A few days passed, but there aren't any signs of Orochimaru…and Sakura.

Shikamaru went to Tsunade's office to report the progress of their mission. "Tsunade-sama, we still have no idea where Orochimaru is. Our mission hasn't improved even a bit. We need more help."

"I know that this mission is hard, but I cannot send anyone at this time. There are no ninjas available yet… I'm really sorry, but I'll try to gather some information."

"I understand. I'll go ahead now," Shikamaru bowed, and left. He immediately went to Naruto to tell him what Tsunade said.

"I see… It's okay, I'll find her myself," said Naruto.

"You're not alone. We'll find her together," added Shikamaru.

Temari suddenly appeared, "Hey! I'm in this group too, right?!" she smiled.

Naruto smiled, "Thanks."

----

Meanwhile, somewhere distant from Konoha, Sakura found herself in a very small and dark cell. And she doesn't have the slightest idea where she was. All she could remember was that Orochimaru took her.

She tried to break the walls around her but she doesn't have enough chakra left. After a while, she heard that someone was walking towards where she was.

When the person was in front of her cell, Sakura couldn't see his face because it was too dark. But she instantly recognized who it was.

"Kabuto!" said Sakura.

"I'll bring you to Orochimaru-sama."

Then Kabuto opened the cell and brought Sakura out. She never attempted to escape because there was nothing she could do; she was so weak at that time.

After that, they went to a certain room. When they entered, Sakura saw Orochimaru standing at the center of the almost empty room. Then Orochimaru ordered Kabuto to leave the room, and started to talk with Sakura.

"Sakura, I have an offer for you…" he said as he stepped closer to her, "I want you to work for me as a medic-nin," he paused for a moment, "And I'll give you something in exchange…"

"Are you out of your mind?! Why do you think I'm going to cooperate with you?! I don't think that's going to happen."

Orochimaru smirked, "Really? But I think you would do it…if it's for Sasuke."

"Sasuke?!" What do you mean?"

"Work for me as a medic-nin and I'll let you be with Sasuke."

Sakura was silenced, she waited a very long time just to be with Sasuke. And now she was given an opportunity in exchange for her work. She knew that if she would agree, she won't be able to go back to Konoha because Orochimaru certainly won't allow it. But this was it, who knows if this would be the last chance to see him. She definitely should make an important decision.

"Okay…" Sakura started to speak, "I'll do it. But make sure that I can see Sasuke, or else I'll be of no use to you."

Orochimaru grinned, "Good decision… And because of that, I'll let you see him…"

She gasped, "You're not joking aren't you?"

"Of course not, it's just a little gift for you..."