking through it if he can hold her.

She felt electricity run-up to her being when Sasuke finally touched her arm and held her gently, "Sakura..."

A thousand unheard words, feelings and emotions shone into Sasuke's eyes making it known by Sakura and only her how much he feels. How much he missed her and longed for her. How much he worries for her and how much he wanted to save her.

But she's here now.

Sakura's here now.

They stared to each other for a while before Sakura stumbled to her feet and Sasuke gladly cradle her in his strong arms. "Careful."

A yelp from an officer instantly pulled everyone into senses.

They turned to the source of noise and saw Kenji with a gun on his hand, "Sad to interrupt your reunion but I won't let you get the last laugh. You're coming to hell with me!"

Kenji pointed the gun towards Sakura's back.

And things happened so fast.

The officers run towards Kenji to stop him.

Kakashi and Jiraiya run towards the couple to get them out of the way.

The Uchihas runs towards them to protect Sasuke.

But Sasuke.

Sasuke has another thing in mind.

Bang!

It happened so fast.

The officers succeeded and tackled Kenji, disarming him and keeping him in guarded this time.

However, they didn't reach their destination of getting the two out of the bullet's way.

Sasuke and Sakura fell down to the ground.

The pink-haired girl's eyes widened in fright as she stared at the Uchiha before her, "No-no! Sa-sasuke... Sasuke-kun! Why?!"

It happened so fast.

They didn't notice that Sasuke turned their position around just in time for the bullet to hit him.

He felt a sharp pain on his lower back when and fell om the ground, dragging Sakura with him.

Soon enough, his ears are ringing and his eyes felt heavy as a black haze slowly fill his vision.

Sasuke smiled. He smiled. He smiled as he stared at Sakura's face, he wanted to tell her how much he misses her. He wanted to tell her how much he loves her. But he couldn't find his voice, he couldn't even open his mouth.

So he smiled. He smiled for he knows he succeded.

'This time, this time didn't fail... To protect you.'

He smiled until his world turns black and cold and slips into a deep sleep. With only one thought in his mind.

'I love you, Sakura. I will always will.'

A/N: It's a late update but I think it's never too late for this to happen. Sakura's safe but... can we say the same for Sasuke?

Thank you for waiting for this update! I hope you... liked it? I don't know anymore.

Please stay tuned for the next one.

Don't forget to R & R!

~ Yatsu Narurasuke