Well here's the awaited third chapter! I want to say a big thanks to all those who reviewed; it gives me my motivation to write :)

And thank you to moonchalice your review made my day!

Please bear in mind that this is UNBeta-ed so please bear with me.

Disclaimer: If I owned Naruto that would make me Kishimoto…I am neither Japanese nor a man. I rest my case

Treading The Unknown

Chapter 3

Despite still being in great pain and despite being under the constant observation of hospital staff, Naruto had somehow managed to sneak a bowl of ramen into his hospital room. So much for nil by mouth!

Naruto licked his lips in anticipation and was about to tuck in when a slightly red faced (and an obviously furious) Shizune burst through the door, almost tripping over in the process.

"NARUTO! Touch that ramen and I'll tie you to the bed! AGAIN!"

Naruto shifted uncomfortably, he didn't want to be tied to the bed for the third time today…but he wanted his precious ramen! He looked back and forth, from the ramen to Shizune and back again. Alas, before the confused Naruto could make a decision a flustered Shizune made it for him, snatching the bowl and tossing it out of the window.

The blonde haired boy watched helplessly as the ramen (his favourite flavour too!) sailed out of his reach and landed in the street below with a loud crash and a surprised squeal from a passer by.

Naruto turned and scowled at Shizune who just shrugged sheepishly and made a feeble attempt at changing the subject.

"So…Naruto…Has Sakura come to visit you yet? It's unusual for her not to be here, it's nearly midday already."

It seemed to do the trick however, (Sakura was more important than ramen!), and made Naruto sit up straight.

"No…she hasn't…She probably has more important things to do though right? Ha-ha don't worry she'll be fine!" He said with a smile, trying to shrug off the negative thoughts that were now invading his mind.

"Hmmmm…Well alright if you say so" Shizune replied with a note of concern "I'll be back later, and remember NO RAMEN!"

Shizune left Naruto's room and went straight to Tsunade's office. Something was not right.

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Naruto lay back down with a sigh; he stared aimlessly out of the window, the hot afternoon sun filtering through the windowpane and warming his rapidly healing face.

Even before Shizune had expressed her concerns over Sakura, he had had his doubts. He just knew something was wrong, but he couldn't put his finger on it, he felt so helpless lying there and not being able to help her.

If only this hadn't happened, why did they have to attack him? What did he do wrong? At a time he knew he was needed he couldn't do anything.

"Hold on Sakura" he whispered.

- - - In A Dark Room - - -

Sakura awoke from her, no doubt drug induced, sleep to find herself in a dark, dank room. The high walls were of cold stone, as was the floor, with only one miniscule window at the very top providing the tiny amount of light inside. A disgusting smell permeated the air, what it was exactly she didn't know, but it made her sick to her stomach.

She lifted her hands to wipe her watery eyes and found that her hands were cuffed in slightly rusted wrist irons and chains, as were her feet. Her clothes were ripped and her body bruised. She was totally helpless.

Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she screamed

"Who are you? WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?"

She tried to stand but her chains forced her back down to the ground.

"LET ME GO"

- - - At Sakura's House - - -

Shizune pushed open the door to Sakura's apartment, surprised to find it unlocked, and stepped inside. All the lights were off, and the whole place was silent. The small table in the hall had been knocked over and there were tiny splashes of blood adorning the carpet.

Shizune's eyes widened and she clasped a hand to her mouth.

What the hell happened?

She rushed out as fast as she could, heading towards the hospital. She had to tell Tsunade.

Sakura was in trouble.

There ya go! Ach, you wouldn't believe how much hell this chapter gave me. I had a massive writers block! Yeah I know the ending was lame, actually most of it was, I hope you forgive me!!!

Oh and also I'm sorry that it's so short.

Please review anyway! Pretty please :)