Chapter 12
"Sakura," Kakashi started as he looked at his younger cousin. "Have you ever thought of what you wanted to be?"
Sakura tilted her head to the side. Dream? Could she really dream after having turned blind? Sure Neji believed in her and had been helping her. Sasuke also made sure that she had confidence in herself before he passed. Kakashi supported her in whatever it was she needed to do. But…could she really allow herself to dream to be someone again?
"I did once, Kakashi-nii."
"What changed, Sakura?"
She turned towards him and looked incredulously. "Are you seriously asking that, nii'-chan?"
"It's kinda hard to miss that I'm blind."
Kakashi let out an exasperated sigh. "Imouto, you are just blind, not helpless. I thought after all this time Neji and I have finally convinced you?"
"It's not that. It's just-"
"Just what, Sakura?" Kakashi then knelt in front of her, gently taking her hands in his. "You have to believe that you still can do anything, be whatever it is you have always dreamed of."
Tears started falling from her eyes. "How can I, 'nii-chan? I have always wanted to be an artist. I want to draw all the colors, make beautiful masterpieces. All I can see now is black. How can I show the world color when my world is without it?"
His grip on her hands tightened a bit. A hand came up to brush her tears away. "Listen to me, your heart isn't impaired, only your eyes. If you want to be an artist, all you need is your heart"
"But I can't see what I am drawing anymore, much less what colors I pick."
"You can always try another medium, Sakura."
"Like what?"
"Like glass." Sakura stiffened. "Hear me out, Sakura, before you react. I have seen some people create glass sculptures. Some have color, some don't'. It is still art."
Before Sakura could utter another reason for it being impossible, Kakashi cut her. "I've never known you to be a quitter, Sakura. Don't you dare start now. Just try it before you say no because whether you like it or not I'm pushing you to be an artist like you dreamt to be. I'll fight anyone, including you, to make it happen."
XxXxXx
13:34 (1:34 p.m.)
Sayaka drove towards her friend's apartment. She knew that the bitch was probably still at her apartment, either nursing a hang-over or banging someone. Sayaka hoped that she was banging Kabuto to make her job easier. She snickered. In a way, Sayaka was jealous of Tsubame since she knew that she didn't work and was being supported by her oblivious boy friend, Tetsuya. She wouldn't mind having a life like that.
Finding a parking space, Sayaka parked her car and quickly headed up the stairs towards Tsubame's apartment. Without any other thought, she started pounding on the door.
"Tsubame! It's me, Sayaka! Open up!" She continued pounding her fist on the door.
When the door still didn't open, Saayaka started tapping her foot. She was not in the mood for being ignored. She had a score to settle and she wasn't going to let that bitch in the apartment from delaying her. When she raised her fist to knock again, the door opened revealing a very disgruntled Tsubame.
"What crawled up your ass and started banging on my door at-"
"Shut it, Tsubame." Sayaka then pushed her way through the front door, looking inside for any signs of a man. "You alone or is some guy hiding in your bedroom?"
"What is your problem?" Tsubame answered indignantly, crossing her arms across her chest.
"Kabuto. I need to talk to him."
One of Tsubame's eyebrows shot up in question. "Look," Sayaka started, "I don't care if he's your boy toy even if you say that he's your "cousin". I need to talk to him about something."
Tsubame's mouth hung open. She couldn't believe that Sayaka would actually say that. Before she could say anything, Tetsuya's voice reached them, "What is Sayaka talking about?"
Both women turned towards the bedroom door. Tsubame paled while Sayaka snickered a little and crossed her arms. "Oh so you're here. He's at his office then. See ya." Sayaka then started for the front door, not really caring what was happening behind her back or that her supposed friend and her boy friend were arguing.
XxXxXx
14:01 (2:01 p.m.)
Orochimaru was in his office, while Kabuto was there delivering the latest reports when a knock came. "Forgive the intrusion, Orochimari-sama, Kabuto-sama," Orochimaru's secretary said, "But Kabuto-sama there is a woman here, Tanaka Sayaka-san, who is insisting to speak with you now. She said that it's urgent."
Kabuto glanced at Orochimaru. "Go ahead, Kabuto."
With his master's permission, Kabuto gave an acknowledging nod before leaving the office. Once he passed through the door, he immediately noticed Sayaka standing in the hallway, seemingly waiting for him.
"Kabuto,"
"Sayaka," He answered before walking towards her, "What brings you here?"
"I need your help. In return, I will tell you something that you might find interesting."
"What is this about exactly?"
"I need your help in making a certain Haruno Sakura disappear. It seems she is very important to Uchiha Itachi." Sayaka said without preamble.
Kabuto's eyebrows shot up. He stilled at the implication of the information. "And if I make that happen, how will it benefit me?"
Sayaka's lips turned into a sly smile. "Let me have your word first before I say anything else."
"You have my word. Now, what is it?"
"You have a pest problem within this company, feeding Uchiha Itachi all the information about your deal with Haruno Sakura. Now, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that there is a high chance that the information being rallied isn't just about that pink-haired bitch."
XxXxXx
14:03 (2:03 p.m.)
After Itachi's encounter with Sakura, he started driving towards the café near the precinct where he was supposed to meet Shikamaru. On his way, his thoughts kept drifting back to Sakura. Itachi couldn't explain how he felt when Sakura reached for him, touching him, softly studied his face.
"I'd rather you be Itachi. Sasuke-kun will always be my Sasuke-kun, my shinobi. No one can take his place. But that doesn't mean I can't give you a place in my life. I'd like it very much if you would be simply Itachi. I'd be honored if you would consider me a friend as I am hoping to be yours."
Her words echoed not only in his mind but in his heart and soul. For the first time in years, Itachi felt this lightness within him that he never knew he would feel. To be accepted for who he truly was, no one aside from his parents had made him feel that. The sincerity of her words made her endear to him more. Itmade him more determined to protect her more.
Arriving at the café, Itachi ordered himself a macchiato while he waited for Shikamaru. A group of women seated at a table nearby was beckoning him over but he paid them no mind. As he waited for his order, Itachi's mind drifted again towards Sakura and unconsciously started comparing her to the women who were in the café.
Whereas those women wore make-up, a little too much in his opinion, Sakura simply chose to have lip gloss. If she did have make-up, courtesy of her best friend Yamanaka Ino, it was barely there. From where he stood at the counter and also when he started walking towards the table of his choice, he could smell the perfume those women had on. It was slightly overpowering. He much preferred Sakura's subtle scene of jasmine and cherry blossoms.
Where the other women would do much to catch his attention, Sakura chose to be herself and simply asked to be viewed as person just like everybody else. Perhaps that was why he liked her.
Itachi froze. Liked her? Did he truly like her? It was true that he felt an attraction to her. He wouldn't deny that fact but he wasn't sure if he liked her more. Itachi knew that there was this intense need inside of him to protect her, to do everything in his power to make sure that she is safe. But, he had always associated that fact to her being Sasuke's best friend, as well as a daughter-figure to his parents. As he was thinking about it, holding her in his arms a few hours back, having the discussion they did and how things have turned out, Itachi was beginning to see that his actions meant something deeper.
What was more surprising was that Itachi didn't find that particular epiphany repulsing. Truth be told, he welcomed it. His realizations didn't occupy his thoughts for long, though.
Shikamaru had arrived and took the seat in front of him, holding his brewed coffee and several folders. "Sakura is a very special person. You should know that a lot of people are going to disregard your name and hurt you if you hurt her, myself included."
Itachi didn't expect that from the Nara. "I am quite certain that little comment is not part of the purpose of this meeting."
Shikamaru's gaze sharpened as he looked at Itachi straight in the eyes. It took Itachi by surprise that he was in the receiving end of the normally passive Nara's gaze, "You can cover it all you want Uchiha Itachi but your actions are geared towards protecting Haruno Sakura."
"You and your family have been dealing with Orochimaru for years. The situation in your company has been going on for awhile now. You have started to become more aggressive in nipping the situation when Sakura came into the picture, not to mention that little stunt that you did the last time you two made contact. You are aware that Ino is my fiancée and I am sure that you wouldn't be stealing her from under my nose, which leaves Sakura."
"I agree that Sakura is special. I also understand where you are coming from as you are engaged to her best friend and also her friend. I assure you that I only have her best interests at heart." Itachi replied as he chose his words carefully.
At first, Shikamaru didn't say anything. He scrutinized everything about Itachi before he sighed and muttered under his breath, "…medukosai…" He then pushed a folder towards Itachi and said, "On to other matters, these are reports from Deidara and Sasori. Before you go over them, you must know that I told Kisame to have those two lay low for awhile. That would be their last report for a certain period of time."
Itahci looked up from the folder. Shikamaru didn't give him time to ask, "Their identities maybe compromised sooner than expected."
XxXxXx
16:15 (4:15 p.m.)
"It won't be long now. She will be dealt with soon." Kabuto said as he replaced the receiver of the phone and turning towards Sayaka.
She was seated in one of his lounge chairs at his office. A smile broke from her lips when he told her the news. "Great! Oh and I suggest that you weed out the mole because Uchiha Itachi is smart."
"This day won't end without me knowing who that person is."
Sayaka smirked and motioned to get up, "So you know, your cover with Tsubame is screwed. Come to think of it, I never knew what you saw in that bitch."
Kabuto stood from his seat and walked towards Sayaka. "Nothing but an easy lay." He brought his knuckles up and gently stroked her cheek. "Any suggestions on replacement?"
Sayaka pulled him towards her and kissed him roughly. "You make sure that pink-haired witch is gone and I might be open to some suggestions."
XxXxXx
17:54 (5:54 p.m.)
Sakura didn't struggle long before she succumbed to the effects of the drug. She fell limp against Suigetsu while Juugo was keeping his gun. Aki lay lifeless by his feet, in front of Sasuke's grave.
"We've got the girl. We better get going before someone comes looking for her." Suigetsu said as he carried her.
"You know, the girl is kinda pretty. You think-"
"Shut up, Juugo. For once will you stop thinking with your dick? Last time I allowed you to take liberties, we both got in trouble with Orochimaru-sama, not to mention Kabuto. I don't know about you but I am not risking my chances to get laid. I like where my junk is."
"Whatever, dude. I'm telling you I wouldn't mind to taste some of that."
XxXxXx
17:55 (5:55 p.m.)
"What do you think, un?" Deidara asked Sasori as he turned off the phone. They had just gotten the order to lay low for a time and observe. They were also under orders to start extracting themselves slowly due to the increased risk of being caught.
One of Sasori's eyebrows rose. "What is there to think about, idiot? We've got our orders."
An annoyed tick appeared in Deidara's temple. "You're such a jackass, un!"
Before another word could be exchanged, the door of their shared office flew open. Both Sasori and Deidara stood up on impulse, ready to defend themselves only to be faced with barrels of guns.
Kabuto entered with a leisure gait and said, "I'm quite disappointed in the two of you. Two such promising employees only to be found out that they serve another master." He then motioned his men to apprehend the two men. Sasori and Deidara had no choice but to go without struggle.
Both men were dragged towards Orochimaru's office.
XxXxXx
18:00 (6:00 p.m.)
Ino closed the last lights on the shop and was locking up for the night. All bundled up, Ino was ready to leave for the night. Sakura had left earlier. She told him about Itachi's visit earlier. Ino wasn't exactly thrilled that the Uchiha had come by but after Sakura had reassured her that everything was fine and Itachi had been sincere in his apology, Ino let it go a little.
As far as Ino was concerned, Itachi wasn't fully off the hook yet. Sakura didn't deserve the humiliation and the accusations that she went through. Her best friend didn't do anything wrong. If Sakura did, then so did she. Ino was there when Sakura made the final document that the Uchiha Corp. needed. She went through all the details and figures several times with Sakura. There was no way that they were at fault.
Thinking about it, she knew that it must have taken a lot for the Uchiha to come and apologize the way he did so for that he would give him points. He still had a lot of groveling up to do as far as Ino was concerned.
Sakura seemed to have accepted his apology wholeheartedly. Not that it was wrong, Ino trusted Sakura to know what felt right for her. It didn't hurt though if she held on to some of the skepticism and the doubt for the both of them.
"Ino," A voice from behind startled her from her thoughts. She turned around and smiled when she realized who it was. "Shika," She said as she launched herself to her fiancé. "You said you would be running late at work." She mumbled against his chest.
"Technically, I'm not off duty yet."
Ino stepped back and really looked at Shikamaru. She could tell that his shoulders were a little stiff. There was this calm, seriousness in his gaze that told her there was something really important going on. "Shika," She tentatively spoke. "What's going on?"
Shikamaru didn't answer right away, only looking at her before he extended a hand. "Let's go to dinner."
"Shika-"
"I'll tell you then." He cut off as he led her away.
She wanted to question him more but she knew well enough that whenever Shikamaru became like that, it was almost impossible to get anything out of him. Even if she didn't like to, Ino had no choice but to wait and hold her tongue.
Shikamaru didn't lead them far. He brought her to the restaurant at the end of the block. After getting their seats and giving their orders, Shikamaru said before Ino could say anything, "Drop the Orochimaru deal."
His sudden statement threw Ino off. Ino's eyebrows shot high and then creased in a frown. "Where did that come from?" She asked while carefully studied Shikamaru's expression.
He didn't seem fazed. There were no signs of anything but calmness. "Will you trust me on this one?"
Ino sat back and crossed her arms across her chest. "And will you trust me enough to tell me? I'm not some kid who doesn't know what to do."
"Look," Shikamaru started. He leaned towards her on the table, arms on the table. "before I tell you anything, understand that I did my best to make sure that you and Sakura are protected."
Ino was starting to have a bad feeling. "Shika-"
"I decided not to tell either of you because of the risks but things have happened and I can't keep you both from knowing now. Uchiha Itachi agrees."
"Uchiha Itachi? What does he have to do with any of this? What's going on?"
"There are a lot of things going on, Ino. A lot. But what you must understand now is that Orochimaru is a very dangerous man. You and Sakura are at risk, now more than before because of your business contract and due to Sakura's close affiliation with the Uchiha."
Ino's jaw dropped. Based on how her fiancé was acting, everything that he had said, she knew that Shikamaru wasn't playing.
"Nara Shikamaru." Ino's eyes narrowed. "Spit it out. You and I both know that I am not the type to just accept that vague summary. We can either do this the easy way or the hard way. It's your choice, dear."
The waitress then arrived and placed their food in front of them, temporarily stalling their conversation. "Enjoy your food, Sir, Ma'am. Please don't hesitate to call me if you need anything."
"Well, Shika, dear," Ino said with a grin before taking a bite and continuing, "What's your choice?"
Shikamaru shook his head and grinned while muttering a low, "…troublesome…". He took his chopstick and grabbed a bite before wiping all amusement out of his face. "Listen, I'm not actually worried about you. Knowing you, you'd talk until those men's ears fall off-"
"Hey!"
"So, I'm reserving my worry for poor, old Sakura."
"You do know that even if you are my fiancé, I'm not above from killing you, right?"
Shikamaru and Ino met gazes and started to laugh a bit. After letting it die down, Shikamaru started, "Joking aside, I'm serious about the deal with Orochimaru. I'm also serious that you are both at risk because of Sakura's close relationship with the Uchiha. Orochimaru is the type who doesn't care who he hurts as long as he gets what he wants."
Ino placed down her chopsticks. "What exactly does Orochimaru want?"
He knew that Ino would be able to find her way to that question. He never intended to lie to her, especially about this. In only a few hours, things have gone terribly wrong and Shikamaru was convinced that the only way to prevent more harm towards the two women was by letting them know at least the basis for his, their concerns. "He wants to get back at the Uchihas."
"What does that mean exactly?"
"I means that he will stop at nothing to bring down the Uchiha clan, hurt them, without any regard to what or who he destroys."
Ino was stunned. Her back was ramrod straight as the shock spread through her system. "Sakura," She muttered.
"Exactly."
She suddenly snapped out of her trance and reached for her purse. She frantically got her cell phone and started dialing. If what Shikamaru had just told her was true, it meant that it wasn't safe for Sakura to go anywhere by herself while that lunatic isn't apprehended. Sakura had told her that she would be visiting Sasuke's grave and it was getting late. She had a bad feeling about it. It seemed to escalate when she couldn't get through to Sakura. It had simply kept on ringing and Sakura wasn't the type of person who wouldn't answer.
"She's not answering." Ino's voice was full of worry and fear for her best friend. She met Shikamaru's stare.
In turn, Shikamaru signaled for the check and addressed Ino, "Keep trying. She might have left it in her bag or something."
Ino nodded and dialed again. She let it ring and ring, still Sakura wasn't answering from the other end. The moment she looked up to Shikamaru, he motioned for her to follow him.
"We're heading to the cemetery." He said.
XxXxXx
18:40 (6:40 p.m.)
Ino and Shikamaru headed towards Sasuke's burial spot. It was already dark and it was adding chills down Ino's spine. If Shikamaru was afraid, he didn't show it. He knew that Ino was already on edge so he reached out and held on to one of Ino's hands. He gave it a firm squeeze, letting her know that she wasn't alone.
As they neared the grave site, Shikamaru's feeling of foreboding and instinct of telling if there was something wrong was growing. He became more and more certain that there was something more going on.
"Oh my God! Is that Aki?!" Ino exclaimed by his side.
Immediately, the pair ran towards the fallen dog. Ino gasped when they confirmed that it was indeed Aki. Shikamaru cursed beside her and took out a gun and cell. As he dialed, he told Ino, "Stay close and don't do anything rash. We're heading back to the car now."
Even if he didn't see Ino's nod, he knew that she understood. "This is Lieutenant Nara. We have a situation, the possible kidnapping of Haruno Sakura. Get Deidara and Sasori out of there now."
As Shikamaru shut his phone, Ino turned to him. She was rubbing her hands on her arms, trying to bring warmth to herself. "What are we going to do, Shika? Sakura-"
Shikamaru pulled her towards himself and wrapped his arms tightly around her. "Shh. She's going to be alright, Ino."
"But-"
"No buts. Come on. It's best that we get out of here."
XxXxXx
18:43 (6:43 p.m.)
In frustration, Kisame slammed the phone down. "Get Nara in here now!" The officers beside him scrambled out his office while Kisame started pacing around his office. Kisame swore before he sat in his chair and started dialing Itachi's number. After two rings, Itachi picked up, "You might want to get here now."
"What happened?"
"Sakura's missing."
XxXxXx
18:45 (6:45 p.m.)
"Sakura's missing."
Itachi's blood ran cold. He bolted up from his seat, forgetting that he was in the middle of a meeting. "What happened?" Itachi made his way towards his office. Once inside, he quickly got his coat and the keys to his car.
"Nara called. He didn't elaborate anything. He said that Sakura was possibly kidnapped and that to extract both Deidara and Sasori."
Itachi got in his car. "I am on my way. Let me know if there has been word."
"Of course."
Frustration started to build inside of Itachi. He knew without a shadow of doubt that Orochimaru was behind it. Even after everything that he did to make sure that Sakura was safe, she was still taken. He hit the stirring wheel with his fist, hard. For the moment that he was alone, he let his frustration go. With teeth clenched and hands clutching the stirring wheel tight, Itachi drove off towards Kisame's office.
If something happened to her, Itachi didn't know what he would do. No. Itachi did know what he was going to do. He was going to hurt Orochimaru slowly for every injury that comes towards Sakura. She had nothing to do with them or their long-time conflict so he was going to make Orochimaru pay for every tear and blood that she shed.
Itachi headed straight to Kisame's office. When he got there, it was controlled chaos in its finest. His eyes narrowed slightly. He just knew that there was something else that was going on.
Kisame noticed Itachi's arrival and made his way towards him. "We can't get a hold of both Deidara and Sasori. As of now, we are starting back-up measures. We are treating the situation as hostile. We are considering Sakura, Sasori and Deidara as hostages."
"How did you find out that Sakura was taken?"
"Aki is dead." Came Shikamaru's voice from behind the two men, making them turn. "Ino and I followed her to the cemetery. We found Aki lifeless in front of Sasuke's grave."
Both Kisame and Shikamaru noticed that slight tightening of Itachi's fists. Each man had his suspicions about Itachi's behavior but neither said anything.
"Knowing Orochimaru, he must have found out about Sakura and her close relations to my family. With both Deidara and Sasori, he is more likely to act really soon rather than later. He is bound to make a mistake somewhere." Itachi commented, trying hard to stay cool and collected.
"And he has," Kisame said, holding up a folder. Both Shikamaru and Itachi froze and looked at the other man. "Going in, we all knew what the stakes were, especially Deidara and Sasori. They weren't chosen for nothing. After it was confirmed that we couldn't get in touch with either of those two, I had Hidan check if they have activated the tracking device."
"Tracking device?" Shikamaru took the folder from Kisame, an eyebrow raised. As far as he knew, having tracking devices wasn't part of the usual procedure. Itachi looked over the contents of the folder as well.
"Basically, those two have standing orders that in case of capture, they would serve as bait and they are to lead the rest of the team to one of the hide-outs of Orochimaru."
Itachi contemplated for awhile. "We are assuming that Sakura is being kept wherever Sasori and Deidara are. Orochimaru has always been ruthless. I am not surprised if he has already issued the order to kill Sasori and Deidara."
"Yes, and that is why all teams are in alert and we are leaving with squads 1 to 3 in ten minutes. I'm assuming you would like to go like old times, Itachi?"
Itachi smirked and answered, "Is that even a question?"
XxXxXx
19:30 (7:30 p.m.)
Haruno Mebuki was reading when she heard a knock from the door. She looked up just as Uchiha Mikoto entered. Both women smiled at each other.
"Good evening, Mebuki-san. Do you mind if I come in?"
The other woman smiled. "O-of course not, Mikoto-san. P-pl-ease have a-a seat."
Mikoto walked and then offered the bento that she had brought. "I know that hospital food has a reputation of not being tasty so I thought I'd bring you some. Don't worry. I asked Sakura-chan first what food you can and can't eat. I also had permission from your doctor before I came to your room."
"-T-thank you, Mikoto-san."
Ever since her husband, Haruno Kizashi, and Mikoto's son, Sasuke, died all those years ago, the two women have clung to each other for support more times than not. Although they didn't see each other often, the times that they do see each other were spent catching up and exchanging stories. In between, they would exchange phone calls whenever they would have the time.
As Mebuki started on the bento, Mikoto said, "What has the doctors said about you? When did they say that you could go home?"
"N-not f-for awhile, M-Mikoto-san. I have to s-start some spe-ech t-therapy and physical t-therapy so I-I c-could learn to walk and u-se my left side again."
Mikoto nodded. After a moment of silence, "You know. it's amazing that it is only now that my son, Itachi, has met Sakura-chan."
Mebuki seemed to contemplate a little before answering, "T-they walked d-different paths and i-it is only now t-that they somehow m-met."
"After Sasuke died," Mikoto couldn't help the pause. After all the years that have passed, she still couldn't talk about her youngest without becoming overwhelmed with emotions at some point. "It changes Itachi as well. He pushed himself more into his studies and later on his work that he didn't properly grieve. As his mother, it pains me that I couldn't help him. I have already lost a son and I was afraid that I was going to lose my other one until he met your daughter."
Stunned, Mebuki looked at Mikoto. Maybe there was more to what her nephew and Sakura were saying before. She has certainly seen her daughter flush in embarrassment with Kakashi's teasing, even before he mentioned Neji's name.
"In her subtle way, Sakura helped Itachi come to terms with what happened a long time ago." Mikoto couldn't help the smile came to her lips. "I have started seeing the son I thought I have lost too. For that, I am forever grateful."
"T-they have s-pent some time together." It wasn't a question. It was a statement that Mebuki knew was true.
"Yes. They have." Mikoto gave out a small laugh. "Your daughter even taught my son how to cook some dishes, not to mention they had prepared a meal together and grocery shopping."
Mebuko smiled. Sakura always had this gentle spirit that could touch anyone who came in contact with her. She knew her daughter was very special indeed, even without her eye sight. "I-I'm glad."
Suddenly, the door to the room burst open and a slightly agitated Fugaku walked in. Upon seeing his wife, he let out a sigh. Both women looked at him in confusion.
"Fugaku? What's going on?" Mikoto said as she stood and walked over to her husband.
The man stood tall again, "I apologize for barging in here, Haruno-san, but I wanted to make sure that you both are here."
"Fugaku?" Mikoto urged again, laying a hand on his arm.
Without looking, he placed a hand on top of her and said, "I want you both to stay here and don't open the door for anyone. There are police standing outside the door. If they think that the person going to enter, they are going to let them in."
"Fugaku?" This time, there was fear within her voice. Mebuki seemed to share the same sentiment.
The Uchiha patriarch clenched his jaw. He knew that he would have to tell the women the truth. He knew that he wouldn't be able to lie to his wife.
"Orochimaru is starting to act and he has Sakura."
XxXxXx
20:05 (8:05 p.m.)
Kakashi arrived at the apartment well past dinner time. Surprisingly, business was doing good even if they had only started. Pakkun came running to him when he entered. He noticed that the apartment was dark. It shouldn't have been that dark. He immediately went looking for Sakura.
He'd half expected that she was in the kitchen waiting for him or washing the dishes. She could have also gone to bed but still it shouldn't have been that dark. If she had gone out with Ino or her other friends, she was the type to always leave him a message. Kakashi started to get worried when he made a quick search in the apartment and he didn't find any sign of Sakura. His gut was telling him something was wrong but he forced it down. He couldn't afford to panic.
Telling himself to take a deep breath was easier said than done. Kakashi got himself a glass of water and tried to swallow the nagging feeling that he was having. When that didn't work, he went in search of his cell phone. Before he could start dialing, the screen flashed with an incoming call. It flashed Sakura's name.
A wave of relief washed over him. "Sakura, where in the world are-"
"If you want to see her alive, tell Uchiha Itachi that he has an hour."
Kakashi's blood ran cold. What the hell?! Before he could utter a single word, the call was ended. Hetried to call back but the operator keeps saying, "…the number you are calling is either unattended or out of coverage area. Please try again later. Sorry…"
Without another thought, Kakashi dashed out the door and headed to where he knew he would be able to find Uchiha Itachi.
XxXxXx
20:20 (8:20 p.m.)
Kakashi cursed that it was taking him a long time to find Itachi. It had taken him longer than he had expected to reach Uchiha Corp. and as the minutes ticked, the more anxious and angry he became. He made it to the reception area and not bothering to wait for the girl to finish the current call that she was taking, he said, "Uchiha Itachi. I need to speak to him now."
The girl looked up and covered the receiver with a hand, "I'm sorry sir-"
"I don't need your apology. I need Uchiha Itachi now. It is an emergency. Where can I find him?"
"I'm sorry sir but Uchiha-sama is unavailable-"
"Don't give me that shit. I told you this is an emergency so tell me where I can find him." It was becoming very hard for Kakashi to maintain his cool as he kept on encountering red tape.
"Sir, I will have to ask you to-"
"Don't you dare send me away! I told you this is an emergency!"
The girl was starting to wave at the security to escort Kakashi out. He was well aware with what was happening but at that point he didn't care. He needed to talk to Uchiha Itachi or something is going to happen to Sakura. He wasn't going to let that happen.
As the security personnel started to close in on Kakashi, Sayaka's voice sounded, "What is going on here?"
The girl stood and replied, "This man was trying to get to Uchia-sama. He is starting to make a scene."
"Bull shit! Get your hands off me!" Kakashi tried to pull his arms off from the men.
Sayaka's eyes narrowed. "Throw him out of here! We don't need someone like him to duty this company!"
As they were pulling Kakashi away, Naruto spoke, "Kakashi?" Making all the men freeze and turn towards Naruto. "What are you doing here? What's going on?" He addressed the older man before he gave a stern glance towards the guards, "Unhand him now."
"But Uzumaki-san-" One tried to explain.
"I said now! Or would you rather start looking for another job?"
Sayaka couldn't stand being undermined. "What the hell are you doing, Uzumaki? This guy is scandalizing-" She was stopped short when Naruto leveled her with a glare so intense that she knew it was better to shut up.
"Guards, please escort Tanaka-san to consultation room 1 and make sure that she doesn't have her phone. Guard the door. She isn't allowed to leave until Uchiha-sama arrives and deals with her, or until I say otherwise."
It was in that moment that for the second time that night, everybody was stunned into immobility. "Kakashi, here," He tossed his car keys. "Itachi's in TMPD with Shikamaru. Go."
Kakashi nodded and ran. He knew Naruto well enough to know that the younger man knew something was up. He would figure out what Naruto knew all along when Sakura was safe. In the meantime, he had to get to Itachi as soon as possible.
As if time started to move again, the guards flagged both sides of Sayaka and motioned for her to go to consultation room 1. "What the hell, Uzumaki?!" Naruto didn't say anything. "Unhand me bastards!" Sayaka shouted as she was escorted by force.
Naruto then turned to the girl as reception who was gaping at the turn of events, "Uchiha Corp. is business as usual. No one is to say or comment about anything that has happened tonight without my consent or Uchiha-sama. Am I clear?"
"Y-yes, sir."
XxXxXx
20:35 (8:35 p.m.)
As Shikamaru, Kisame and Itachi were going through with the final plans, "Uchiha Itachi?" came a voice that interrupted them. All three men turned to look and a fist collided on Itachi's face.
Shikamaru immediately went behind Kakashi and held onto his arms while Kisame stood between Itachi and Kakashi. "Hatake-san, calm down." Shikamaru said as he struggled to control the man.
"Calm down?! I get a call from Sakura's cell phone by an unknown man telling me that if I want Sakura safe, I have to tell Uchiha Itachi that he has an hour!" All three men froze at Kakashi's revelation. Kakashi then sent a death glare towards the Uchiha. "What the fuck did you do? Because of you, Sakura's in danger, alone somewhere!"
"You received a phone call? How long had passed since then?" Shikamaru asked while Itachi rubbed his jaw.
"8:05. Thirty minutes have passed." Kakashi answered, his gaze not wavering from Itachi.
Itachi clenched his teeth before finally looking Kakashi straight in the eyes. "Now is not the time to argue about the reasons why this all happened. We are about to leave to where we believe Orochimaru has two of the undercover agents that were sent. It's a long shot but Sakura may also be there."
Kakashi narrowed his piercing gaze. Shikamaru was convinced that he wasn't going to take another swing at Itachi so he let him go. Kisame still wasn't saying anything.
"I'm coming too." Kakashi said.
"No," Kisame finally said. He used all the authority he had as the team leader of the operation. "You are a civilian. We are already taking a risk agreeing to bring Itachi but like you said, they requested for him, not you."
Kakashi was prepared to fight to be able to go but Kisame beat him to it. "You are not helping. In the end, not only will you be putting yourself in danger but further threaten Sakura's safety. I understand where you are coming from but you are staying."
Before Kakashi could say more, his phone started ringing. Anxious for it to be Sakura's captors, he immediately answered without looking at the caller's ID. "Hello? Sakura?"
"Kakashi," came a female voice he knew from a few years ago.
"Mikoto-san?"
Itachi and the others stiffened beside him.
"Kakashi, you have to get here at the hospital. Mebuki-" Mikoto choked a sob. "You have to get here. I couldn't get a hold of Sakura. You need to come. She had another stroke. They are trying to revive her now."
Kakashi cursed. "I'm on my way." He turned towards the others and said, "Something happened to Sakura's mother. I'll trust you to save her." He then singled out Itachi, "If anything more happens to her, I'll make you pay personally, even if I think your mother is great."
Itachi nodded with much seriousness. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
XxXxXx
20: 40 (8:40 p.m.)
Sakura was curled within herself by the corner. She woke up a few hours back and remembered that someone took her when she noticed that Aki wasn't with her. After stumbling around and getting bruised, she was able to find her way towards the corner. She didn't want to move in fear.
It took everything she had to keep herself from trembling or crying. For the first time in many years, she felt the weight of her blindness. It doubled the feeling of helplessness. The thought made her whimper.
The panic she was trying hard to fight was running through her veins like quicksilver. It penetrated every part, every limb of her. It made her feel so alone. She wished more than anything that she wasn't. She wished for Sasuke, for Neji, for Aki, for Kakashi. She'd even wished for Itachi. Anybody. Anybody would do so that she wasn't alone in the darkness.
She buried her face on her knees, hugging them tightly to herself. A part of her couldn't help but wish that the earth would just open up and swallow her.
At the sound of the door opening, her head shot up. Her pulse escalated. Her heartbeat was running like mad inside her chest. She heard a lot of movement, frightened what that would mean for her. She started to break out in cold sweat, knowing that she wouldn't be able to defend herself.
Sakura felt her skin jump when she heard a loud thump, closely followed by another one. She quickly realized that there were others being shoved inside the room with her when she heard their groans. Still, she dared not move.
"Oi, princess," A voice called out to her. It made her tighten her hold on her legs. "Now you have two traitors to keep you company. Come see?" When Sakura failed to move, he taunted some more, "Oh yeah, princess' blind as a bat."
Juugo then walked towards Sakura and crouched in front of her. He forcefully lifted her chin to make her look up. "Then you wouldn't mind if I do this." He suddenly stood, aimed and fired a shot.
"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." – Henry David Thoreau
(to be continued...)
