5

A/N: Apparently I've been reading too much Naruto manga, like that could ever happen, because this story has been inspired from the most recent chapters. I hope you've read them! It's not terribly important, but it helps a bit with the setting. Anyway, I hope it's good.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto…thank god…I'd ruin it.


Redemption

Chapter One: Prologue

Frustration.

That was all Sakura felt recently. Her last mission, along with many other ninja, had been a failure. They got information on Sasuke's position and were close to finally catching him, but he slipped away again. Like always.

When Sakura's team arrived at Sasuke's supposed location, the area was practically destroyed. Rubble was everywhere and dried blood stained the ground and still intact walls. It was painfully obvious there had been a fight there; the team assumed Itachi was involved. So, with no information on the unexpected development, they were forced to retreat to Konoha.

So here Sakura was, two weeks later, lying on her bed wishing they had been just a little faster. Naruto had informed her that morning that there were still no leads as to where Sasuke could have disappeared. She sighed.

Her hair was still short and she was wearing a simple black shirt and shorts. She rolled over onto her side and watched the moon, unable to cease thinking long enough to go to sleep. She sighed again and closed her eyes. Someone began banging on her door, forcing her to sit up and grumble. She looked at the clock.

"What the hell…its 12:45am..."

Sakura threw her legs over the side of the bed and walked to the door semi-quickly, considering the time. Naruto stood there, also clad in black. He looked like he had just woken up, but seemed excessively energized.

"Sakura-chan! You won't believe it! Tsunade is calling us to report for an emergency mission. I think it's about Sasuke," Naruto exclaimed in a gasp, breathlessly.

Over the years, Sakura, like Sasuke, learned to avoid showing emotion. However, her emotions betrayed her formerly blank expression, because her heart was racing. News on Sasuke's location? Sakura nodded quickly, completely forgetting about the time.

"Give me five minutes," she said hastily. Naruto nodded. Sakura hurried back inside, grabbed her already packed bag, and changed her shorts to pants. Running back outside, they set off swiftly for the Hokage Tower.


Hinata and Kakashi were already there when Naruto and Sakura arrived. Naruto gaped and pointed at Kakashi in disbelief.

"You're not LATE?! It's the end of the world!"

Sakura whacked him on the head. "Shut up, Naruto!" she hissed. "This is important."

Naruto continued to stare at Kakashi however, who read his book calmly. His eyes weren't moving.

Tsunade entered the room briskly a moment later and stood behind her desk. "I'm sure you all realize the reason you've been called here at such a time," she began. "We've obtained information on Sasuke's whereabouts and I'm sending you on a mission to establish contact with and recover Uchiha Sasuke." She looked around the room at everyone and continued, "This scroll has more details on his location," she said, handing it to Kakashi. "Of course, it is obvious why I am sending you, the former Team 7. Hinata is coming because Neji is on another mission presently, and you need the Byakugan."

They nodded in understanding.

"Is there no one else coming this time?" Naruto asked, "There were a few more people on the team last time."

"And that was the problem. Fewer people means you can move faster, and speed is of the essence here. The faster you leave, the more likely you will catch Sasuke. Remember, this information, no matter how recently we got it, is still old news, and he could be going anywhere for all we know," Tsunade said seriously.

Naruto nodded enthusiastically. "Let's go then, already! We're already wasting time," he yelled.

"Hold on Naruto," Tsunade snapped. "I wasn't done yet."

Naruto growled and muttered something under his breath. Tsunade was about to call him on it, but Sakura intervened.

"What is it, Tsunade-sama?"

Tsunade knew Sakura was just as ready to go as Naruto, but also had some inhibitions as well. Tsunade nodded.

"This is critical, and I want you to all listen well." They nodded again before she continued. "Naruto, when and if you find Sasuke, you will most probably find Itachi Uchiha also." She paused to let this sink in. "Itachi will want to capture you for Akatsuki's benefit, obviously, and you need to be extra careful."

Kakashi and Sakura exchanged glances. Hinata eyed Naruto nervously. Naruto lowered his head so that his bangs fell in his face, obscuring his eyes. His face was composed and uncharacteristically mature. "I understand."

Tsunade nodded curtly in approval. "Be careful then."

"Don't worry. We'll all come back, and that includes Sasuke-teme, dattebayo!"


A/N: Okay, I know it was the shortest chapter EVER, trust me. I may or may not continue this story, based on your response to the chapter. It's not long, but you get the idea. I have a general plot going, other than the retrieval of Sasuke, so it's not the same as every other 'retrieve Sasuke story'. If you like this intro, then I'll continue, and Tsunade will explain in more detail. The next chapter would be a normal chapter length, which is decently sized for my standards. Anyway, review and let me know.