Summary: Through absence, Uchiha Sasuke begins to grasp the true value of Haruno Sakura. Post-562, will deviate greatly from the manga. Drabble series.
Disclaimer: Naruto is (c) Masashi Kishimoto and Shueisha, Inc.
IN ABSENTIA
The Wait
Morino Ibiki was a fearsome man in both aspect and deed. He possessed a frightening countenance that could only be outdone by his terrifying disposition. The commanding officer of Konohagakure's Torture and Interrogation Force had a reputation for being able to bring the most hardened of shinobi to heel. He was a master of information gathering through physical and psychological means. To be the target of his hard-lined stare was quite disagreeable, but Ino was determined to handle the situation with composure.
"I was instructed to take the enemy alive, not uninjured," the telepath defended against being questioned about her battle tactics. Shikamaru and Chouji moved nearer, supportively flanking her on each side.
"The prisoners will be incoherent for days thanks to the mental number you did on them," Ibiki bit out. "Days that Haruno Sakura may not have to spare."
Despite her resolution, Ino's bottom lip quavered.
Shikamaru was quick to intervene. "When we encountered Sasuke and his escort, we had no idea that Sakura was MIA. You're fortunate I ordered apprehension in lieu of extermination, else you wouldn't have anyone to poke and prod for answers."
Chouji laid a comforting hand on Ino's hunched shoulder and gently reminded, "If it wasn't for us, you probably still wouldn't know Sakura was gone."
"That's enough," the Godaime Hokage rebuked from behind the sizeable desk of her office. "Issuing blame isn't going to help matters. Our priority is to ascertain the whereabouts of my apprentice. To recap: Sakura's original mission was to administer medical care to the Fire Daimyo's nephew. En route Sasuke was incapacitated and Sakura vanished. We've isolated the point of conflict, but are unsure as to how and in what direction Sakura was transported from the scene. Although, it should be mentioned that there's a suspicious plot of disturbed soil at the locale. Aburame insects burrowed into the soil and established that the disturbance extended underground; it measures approximately three and one-half kilometers in length and travels in a northwesterly direction. We're awaiting additional intel."
Tsunade carried on, "As for Sasuke, Ino did an excellent job giving emergency treatment while in the field. She undoubtedly saved his life. He incurred severe trauma and infection has now set in. As a result of the unhygienic conditions he was exposed, the presence of infection isn't unusual. Antibiotics should remedy and prevent it from spreading, and he'll be strictly monitored in the meantime. Once Sasuke revives, we'll get his account of events and hopefully whatever he recalls will assist in tracing Sakura."
"In essence, all we can do is wait," Hatake Kakashi encapsulated as his visible eye narrowed with displeasure. It was evident that the prospect of waiting to commence his own search for Sakura did not sit well with the copy ninja.
"Kakashi, some of the village's top trackers are already searching for Sakura," Tsunade consoled. "Whoever took her is skilled. Very skilled. So your team - which is to include Naruto, Sai and Yamato – must be refreshed and prepared for dispatch when the time comes. It wouldn't do for you to exhaust yourselves by tracking false leads. But, rest assured, when valid intelligence is obtained I won't hold any of you back. You'll have full authority when it comes to retrieving Sakura and dealing with anyone that participated in this loathsome affair."
Naruto, having been abnormally silent throughout the meeting, finally opted to speak. "Good. Because, after we rescue Sakura-chan, the bastards that took her and wounded Sasuke are dead. Believe it."
TO BE CONTINUED