Hello everyone. I'm back. I'm really sorry for pulling up a Stephanie Meyer act on you all. I was actually surprise at how many reviews I've received since stopping the story. I didn't know how much you cared for this fanfic. I apologize for my selfishness and I promise to continue writing the story until the end (nevermind the bitch who copied the story).

Chapter 9

Sasuke kept staring blankly on the ceiling. Feeling mighty annoyed at himself, he let out a frustrated sigh. It had already been over four months now since he last saw the pink haired kunoichi that been marked as a missing nin now. He searched everywhere there had been rumors of their lost teammate but has not even came close to as much as a glimpse of her shadow. He looked for every clue as to Sakura's whereabouts but still came empty-handed.

Case of the killings also stopped seeing as the culprit had already left the village and has nothing further to do in it. Having the case mark as closed frustrated him the most. Not only was it a bad record for his squad's success rate. It also means that he have no business following the murderer anymore or even Sakura. This was the council elders' way of indirectly telling him that he couldn't do what he want.

He didn't say anything unlike Naruto who had been screaming on top of his lungs. His face devoid of anything but his anger kept on brewing inside him. He decided it won't be long until he finally snaps. Whatever left unsaid still projected itself during his sleepless nights and even attitude. He lashes at whoever stares at him with questioning looks in their eyes. This left him with a permanent scowl on his face. He realized he was back again to his cold demeanor.

As for Sakura's case, Tsunade—even with her being Godaime was not able to do anything when Sakura had been marked as a missing nin. He was never the one to admit that he had been worried sick of Sakura since she abandoned the village. Kami only knows how much he missed the pink haired kunoichi. Holding on the thought of she is still alive is the only thing that keeps him sane. Sometimes he'd be waking in the middle of the night calling for her name.

A loud obnoxious knock from the door pull him out of his dark and depressing thoughts. He quickly stood up from his bed and swore to himself before opening the door to someone he really thinks as the most annoying blonde he knows.

"Sasuke-teme!" Naruto literally shouted at his face once the Uchiha had opened the door for him. "I've been wondering if you'd like to come by the Hokage Tow—"

"Is it another mission?" He immediately asked.

"Yes but—" Naruto was cut of again.

"I'm not interested." Sasuke declined flatly. Thinking that doing another mission for ANBU is what he doesn't need for now or he might go on a killing spree.

"Not every mission you should take has everything to do with your preference. You have responsibility to Konoha as well, especially for giving you a second chance." Naruto reprimanded him.

Sasuke just stared at him blankly thought of a way to retort and then his eyebrows shot up before letting out an angry 'hmp'. The words coming out of Naruto's mouth doesn't sound like Naruto at all. He knew it isn't his fault but he could not keep from blaming himself.

"You know, it wasn't like it's anybody's fault she left in the first place. It was her choice." The blonde said after a pause, thinking that Sasuke is still sulking about Sakura's decision. Naruto had stopped saying Sakura's name months ago. Everytime that he does, the Uchiha could not keep himself from showing that pained expression that Naruto only sees from someone who had lost everything. "Heck you're not the only one who keeps on thinking about her. Oba-sama is always pissed whenever she is reminded of Sakura. You also know how many times I've attempted to file my leave just to go and look for her."

"Besides it would be a good distraction for you." Naruto grinned. "Have you seen yourself from a mirror? You already have that scowl permanently embedded on your face."

"Shut up dobe." He replied. He knew that Naruto was surprisingly right. He badly needed distraction. "You go on ahead. Give me a minute."

"Just promise me you would. I don't want to face that sake-obsessed Godaime alone right now. She's been driving me nuts the past week. She couldn't even cut me some slack." Naruto complained.

"This is not an assassination mission. I want you to gather reports on the surrounding borders because there had been a couple reports of suspicious movements by a group of missing nin. According by what we have so far, most of them had been identified as class A shinobi. If in case there won't be any time to have reports delivered immediately, I want you two to secure the areas we've located on the map we'll be providing you. Make sure that no one gets past and capture anyone who would be most knowledgeable of the operation." Tsunade patiently explained. Shizune gave them the maps containing location of the areas they were suppose to guard.

"Got it, you can count on me!" Naruto immediately accepted the mission.

Sasuke nodded calmly before turning his back on the Godaime. They proceeded to brief Sasuke's squad about the mission and gone over what best tactics they should be using for this certain mission. They left the tower once they finished their planning knowing full well that nothing would go wrong especially with high percentage of success rate of the squad. They agreed to leave in the morning.

At first light, Sasuke's squad had already set out with Naruto following behind them. He caught a glimpse of something pink when he looked back. The rays coming from the sun had been caught by the branch of a huge cherry tree with its blossoms gently falling down the soft grass. It reminded him of a certain cherry blossom girl.