Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Okay, first of all people, I would like to apologize for a little misunderstanding. I know that Deidara's character is OOC because he ends his sentences with "Yeah" or "Hmmm" but that just bothered the crap out of me and it was annoying. It didn't really make sense with the dialogue and everything, so I didn't make him say them. I apologize if it made some people or anything; I hate reading it so I thought a lot of other people wouldn't like it also…so yah. I totally forgot to mention it last chapter so please accept my humblest apology.

Thanks to all you reviewers! And shame to all of those who read and can't spare thirty seconds out of their busy lives to click a button and type a few words and then click another button. Anyways…on with the story.

Wait, I lied. Before I do, I'd just like to thank everyone in general because so far everyone was liked it, albeit a few people who were critics (don't worry I'm not mad or anything) so I'm so glad that you guys responded positively to my story.

Okay, one more thing. I've decided to end this story pretty soon, and I'll tell you why. I thought of another idea for a story, and I want to start on that story ASAP and I couldn't write two stories at once (well, I could, but that would mean a severe lack of updating) so I decided to end this story (most likely a cliffy) and then continue on the plot and everything in another story. So I won't technically be ending the story, just the title I guess.

Chapter Seven: Prisoner

"Drain her chakra."

That was the first thing that entered Sakura's barely-conscious mind. She groaned and blinked. She slowly raised her head, which felt like it weighed a ton, and blinked. Her vision was blurry, but she made out the forms of two people. They both had black robes on it with spots of red.

"Where-where am I?" Sakura ground out, her voice raw and barely audible.

She looked at one to the other. She wasn't sure, considering her vision was still blurry, but one of them looked blue.

The non-blue one spoke. She recognized it as the first one that had spoken. "Your own personal hell."

"Wh-what?" Sakura frowned. She tried to move, but found that she couldn't because her hands were chained above her head. She couldn't feel them, as all of the blood had long since left them.

Neither one replied, but the blue one brought an enormous object towards her, and she felt herself growing weaker and weaker. After a few seconds, Sakura's mind was blank and she sank into a black oblivion.

"Damnit!" Sasuke swore. They'd been traveling for hours and still hadn't found anything. They had stopped for a break, and because they hadn't found any leads as to Sakura's whereabouts.

Sasuke looked over at Hinata and glared.

"Can't you use Byakugan and find her?"

Hinata flinched. "I-I'm trying."

Naruto stepped between them. "Leave her alone Sasuke! She's doing all she can! This wouldn't have happened if you would've protected her!"

Sasuke activated his Sharingan. He didn't say it out loud, but way down deep, Sasuke knew it was true. He did blame himself. Just another incident in which Sasuke failed to protect those he cared about because he was too weak. Didn't they understand that that was why he needed power? And in order to gain it, he needed to obtain it from Orochimaru. He would kill the snake-Sannin otherwise.

Naruto and Sasuke stared each other down, both refusing to look away. Shikamaru stepped between them.

"Calm down. Our first priority is to find Sakura, not start fighting amongst ourselves, remember?"

Naruto frowned, and Sasuke glared. He leaned against a tree, folding his arms across his chest.

Naruto scratched the back of his head and bowed his head in shame. "You're right, Shikamaru. I'm sorry."

Shikamaru nodded. Temari approached him. "Shikamaru…maybe we should split up and search. We could cover more ground that way."

He shook his head. "No. Not with Akatsuki around. That would be the dumbest thing you could do."

"Aw Shikamaru! We can take them! Believe it!" Naruto punched the air.

Shikamaru sighed. "Naruto, for they safety of everyone," he raised an eyebrow and gave a nod in Hinata's direction, "We will remain together."

Naruto would've argued further, but the thought about Hinata's safety stopped him.

"I guess you're right," Naruto grumbled.

Sasuke snorted. Naruto chose to not say anything.

Sasuke sighed, and then started walking.

"Where do you think you're going?" Naruto growled.

"To find Itachi."

"How can you possibly be thinking about him when Sakura's been kidnapped? You are a heartless bastard, Sasuke!" Naruto clenched his fists and glared at Sasuke's back.

Sasuke didn't even turn around as he replied, "I have hunch that if we find Itachi we find Sakura."

Naruto relaxed, but was still angry. He knew that it was more than that. Sasuke wanted revenge at all costs.

Naruto ran to catch up to him. The others knew to stay behind a few feet.

"Sasuke," Naruto said, walking beside him.

Sasuke just ignored him, staring straight ahead.

Naruto stepped in front of Sasuke. Instead of going around Naruto, like Sasuke normally would've done, he too stopped.

Temari, Shikamaru, Hinata, and Sai, who was quiet, as usual, all stopped too.

"What do you want, Naruto?" Sasuke asked in a cold voice.

Naruto looked at him with his crystal clear blue eyes and said, with a determined look on his face, "Promise me something."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, but didn't respond.

"Hey, Sasuke," Naruto continued, "To save Sakura no matter what."

Sasuke's mind went back in the past at those words. It was during the Chuunin Exams, and they were fighting a half-transformed Gaara. Sakura was pinned to a tree by Gaara's sand, and it was slowly crushing her. She was there because she had stood in front of Sasuke, protecting him. Sasuke knew that he couldn't beat Gaara in his current state, so he told Naruto something. "Hey, Naruto. You better save Sakura no matter what." Naruto had kept his promise that day. And now Naruto was looking for the same one he had given a long time ago.

"Sasuke, promise me that you will." Sasuke was shaken out of his memories by Naruto's voice again.

Sasuke said nothing.

"Answer me, Sasuke!" Naruto demanded. He made it very clear that he wasn't moving until he got an answer.

"Naruto," Sasuke said quietly. "I'm not like you. I will not bound myself to an oath in which I have no power of keeping or destroying."

Naruto clenched his fists. "Does Sakura really mean so little to you? After all that she's done for you?! She almost died trying to save you, on more than one occasion!" Naruto was shouting.

Those words brought back a memory from long ago for Naruto. He remembered his first real mission as a Chuunin. It was on the bridge in the Village of Waves, and Haku had died saving Zabuza. Zabuza acted like he didn't even care, but eventually he came to his senses and realized what he had lost in Haku, the only person who cared about him.

Naruto wondered briefly if that's what would happen to Sasuke. If someone important to Sasuke died, how would he react? Would he be like Zabuza, and not realize how much the person had meant to him until it was too late? Naruto shook himself from his morbid thoughts and still stood resolutely, barring Sasuke's way.

"Naruto, move out of my way."

"No, Sasuke. Not until you promise me that you won't let Sakura die."

"Naruto, I already told you-"

"And you also told me once, long ago, that you never wanted to see an important friend die in front of you again! You told me to rescue Sakura no matter what! And I did!"

"Naruto, you're annoying. I've already told you before that I have broken the bonds between me and her. Between you and me, as well. You would be wise to step out of my way now before I have to force you to."

"Sasuke…if you let you her die…I will kill you." Naruto said. He wasn't grinning like an idiot, and there was not sparkle of humor in his eyes. Naruto's eyes were cold for once, much like Sasuke's.

"Naruto…if you get in my way again…I will kill you." Sasuke then proceeded to go around Naruto, and continued on his way.

Naruto stood there until Shikamaru approached him. "Naruto…let's get going."

Naruto was shaken out of his stupor. He nodded. "Hai."

Hinata gulped. She didn't want to admit it, but Sasuke intimidated her. And she'd never seen Naruto look that cold before.

Temari was whispering to Shikamaru. "We can't let him jeopardize the mission, Shikamaru," she said, referring to Sasuke.

"I know. He won't."

"How do you know?"

"Think of your brother. He was a cold-blooded killer during the Chuunin Exams, correct?"

"Yes."

"Look at him now, after Naruto had gotten to him."

"He's changed a lot," Temari admitted.

Shikamaru glanced at Naruto, who was whistling. "There's something special about that Naruto. He gets to people. Maybe he can get through to Sasuke, too."

Temari nodded. "It makes sense. I guess."

Shikamaru grinned. "Well it better. It took me all of two seconds to think it up!"

Temari rolled her eyes. "Arrogant men."

Shikamaru grinned. "Troublesome women."

Temari couldn't help but smile. It had been awhile since she'd last seen Shikamaru. She decided to change the subject to a happier tone.

Sakura groaned. She slowly lifted her head and opened her eyes. They were blurry at first, but after a few moments she could see. It was dark, and smelled musty. She could hear the steady drip! drip! of a nearby leak. The walls were cold and made of stone, and the floor was dirt.

Sakura rattled the chains that bound her arms above her head. She bit back a groan when she did that. Her arms felt like someone was sticking thousands of needles in them mercilessly.

Sakura found that all of her chakra was gone, except the minimal amount in order to survive. She mustered up the strength to swear vehemently.

Then an iron door swung heavily open, and the blue man that Sakura remembered seeing walked in.

He had a steaming bowl of soup in his hand, and the aroma wafted to her nostrils. Her mouth watered in response, and her stomach growled, conveying its hunger to her.

Sakura gritted her teeth and remained silent.

"Stop being stubborn, girl. I know you're hungry."

Sakura refused to say anything, but her stomach growled again.

"I'll make this as simple as possible. If you want to eat, you're going to answer a few questions for me."

Sakura snorted, breaking her silence. "How do I know that you'll give me the food after I answer them?"

"Simple. I'll give it to you now."

He brought the bowl closer to her nose, and Sakura had never felt such hunger in her stomach. It burned to the point of her eyes tearing up.

Stubborn as a mule, Sakura shook her head.

"I don't trust you. It's probably poisoned."

The blue man chuckled. "I have no reason to kill you…yet."

Sakura swallowed nervously. Maybe she shouldn't push her luck. She knew that she could defend herself, but without her chakra her life was completely in these mad men's hands.

"Fine. I'll agree to it."

"Good. It would go much easier on you." He set the bowl down and unlocked her chains. Her arms fell limply to her sides, and it took several seconds before she was even able to feel them again.

While the blue man was unlocking the chains he continued. "I suggested torture as the best and easiest route, but my partner suggested that that would not be wise, as a person will admit to anything when being tortured." He grinned, showing a row of spaced, sharp teeth. All in all the man closely resembled a shark to Sakura.

Then something dawned in Sakura's foggy mind.

"You're Kisame, aren't you?"

The man looked surprised. "So my reputation proceeds me, does it? I'm flattered."

Sakura glared. "Don't be. I took it upon myself to learn about Akatsuki. And the man who kidnapped me was Deidara. That means that the other man I saw with you is your partner."

"What if he is?"

Sakura's eyes widened. "Itachi Uchiha."

He grinned evilly. "Yep."

Sakura shuddered.

She knew what Akatsuki was capable of. After a few moments Kisame asked his first question. Sakura still couldn't move her hands.

"Where is Orochimaru's lair?"

The question took Sakura off guard.

"I-I don't know."

Kisame bared his teeth.

"Well, I mean I know. I just couldn't tell you the exact location. I know it's due southeast. And that's about all I can tell you."

Whether he believed her or not, Kisame continued his questions.

"What sort of experiments is he doing there?"

"I don't know. I never really saw anything."

"Does Sasuke Uchiha still hold a bond with you?"

This question really threw Sakura off. "How is this relevant?"

"Just answer it."

Sakura looked down, and quietly whispered, "No."

"I see. If he has no attachment to you, then does that mean that you think he will not come and rescue you?"

Sakura thought a moment. "No, he'll come. If only to kill Itachi. No matter what Sasuke says he still has a sense of honor about him. He would come for me, I think." I hope, she silently added.

Kisame then turned around and left. Sakura could see the broad sword at his back. She shuddered at what it had done to her. She had no chakra left, and her arms hung limply at her sides.

Wait a minute! Sakura thought. He left me unchained. That means that I can escape! Sakura grinned, her hunger forgotten as she started formulating all sorts of plans in her clever mind.

When she was on her fifth one, the door was opened again, only this time more slowly.

In walked Itachi Uchiha. All thoughts were forgotten as Sakura stared at the tall figure.

"I think I see something up ahead!" said Hinata as they raced through the trees. She was first in line, then Naruto, Shikamaru, Sai, Temari, and Sasuke bringing up the rear.

They all halted on a branch.

Hinata pointed. "There. It's a…cave of some sorts. The trees thin out about three hundred yards from here."

Shikamaru nodded. "Let's go."

Sakura, thought Naruto. We're coming.

Sasuke's thoughts were also on Sakura. Sakura…hold on.

Sakura tried to swallow but her throat had went dry. This man commanded fear out of the people he saw.

Sakura didn't want to admit it, but he terrified her.

It didn't help that he had the face of the boy she loved.

Sakura finally found her voice. She tried to squeak when she talked.

"What do you want with me?" she whispered.

"My brother."

"W-what? What do you want with Sasuke?" She found the courage to raise her voice to him after the conversation steered towards Sasuke.

Sakura remembered that she hated this man more than anyone. It was because of him that his entire clan was murdered, scarring Sasuke for life. It was because of him that Sasuke was cold and distant. It was because of him that Sasuke went in search of power and betrayed her and Konoha. Sakura glared at him.

"He is Orochimaru's next vessel. If we kill him, then Orochimaru will not be able to regain his strength and would resort to a weaker vessel. Then we kill him. Simple."

"You'd kill your own brother?" Well duh! Sakura thought right after she said that. He only killed of his entire clan save Sasuke. I doubt there is anything he wouldn't do.

Itachi didn't smile or anything. His voice and face remained cool, and emotionless. "I have no qualms about killing him. He's been a thorn in my side for years."

"I won't let you kill him." Sakura said, determination radiating from her jade eyes.

"Oh? You think you could stop me?"

"Yes."

"How dare you even compare your pathetic little self to me. You're not even worthy of my spit."

"Why don't we put that theory to a test then?"

This time he grinned. "That won't be necessary. I'll show you what true power is right here, right now."

Sakura didn't have time to think about he meant before his eyes turned red. The cell disappeared, and Sakura found herself tied to a cross in a dark red world.

Sakura looked around. She had never known such fear as she felt right then. "Mangekyou Sharingan," she whispered.

"Right you are, girl," said Itachi, appearing in front of her.

"W-what are you going to do?" Sakura whispered, unwanted tears forming in her eyes. She knew that she would appear to be in here for three days, but it would really only be a few minutes in the real world.

Itachi gave the barest of smiles. "Whatever I want."

Sakura gasped in horror as Itachi approached her. But it wasn't Itachi anymore. It was Sasuke.

"No," she told herself. "It's not real."

Itachi, as Sasuke, smirked. "Oh, but it is Sakura. You know I never loved you. I've always hated you. You were always worthless to me."

Tears trickled down her face. Sasuke's eyes were blood red, the same eyes that she had just seen on Itachi.

He smirked. "Naruto was easy to kill. He was always worthless, too."

"Stop!"

"Why, Sakura? This is me. I've always been this way. You've just been too stupid to notice. I've never liked you. Nor will I ever."

He took out his Kusanagi and licked the blade. "This is going to be a long three days, Sakura."

Sakura closed her eyes and tried to slow down her racing heart. It's not Sasuke, it's not Sasuke, it's not Sasuke, she kept repeating to herself over and over.

When she opened her eyes, it was still Sasuke, except that his eyes were black.

"Sakura…" he whispered as he came closer. Sakura frowned. It looked like he was going to…kiss her.

As he got closer, her eyes drifted closed of their own accord. But then she felt a white hot fiery pain in her stomach. She opened her eyes and saw Kusanagi sticking out of her body.

Her mind told her it wasn't real but the pain in her body told her it wasn't. Sasuke took the handle and ripped it out of her, spraying her blood everywhere.

Sakura screamed.

Sasuke grinned evilly. "Isn't this fun?"

Sakura struggled against the bonds that held her to the cross valiantly, but to avail. She was tied securely.

Over the course of the three days in the Mangekyou Sharingan, Itachi (posing as Sasuke) repeatedly stabbed her over and over, relentlessly taunting her with memories of Sasuke.

Okay you guys…I am so sorry about my lack of updating. I got back really late on Sunday night and then I've had Chemistry labs left and right. You guys have the right to tar and feather me (please have mercy!) Anyways….I will get on myself about another update before I leave for Washington on Friday…so I will seriously try…leave me some reviews!