Well the time between my updates is stretching longer and longer…ah well I'll just have to write longer chapters. Special thanks to The Reading Maid, who reviewed all (or most) of the chapters in this fic after they'd been up for a while. And of course thank you to all my readers and reviewers out there, you're all the best!

Chapter 15

It is I, Haruno Sakura taking notes yet again. For, now that Sasuke has been classified missing our small group has decided that we should hold a meeting to decide what to do. It seems strange that we need to decide to meet, to decide on a plan of action, or lack there of. Deciding to decide…yes strange indeed, but who am I to question when the majority has ruled in favor of this meeting?

I suppose an introduction is in order, or at the very least a summarization or Sasuke's disappearance. It seemed at first that he either deserted the Village or was kidnapped himself. Of course since Hinata was very recently kidnapped the latter was quickly ruled out. I can not actually see Sasuke being captured anyway, after seeing him fight when we were rescuing Hinata and I must say that well…I do not envy any of his opponents.

It was decided that Sasuke must have left the Leaf willingly then. There was no proof of this however and no reason for him to leave either so the case was dropped and Sasuke was considered a missing nin. Of course those who knew him were of the opinion that he would not have left with out a reason and continued to investigate.

That was why Kakashi-sama just happened to over hear, in a conversation between the Hokage and an ANBU member, that Sasuke had been seen fleeing through the forest with four other ninja. The four were foreign to Konoha, wearing no forehead protectors but all dressed in similar outfits. Their 'uniform' (I use quotation marks because it seems to me that they were simply wearing the same outfits and not really a uniform) was identified by Tsunade-sama, she believes them to be subordinates of Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sanin.

That would explain why Sasuke left though… I've always suspected that he was too power crazed for his own good. Though his past is hazy to me I know that there was a tragedy and he is currently an orphan. I fear he was right in one of his letters and that my life is too sheltered for me to truly understand him. Naruto might have a better time of it but then those two are too busy competing with each other to actually have a real conversation.

It actually was Naruto, along with myself of course, who pushed this meeting in the first place. I, because being his pen pal I have on some level become Sasuke's friend. He may be cocky and his out look on life (that being one of hatred) may be annoying (to say the least), but I do care for him and what ever he thinks this Orochimaru will do for him I am sure it can't end well.

Naruto I believe is the closest thing that Sasuke has to a best friend, Sasuke may be the closest thing that Naruto has to a best friend as well. Naruto may not be the brightest person living but his instinct's are good (almost animal like in fact) and I trust him when he says that Orochimaru is trouble. Though Sasuke wouldn't admit it unless he was forced to on pain of death (and even then depending on how painful the death would be) we are his friends and we will help him.

With that said and all participants now gathered I believe it is time to start the meeting.

(As usual I will now switch to present tense.)

Before anyone says anything Neji stands up and addresses everyone in our small crowd, "I think that we should go somewhere that is better protected."

"It's just like you to be suspicious of every one around you," Tenten scoffs, "Lighten up Neji, we're fine here."

Though she still disagrees with him the two seem to have put their quarrels behind them and moved on. I think this is a wise choice seeing as they'll more than likely be working together soon.

"Actually I think that Neji's right. We should move." Ino says with an apologetic smile to Tenten.

Soon we are split with Naruto, Tenten, and Hinata proclaiming our safety; and Neji, Shikamaru, Ino, and I playing it cautiously. Of course majority again has ruled and so as I write this we are walking towards Sasuke's house. We plan to hold our meetings on the grounds of his property, if we were to be spotted going inside it could be considered trespassing. As we are just on the property though, it seems to others that we are mourning his loss.

Now that every one is seated the meeting has been resumed.

"…so I say that we leave tomorrow and find this Orochimaru guy, kick his ass and bring Sasuke back." Naruto is saying.

"No way we know nothing about him, hell we don't even know how Sasuke knows this guy!" Ino interjects, throwing her hands in the air.

Our group is taken in a silence, every one no doubt thinking about Ino's observation. Now that she has brought it up, how did Sasuke meet Orochimaru? I have to wonder about this and ask if anyone has any idea's.

"Maybe he was an old family friend." Tenten suggests shrugging her shoulder to indicate that it's just a guess.

"He obviously left willingly, they have to have known each other." Neji adds.

"Not necessarily. Maybe Orochimaru's minions offered him the power he wanted. We all know Sasuke's power hungry, it probably wouldn't take much to convince him to leave."

At this comment Naruto is up and shouting at Shikamaru. He insists that Sasuke is more loyal than that but I can't help but wonder…Was Sasuke's past traumatic enough to make him desert the Village? Or is there someone out there that is driving him to do this?

I don't believe we will find the answers to this question with out the help of our sensei's. As much as hate to involve them again I think it is necessary. I say this and the other agree. It seems that this meeting is over until Kakashi-sama and Kurenai-sensei have been recruited.

Sakura


REVIEW!!!! You know you want to, lol. Until my next update,

-Fumei