Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, the native characters or any of the terminology associated with it. I do own the storyline of this plot. Short disclaimer so we can get back to the story Happy Readings.

Chapter Three: Grace is Gone part 2

Konan, Zetsu and other Akatsuki members retreated into the brush where they had lied in wait before the attack. Tobi settled in with them.

"Where's Karin?" Suigetsu asked. Members looked from one to another all shrugging.

"She's dead," Tobi spoke evenly.

"What?" Juugo exclaimed.

"The pink headed medic-nin took her out. That's what happens when you get cocky like we did today!" Tobi raged splintering a branch.

"Now they have Sasuke too," Zetsu informed. The group began to chatter amongst themselves.

"Calm yourselves! Get a grip!" all silenced when Tobi spoke, "Konoha will fall," he paused, "Impatience never commanded success."

"Ah, Miss Sakura, wha-what are you doing awake?" a feeble elderly woman questioned when the nin immerged from her recovery room.

"Where is Tsunade?"

"She's in her office," Sakura nodded and thanked the woman before walking away.

"SAKURA-CHAN!" a blonde haired orange uniformed boy came running down the corridor towards the girl. She smiled lightly,

"Naruto,"

"You're alright!"

"Yes, Naruto, I'm fine." Hinata appeared behind Naruto and pulled the boy away slowly, "Nice to see you Hinata." Sakura continued on her way.

"Is she okay Hinata?" Naruto whispered quietly to the Hyuuga girl.

"I think she will be just fine. 'Once a woman has given you her heart, you can never get rid of the rest of her.'"

Sakura knocked gently on the door before hearing Shizune welcome her in.

"Ah! Sakura, you're up and about already," Sakura saw her sensei shift her weight in her desk chair.

"It's good to see you Shizune," Sakura gave a respectful bow. The air grew thick with tension. Shizune bowed toward Tsunade before excusing herself and waving those working near the office away.

"I am glad you are well, Sakura. Are you feeling any after-effects?"

"I am well, thank you."

"Hm," Tsunade nodded and stood to face her apprentice.

"Where is he Tsunade?" Tsunade held Sakura's gaze, neither woman backing down.

"You could have killed yourself, Sakura," the young nin's fists clenched and she turned to leave the office. Marching out she stormed down to the hospital level.

"Lady Sakura, what're you up to down here?" Sakura brushed past the girl and took a private spiral staircase down a tower encased by layers and layers of grey stone. Shikamaru leaned against the door haphazardly but looked up when she stood in front of her. He opened the door without asking and then nodded,

"I'll give you some time," before shutting the heavy iron door behind her. She just watched him for a moment. He looked so helpless and boyish in the chakra drain bands. He lifted his head and looked at her with malice before hanging his head again.

"If your intentions are to 'save me'," he panted drained of all his chakra, "You will fail."

"I wasn't the one who brought you here," she ground out. Sakura took a few steps closer to the self-proclaimed missing-nin and crouched in his face. "My parents are dead," she yanked him up by the hair and stared undaunted into his obsidian eyes, "And you can die too for all I care."

Then he was alone again until the door opened once more to reveal the blonde Hokage.

"To what do I owe this great honor?" Sasuke winced.

"You are a fool. You have turned away those who believed in you. I will show no mercy. Grace is gone."