Chapter 12: The Shooting

Trigger warning: gun violence (injuries are not descriptive), minor character death

Sasuke stopped wondering what else could be in the box. He stopped anticipating what may come next. This time Orochimaru didn't even bother with the box, it was just his fists and kicks. He assumed it had been a beating a day, marking this the fourth day he'd been there. He winced as the doctor worked on the wounds that had reopened. His felt lightheaded, "He's going to kill me if this continues. Do you want that on your hands?" He'd already had this same conversation the first day, but he hoped the worse it got, the more likely the doctor would be to help him. "Do you really want to be an accomplice in this?" he asked.

"No, I don't," the doctor told him. "Please understand, I don't have a choice," he frowned, wishing there was more he could do. If he said anything, it was his and his family's lives on the line, "I'm sorry."

Sasuke winced again as the doctor inspected his black eye. "Just talk to my brother, he can help you. He has connections," he told him. "He can get you and your family far away from here if you help me," he said as the doctor finished working on him.

Orochimaru opened the door before the doctor could say anything else, "Don't listen to him. There's nothing he can do to help you." Orochimaru glared at Sasuke. "You're dismissed," he told the doctor. "Just don't do anything stupid."

The doctor nodded as he packed up his things. He gave Sasuke a sympathetic look, but Sasuke knew he wasn't going to help him. The doctor left, leaving him alone once again with Orochimaru.

"Didn't you already have your fun for the day?" he asked, knowing he was probably just asking for more with his attitude.

"You're lucky I still have plans for you," he told him. "I still haven't gone through all of the toys," an evil grin spread across his face. "What should I use next?" he taunted as he walked towards Sasuke. When Sasuke didn't answer he decided to continue, "You know, I've been shopping for some new toys. The knife was fun, certainly my favorite so far. I'm thinking water next." He crouched so he was staring directly in Sasuke's eyes, "How do you think it would feel to be on the brink of drowning? Your lungs burning for air."

Sasuke maintained eye contact, not wanting to let the older man know how much that thought terrified him. "You going to start detailing your plans like the villains in the movies?" he asked, trying to maintain a monotone, controlled voice. He thought about his brother and Naruto, knowing he had to remain strong. Orochimaru wanted him to break and the moment he did, he was dead. "You couldn't even be a man, you had to drug me and tie me up to control me."

"We both know I control you no matter what. I will break you," he threatened. "It's only a matter of time," he stood up, putting his foot on Sasuke's chest, using it to push Sasuke onto his back. He didn't look back as he walk out of the door, slamming it shut behind him.

NS

The detectives had gotten the warrant to track the doctor's phone. Unfortunately, by the time they got it, the doctor was already home. "Let's go talk to him," Detective Sato said, getting out of the car. When the doctor knocked on the door, his eyes widened. He was clearly scared, "Dr. Asahi Kim?" The man nodded, unable to speak. "I'm Detective Sato, this is Detective Watanabe. We have some questions, may we come in?"

The doctor moved aside, letting the detectives into the house. "What can I help you with?" he asked, acting clueless, but his nervousness was obvious.

"We're investigating the disappearance of Sasuke Uchiha. We believe you may have some information," he told him. He was trying not to make it sound like an interrogation, just that he was a witness. "Do you recognize these men?" he asked as he handed him photos of Kabuto and Orochimaru.

He looked down, gulping, "I might have seen them at the coffee shop I go to."

"So you've never talked to either of them?" he asked, knowing based on witness testimony that the man had talked to Kabuto multiple times.

"Maybe some casual conversation," he lied. "Nothing of interest. Do you think he's somehow involved in the disappearance?" He was nervous, fidgeting.

"We have reason to believe that he does," the detective confirmed. "We also believe that he may have been looking for a doctor to assist him," he explained. "Have you seen any doctors at the hospital acting suspiciously?" he tried not to make it too obvious that he was a suspect.

"Am I a suspect, Detective?" he asked. He knew the answer, it was obvious that they knew he was helping them. "I can assure you that I have nothing to do with his disappearance," he told him.

Detective Watanabe looked at him, "We believe the doctor is to help after the disappearance. The man we believe took Sasuke has a violent past." He looked at him, trying to see if the man would say anything. He hoped the man would give them something to work with, but it didn't seem like he would give up anything.

"I understand, I will keep an eye out for anyone acting suspicious at the hospital. I can't think of anyone at the moment," he told them. He didn't want to give the detectives anything else to suspect him of helping. "As I said, I talked to the man a few times, but it wasn't anything about taking someone. Maybe he was trying to feel me out," he lied.

"I see," Detective Sato sighed. "If you notice anyone acting suspicious or think of anything else, please contact us," he handed him his card.

The doctor just nodded before showing the detectives out. He couldn't tell them that he'd taken an extended leave to be on call for Orochimaru. He went to Orochimaru every morning, just waiting for him to need his help. He hoped the detectives wouldn't look into it and knew that he couldn't tell Orochimaru that they had visited him. If Orochimaru knew, then he'd be seen as a liability and killed if Orochimaru knew the police were suspicious of him.

The detectives walked back to the car. The detectives frowned, disappointed, but not surprised that the doctor didn't tell them anything. "Think he'll contact us after thinking about it a little more?" Detective Watanabe asked.

Detective Sato shook his head, "No, he has a family. I'm sure Orochimaru is using that against him."

"Doesn't he use it against us all?" the other responded. "Isn't that how you two pulled me into this?" he asked.

Detective Sato felt a little bad, "That and the money. Don't act like you're innocent in all of this. We're just lucky that he doesn't seem to be monitoring what we're doing."

When they arrived at the station they were met by Naruto waiting for them. It had only been a day, but he wanted updates. "Did you talk to the guy at the coffee shop?" he asked.

The detectives nodded. Detective Watanabe felt sorry for the man. He knew it must be difficult for him, "We did. He had no idea what he was helping with, but we found out about a doctor that may be connected."

"Doctor?" his ears perked up. "What doctor?"

Detective Sato interrupted, "We can't tell you that. I know you want updates, but you have to understand that we can't tell you the witnesses. Even if you say you won't hurt them we can't risk it."

"That's bull shit," he mumbled, though he knew it probably was protocol. There were some crazy people that may take revenge, even if the person might be innocent. "There's nothing else you can tell me?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, that's all we can tell you," Detective Sato told him. "Trust us, we are following every lead," he tried to assure him, actually telling the truth this time.

Naruto sighed, "Oaky." He left the station, planning to talk to the barista the next morning to see if he could get any information out of the man. If the police wouldn't tell him, he'd go around him.

The next morning Naruto decided to go talk to the guy at the coffee shop, knowing that he usually worked in the morning. When he got there he could tell that some of the people were undercover officers. It made sense that they would protect the man. He was a little surprised he was even working still.

"Hello, what can I get started for you today?" the barista asked.

He looked around, trying to be discrete, "An iced mocha."

"Is that all for today?" the man asked.

"Actually, could you tell me about the doctor that was involved with the disappearance of Sasuke Uchiha? I'm his fiancé," he explained. "I just want some answers."

"Uh," he looked at the officers that seemed to be monitoring him. "I don't know," he told him. "Why can't you ask the detective?" he asked, not wanting to say something that would get him in trouble.

"Please, they won't tell me. I'm not going to hurt him, I just want to talk to him. I just want to see if he can help me find Sasuke," he begged.

The barista paused, not sure if he should say anything. "Look, I can't tell you his name, but he's here right now," he told him. He looked over at a table, telling him who it was without words.

"Is everything okay here?" one of the undercover officers asked.

Naruto looked at him, "Of course, I was just asking him about the brown sugar latte. I have a sweet tooth so I wanted to know if it were sweet or not." Naruto wasn't the best liar, but he'd practice an excuse in his head multiple times before coming in just in case. The detective nodded, looking at Naruto skeptically. "I'll just get the mocha," he told the barista.

Naruto text Suigetsu, letting him know what he found out. He thought about telling Itachi, but he wanted to see what else he could learn first. He sat at one of the tables, trying not to make it obvious that he was watching the man. Suigetsu arrived shortly after, ordering a drink before joining Naruto at the table. "Who is it?" he asked quietly.

"Guy at the far table," he responded. "We should follow him when he leaves," he whispered, making sure the officers couldn't hear him.

Suigetsu nodded, "Let's wait outside, we don't want to make it obvious and leave right after him. The officers might suspect something." Naruto agreed, leaving the coffee shop with Suigetsu. They talked outside of the coffee shop for a while, trying to look casual before going to Suigetsu's car that was just across the street.

They didn't have to wait long before the doctor came out, clearly nervous. "He looks scared, he has to be going to Orochimaru," Naruto said. "Let's follow him."

They followed the doctor, trying not to be caught. Unfortunately, they weren't as sneaky as they thought. They had no idea there were guards throughout the rural area. The guards kept their eyes on them, not moving to do anything unless they had to. Instead, they radioed in to Orochimaru, "Sir, they found us. I think they're following the doctor."

"Kill them, not done yet," Orochimaru ordered, clearly frustrated. "I'll deal with the doctor myself."

"Yes, sir," the guard responded. He turned to his men, "Follow and eliminate them."

"We can't get too close," Suigetsu told him. "We need to go to the police, we can't fight them on our own," he said as he turned the car around. He didn't notice the car following them as they drove back to the city, too concentrated on getting to the police station.

They got out of the car at the police station, not expecting anything to happen. A police station was supposed to be somewhere safe. That was until a shot rang out. Naruto looked around as people screamed and ran. His eyes widened when he saw Suigetsu on the ground, bleeding. Another shot rang out and his heart pounded as it just missed him. A slew of police officers ran out of the station, ready to look for the suspect. "I need help over here," Naruto yelled, placing his hand over the wound, trying to control the bleeding. He just hoped it was like what they showed in the movies, that applying pressure would help.

Orochimaru's guards cursed, knowing it was bad that they hadn't shot Naruto and missed a fatal shot to the other. "Let's hope the one dies," the guard said as he directed his men to leave. If they didn't, they might be caught, which would be worse. If they left now, they'd find a way to have a second chance at the men. "Orochimaru will not be happy," he huffed.

Everything went by in a blur as Naruto watched paramedics push him out of the way and take over helping Suigetsu. "This is my fault," he whispered as he watched them work and load Suigetsu into the ambulance.

"Sir, are you okay?" one of the officers asked him, seeing the blood.

Naruto nodded, "It's not my blood." He started crying, feeling like he was responsible for Suigetsu getting shot. If he hadn't called him to come with, this wouldn't have happened.

"I know this is hard, but can you come in the station. We'd like to talk to you about what happened," the officer said. Naruto couldn't respond, he just let himself be escorted into the station. "Go wash up in the bathroom," he directed.

Naruto felt like a zombie as he walked into the bathroom. He looked in the mirror and shaw the blood on his hands and shirt. He scrubbed his hands, trying to get the blood off as he cried. Once he cleaned himself up to the best of his ability, he walked back out and was met with Detectives Sato and Watanabe.

"You found the doctor," Detective Sato stated. He had a feeling that he knew what happened. "Right?" Naruto just nodded. "Did you follow him?" he asked. Naruto nodded again. "Can you tell us exactly what happened?"

Naruto looked down, "This is all my fault."

Detective Watanabe frowned, "Let's go sit down." They walked into one of the interview rooms. "Would you like any water?" he asked. Naruto just shook his head. "Listen, this isn't your fault," he tried to comfort him.

"If I hadn't suggested we follow them, he never would have been shot," Naruto's voice was shaky, tears streaming down his face. "Is he going to be okay?"

"We don't know," Detective Sato told him honestly. "Can you please tell us what happened?" he asked, trying to be calm.

Naruto took a deep breath, "After you said there was a doctor, I went to talk to the barista today. He wouldn't tell me his name, but his eyes gave it away. He looked right at him, so I called Suigetsu and told him about it. We waited for him and followed him. I don't know if he noticed or if they have the place guarded, but we knew we couldn't handle it ourselves so we came here to tell you guys. Everything seemed normal until we were walking up and Suigetsu got shot. That's all I remember, everything after was just a blur." He started sobbing, "Can I go to the hospital? I need to know if he's okay."

Detective Sato knew that was all they were going to learn from the man. The best time to talk to someone was right after so it was fresh, but at the same time the man was so shaken up that he wasn't going to be able to think of anything else. "Of course, but maybe you should go home and change first."

Naruto shook his head, "I'll have my brother bring me clothes. I have to get there. Do you know where he was taken?"

"We'll drive you there," Detective Watanabe told him. "They may come back for you, it'd be best if we had some officers with you," he explained. Naruto just nodded before following the detectives out of the room. He was silent the entire drive, his mind replaying everything that had happened that day. "It'll be okay," Detective Watanabe knew he couldn't promise that everything would be fine, but the blond needed some optimism.

Once they got to the hospital, all he could do was pace the waiting room. Suigetsu was in surgery and there was nothing they could tell him. Kurama hurried into the hospital, Kiba in tow. "Are you okay?" he asked his brother. Naruto shook his head, he felt numb. "Here, go change," he handed him a change of clothes.

When Naruto walked away, Kurama turned to Kiba, "He's a mess." He could tell that Kiba was trying to keep it together. "How are you doing?" he asked.

"I," Kiba was trying not to cry. "I can't lose him." Kiba collapsed into one the chairs, head in his hands as he started sobbing. He could no longer hold it in, "He has to be okay."

Naruto walked out, having calmed down a little. He looked at his best friend, which only made him feel worse. "I'm so sorry," he told him as he sat in the chair next to him. "I never thought this would happen," he couldn't look him in eyes.

"Naruto, it's not your fault," Kurama told him. "He chose to go with you, you couldn't have known that it was going to happen," he sat in the chair on the other side of his brother. "Please don't blame yourself."

"No, he's right. It is his fault," Kiba said angrily as he stood up.

"Kiba, calm down," Kurama demanded. "You're just upset, you know it isn't his fault. Suigetsu made his own choice," he didn't want to see the two best friends fight.

"It's okay, I know it's my fault," Naruto said sadly as he stared down at his lap.

Kurama wished there was something he could do to change Naruto's mind, but the blond had already made up his mind. He believed it was his fault, so all he could do was be there for him. "Suigetsu is strong, he'll be okay," he rubbed the man's back, trying to comfort him. He made eye contact with Kiba.

"Sorry, it's not your fault, Naruto," Kiba told him. "I'm just worried and don't know what to do," he sat back down. It was an emotional time for all of them. First Sasuke was taken, then Suigetsu was shot, and who knew if they'd try to come back to finish the job.

"But," Naruto started, just to be cut off by Kiba.

"You're life was just as much at risk," Kiba told him. "That could have been you," he didn't want to think about it being Naruto on that table. "We're just lucky he has a chance to survive," Kiba told him.

NS

Orochimaru shook his head as he looked at the doctor. "Did you really think you could hide it from me?" he asked, his voice low.

The doctor's eyes widened, "What are you talking about?" He was terrified of the evil grin on the man's face.

Orochimaru directed the man into a room. He signaled for him to sit on the couch. "Just know that by keeping this from me, you sealed their fate. You should have been more careful and told me when you were compromised." He turned on the television in front of him, brining up a live stream of the man's family being held at gun point in the family home. "Do it," he directed into his phone.

Before the doctor could close his eyes, shots rang out. He watched as his family was executed, "No!"

"You did this to yourself," he said darkly before holding up a gun to his head. "Now it's your turn," he added before pulling the trigger.

"Should we move to the other location?" Kabuto asked him.

Orochimaru shook his head, "The detectives are on our side. They won't come here if they know what's good for them. If they do, it's kill on sight. Now find me a new doctor, I'm not done yet." He had no idea the detectives were betraying him. He expected loyalty and thought he'd scared them enough to follow through. "Just take whoever, I don't need their loyalty, they won't be leaving."

Kabuto wanted to argue, but he knew better. Orochimaru wasn't going to listen to reason. "Yes, sir," the man responded before walking out of the room, knowing he needed to find a new doctor soon.