A/N: Thousand thanks for ur reviews, they contribute to my "drive" to write
and continue this fic. Enjoy reading! Pls. check out (if U have time) my
earlier Naruto fics: Kakashi Went Nuts and Too Much is still not Enough
(SasuSaku). Arigato!
Chasing after him- CHAPTER FOUR
"Looks like they went all the way here to see you, my dear Sasuke". Orochimaru uttered and made the images of his friends disappear from the wine he craftily touched.
Sasuke snapped back to reality. Then, turned his gaze to Orochimaru.
"I don't know why they're here...". Sasuke tried to reason out.
"Oh sure you don't. You looked pretty surprised". Orochimaru believed him.
"I'd go tell them to stop botherin' me and persuade them to return to Konoha". Sasuke stated and turned his back on Orochimaru.
"Don't be silly Sasuke, they traveled far just to see you.......besides going to them won't be necessary, I already sent Zaku and Kin to go fetch them and bring them right here". Orochimaru affirmed in an unpredictable manner.
Sasuke turned to face him again, his expression projects so much questions. Then fear crossed his face- he quickly rubbed it off though and just raised an eyebrow on Orochimaru.
"(short evil snicker)........are you worried of your friends?".
"NO. Do what you want, but don't force me to go and see them". Sasuke replied sternly and finally headed outside Orochimaru's room.
"Sasuke...Sasuke.... You're still way too soft to try and conceal your real emotions from me, but nice try though. (evil laughter) Looks like having your friends around here will give me an earlier opportunity to finally draw out ALL the dark powers that resides within you Sasuke, then you'll be my favorite puppet, even better than Anko........". Orochimaru spoke darkly.
Each group longed for rest, sleep, and hope for a better chance next day. Almost ready to sleep in the open ground, Zaku and Kin, and the other one (forgot his name) appeared separately to the 3 separate groups of Sasuke's friends.
Knowing that it was Orochimaru himself who invited them to his hideout, they know it'll be intelligent to accept his request, not only will they avoid risking a fight with his men but they'll be instantly brought to where Sasuke is- which is the real purpose why they came to Otto in the first place.
Sakura was still asleep when Orochimaru's invitation reached them. Thus, Neji have to carry her on his back as he, Kiba and Zaku walked to where Orochimaru is.
Finally, the 3 groups where re-united. They waited by the large patio of some sort at Orochimaru's enormous yet creepy hive.
NANI?!!!! Neji?!!!! Who gave you the authority to carry Sakura-chan like that?!!!!". Naruto and Lee flared.
"Do you think I like what I'm doing! She's very heavy! Here carry her if you want!". Neji said coldly then held her sleeping form in his arms and abruptly passed her to Lee".
Lee caught her. Naruto threw a tantrum. TenTen looked at Lee in disgust.
"There's a reason for this, Orochimaru will not warmly welcome us on this place unless he have some agenda of his own". Shikamaru changed the subject.
"Like DUH?!!!!". Naruto snapped.
"Hmmmm... I wonder where Sasuke is here?". Ino joined in.
"Don't worry, you'll see him soon.....". A voice answered from the dark hallway sending jitters to all of them- except for Sakura who's still sleeping.
"OROCHIMARU?". Everyone chorused with mixed emotions of anger, fear, hatred, anxiety, etc.
"Why? Expecting someone else?". He dared.
"Okay, quit the act and tell us where Sasuke is! And why did you- without hesitation brought us right here?!". Naruto demanded.
"Narutokun, you still haven't changed from the last time I saw you....". Orochimaru replied playfully and stepped forward.
"So are you! You still look like a big SLIMY SNAKE!!!!". Naruto hollered much to everyone's surprise.
Orochimaru's grin disappeared and frowned.
The others panicked.
Ino stepped forward.
"Oh...eh he he he...ano gomen nasai, OrochimaruSama....pls. pardon Naruto's unruly behavior. Thanks for inviting us over, but we really came here for Sasuke...so...". She explained nervously.
"I know. But Sasuke's sleeping now- he had a tiring training. But you can all see him tomorrow. For now, why don't you all rest for a while, take some sleep. I've prepared rooms for you all already". Orochimaru suggested firmly.
"WHAT? Is this some kind of a hotel or what?...HEY! Are you tryin' to trick us or something?!". Naruto blabbered.
"Hush Naruto! We can actually use some sleep- I mean look at Sakura, and the other girls they look tired and really sleepy. Besides, I guess Sasuke's sleeping too right now, it's past midnight and all". Kiba said matter-of-factly.
The others nodded in agreement.
"I'll have my men escort you to your rooms then". Orochimaru informed them and disappeared.
Naruto followed his companions in defeat.
The boys and girls had 2 separate rooms.
Before Naruto entered their room, Hinata caught his wrist and looked straight to his eyes.
"Naruto, don't worry okay, I know we all think this is a bit weird but we've got no choice, this is the only way to Sasuke". Hinata bravely told him- but still not losing her blush.
Naruto lost his frown and touched her hand.
"Yes, thanks for the encouragement, you rest well now Hinata okay? And do keep watch on Sakura from time to time, k?". He said with a wide smile.
Hinata nodded and smiled too. Then they said goodnight.
Kiba and Akamaru snored loudly on their futon. Shikamaru who slept beside Chouji slumbered deeply as well. Shino had his eyes closed- but who knows if he's actually sleeping. Lee slept in between Neji and Naruto. The three had trouble sleeping. Lee broke the silence.
"Do you two have trouble sleeping too?". Lee asked.
"Who wouldn't this is all too weird". Neji admitted and turned his head to Lee and Naruto's direction.
"I bet this is a BIG TRAP!". Naruto exclaimed.
"Yeah, it's pretty obvious, but why did we went in for the ride?". Lee questioned.
"Coz' it's the only way to find Sasuke?". Naruto replied.
"And if we hadn't submitted to Orochimaru's request- we'd all end up dead". Lee added.
"But wouldn't we end up dead as well even though we obediently heeded his invitation?". Neji reminded them seriously.
"Hn! You would probably end up in a grave- but not ME Neji! First thing tom- I'd go grab Sakura and Sasuke and safely return to Konoha!". Naruto declared arrogantly.
"Hn! Idiot! Do you think it will be that easy?!". Neji asked in mockery.
"Who said it will? Of course before I do that, I'd take this opportunity of coming face to face again with SNAKE MAN, and CRUSH him into dust. Especially now that he has no idea how strong I've become!!!". Naruto boasted some more.
"Well, let's just hope we can kill him before he even gets us....". Lee spoke doubtfully.
Sakura fidgeted. Then she opened her eyes. She had trouble recalling what had happened, she scanned the area. She's inside an oriental looking room. She felt the soft futon where she lay. Her head turned to her left- she saw TenTen sleeping near Ino who slept beside her. To her right, she saw Hinata sleeping peacefully.
"Where am I? Where are we?". She mentally asked herself.
Gently she sat up. Cautiously she stood up and headed for the door, and went outside.
Across there room, Naruto heard the girl's door opened. Seeing that all his companions finally fall asleep, he silently went outside as well.
Sakura walked at the wide corridors- barefoot.
She turned around when she heard footsteps following her.
"Naruto?". She called.
"Sa-Sakura? What are you doing up?". Naruto asked rubbing his eyes.
"Naruto! Where are we?....what are we doing here?". She asked.
"Well, this will really surprise you- but Orochimaru brought us to this place. More like invited. You were sleeping back then, we accepted the offer since we have no choice....plus....Sasuke is actually around here somewhere. Orochimaru said he's sleeping but that we can see Sasuke tomorrow". Naruto clarified.
"What? But why would Orochimaru want us here?". Sakura questioned further.
"That's still a mystery, however we have the feeling that this is some trap.....Look Sakura, for all we know he wanted us all dead here. But I know, we have to see Sasuke either way, and this is the only way left". Naruto elaborated.
"I guess we really have no choice then?". Sakura replied.
The two decided to go back to their rooms. But since they've walked quite far already, probably they're on the west wing by now, they went to the wrong direction.
"ummmm...Naruto are we lost?". Sakura interrogated with one sweat drop on her back.
"Errrr....eh he he he.......arrgggh! Why did that SNAKE MAN built such a large place anyway?!". Naruto stormed.
They kept on walking. Until.......
A/N: Kapish! Honestly, I don't know what to write next, the two could either bump into Sasuke or come face to face with Orochimaru, or even something less serious. Phew! But rest assure people that the next chap will make it clear, and we will finally have some action. Thanks for the REVIEWS(again). Pls lengthen your patience on me- coz' this coming week I'm not so sure if I'd be able to update, by Friday- if U guys don't see a new chapter yet- it only means I'm pretty busy. Go Kigen Yo!
Chasing after him- CHAPTER FOUR
"Looks like they went all the way here to see you, my dear Sasuke". Orochimaru uttered and made the images of his friends disappear from the wine he craftily touched.
Sasuke snapped back to reality. Then, turned his gaze to Orochimaru.
"I don't know why they're here...". Sasuke tried to reason out.
"Oh sure you don't. You looked pretty surprised". Orochimaru believed him.
"I'd go tell them to stop botherin' me and persuade them to return to Konoha". Sasuke stated and turned his back on Orochimaru.
"Don't be silly Sasuke, they traveled far just to see you.......besides going to them won't be necessary, I already sent Zaku and Kin to go fetch them and bring them right here". Orochimaru affirmed in an unpredictable manner.
Sasuke turned to face him again, his expression projects so much questions. Then fear crossed his face- he quickly rubbed it off though and just raised an eyebrow on Orochimaru.
"(short evil snicker)........are you worried of your friends?".
"NO. Do what you want, but don't force me to go and see them". Sasuke replied sternly and finally headed outside Orochimaru's room.
"Sasuke...Sasuke.... You're still way too soft to try and conceal your real emotions from me, but nice try though. (evil laughter) Looks like having your friends around here will give me an earlier opportunity to finally draw out ALL the dark powers that resides within you Sasuke, then you'll be my favorite puppet, even better than Anko........". Orochimaru spoke darkly.
Each group longed for rest, sleep, and hope for a better chance next day. Almost ready to sleep in the open ground, Zaku and Kin, and the other one (forgot his name) appeared separately to the 3 separate groups of Sasuke's friends.
Knowing that it was Orochimaru himself who invited them to his hideout, they know it'll be intelligent to accept his request, not only will they avoid risking a fight with his men but they'll be instantly brought to where Sasuke is- which is the real purpose why they came to Otto in the first place.
Sakura was still asleep when Orochimaru's invitation reached them. Thus, Neji have to carry her on his back as he, Kiba and Zaku walked to where Orochimaru is.
Finally, the 3 groups where re-united. They waited by the large patio of some sort at Orochimaru's enormous yet creepy hive.
NANI?!!!! Neji?!!!! Who gave you the authority to carry Sakura-chan like that?!!!!". Naruto and Lee flared.
"Do you think I like what I'm doing! She's very heavy! Here carry her if you want!". Neji said coldly then held her sleeping form in his arms and abruptly passed her to Lee".
Lee caught her. Naruto threw a tantrum. TenTen looked at Lee in disgust.
"There's a reason for this, Orochimaru will not warmly welcome us on this place unless he have some agenda of his own". Shikamaru changed the subject.
"Like DUH?!!!!". Naruto snapped.
"Hmmmm... I wonder where Sasuke is here?". Ino joined in.
"Don't worry, you'll see him soon.....". A voice answered from the dark hallway sending jitters to all of them- except for Sakura who's still sleeping.
"OROCHIMARU?". Everyone chorused with mixed emotions of anger, fear, hatred, anxiety, etc.
"Why? Expecting someone else?". He dared.
"Okay, quit the act and tell us where Sasuke is! And why did you- without hesitation brought us right here?!". Naruto demanded.
"Narutokun, you still haven't changed from the last time I saw you....". Orochimaru replied playfully and stepped forward.
"So are you! You still look like a big SLIMY SNAKE!!!!". Naruto hollered much to everyone's surprise.
Orochimaru's grin disappeared and frowned.
The others panicked.
Ino stepped forward.
"Oh...eh he he he...ano gomen nasai, OrochimaruSama....pls. pardon Naruto's unruly behavior. Thanks for inviting us over, but we really came here for Sasuke...so...". She explained nervously.
"I know. But Sasuke's sleeping now- he had a tiring training. But you can all see him tomorrow. For now, why don't you all rest for a while, take some sleep. I've prepared rooms for you all already". Orochimaru suggested firmly.
"WHAT? Is this some kind of a hotel or what?...HEY! Are you tryin' to trick us or something?!". Naruto blabbered.
"Hush Naruto! We can actually use some sleep- I mean look at Sakura, and the other girls they look tired and really sleepy. Besides, I guess Sasuke's sleeping too right now, it's past midnight and all". Kiba said matter-of-factly.
The others nodded in agreement.
"I'll have my men escort you to your rooms then". Orochimaru informed them and disappeared.
Naruto followed his companions in defeat.
The boys and girls had 2 separate rooms.
Before Naruto entered their room, Hinata caught his wrist and looked straight to his eyes.
"Naruto, don't worry okay, I know we all think this is a bit weird but we've got no choice, this is the only way to Sasuke". Hinata bravely told him- but still not losing her blush.
Naruto lost his frown and touched her hand.
"Yes, thanks for the encouragement, you rest well now Hinata okay? And do keep watch on Sakura from time to time, k?". He said with a wide smile.
Hinata nodded and smiled too. Then they said goodnight.
Kiba and Akamaru snored loudly on their futon. Shikamaru who slept beside Chouji slumbered deeply as well. Shino had his eyes closed- but who knows if he's actually sleeping. Lee slept in between Neji and Naruto. The three had trouble sleeping. Lee broke the silence.
"Do you two have trouble sleeping too?". Lee asked.
"Who wouldn't this is all too weird". Neji admitted and turned his head to Lee and Naruto's direction.
"I bet this is a BIG TRAP!". Naruto exclaimed.
"Yeah, it's pretty obvious, but why did we went in for the ride?". Lee questioned.
"Coz' it's the only way to find Sasuke?". Naruto replied.
"And if we hadn't submitted to Orochimaru's request- we'd all end up dead". Lee added.
"But wouldn't we end up dead as well even though we obediently heeded his invitation?". Neji reminded them seriously.
"Hn! You would probably end up in a grave- but not ME Neji! First thing tom- I'd go grab Sakura and Sasuke and safely return to Konoha!". Naruto declared arrogantly.
"Hn! Idiot! Do you think it will be that easy?!". Neji asked in mockery.
"Who said it will? Of course before I do that, I'd take this opportunity of coming face to face again with SNAKE MAN, and CRUSH him into dust. Especially now that he has no idea how strong I've become!!!". Naruto boasted some more.
"Well, let's just hope we can kill him before he even gets us....". Lee spoke doubtfully.
Sakura fidgeted. Then she opened her eyes. She had trouble recalling what had happened, she scanned the area. She's inside an oriental looking room. She felt the soft futon where she lay. Her head turned to her left- she saw TenTen sleeping near Ino who slept beside her. To her right, she saw Hinata sleeping peacefully.
"Where am I? Where are we?". She mentally asked herself.
Gently she sat up. Cautiously she stood up and headed for the door, and went outside.
Across there room, Naruto heard the girl's door opened. Seeing that all his companions finally fall asleep, he silently went outside as well.
Sakura walked at the wide corridors- barefoot.
She turned around when she heard footsteps following her.
"Naruto?". She called.
"Sa-Sakura? What are you doing up?". Naruto asked rubbing his eyes.
"Naruto! Where are we?....what are we doing here?". She asked.
"Well, this will really surprise you- but Orochimaru brought us to this place. More like invited. You were sleeping back then, we accepted the offer since we have no choice....plus....Sasuke is actually around here somewhere. Orochimaru said he's sleeping but that we can see Sasuke tomorrow". Naruto clarified.
"What? But why would Orochimaru want us here?". Sakura questioned further.
"That's still a mystery, however we have the feeling that this is some trap.....Look Sakura, for all we know he wanted us all dead here. But I know, we have to see Sasuke either way, and this is the only way left". Naruto elaborated.
"I guess we really have no choice then?". Sakura replied.
The two decided to go back to their rooms. But since they've walked quite far already, probably they're on the west wing by now, they went to the wrong direction.
"ummmm...Naruto are we lost?". Sakura interrogated with one sweat drop on her back.
"Errrr....eh he he he.......arrgggh! Why did that SNAKE MAN built such a large place anyway?!". Naruto stormed.
They kept on walking. Until.......
A/N: Kapish! Honestly, I don't know what to write next, the two could either bump into Sasuke or come face to face with Orochimaru, or even something less serious. Phew! But rest assure people that the next chap will make it clear, and we will finally have some action. Thanks for the REVIEWS(again). Pls lengthen your patience on me- coz' this coming week I'm not so sure if I'd be able to update, by Friday- if U guys don't see a new chapter yet- it only means I'm pretty busy. Go Kigen Yo!