Stand By Me
Chapter Two - Worry About You
''I think of you in my dreams, you never knew just what you mean to me.''
Sakura exited Kalika's...establishment and stepped out into the night. The ice cold wind blew a satisfying breeze over her heated body, cooling the sweat on her face and in her hairline. The wig was exactly what she imagined it would be - hot and scratchy and uncomfortable!
Sakura sighed and enjoyed the cool breeze for only a second before she fell into step in the almost-deserted road. A scaly man or woman here and there entering one of the buildings was the only other traffic. The lights told Sakura exactly where she was - the red light district. Kalika didn't seem like the type to run such a business, but Nima, the girl from the corridor of Kalika's place, sure seemed to 'fit the bill'.
None of these places or settings looked familiar to her, she needed to find a way to get back to Konoha - and fast.
She continued walking silently, unsure of where she was headed when she heard a rustle of material from somewhere behind her. Sakura kept walking, making sure not to look behind her, but only listen - afraid she may be paranoid. As she listened closely, there was a dull set of footsteps behind her. Dull and heavy, trying to be soundness. A man.
As she turned to corner, she saw him - out of the corner of her eye, a dark hood pulled over his head, his dark grey eyes intent on her figure.
Sakura clenched her jaw and increased her pace, but when she listened - the footsteps sped up too. Dammit, he must know now that she was on to him.
It didn't matter.
She needed to get away from him. She couldn't use her chakra by fear of exposing herself. She turned another corner, he was still behind her.
In the distance, she heard a horn blow...the harbour must be close. Sakura turned to the right, heading towards the sound.
The further she walked, the more the wind picked up, and thrashed about her blonde hair. Behind her the footsteps had died. Sakura stopped, her heart beating erratically fast, and as much as her instincts screamed at her not to - she turned around.
The entire street was empty. The wind stopped as if on cue and an eerie silence set in.
Sakura listened, but the world around her was silent.
Her heart was beating loudly so she couldn't be sure, she turned around and - walked right into someone. Her shoulders were grabbed and she was thrown into the nearest wall, her back hit it hard and she bounced off, her breath leaving her as she landed on her hands and knees.
As she gasped for breath she looked up.
She knew that greased back white hair, the necklace...
It was Hidan...the Akatsuki member that Shikamaru took care of.
He came at her, his hand grabbing her throat and slamming her against the wall, his body coming up to force her in. Only a breath of space between them.
''I fucking know you.'' he said.
''I've never met you,'' Sakura gasped out, it wasn't a lie technically.
''Don't piss me off, I'm in a real good mood here.''
Sakura struggled weakly against him, weighing her options. She couldn't fight him, even if she wanted to, her chakra was dangerously low. She could get a few good hits in, maybe, but that was it.
''Konoha kunoichi, I've been looking for you.''
''I...-am...-not...-a...-'' Sakura managed out through gasps of breath. This wasn't good. Hidan here meant he was back in with Madara - who was looking for her. No matter what she needed to escap-
Hidan pulled her away and slammed her against the wall again. There was an explosion close by, probably Kalika's place 'going up in flames' but Hidan ignored it.
''What the fuck did I say about pissing me off?''
Ok, so denying it wouldn't help...but it was impossible for him to know it was her, only three people knew about her. For some reason she didn't think Sasuke would betray her. But Kalika, who had told her to trust no one. She didn't know what to think.
''Now, lets start over. Sakura, was it?''
Without thinking, Sakura brought her knee up, the fabric of her cloak parting to make room for it, and Hidan caught it in his palm, a shock of force going through him and a terrible crack of bones filled the silence. Sakura took the opportunity to throw him off balance, this time delivering a kick to his abdomen and send him flying through the opposite wall of what seemed like an abandoned warehouse.
Not giving it a second thought, she ran as fast as her legs would take her, she needed to get to the harbour.
She turned to look behind her. Mistake. Her shoulders were grabbed again, but this time he pulled her closer to him.
''Im the big, bad fucking wolf. Run, I love the chase.'' he said mockingly.
Sakura stared at him with wide eyes. He just stared at her with that sadistic smile. ''Let-go-of-me!'' Sakura swung a punch at his face and he caught it, while kicking her legs out from under her and slamming her into the ground.
Blood flew from Sakura's mouth as her back hit the floor. This couldn't be happening, she couldn't be dying just a few days after waking up again!
''Ok-fine!'' she managed to gasp. ''Im Sakura.''
Hidan smiled, smoothing his hair back. ''Now we're getting getting somewhere, brat.''
Sakura glared up at him. ''What do you want?''
''To kill Madara-sama.'' the honorific was added in a mock-respect. She hadn't expected that at all.
''What? Aren't you on the same team?''
Hidan glared. ''No. Its simple, why I want to fight him is my business, you're my way into whatever fuckhole he's crawled into, what happens to you after is not my fucking business, dig?''
''And if I refuse?''
That sadistic smile returned tenfold as he swiped some blood off her chin and licked it off his thumb slowly as his eyes darkened. ''I was hoping you fucking would.''
Sakura's eyes widened and she swallowed hard, tasting the metallic taste of her blood.
''Game over.'' he said and the look on her face.
Sakura's eyes narrowed defiantly. ''How will you find Madara?''
''Shut up.'' he answered, crashing her hopes of stalling him.
Hidan kicked her hard, Sakura crashed over, landing on her stomach. Pain rushed through her side where he had kicked her on the tender place that she had previously healed the gash.
Hidan pressed a knee into her back as he tied a rope around her ankles, tight enough to burn the skin.
Next came her wrists that he tied in the same way, except it hurt more, he then connected her ankles and wrists with another rope.
''Nighty fucking night.'' and then the world went dark.
Ino walked through the unusually quiet streets of Konoha. She thought that after two weeks she'd be used to it - she wasn't. She looked up at the run-down Hokage tower, through the broken window she saw Shizune sitting at the table, her shoulders hunched, everything about her posture showing depression. Ino hadn't had the courage to confront her, partly because she knew Shizune would fight it and and partly because she knew they needed Shizune where she was right now. It seemed selfish but it was necessary.
Ino stiffened as she saw a Shadow approaching her. She wasn't sure what they were called but they had taken to calling them 'Shadows', somehow they had the ability to step into the shadows and disappear. It was unlike anything she'd ever seen. It stopped in front of her, blocking her path. Its dark cloak slightly blowing around it, it the most eerie of ways.
Slowly, Ino looked up at the black mask and the red line that cut down the middle of it.
''Yes?'' she said, making sure to sound especially sweet and annoyed at the same time.
''Some of the citizens have started moving, not too long ago.'' It was a male, with a deep voice she didn't recognize.
''And?'' she snapped, hands going to her hips. ''Why is that my problem?''
''All of them used to be Shinobi.''
Ino kept her face neutral, careful not to betray anything.
''Again, why is that my problem?''
He moved so fast the Ino didn't even see it, his knee came up and his hand pushed her down at the shoulder.
The impact hit her hard, sending waves of pain rocking through her. She was proud of herself when she didn't scream, but a whimper left her lips when her knees hit the ground, her arms circled around herself, trying to push away the pain.
He crouched down, coming face-to-face with her.
''When we ask you a question, we demand a straight answer, is that understood, Yamanaka Ino?''
Ino pulled in a deep breath through her nose. Resolved not to answer him. Yeah, she couldn't fight back but she could damn well keep her dignity.
''I said-'' he began.
''Is there a problem here?''
Ino had never been so relieved to hear that lazy drawl, an undercurrent of anger mixing with it.
The Shadow looked up and Ino heard Shikamaru's footsteps approaching slowly, coming to a stop and basically forcing his way between her and the man. The Shadow stood up, ready to face him.
''Not anymore, Nara Shikamaru, I was just teaching Yamanaka Ino the...proper respect.''
Ino saw Shikamaru's jaw tense. The war had changed him. As it had them all, but the change was more clear in him. Shikamaru had began smoking, much more than Asuma-sensei had and even though he didn't show it, he had become angry - at the world, at Konoha and mostly at Madara and his Shadows.
Shikamaru flicked the ash off of his cigarette and brought it back to his lips, Ino watched with horrified eyes as he drew in a big breath and then released it - right into the Shadow's masked face. It didn't react, but she was sure the mask had little ventilation.
''Nara Shikamaru, why have the Shinobi in the village begun moving?''
''Shinobi? Konoha has no Shinobi.'' Shikamaru said and then took one last inhale that only left the filter and he threw it down, making sure to step on it.
Ino clenched her fists at her sides, if the Shadow attacked Shikamaru...Shika would fight back, and even if they set everyone in danger, she would help him. So he couldn't fight.
Ino grabbed his wrist and pulled herself up.
''Lets go, now,'' she commanded.
Shikamaru hesitated, clearly wanting to fight this fucker.
''Shikamaru,'' she snapped. After a moment he turned away and she followed.
When she looked back, the Shadow was watching them, yes, they were eerie and creepy but most of all...they just scared the hell out of her.
''Ino,''
Ino turned back and looked up at Shikamaru. ''Yeah?''
''Don't stop me again.'' he said darkly.
''But Shikamaru-''
A blonde with bright blue eyes came around the corner and fell into step with them and Ino snapped her mouth shut.
''Everyone's gone home.'' the other blonde whispered.
Shikamaru nodded.
''Its off?'' Ino asked and again Shikamaru nodded as he took another cig out of the packet and flipped his lighter cap open and flipped the switch, bringing the flame to life and lighting the stick with a slow inhale.
''We've been compromised, Na...Nami, head to the Hokage tower and notify Shizune as soon as they don't expect.''
''You got it Shikamaru.'' she replied almost reluctantly.
Both Ino and Shikamaru nodded at the girl and she took that as the ok-signal.
She turned off at the next street, passing the hospital. It was worn down, like all the other buildings in Konoha and no one had the will to begin repairing, not this time when things were still so uncertain. Konoha could be destroyed at anytime, so what was the use?
Nami entered an apartment building and took the steps up to the third floor. Apartment 34's wooden door, with the golden digits nailed onto it was shut with more finality than before. Nami shook her head and gently shoved the key into the hole before she pushed it open, slipping inside and locking it behind her. She expected Sakura to pop out of the kitchen and scold her for using the key which was only meant for emergencies. That cute annoyed look on her beautiful face.
Nothing was out of place, the house was clean except for a layer of dust over some of the furniture. Nami took an unsteady breath and entered the bedroom. The apartment was dark, even in broad daylight, the drapes were pulled shut and Nami hated the feeling she got...like they were expecting to find Sakura dead. The blonde crouched next to the bed and bit her thumb, she dragged it over one of the glossy wooden floor boards and the black lettering of the Jutsu appeared before the floorboard came loose. She lifted it up and pulled a black vest and pants from under it before shutting it with the same Jutsu again.
For a moment she sat silently, as if to make sure no one was around and waiting to pounce before she slipped into the bathroom and shut the door. The curtains in here were closed to. Privacy in this...new world was minimal.
She pulled off the white dress and black shorts she had on, before pulling the large black vest over her head and putting the tracksuit pants on. Again, she made sure she was alone. With a releasing puff of smoke, the tank top and orange tracksuit pants were filled and fit perfectly and Naruto stood in front of the mirror in Sakura's bathroom.
His face was smooth and clear of any marks. Marks that he found he missed. Fuck, he never thought he'd say this - but he missed having the Kyuubi. There was an emptiness inside him without it, and for some reason...he wanted it back. It had been a long time since Mizuki had told him of the demon inside him, and at first he despised it...but the more it helped him, the more he'd grown attached, even if he hadn't realized it. He knew all of this was completely irrational, but it didn't matter.
He dragged his hands across his cheeks. No lines, whiskers - whatever. Clear. And, dammit, he looked exactly like his father. It was...unnerving. Naruto looked away from the mirror sharply and sank down against the opposite wall. He couldn't even imagine Sakura not coming back. He wouldn't think or even say the D-word. Not just because he cared so much about her and he couldn't lose her, but because Sasuke said she was alive, and he wanted to believe him.
Naruto opened his eyes slowly. The scene hadn't changed much, everything was destroyed. The only difference was...he didn't sense Baa-chan or Madara, but Sasuke, Sasuke was nearby.
''You're awake.'' came Sasuke's low voice. He sounded tired, something Naruto had rarely heard.
The blonde sat up and as his muscles screamed in pain, he didn't seem to notice - something...something was different. Something...inside him!
''What happened?'' Naruto demanded, his voice sounding weak as he turned to face Sasuke.
Sasuke's dull, dark eyes watched him for a second. ''Its over.''
''What do you mean 'its over'?''
''Madara won. The war is over.''
Naruto's eyes widened and his face paled. How...how could this be possible...how could they have lost...? They'd fought so hard, Sasuke had even joined them...it wasn't possible! Naruto's hand reached down to his stomach that he only now realized was naked. He felt...empty. How was he even alive...?
''You're lying!'' Naruto screamed, trying to deny it, his untamed rage dripping from the words.
Sasuke gave Naruto an annoyed glare. ''Look around you, does it look like in lying?'' Sasuke snapped.
Naruto did look around him then, the place was destroyed, but that wasn't what he was looking at, they were alone. No one was fighting, there was a deathly silence in the air. A defeated silence.
Naruto opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn't think of what to say. He'd never imagined this as a possibility.
''Where is Madara?'' he asked finally, his voice held a slight desperation.
If Sasuke was a better person he wouldve told Naruto to give up - that he was in no condition to continue fighting, and he'd lost the Kyuubi.
''When I woke up, he was gone.'' Sasuke said, and Naruto knew he wasn't lying.
''Kakashi-sensei? Baa-chan?''
''I don't know where Kakashi is, he was gone too.''
Naruto's eyes met Sasuke's. ''And Tsunade-Baa-chan?''
Sasuke actually looked away. ''She left.''
''What?''
''She used a Jutsu on you after you died.''
Naruto hands clenched into fists, his eyes wide, filling with tears that he refused to shed. He died. And Tsunade saved him...was it the same Jutsu Chiyo used on Gaara? ''Is she...did she die?''
''I dont know.''
Naruto snarled. ''Answer me!''
''I don't know! She...shes probably dead. Look, im as confused as you are right now!'' Sasuke snapped.
Naruto shrunk back, for a second just staring at Sasuke in disbelief, tears streaked down Naruto's cheeks before he could stop them, he grabbed at his hair, his hands, reaching down to wipe them away but instead covering his face.
Sasuke looked away, feeling uncomfortable with the situation and at least wanting to give Naruto some privacy. He was hunched forward, his hands covering his face, but not sound left him.
No matter what Naruto did, he couldn't stop the tears. They died. Because of him. It was his fault. Because of his...weakness...because he couldn't win, if he had only fought a little harder. Why? Why was he always such a failure! Tsunade-Baa-chan...Kakashi-sensei...Sak-
His eyes snapped open, he and Kakashi had moved forward, thinking they were going to face Sasuke, leaving Sakura behind to deal with one of Madara's lackeys, but that hadn't been the case. She had most likely faced Sasuke.
''Where-is-she?'' Naruto asked, his voice menacingly slowly.
Sasuke turned back to face Naruto.
The blonde leaped forward, grabbing Sasuke's shirt, as his fingers closed around it, blood dripped heavily from the soaked material.
''Answer me!'' came the enraged demand.
''No matter what changes with her, she's alive.''
''I...-what? What did you do to her?''
''Shes alive.'' Sasuke said.
Naruto's eyes snapped open, he looked around him. Sasuke was no where in sight. He relaxed slightly, realizing where he was. Naruto stood up and stretched. He lifted the curtain. It was dark out. Time to move. He sat quietly for a while, gathering as much nature chakra as he could. He sensed the area around him, there we no Shinobi around. He opened the window and slipped into the night. Naruto moved in the shadows, stealthily making his way to the Hokage tower. He stopped next the the tall building that stood next to the hospital, hearing voices from the roof.
''...up to...Shinobi...''
Dammit! He couldn't hear anything! Naruto blended into the shadows as much as he could before he attached chakra to his hands and feet and began crawling up until he could make out what they were saying.
''What proof do you have? Madara-sama doesn't like suspicions. We need to bring him facts. Provoke them into using chakra. Find the information we came for.''
Naruto clenched his jaw, grinding his teeth together.
''Proof? All the Shinobi began moving, we need to find out what they're up to. I was provoking the girl - Yamanaka Ino. They're too well trained, provocation won't work here.''
''Then we pray on the weak. Hyuuga Hinata would be a good place to start, have someone beat her up and make sure her friends - at least one - is watching, another target would be Inuzuka Kiba, he seems to be quite the hothead.''
Anger was building inside Naruto. They weren't here to 'keep them in line' they were here to make sure Konoha gets destroyed.
''Nara Shikamaru. We should focus on him too.''
''Nara Shikamaru? From the reports he is a lazy, quiet guy.''
There was a sarcastic laugh. ''Apparently not. He's itching for a fight.''
''Do what you want, but get them to use chakra. Our main priority is to expose them, you, you and you - find out what the Shinobi activity is up with, the rest of you know what to do.''
There was a pause. ''But first, lets deal with our eavesdropper.''
Naruto froze. No. He'd been caught. Somehow, he tried to melt into the wall, forcing himself to stay put.
He heard footsteps and then his heart dropped. ''LET GO!''
No...Konohamaru...
When Sakura woke up, the world her was silent - and dark, but that could be because of the blindfold he'd tied around her at the third escape attempt. Attempt wasn't the word she'd use though. Those were scenes that she'd orchestrated to throw him off, first, she'd made him underestimate her, then she'd made him believe that she was sick (easy enough for a med-nin) and then she led him to believe she was low on chakra. All those would work in her favor if he'd fallen for it. She couldn't be sure, because she couldn't possibly read him. He was unpredictable and in her opinion, frankly...crazy. Sakura went very still answer simply listened. The soft sound of the wind blowing and the animals calling out, an owl hooting, the howl of a wolf faraway. There was the crackle of a fire nearby. It was night time. And then the soft snores not 5 feet away. Hidan.
Sakura flicked her wrist once...twice...three times, a senbon shot out from beneath the skin of her wrist and into her hand. Sakura bit down on her tongue as it penetrated the skin and she quickly ripped it out with her index and middle fingers. Using those fingers, she nudged the senbon into the thick rope, feeling the fine fibers break one by one. He'd probably tied it around three times per wrist and it took Sakura several minutes to get one wrist free. The other was, of course, tied separately. Damn Hidan.
Sakura slowly lifted her now-free hand and yanked the blindfold off in one swift movement. Her eyes took a second to adjust to the little light of the campfire and then immediately seeked out her captor. Wasn't this just her luck? Getting captured by an ex-Akatsuki member after dying and being brought back to life by a forbidden Jutsu. She shook her head, right - not the time to be thinking of that.
Hidan was still fast asleep, steady deep breathing, still body, still muscles - people who faked sleeping usually had tense muscles, ready to strike.
Soundlessly, Sakura brought her other wrist forward and untied it, and then she began work on her ankles, using her chakra to simply cut through the bounds.
This time, no matter what, she needed to escape.
Once her ankles were free, she stood up very slowly making sure to make no sound and watching Hidan very closely. Nothing about him changed.
She took a deep, silent breath, her next move would be very tricky and could end it all for her, but she had to risk it, or she would never be able to escape.
Sakura turned her back to him, her entire body tense, her guard up as much as it could be. Without looking back, she climbed the tree with her feet, taking slow, silent steps up the bark, her blonde wig swaying behind her. When she was high enough she grabbed hold of a thick branch and hoisted herself up, a soft thud echoed from it when her feet hit it and Sakura's head whipped around and found Hidan. He stirred, mumbled something and then turned away.
Thank Kami-sama.
Sakura stood up. She was basically home free. Ok, no that was a lie. She wasn't out of the woods yet, pun totally intended.
She took the first leap, landing on another branch, she was sure the sound would wake Hidan up, but she didn't look back, she couldn't afford to.
She heard his cursing behind her and she pushed herself harder. Even though she had no idea where she was - nothing looked familiar - she kept going forward, she needed to get away from him, no matter what.
Sakura risked a glance behind her, he was gaining fast, a maniac smile on his face. The next branch sent her leaping into a field, the yellow and green grass reaching up to her hips, many parts were burned and others were only beginning to grow again. She landed in a crouch and continued on at full speed. She could hear him behind her, his heavy footfalls hitting hard.
Her next leap sent her onto a cliff, two large statues to her far right. The Valley of the End. She knew exactly where she was now. Trees shouldve been behind her, leading to Sound. Whatever - it didn't matter either way. Sakura headed for the statues, she could heard Hidan curse and skid to a halt behind her. She made sure to kick a hole in Madara's head when she made the leap over to the first Hokage's statue and she kept on running. Hope filling her and pushing her harder. She knew where she was, and she knew where home was. Sakura jumped onto the top of a tunnel opting for going over than into the darkness, she made it over in no time before she entered another field...or mini desert filled with weird bones sticking from the ground?
She quickly navigated through them, making her way into the forest beyond and once again leaping into the trees.
''How long can you fucking keep this up?'' Hidan called teasingly from behind, Sakura didn't answer, only tried to increase her speed. He was right, how long could she keep up this speed?
Sakura closed her eyes. Naruto...
No, Naruto wouldn't, couldn't come for her. Not anymore. She needed to do this, she wasn't weak, she was a kunoichi. She could - would do this!
Sakura reached into her pocket and cursed. She had no weapons. She'd lost everything at the final battle.
Suddenly, she was tackled, Hidan on her back as they made they descent to the ground. Sakura was screaming without realizing it and a terrible pain filled her when they hit the ground, and now she screamed - unable to breathe -, tears spilling from her eyes. Hidan was next to her and bit into her neck hard, horrified Sakura ripped away before he could draw blood, but Hidan was quick, pouncing on her back again and grabbing a fistfull of her hair and banging her head into the ground.
A yell came from somewhere in front of them and a terrifying wind rushed past them, the wind so strong that it cut past them, drawing blood. Hidan was blown off of her and Sakura dug her nails into the ground to keep herself steady.
''Hey, you ok?''
Sakura froze. She knew that voice.
''LET GO!'' Konohamaru screamed, staring up at the black masks.
''You are as stupid as you look.'' one of them said, no humor in his voice.
''And to think, he's a Sarutobi.'' another said, taking a step closer. Konohamaru narrowed his eyes.
''Related to Konoha's third Hokage, is he?''
''His grandson.''
''What a laugh.'' but he wasn't laughing.
''Fuck you.'' Konohamaru said defiantly.
Konohamaru lost track of who was talking, not that he cared anyway.
The one, who seemed like the leader, stepped forward, looking down at Konohamaru.
''Do you know what we do to little punks like you, what we're trained to do?''
Konohamaru said nothing, but his stomach squeezed painfully. He was going to be sick.
Behind him, his arms we grabbed to hold him in place and while he was distracted the first fist hit his jaw. Konohamaru gasped, not expecting the hit. The next one hit his eye, but this time he made no sound.
Naruto heard every hit land and he clenched his eyes shut, his jaw straining from being grinded so hard. Naruto had to force himself into place, every part of him wanted to help his friend...but he couldn't do it. Before he wouldn't have hesitated but now...he had to, things were different, the world was different.
The hits went on and on and on, it was unbareable for Naruto to just listen and not do a damn thing. A while later - which felt like forever - the sounds stopped.
''You all know what to do. Move out.''
And then all was silent.
Naruto waited 100 heartbeats before he crawled up and slowly peaked over the edge. He expected to see Konohamaru...but the rooftop was deserted. His heart dropped as he leapt onto the top. A few steps in was platters of blood. Fresh blood. Naruto bent down, punching the concrete. They'd taken Konohamaru...why?
Naruto jumped back down into the shadows. He was still in senjutsu mode, he could sense Konohamaru was alive. He needed to go after him, if they beat him up, there's no telling what they'll do. First he needed help, he needed to go see Shizune.
Moving in the shadows and sticking close to the walls, he headed to the Hokage Tower. It wasn't far, he made it there in no time, jumping through the broken window.
Shizune turned, looking up from her paperwork and up at him. She offered him a smile - one he didn't return, not that she expected him to.
''What is it?'' she asked, sensing his mood.
''Where do I begin?''
Shizune frowned, making sure the sealing Jutsu was around them, no one outside of the room could hear the conversation.
When she nodded and said, ''The beginning.'' Naruto let it all spill.
''We had to cancel the meeting, they we're on to us, attacked Ino.''
''Is she ok?'' Shizune asked, eyes wide with worry.
''Fine. There's more...I overheared a conversation that I wasn't supposed to.''
Shizune's eyes narrowed slowly, dreading what was to come next. ''Tell me.''
''They aren't here to keep us in line, they're here to make sure Konoha gets destroyed.''
Shizune closed her eyes. ''We already suspected this.''
''So Konoha really has no chance...we have to fight.''
Shizune shook her head once.
''They have Konohamaru!''
Her head snapped up to him. ''What?''
''He was listening in on their conversation too, I had no idea. They caught him...''
Shizune clenched her fists. ''Get Kiba-''
''I won't need Kiba as long as I'm in senjutsu mode.''
She nodded. ''You'll need Ino to infiltrate and get him out.''
Naruto nodded.
''And take Shikamaru and Neji with you.''
''Thanks...for helping me.''
Shizune gave him a smile.
''I retracted the order to search for Sakura from Suna, Gaara wouldn't give up just yet though, he said he could spare one Shinobi to find her.''
Naruto's eyes widened. ''I...-''
''We'll make it through this, Naruto-kun.'' Shizune gave him a sad smile and then gave his hand a squeeze.
Sakura looked up at the familiar blonde hair and ocean eyes. Seeing someone...someone she knew, for the first time...the feeling was overwhelming.
''T-Temari?''
Temari frowned, staring down at Sakura. The long blonde hair threw her off but those big green eyes. No doubt who it could be.
''Sakura?''
Sakura blinked back tears and nodded as Temari helped her up.
''Where the hell have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you!''
Sakura wiped at her tears. ''You've been looking for me?''
Temari rolled her eyes and turned to look at Hidan who was making his way back to them, looking more than a little pissed off.
''Yeah, Konoha couldn't keep looking, the situation is bad, but Gaara wouldn't give up on you.''
Sakura smiled, she'd healed Gaara more than once during the war and they'd even become friends.
The forest grew quiet, too quiet...and that's when it started, the dull thuds of footsteps in the trees coming closer and closer.
Temari cursed and Hidan's eyes narrowed.
''What are you gonna do now?'' she called out to him.
''Whats going on?'' Sakura whispered as the sounds grew closer and closer.
''In five seconds, no matter what happens - run, don't look back, don't stop and stay with me - no matter what.''