Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Missing and Found

"I don't believe you." Sakura stared at the outreaching hand, suspicious. "Itachi died, long before my husband ever returned to the land. You can't be him."

"I was impressed by these pirates off of Port Royal. I'm not surprised they spread a rumor about my death." Itachi smirked and gave a short laugh. There was no way an imposter could know that sort of information. Itachi dropped his hand. "I'm not surprised by you not believing me either. Who would believe a pirate?" He frowned when he noticed Sakura's expression change from suspicion to that of dawning.

"If you're really Itachi, then what's my husband's name?" she spoke with a quiet even tone. Her eyes were hard and serious, sparked with dangerous fight. The supposedly murdered man blinked. She was no pushover; his brother certainly had a handful. Deidara wasn't fibbing when he said she had spunk and a bunch of fight in her.

"My little brother, his name is Sasuke." Sakura nodded, her face softening, and held out her hand. Itachi grasped it. It was rough and calloused, the hands of a diligent worker.

"He'll be happy to know you're alive. Your mother too, she'll be relieved to know you're okay." Itachi's eyes darkened, his lips becoming a thin line jaw clenching. The same disguised look of discomfort as her husband's appeared on his face. Sakura squinted her eyes in perplexity, turning her head to the side. Had she said something wrong? She couldn't imagine what unless his bonds with his family were strained.

"No. I don't think they would be." He then smirked and pointed to himself. "Pirate, remember?"

"How on earth would you know? Sasuke searched for you after you were impressed. When he heard you died he wanted to find your killers."

"Sasuke had always been possessed by the idea of revenge." Itachi muttered, frowning, he looked out of the cell. "Look. I need to go. I'll try and convince the captain to go back. I can't make any promises though. Be wary of any of the crew. Akatsuki pirates aren't necessarily the most courteous men around."

"But a woman has been coming down--"

"Yes. Konan. My superior if you will. She won't let any harm befall you." Itachi stood, towering over her even if she were standing.

"Just tell me one thing Itachi, how long have I been on here?" Sakura asked, eyes wide and curious. She wanted to know how long she had been away from home. And when she can expect to be back.

"Approximately, two weeks."

"And how long will I be on here?" Itachi fell silent, thinking. Almost dreaded his response. What if it would be for a long period of time? Who knows what could happen in that time? There could be a battle and if the ship was hit, she certainly wouldn't be safe. She could die. Itachi said, Sasuke was fascinated with the idea of revenge, and if she were to die he might die trying to avenge her. No. She didn't want him to die because of her, not for that purpose.

Itachi noticed her face change from curious eyes to a look of mild dread. The girl was anticipating the worst. The brightness of her eyes faded to dark loss and fear. Her face just fell, the light expression peeling away to reveal her murky revelation. But there was something else, some sort of feeling of confusion and shock, perhaps from the amount of time she's been on the ship. Days seemed endless, the scenery never changed and days were long. It was completely understandable.

"I don't know." He replied blankly. It was the honest truth; he really didn't have the slightest clue as to when she would be released. If the governor gave them the supplies asked for, as soon as possible. She could have been released the very day she was captured. If he chose to wait, she could be here for longer. And if he refused to barter anymore, Sakura could very well be killed. That couldn't happen. He wouldn't allow it to occur. She was harmless, a fighter but harmless. The pink-haired girl had yet to cause the crew of the ship any fuss, hadn't even attempted to escape. And Itachi liked her, that little spark she had within, he could appreciate it and clearly Sasuke did. Speaking of which, if Sakura died, his younger brother would go insane trying to avenge her. He could lose all ounces of humanity, becoming some monster made from his grief and inability to cope. Itachi would rather be cursed instead of seeing his brother fall into black.

The elder brother nodded and left the cell, leaving Sakura alone with her thoughts once more. She watched his form vanish into the dark, damp brig, his footfalls fading into the black more slowly. She heard the creak of the steps and knew he emerged into the sunlight that must be above. Lucky, lucky man. He was just another prisoner like her, yet he was freer than she. He could move about, go on land even. And here she was trapped in the dark, constantly seasick, and lonely. Perhaps he'll come down again.

A fortnight, he said, that was how long she was gone, trapped on the bloody ship. Sakura sighed, pulling her knees up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them, burying her face in the crook of her knees. She felt tired, broken. These two weeks felt like a lifetime. And she was tired, so very tired.

A thought wormed its way into her mind, causing her to jerk her head up, her eyes widening in shock, eyebrows rising and arching, lips parting to make an escape for the gasp that followed. It's been two weeks and her monthly should have come sometime in between. It must be late; the stress of the kidnapping could have delayed it. She couldn't be, could she?

~x-x-x~

Oh my gosh…I'm so sorry for the wait! So many apologies…so little time…Reviews are appreciated and I'll update ASAP