Sasuke paused in his journey through the desert, wiping sweat off his brow and looking for his teammate.
Team 7 had been sent out on a simple mission. Their job was to bring documents to the Suna, then bring more documents from there to Konoha. The contents and purpose of these documents were unknown, but they were assured that no one would be after the information.
It was true – no one attacked them. However, an ambush wasn't the only thing that could complicate a mission.
The four of them had almost made it to the village when a sand storm moved in. Unaccustomed to such events, they pressed forward and tried to shield their eyes and mouths from the dirt.
By the time they made it out, they could see the village from where they stood and were only a group of three.
Sakura was missing.
Everyone was worried, but Kakashi insisted it was best if they went to the village, delivered the documents, and replenished their supplies. Once that was done, one of them would go back into the desert and search for her.
"I'll do it!" Naruto immediately volunteered.
His teacher shook his head. "No, Naruto, you don't think clearly in this kind of situation. You get too desperate. I think it would be best if Sasuke went."
"I'm not desperate!" the blonde protested. "And why does it have to be him? Why can't you go?"
"I'm the team's leader. I have to stay here and make sure the mission is carried out properly. Besides, you two would kill each other if I left you alone."
The air traded glares before Sasuke left to prepare.
Now, as he scanned the vast desert for a sign of his missing teammate, he regretted not changing into cooler clothing. The sun was mercilessly hot and the air was dry, making his shirt stick to him with sweat.
At least he had water. He couldn't imagine how Sakura was managing without it. If she was still alive, that is.
With a frown, he tried to shake away such thoughts and continued his trek through the desert. He saw very little in the area, and wondered how far away the lost girl was.
Then, finally, he saw a figure on the horizon. It looked like someone waving.
Sakura. It had to be her. Who else would be in the middle of nowhere?
But as Sasuke drew nearer, he realized it wasn't his friend. It wasn't even human – just a cactus.
Panting, he glared at the plant as though it was its fault he was out there. In response, it stood in place, seeming to mock him with its stillness.
Someone moaned.
Startled, he peered around the cactus, searching for the source of the noise. On the other side lay Sakura, face down on the ground, covered in sand and terrifyingly still.
Moving closer, Sasuke knelt by her side, placing his fingers in her neck and feeling for a pulse. Satisfied that she was still alive, he rolled her over and rested her head on his lap. Gently, he opened her mouth and poured some water from his water bottle down her throat. She seemed semi-conscious and responded to some of his actions, but otherwise remained still and silent.
Returning the bottle to its place on his belt, Sasuke made a silent prayer that he would have enough for the trip back. Over half of the water was gone, having been drank by Sakura.
Gathering the girl into his arms, he stood and carried her back toward the village.
Author's Notes: Sequel to the previous drabble, and, again, not much to say.
Disclaimer: I do not own 'Naruto' or any of its characters.