Chapter Five
Sakura's heart was thundering in her chest as she sprints toward the Hokage's Mansion. She didn't know why she was so scared, there was probably a logical explination for why he wasn't around. But, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't seem to think of one. He's not at Ichiraku's, he's not training, he's not at home...Naruto where are you? Maybe the reason she was so frightened was the state of his room. It had been scrappier than usual, with scuff marks on the ground and walls. Like he had been fighting someone...
But who would Naruto be fighting in the middle of the night? A million answers came to her, but she was too scared to admit that someone may have come for him in a place that seemed so safe. What if it was...the Akatsuki? Just the thought of them sent shudders through her body. They were strong. So is Naruto! She points out to herself. I'm sure he's fine...I just was to be sure is all...
It takes all of her will power to slow down and knock before going into Tsunade's office. Three knocks later, "Enter." The Hokage yells. She sounded...stressed. Sakura opens the door and takes a step inside, only to freeze as she spots two ANBU members kneeling before her mentor. Neither of which acknowledge her presence.
"I'm sorry." Sakura says, momentarily forgetting her panic. "Am I interrupting?"
"No, actually there's something I need to tell you." Tsunade says, a note of worry in her voice.
"Me too." Sakura informs her.
The Hokage motions for her ANBU members to leave. "You know what to do. Don't let me down." She tells them. They nod and vanish out the window.
Tsunade sighs and leans forward, balancing her face in her hands. "Sakura," She begins. "Something has happened. Now, I want you to stay calm until I've explained everything, okay?"
"I...I think I already know." The rosette mutters, she had a bad feeling about this. "Is it Naruto?" She asks, swallowing nervously.
The older woman lifts her hazel eyes to her student. "Yes, so you already noticed?"
Sakura nods. "I was about to tell you about it." She admits. "So...you don't know where he is, do you?" This was what she had been afraid of. Surely, the Hokage had no idea where her teammate could have dissapeared to.
"Actually, I do have a vauge idea."
Sakura jolts in shock. "What?! Where?!" She demands, taking a step forward.
"I just recieved a message from him..." She takes a deep breath before saying, "He's been captured by Madara Uchiha."