Salvation
Illusion
Kabuto smirked at the three ninjas, all of their eyes trained on him. Sasuke could almost see the arrogance wafting off of the man, and he clenched his fists in aggravation.
"Hey, you prick!" Naruto shouted, and Sasuke turned to look at the boy. A strange hue of orange had enveloped him and Sasuke realized he had seen it before. Back when Sakura and Naruto transferred their chakra to him. So this has to be the nine-tails. "Give us back Sakura-chan!"
Kabuto chuckled lightly, causing a growl to emit from all three of the males. He walked to the back of the room, grabbing the end of a curtain. "Sure, Naruto," Kabuto said, before sliding the curtain open, revealing the cherry blossom.
She laid perfectly still on top of a table, and Sasuke felt his breath leave him for a moment when he thought she might be dead, but he quickly picked up on the rise and fall of her chest and realized the pinkette was just unconscious.
"What did you do to Sakura-chan?" Naruto screamed, the orange haze around him getting thicker and more menacing.
"Good, good, Naruto," Kabuto said, his lip upturned. "Harness that anger, bring out the Nine-tails!"
"Naruto," Kakashi said, his voice wavering slightly. Sasuke could tell he was also trying hard to control his emotions. "You have to calm down. This is all part of their plan. You can't give them what they want."
"But, Sakura-chan," Naruto began, his eyes red with anger, the whiskers of the fox more prominent.
"We feel the same way, Naruto, but you have to control it," Kakashi said and Naruto's eyes became glassy.
Sasuke could see the internal war he was fighting, and Sasuke only wished he could leap into his mind and help out his friend. "Naruto," Sasuke said, causing the future hokage to look his way. He didn't say anything else, just gave him a look, and Naruto seemed to understand. The haze began to lessen, although it didn't retreat completely.
"Seems like you have a nice hold on him, Sasuke-kun," Kabuto said, pushing his glasses up his nose. He turned toward Sakura, eyeing her on the steel table. He picked up a vial and syringe, filling it quickly.
"What are you doing?" Naruto shouted. Sasuke continued to work on his bindings. He had to get out and help Sakura. No good was going to come from this.
"I'm just waking our little kunoichi up," Kabuto said, stabbing Sakura in the arm.
"STOP!" Naruto screamed, voicing all three of the males thoughts.
Sakura suddenly sucked in air, jerking on the table slightly. She sat up quickly, looking around the room, confused.
"Sakura-chan, how nice of you to join us," Kabuto said.
"Sakura-chan!" Naruto screamed.
"Sakura, get away from him now," Sasuke shouted. Something wasn't right about this whole situation. His instincts were telling him there was more to this than meets the eye.
Sakura looked at him and Sasuke's breath caught in his throat. As her emerald eyes peered into his, he saw nothing. He saw no recognition, no emotion at all. In all his life, Sakura told him everything with her bright, green orbs, and now, they were lifeless.
"Sakura, are you alright?" Naruto asked. He didn't seem to understand the situation, but Sasuke looked over at Kakashi and Kakashi looked over at him. They shared a look, both knowing that the Sakura they knew wasn't with them right now. Sasuke could only hope that maybe she was buried deep within her mind, trying to get out, and not gone for good.
"Sakura-chan, why don't you show these boys a move of yours?" Kabuto asked. Sakura leapt up off the table with amazing speed, she fixed her body in a stance, and came crashing back down to the ground, cracking the concrete and sending tremors around the whole underground base.
Sasuke's eyes widened when he saw her strength. He knew she was strong and fast, but not this strong and fast. Something had been tweaked on her. They had done something to her and his jaw clenched.
Sakura stood up, standing completely still, almost in a zombie-like state, as if awaiting orders. She seemed to only respond to Kabuto, and Sasuke vowed to get back at the traitor.
"Good, Sakura-chan," Kabuto said. He moved farther toward the back wall and crossed his arms over his chest. He gave Sasuke a wink, and Sasuke's eyes glared back. "Now, kill them."
Sakura looked right at Sasuke, their eyes meeting. Sasuke tried to search them for any sign of the Sakura he knew, but she wasn't there. Her face devoid of emotion, she readied her fist and charged right at him.
"I'll kill you, you bastard! I'll kill you, I swear it!" Sakura shouted, using her entire strength to try and get out of her bonds.
Pein smirked beside her, giving her a pat on the shoulder. "You are rather feisty, aren't you," Pein said. He walked forward slightly, watching the fight before them. "They have no idea that isn't you in there. Kabuto is rather good with his chakra-infusing, isn't he? And that clone, wow, I bet even you can't tell the difference."
Sakura looked out at her boys. The fake Sakura had attacked Sasuke first, but he was smart, he jerked the chair up in the air, letting the fake Sakura's fist hit it, shattering it into a million little pieces, and effectively snapping the rope in half. Sasuke wasted no time in countering, sending the fake Sakura across the room, buying him time to free Kakashi and Naruto.
Sakura watched Kabuto smile at the scene in front of him and Sakura snarled. The man was having way too much fun for her liking, and when she got free, she was going to annihilate that smug bastard and the snake that resided inside.
Sakura watched as the fake Sakura continued to attack. She watched the emotions play across Naruto's face. She could see the betrayal, but she could also see the hope. He really thought he could talk the fake Sakura back into seeing the truth. He continued to assault her with words of encouragement and Sakura's heart was breaking at watching her best friend try so hard to win her back.
Kakashi was cool and collected, but she could see the sneer underneath the mask. She could see his determination to get her to listen to reason. He too, continued to dodge any attacks, rather than do any real harm to her. "No, Kakashi-sensi, you have to fight! That's not me! You have to fight!" Sakura screamed.
Sakura turned her attention to the ever-stoic Uchiha. He was moving quickly, dodging her attacks with ease, but he also wasn't attacking back with any sort of intent. His face showed nothing, and his eyes were unclear, but Sakura noticed his fist continued to stay clenched. He was having a hard time with this, also. He cared, and Sakura could see it clearly. She almost cried at the revelation.
"Come on, Sasuke-kun, fight me!" Sakura said quietly, more to herself than anyone.
Pein just chuckled at her comment. "This is rather entertaining, don't you think, Sakura-chan."
Sakura didn't comment, just continued to pull and push at her bonds. She had to get free. To help her comrades out. When Kabuto had ordered the fake her to kill them, her heart fell into her stomach. She knew, without a doubt, they didn't stand a chance. This Sakura was infused with enormous amounts of chakra, increasing her ability ten-fold, and there was also another reason Sakura was sure they would loose. And that reason was because they wouldn't come at her with killing intent. They thought it was her, their teammate. They would try and convince the clone to snap out of it. Naruto would lay down his most precious words to try and convince her, but it was all for nothing. Because that wasn't really her. That was a fraud and she wanted them to desperately see that. But, I can't blame them for not knowing it wasn't actually me. Pein was right, it's even hard to tell that isn't me. Same abilities, same chakra signature, same look; it was impossible for them to see the truth. Wait, see the truth! That's it.
Sakura smiled internally as she got an idea. Pein had cast a genjutsu, one she couldn't possibly break because of the chakra-infused rope, but she had a secret weapon, one even Pein didn't know about. Inner Sakura was with her, inside her mind, and she wasn't restricted by any chains. She was free to help Sakura break this illusion on her friends.
Sakura closed her eyes, focusing her mind on one goal. She needed Inner Sakura to release the genjutsu. Sakura had no idea if this would work. Since Inner Sakura wasn't actually a being, could she technically free them from the illusion? The only way Sakura would know would be to try. She had to do something. She was their teammate, after all. She had to protect her precious friends like the other three were doing for her now.
Concentrating with her entire being, Sakura sought out Inner Sakura. She searched until she felt her presence.
"I need your help," Sakura said.
What do you need?
"My friends are trapped. I need you to release a genjutsu that has been cast on this room."
I don't think I can.
"Please, I need you to try. I'm desperate," Sakura pleaded. "You helped me to defeat Ino before, I know you can do this."
I just don't think it's possible.
"When have you ever thought anything was impossible?" Sakura reasoned and she felt her inner self smile.
Let's give it a shot.
Sakura felt energy fill her body, chakra swirled inside of her for the first time in a week. She tried to harness it, but it kept slipping through her fingers. Almost as if she were trying to grab an invisible thread. She felt it combine again, and she reached once more. She could feel it against her fingertips, but she wasn't able to hold on.
You have to get it this time. I don't have enough energy for a third.
Sakura focused even harder, sweat pouring from her forehead, and she searched for the thread. She saw it coming toward her, she reached for it, and just as she thought it was getting away, she held on. She wrapped it around her finger and pulled tightly. She felt the rush of chakra invade her and her eyes shot open.
"KAI!" she screamed and her vision began to swirl when suddenly she knew the genjutsu had been defeated.
"She's a fake!" Sakura screamed, and all three men looked toward her. All their eyes widened, and she turned to see that Kabuto was also staring at her.
"You foolish girl," Pein said, before reaching over and grabbing her hair. He brandished a kunai, ready to slice it across Sakura's neck. Sakura smiled up at him. She felt no fear, only satisfaction at having beaten the "great Pein".
Sakura felt the knife begin to cut, when suddenly the pressure disappeared and the hold on her hair was gone. She registered a scream emit from Pein, and she turned to see him holding a bleeding stump where his arm used to be. He looked at her then, his face full of menace, then disappeared in a haze of smoke.
She turned to see what happened to see Sasuke standing in front of her, his katana out and gleaming red. He turned to look at her and Sakura caught his gaze. He stared into her eyes and Sakura could see the emotions within. It wasn't much, but enough for her to see and she felt her own well up with tears. "Sasuke-kun," Sakura muttered, no real words coming out.
He sliced her ropes, helping her stand. He gave her a quick once-over, his eyes flashing red with anger as he noticed all the wounds and bruises, and he caught her around the shoulders.
Sakura looked over his shoulder just in time to see Naruto finish up a nasty blow to the side of the fake Sakura's face, sending the clone to the ground with a thud. It didn't move, when suddenly it dissolved into the ground, as if it never existed.
Sakura turned to see Kakashi standing over Kabuto. His hand was red, the gaping wound in Kabuto very apparent. Sakura could see his hand glowing green, trying hard to heal it, but nothing was happening.
Sakura began to move forward, and Sasuke gripped her shoulder tighter. "It's alright, Sasuke-kun," Sakura said. He removed his arm slowly, but continued to walk by her side as she neared the hurt medic-nin.
Kabuto looked up at her through broken glasses, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. "He won't allow me to heal the wound. He's fighting me."
Sakura understood, but Naruto obviously didn't because he shouted, "What are you talking about?"
"Orochimaru," Sasuke answered from beside Sakura, and the venom in his words caused Sakura to shiver.
"I guess this is what you would call irony," Kabuto said. He coughed more, spitting blood onto the dusty floor.
They all stared as the medic-nin took his last breath, slumping onto the ground.
Sakura stared at the man that lay dead before her. She thought his death would make her feel better somehow, but it didn't. It didn't bring her any comfort and she almost screamed in frustration.
"Sakura," Kakashi said, walking to stand in front of the girl, blocking her view of Kabuto. "Are you alright?"
Sakura shook her head, but she kept the tears at bay. She had to stay strong. "I don't know," Sakura admitted. He pulled her into a hug, but she didn't return it. She felt so broken inside, she didn't know if she could ever get out of this.
"I'm here for you, Sakura-chan," Naruto said, coming up from behind and giving her a hug. Her injuries were still bothering her, and she couldn't help the yelp that escaped her throat when Naruto squeezed a little too much.
Sasuke grabbed Naruto by the collar and pulled him off Sakura. "Can't you see she's hurt, dobe?" Sasuke asked and Naruto turned to give Sakura a sad smile.
"Where are you hurt? Why didn't you heal yourself?" Naruto spewed out and Sakura smiled.
"I'm just sore, Naruto, nothing to worry about," Sakura said. "I've had my chakra restricted since I got in here, so when Sasuke was able to break the rope, I started to finally heal myself, but it's going to take some time because I'm still not at one-hundred percent."
"It's a wonder you aren't hurt worse," Kakashi added and Sakura looked at him.
"That's because I had a great healer helping me," Sakura said, and suddenly her eyes shot open. "Yuna! We have to help Yuna!"
"Who's Yuna?" Naruto asked.
"Shes...," Sakura started to explain when suddenly the ground began to rock. The walls shook, and pieces of the ceiling began to fall. Sasuke pushed Sakura to the ground, covering her body with his.
"We have to get out of here, now," Sasuke said. He jumped up, and didn't give Sakura a choice before he hauled her into his arms and jumped out of the room, Kakashi and Naruto right behind.
"No, we have to save Yuna and the others first! There are people trapped in the dungeons! We can't just leave them here to die," Sakura shouted.
"This place is going to collapse," Sasuke said, continuing to rush toward the exit.
Sakura wasn't going to let Sasuke have his way this time. "No, Sasuke-kun, please. We have to help them!"
Sasuke didn't stop moving and Sakura was getting aggravated. "Sasuke Uchiha! If you don't put me down right now I will make you," Sakura threatened and Sasuke gave her a look and Sakura smirked. She may not be at her full potential right now, but she knew her punch would hurt. Sorry Sasuke-kun. Sakura swung her fist and it connected with Sasuke's arm, and he released her. She fell to the ground hard, but she didn't let that stop her.
"Sakura," Sasuke growled from behind her as he held his arm.
Sakura looked over her shoulder at him and smiled. "I warned you," she said before she turned to address Kakashi and Naruto, both stopped and looking at them.
"This is reckless, Sakura," Sasuke commented, and Sakura ignored him.
"Kakashi and Naruto, you two go to the basement and free the slaves. Sasuke-kun and I will go find Yuna," Sakura explained. She looked at Kakashi and Naruto, waiting for them to protest, but they actually just smiled at her and nodded their heads, taking off quickly.
The ground continued to quake and Sakura turned back to Sasuke. He was glaring at her and she felt bad. She walked closer to him, laying her arm on his shoulder, healing it quickly. "I'm sorry, Sasuke-kun, but I could never live with myself if I abandoned these people. And if you're the Konoha shinobi that I think you are, you feel the same way. My life doesn't mean more than theirs."
It looked like Sasuke was about to say something, but he closed his mouth quickly. "Fine," he said and Sakura smiled. She turned to begin running, but Sasuke quickly snatched her up in his arms once more. "No protests, Sakura. You can't move quickly right now. It's either this, or we leave altogether."
Sakura smiled to herself, her cheeks reddening, but didn't say anything besides directions on how to get to Yuna's cell.
It took them only a few minutes to reach the cell, and Sasuke stopped in front of it, releasing his hold on Sakura.
Sakura eyed the door, before giving it a grab and pulling it right off the hinges. The cell was dark, but Sakura ran in quickly. "Yuna? Are you in here?"
"Sakura?" a teary voice said, and Yuna emerged from the corner. Sakura wrapped in her a tight embrace, before grabbing her hand.
"Come, we have to get out of here now," Sakura said. Yuna didn't resist, and they ran out of the cell.
Sasuke grabbed Sakura, holding her in his arms. He turned to Yuna, "Can you run?"
She nodded her head and they raced out of the hallway, making their way to the entrance. "What about the others?" Yuna shouted and Sakura glanced over at her.
"I've got my two best guys on it," Sakura said, smiling. Sasuke held her closer as he raced around the corner. They could see the light outside and Sasuke moved faster. Just as they were about to escape, the ceiling collapsed, blocking their path.
"Shit!" Sasuke swore and Sakura was taken aback. She rarely saw the Uchiha have emotions on his face, let alone hear it come out of his mouth.
"This way! I know another way out," Yuna shouted. She took off back down the way they came and rounded a few corners, Sasuke close behind.
She came to another room, and moved inside. Slipping to the back, they came upon a small door that looked like a crawlspace.
"In here!" Yuna shouted, she pried open the door and shuffled inside. Sasuke sat Sakura down, and urged her to move forward. She got on all fours, and followed Yuna down the narrow space. Sasuke was right behind her.
They traveled about fifty feet before Yuna stood, making her way up a ladder. Sakura followed, her body protesting it's prolonged use, and hauled her beaten body up the chamber. She watched as Yuna lifted a board, the sunlight streaming through. She pulled herself up and over, before leaning down and offering Sakura a hand. She accepted it and Yuna tugged, hauling Sakura over the side where she collapsed on the ground, her breathing ragged. Sasuke jumped out quickly, before eyeing their surroundings.
"Sakura-chan!" a voice Sakura was all to familiar with, shouted. She pulled herself into a sitting position to see Naruto running across the field. Behind him lay about ten slaves, all crying into each others arms, as they embraced freedom. Kakashi came along behind Naruto.
"Naruto, Kakashi, this is Yuna," Sakura said, smiling as Yuna turned toward them.
"Nice to meet ya," Naruto said, grabbing Yuna's hand and giving it a tug, before wrapping Yuna up into a hug. She seemed to be a little hesitant, but Naruto continued to hug her tightly. "Thanks for helping our Sakura-chan."
"Oh, yes, of course," Yuna said, giving him a strong smile. Sakura looked over at Kakashi, waiting to introduce him, but she stopped at his expression. He stood still, his eye wide and his fists clenched.
"Rin?" Kakashi almost whispered, but Sakura heard it. Wait, Rin? The Rin? Kakashi's old teammate, Rin?
Kakashi moved quickly, giving Yuna a hug, before laughing. "I can't believe it's you. We all thought you were dead."
"I'm sorry, but do I know you?" Rin asked and Kakashi stepped back, dumbfounded.
"It's me, Kakashi, you're old teammate. It was me, you, and Obito. You don't remember?" Kakashi pleaded, and Rin shook her head.
"I'm sorry, I don't," Rin said and Kakashi nodded.
"That's ok. You're back now, that's all that matters," Kakashi said. He turned toward Sakura and gave her a wink.
Sakura could feel so many emotions threatening to come out and she fell to her knees as the adrenaline vanished from her body. Sasuke was instantly beside her, holding her steady as he gazed into her eyes.
"Is it really over, Sasuke-kun? Am I really out of that hell-hole? This isn't a trick, right?" Sakura begged, trails of tears swimming down her cheeks.
"Yes, Sakura, it's really over. You're safe," He said. He let her fall into him as she wept into his chest, and Sakura was surprised when Sasuke's arm came around the back, holding her against him.
So two weeks turned into two years very quickly. I have no excuses, just chapters. Epilogue to follow.