We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds.

Aristotle Onassis.

Short days were made infinitely longer in the middle of the sea, surrounded by water at all sides, Sasuke came to find out. Another anxiously filled activity he would try to avoid in the future, much like wondering and its disarming aftermath. They were a day away from reaching the Land of Mist according to their captain, whose name they came to know was Miko, but he had the impression that they had been sailing for a month. In reality, they had been traveling for two days.

Two days without a trace of being followed. Just as much, far into the horizon there was no sign of awaiting danger—just vast shades of blue. The light clear blue of the sky and the deep rich blue of the sea, an eternal mirage where time eluded him like a strange paradox.

Sasuke could barely appreciate it all. He had been avoiding sleep for more than fifty hours (or a month, he was still unsure which was true) for fear of having nightmares. More than embarrassing himself, he didn't want to hurt anyone in the process. Least of all Sakura, who had he had hurt so much in the past. If he could steel himself from ever doing it again, he would try.

As a result, the bright beaming sun was insistently irritating on his skin. The salty dry air only discomforted his eyes and made him thirsty on an hourly basis. The sway of the ship only served to make him nauseous and the smell of spirits and sweat made him grumble in disgust.

Sasuke reckoned he looked angry at everybody. He knew because those who approached him hesitated before they got close. He tried not to be that way with Sakura out of respect and because she didn't deserve the brunt of his mood. Unlike Miko's crew who might betray them at any moment if their suspicions about foul play were correct.

On the night of their second day, as Sasuke glared at the full moon reflected on the water, Miko cautiously inched towards him and commented, "You do not like the sea?"

Sasuke looked at the man with tired eyes and shook his head, hoping that would be enough to make him go away with a chuckle or a mocking remark. He wasn't sure he could hold his tongue from hissing out lethal venom if that were the case—he had been building a supply since stepping on the damn ship.

Sadly, the man stayed, studying him with the knowledgeable look of someone who has spent a lifetime far from land. "There is a saying amongst sailors for your particular predicament."

He might have not been so condescending if he weren't so grumpy. "I wasn't aware it was an impediment to hate the sea."

"I am merely pointing out what I see, boy. There is no need to get defensive."

"So was I." Silence and bitter glaring. "Well," Sasuke prodded sarcastically, figuring there was only one way to get rid of him. "What is this saying then?"

He looked at Sasuke with a slight squint of his almond eyes as he scrutinized his arrogance, debating whether to actually say it or not. He decided on the former. "We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds."

The Uchiha tsked and chuckled cynically. "Has that saying ever been helpful in the middle of a deathly storm or on a particularly windless day?"

Miko stared him down, his eyes flickering to something behind Sasuke then back to him. "I cannot say it has been easy, but it hasn't been impossible. There are many different seas in life, you know. Some are windless and others are wreckful. You might lose bits and pieces of yourself along the way." To illustrate his point, Miko lifted his pant leg, revealing a wooden leg. He could barely register what he was seeing before the old man pointed at Sasuke's own missing arm, his surprise quickly turning to exasperation. "One fact remains, the sea is never still."

"So, you learn how to sail high winds…?" Sasuke finished, unimpressed.

"Or you learn how to swim."

Sasuke opened his mouth to say something—he wasn't sure what—when Sakura's voice came from behind them, "Captain. Sasuke."

Miko smiled wide, like everyone seemed to do when they saw her, tipping his hat in a kindly manner. "Beautiful night, isn't it?"

"It is." Sakura flashed her teeth, as she looked up at the stary sky, both pointily ignoring Sasuke's unrelenting scowl and menacing aura. "May I have a minute with my friend?"

"Of course, Miss Haruno. You have a good night." To Sasuke he whispered like he was telling him a great secret, "It is only an impediment if you let it be."

"You, too," she wished him back, completely unaware of the words he just exchanged with Sasuke. Sakura's face lost its friendliness once he was gone, inching closer to the brooding figure next to her, and casually placing her hands over the wooden frame of the ship. "I'm sure you're aware that tomorrow we are docking on the Land of the Mist."

Sasuke nodded. "Miko informed me earlier today." When Sasuke contemplated throwing up his lunch. "As soon as we dock, we will abandon the crew and go to Mizukage Chojuro. If we are followed, we will split up. I will try to divert all possible targets to me. You just make sure you deliver the antidote. I will catch up as soon as I am able."

Sakura's mouth was set firm as she looked at him, debating over something. "Going over our plan wasn't the only reason why I came here." There was a beat of silence, and he took the opportunity to prepare himself for what was to come. "I need you to be well rested for tomorrow. If we're going to successfully finish this mission, you need to sleep."

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" Sakura raised an incredulous eyebrow. "The dark circles under your eyes tell me another story. You look like death."

"I can't help how look," Sasuke snapped, annoyance slowly chipping at his patience. It seemed like everyone had it out for him that night.

"Well, it's not just the way you look," Sakura gently said, placing a hand on his. He couldn't help the involuntary recoil. She looked pained as she interwind her fingers together instead and inhaled. "You know, trauma can be hard to heal, it can take years—"

"Sakura," Sasuke interrupted and couldn't help the emotionless way he said her name, his soul reverting to a familiar indifference. "Stop. You have no idea know what you're talking about."

Sakura's body was relaxed, her voice was calm, but her eyes were cheerless. "You're right, I don't know."

One moment Sasuke felt nothing, a numbness that could not parallel, the next he felt everything. The same regret that churned in his stomach when he would hurt her in the past washed over him like a shameful flood. He placed a hand on her exposed shoulder, the warmth of her skin making his chest burn with something he couldn't quite bring himself to name.

"I'm sorry," he whispered remorsefully, his finger rubbing on her skin, trying to reassure her that he didn't intend to be so unkind. "Forgive me, Sakura. You only want to help me."

Sakura exhaled, meeting his gaze miserably. "That's the thing, I can't help you." She removed his hand from her shoulder so detachedly he couldn't help seeing himself in her for a fraction of a second.

She took a step back and soaked him in, gripping the handle of the bag across her chest tight like it was the only thing anchoring her to reality. "This might not come as a surprise considering all my confessions throughout the years, but I loved you."

Sasuke mournfully noticed how she used a past tense for this new declaration of… what? He didn't know. All he could do was brace himself—something he had been doing with her since being assigned this mission, ever since he found out about her and Lee. He hadn't realized until a few days ago how full of surprises she was.

Sakura's shoulders slumped with the weight of her next words, "I was so sure I did. So much that I used to believe, when I was young and naïve and credulous, that my love for you could be enough to piece you together. That if you realized how much I loved you, all that was broken would heal again." She blushed, humiliated with this revelation, and hesitating over her next words. "I thought I was strong enough to fix you, make you come to your senses. But I've realized I can do nothing for you. You alone can do that. I can be there to support you, but no more than that."

She took another step back and he wanted so badly to stop her. To tell her she was wrong. But they both knew that she was right. How easy everything would be if it wasn't, if she were the answer for all of his questions and problems. She wasn't and how unfair it would be if she was.

"So, when you're ready, know that I'm right here."

Sasuke watched her go with an ache in his bones. It didn't help that he felt like he was about to collapse. Knowing where to begin had been very daunting for him. Not only now in this period of reinvention, but even as a kid when he had to pick up the pieces and face the aftermath of his brother's actions. He always assumed it had to be big and different, apparent to all… Maybe it was simpler than it seemed, maybe the results would be long lasting this way. Like stacking bricks. Or like eating and waking up and looking forward to something.

And so, on the night of their second day floating on a limitlessness sea, he made his way to the cabins below. As he laid his head on a dirty worn cot, Sasuke decided he would sleep. A small meek task, but to him it was big. It meant he would try.

Sasuke woke as the cracks of light from a circular window shone on his eyes. His body felt stiff from sleeping too long in one position as he shifted against the burning rays, aching to continue resting and recover lost sleep. Regardless, he sat and stretched, glad to note that he had not had a night terror. He had been too exhausted and probably passed out the moment his body laid on the makeshift mattress. Although, when he got up and looked out the window to the Land of Mist looming close by, as he rubbed his eyes against the clarity of the morning, he noticed there were fresh tears on his fingertips. Had he been crying? He certainly hoped not.

Sasuke ignored the thought as he made his way to the deck, reasoning that if he did, Sakura would have woken him up. But then again, she might not have. Her words from last night were still stirring in his stomach, still echoing in his head like the contrarian voices of his past. Aside from the cutting truth, the only words that sliced deeper in her heartrending speech was her admitting that she loved him.

Sasuke didn't know what he expected or why it upset him, but it did. It wasn't until that critical moment last night that he realized he had stupidly thought she would wait for him forever (like being with Rock Lee wasn't a clear enough answer). That she would always be there just within reach. That he would always have her to turn to—when he was ready, that always seemed to be the case. The problem was, he was never ready, never truly healed, never truly prepared to give her all that she wanted and needed from him. He had always felt so inadequate and undeserving.

It didn't matter now he supposed.

Miko and Sakura were having a deep conversation, about their arrival to the Mist, he guessed by their proximity to the island and the way they pointed at it. He approached them apprehensively.

Sasuke pulled the neck of his poncho closer to himself as a gust of wind blew their way and asked, "How long before we reach the Land of Mist?"

They both turned and looked at him. Miko in casual disinterest. Sakura in earnestness.

"Two hours away," Miko answered plainly. "I was just explaining to Miss Haruno how far a distance the Mizukage's office is from the harbor."

"Yes," Sakura confirmed, even though this information was old news to them, "I've already packed all of my stuff. All there is left to do is wait."

Sasuke could read the underlining message behind Sakura's eyes—be prepared for anything.He nodded and studied the crew. He had not taken his sleepless days in stride, rather he took advantage of the nighttime to investigate the ship and their occupants. He had not found anything out of the ordinary. At least, not anything one wouldn't find on a ship and with a group of sailors. They did carry swords, machetes, daggers, and knives. One of them even had a gun (but they assured them it was for their own safety since pirate ships weren't uncommon in these parts). Not to mention the weapons already built on the ship, like the cannons and harpoons. Though 25 against 2 didn't seem like good odds, Sasuke wasn't worried.

He hadn't found anything that would indicate they might be double crossed. Even as he hid in the shadows and eavesdropped on their conversations, their talk was about their families and children, about their return home and their strange passengers. When they would start talking about Sakura and what they would do to a pretty thing like her, he would stop listening and go above deck before he did anything that might cause them to betray them sooner. One thing was clear, if they had discussed switching sides or turning them over to someone, it had been done prior to them getting there.

Sasuke hadn't realized Miko had left them both alone until Sakura whispered, "Easy up a bit, will you? If looks could kill, there would be a bloodbath right about now."

He turned to her and tried softening his glare to a delicate frown.

She analyzed his face with a clinical seriousness only found in doctors. "It's still there, but at least you seem rested so it's not that hostile. Did you sleep last night?"

"I am. I did." Sasuke ignored the doublehanded compliment that he probably deserved and the fact that she must have seen him go below deck last night as he sighed and stepped closer to her, summoning the courage he needed from the hidden corners of his backbone. "Sakura, listen. I'm so—"

Sakura waved her hand dismissively. "Whatever it is, it's fine. Let's just keep our eyes open and be alert like Kakashi said."

Sasuke nodded constrained, trying to understand her wishes even as his jaw clenched with frustration. "Alright."

The feeling of tension was intensified with every ticking minute that brought them closer to the Land of Mist. Something shared with everyone on the ship.

Sakura and Sasuke would constantly share cautious looks between each other whilst projecting nonchalance, conveying words of warning in silence, their focus shifting to the people navigating the ship and the ever-close harbor. The others seemed to feel the anticipation as well, the air was charged with electricity and foreboding. Almost giddiness.

Yet, ironically enough, for a moment, as they docked and bid their farewell hurriedly, it seemed like they had imaged the whole thing—there was no threat, no one was waiting, there was no knife in the back.

As soon as they stepped into the busy stoned streets of the island, with their vendors, foreign trade, and fountains weaving together like a maze, Sasuke sensed it though. They were being followed.

Sakura must have known it too for she bumped into one of the tables nearest to her, drawing everyone's attention to them, the contents of the table spilling on the floor with a loud clattering sound. Sasuke knelt and helped her pick up what seemed to be golden pendants with different jewels, crystals, and designs. From appearance alone, he knew they hailed from different part of the Countries.

"I'm sorry," she said loudly to no one in particular. She looked at him and smiled in gratitude. Her smile never wavered as she said, "We need to shake whoever it is following us off our trail."

"No. You need to get to the Mizukage. I'll… dispose of them," he told her, already planning how he would accomplish that without drawing more attention than they already had.

Sakura kept hoarding trinkets as she shook her head. "If we split up, they'll do the same. I'll use a shadow clone. They will never tell the difference."

Sasuke nodded, standing up and depositing all the contents he picked on the table. He bowed at the merchant apologetically. Sakura did the same.

"I apologize. I was distracted trying to find a bathroom," she explained. "Could you please point me to the nearest one if you don't mind?"

The elderly lady looked annoyed but pointed at a corner. "On the left you will find bathrooms."

Sakura bowed again, quickly going towards that direction. Sasuke followed closely, her intentions becoming clear to him almost instantly.

Without much of a word, she went through the doors of the women's bathroom hidden in the corner of two store fronts. Sasuke couldn't help thinking how uncommon it was to find a bathroom so easy and conveniently. Honestly, he was slightly amazed at how modernized the Mist was compared to the Leaf. Though there was talk of industrialization in this new era of peace and the possibility of brining a train to the Leaf, the Mist obviously had years over them when it came to that aspect. Maybe if he stayed for longer in the village, when those changes eventually happen, he won't feel so out of place.

Sasuke could feel himself get restless as he waited outside. He knew she stayed inside for a few minutes just to make the rouse more believable and maybe even to give him some time to strategize, but he did not like being in the open, exposed like that. When she came out and told him they could continue, he knew the real Sakura had stayed behind in one of the stalls. The little wink her clone gave him when she walked out solidified his suspicions too.

Now all he needed to do was get whoever was following them cornered and alone, far away from witnesses. Then he would do what he needed to do.

From their rundown with Kakashi and what Miko had told them, there were two ways to get to the Mizukage. One was through the main road—the one everyone knew—and the other was through the underground sewage system. Sasuke knew Sakura did not plan to use the sewage system because she was afraid it might cross-contaminate the antidote and she could not handle the smell. "I wouldn't want to stink afterwards," she had said resolutely. "What if we need to talk to someone important afterwards?"

When they had planned for every scenario (including being followed or ambushed) some nights ago, they talked about splitting up and what routes they should take. Sasuke had chosen the sewage system, not only out of courtesy, but because the tunnels were isolated and large enough to move and go unnoticed amongst civilians. Mobility and stealth weren't the only factors weighing in, it was also clear one could get rid of obstacles in a place like that without creating more unwelcomed ones. So, that's where he was headed, her duplicate following without a word.

Easily enough, Sasuke found a maintenance hole cover on a lonely alleyway and slipped in unnoticed after Sakura's clone. Once they rounded the first corner, he heard the splash of four pairs of feet. They quickened their pace and took two lefts and one right before hiding in the shadows of some large pipes, waiting. In a matter of seconds, their pursuers rounded the corner and Sakura's clone punched one of them square in the jaw, shattering it with a loud crack. The woman dressed in black whimpered as she held the lower half of her face in place. There was no hesitation as the clone gave a finishing blow to her stomach.

Sasuke tried not to focus on the gruesome image before him as he swung his sword to slice someone's throat. He took a second to shake the blood off his blade and sheath it before he used a wired shuriken to transfer a small about of lighting through it, electrocuting their third pursuer a moment later.

They turned in a small circle, assessing the scene before them. There was only partial darkness and the sound of running water. Her clone stepped in the direction their pursuers came from, squinting in a defensive position.

"There was a fourth one," she whispered.

Sasuke activated his Rinnegan and started scanning his surroundings.

"There," he said, nodding his head towards a dark corner where he made eye contact with their fourth assailant.

Without hesitating, Sakura's clone ran into that direction.

"Stop!" Sasuke yelled after her.

The clone readied her punch but missed by a hair as the man with a face half covered dodged at the last second. She recovered quickly, dodging a fist gripping a kunai and swinging her legs under their attacker. The man fell with an audible thud and grunt.

"What are you doing?" Sasuke demanded as he watched the clone place both of her knees on the man's upper arms and her legs on his torso and thighs, rendering him motionless.

"She told me to protect you, that's what I'm doing," her tone was a little irritated as she ripped the cloth on the man's face, revealing a tan scarred face. "I think we should ques—"

Her words were cut off as the man uncovered a sharp needle under his tongue and hit Sakura's clone right on her jugular with a quick soundless motion of his lips. She was there one moment and gone the next, a puff of air the only trace she left behind.

Sasuke was unaware of the force that possessed his body and made him move unnaturally fast. Such was the extent of his anger that he was surprised when he found his hand around the man's neck, never even allowing him to get up from where he laid on the ground.

She wasn't real, he told himself as he switched his Rinnegan for his Sharingan. The man squirmed under his hand, clearing identifying his Sharingan and avoiding eye contact.

"Look at me," Sasuke ordered calmly and low, the grip around his neck tightening.

The man slowly relented, his brown irises twitching in nervousness as they met with darkness.

Sasuke was overly aware of his loud breathing and the painful way his heart was pulsing in his chest. It had not been hard or long, for that matter, to get the truth from the man. In retrospect, he should have not killed him, he could have been the perfect witness against what he could only describe as treason and bad blood.

Honestly, he could care less what would happen to the Land of Mist, the Mizukage's niece or the state of the Countries if a civil war broke loose. There was no space in his mind, there was no inch that was not consumed by her and what could be happening.

Sasuke only knew that he needed to run, needed to push his legs fast. He only knew that if Chojuro's brother was willing to blackmail, kill and attempt against his own niece (his whole family to be exact), what would he be capable of doing to Sakura—especially if she wasn't suspecting him.

It wasn't that he didn't trust her abilities, he was sure she could do more damage than him. The fact of the matter was that throughout this whole mission Kakashi had been right. Disturbingly right. Annoyingly right, even for his own standards. Nevertheless, it was true. Sakura could not defend herself and heal the Mizukage's niece at the same time. One would have to be a priority. If he knew anything about her, it was that she would put her life on the line for anyone and she would even die believing it was a worthwhile thing to do. As a medical-nin, it was something she practically lived by. More so if it meant keeping peace.

Sakura's thirteen-year-old face kept flashing before his eyes, bringing him back to The Forest of Death—to one of the darkest days of his life. The way her face had been battered and bruised; hair cut by her own hands as she sought escape. There was no doubt in Sasuke's heart… she would have died for him that day. If he could not bear the thought then, he sure as hell couldn't even bring himself to think about it now. Just as well, he felt the same surging fire that shot through his vein that day reemerge, making him see the world in burning red as he jumped through the labyrinth of roofs that made out the Land of Mist.

Sasuke arrived at the Mizukage's office a little too late—so was he informed when he got there fifteen minutes later. Sakura had arrived half an hour ago and had ordered to have the girl transferred from her home to the hospital where she could treat her in a sterile environment and where she had the necessary equipment and personnel if anything should go awry.

He barely got pointed the way he needed go before he forced his legs in that direction. Thankfully, the hospital was only five minutes away and he got there in the span of three minutes by sheer adrenaline alone.

Sasuke scrabbled at the receptionist's desk and could barely get the words out in time and in the right order for it to make sense, but after some frustrated nurse puzzled over what he was trying to communicate, she let him know that the Mizukage had reserved the fourth floor entirely for his niece, Kiyo, and that was probably were he was wanting to head to. As he stealthily took the stairs three, four at a time, he realized that me musk look crazy and smell worse. He had after all climbed out of the sewer.

Sasuke sighed in front of the door with the sign that read 4th floor, steading himself. He needn't to be so fidgety or rageful. If what he was fearing was true, he needed to be calm and collected. Calculated.

He saw the Mizukage's light blue hair as soon as he stepped in, looking younger than Sasuke initially anticipated (maybe one of the reasons some were against him). Chojuro was speaking to someone, maybe a relative or an advisor, seeming relax. The floor had ninjas standing ready every three feet, alert yet relax. There didn't seem to be a threat. If there was, it seemed it had been dealt with. For a moment, he let his guard down.

Yet, as he approached Chojuro a thought occurred to him. His brother was able to get away with his attempts because he wasn't being suspected, which meant no one knew. Only Sasuke.

Sasuke didn't care about appearing polite or respectful as he interrupted the Mizukage's conversation to ask, "Where is Sakura—and your niece, Kiyo?"

Chojuro recovered, looking him up and down, seeming to place who he was—everyone important knew who he was. If they didn't, they made it their business to. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose as he answered, "In her room. Sakura has administered the antidote and is removing the last of the poison. Why do you ask?"

"Are they alone?"

"No."

"Which one is her room?" Sasuke was already moving to the direction of one of the doors, impatient.

"What is this about?" Chojuro was right on his heels.

He swung the door open to reveal an empty room. He turned and almost ran into the Mizukage. The other ninjas had left their posts and gingerly approached them, unsure of what was going on.

Sasuke exhaled, trying to not to seem as threatening as he was sure he appeared. He looked Chojuro in his dark eyes. "They might be in danger."

Chojuro laughed softly. "I doubt that. I have the whole floor for us, and the best of my men are with me."

Sasuke had activated his Sharingan at that point, hoping he could make out chakra signatures. At witnessing this, Chojuro shook his head in disbelief.

"They're in the room in the corner," he finally answered resolutely. "But I don't understand why you're worried. There is only Sakura and my brother in there—Kiyo is clearly in no danger."

Sasuke is unsure how, but in a blink of an eye he was practically swinging the door to the room at the end of the hall off its hinges. He really hoped he was wrong—that what that man in the sewer revealed to him was a lie. That Chojuro was right, there was no threat. He had nothing to worry about, but as his eyes assessed what was inside his worst fears seem to come to life.

Sakura was standing, her hands hovering over the girl as she extracted the last of the poison. Her piercing eyes met his, then darted to the sharp knife pointed at her throat. His gaze followed the hand holding it to the arm, then up the arm to the face of the person behind this whole ordeal.

The Mizukage's brother looked a lot like him, with his light blue hair and light skin. Only 10 years older. And while Chojuro seemed friendly and non-menacing, the man in front of him oozed foulness like second nature. He didn't seem bothered with the fact that he attempted against his own family, that he rallied people against his brother and that he was holding an ally of the Mist hostage while his niece, one of the people who fell victim to his greed for power, was laying in bed in the same room.

The only upside to all of this was that Kiyo was asleep, blissfully unaware of everything that was happening. Good. He could only imagine how traumatizing it would be.

Sasuke took a step inside, and the man hissed out, "Don't."

The slight almost unregistered shake of Sakura's head caught his attention and she seemed to convey a message. He knew what she wanted to say, what she wanted him to do. Distract him until I'm done.

Sasuke didn't like that. Anything could happen in the time that would take for her to finish. "It's too late," he heard himself say, figuring there wasn't much leeway for him to take care of things without there being severe consequences.

"I beg to differ," he replied unconvinced, his hand pressing the blade against her throat. To Sakura he said, "Now you, stop what you're doing."

"I can't do that." There was no fear or hesitation in her tone. No wavering or trembling in her hands as the last of the poised left Kiyo's body.

Before anything else was said or done, the Mizukage's barged in with a swarm of men behind him.

"Ren," Chojuro shouted his brother's name in alarm and confusion.

In the midst of the commotion, Sasuke and Sakura locked eyes, and like so many times before, like they have done for a lifetime, they seemed to tell each other what they needed to do.

Sasuke switched his Sharingan for his Rinnegan and with one firm nod swapped places with Sakura using his Amenotejikara technique. He punched Ren on his jaw, using the momentum to kick the sword out of his hands and pin him to the nearest wall with a firm grip around his neck.

Ren laughed, ignoring his brother's questions and the fact that everything was abruptly cut short.

"You think you stopped me just in time," he whizzed, eyes looking at something behind him. There was so much going on in the small room, it took Sasuke a second to account for Sakura—Sakura who was kneeling on the floor, clutching her neck, eyes wide and panicked. He didn't need to see the blood to know Ren had managed to slice her throat.

Sasuke turned to Ren and his dark pleased grin. Faster than he could see it coming, Sasuke let go of the Mizukage's brother to unsheathe his sword and flick his wrist. He barely registered the look of shock in Ren's eyes as he his fingers snaked around his own gushing throat.

"What did you do?" Chojuro demanded as he yelled for a medic and went to his brother.

He didn't know. He hadn't intended on doing anything other than apprehending him, but something inside him demanded retribution—the same familiar something that had overcame him in The Forest of Death.

Sasuke didn't answer. He just hurried his way to Sakura feeling heavy and numb, shrugging the Mizukage's guards that tried to stop and question him. He felt out of sorts, like he was seeing all of this outside of his body, as he forced her to lay down on the white tiles of the hospital and pressed his hand against her neck, putting pressure on the red warm flow that was wetting his glove.

Her eyes were watering in pain, mouth closing and opening, gagging on her own blood. "Sasu-Sa—"

Sasuke focused on how raw his vocal cords felt when he screamed for help and used the little knowledge that he had of healing to start closing up her open wound. He cursed himself for not paying more attention to the technique and using his Sharingan to master it perfectly when he had been able to. Perhaps if he did, he could help her now.

He was still focused on how dry his mouth tasted when some medical-nin pushed him off and started treating Sakura. When they rushed her off, he thought about the sewer and how her clone had puffed out of existence. A needle to her jugular—a dark premonition.

N/A: Hi! The second chapter a week later as promised. I have bad news, though. I haven't finished chapter three and I am not sure if I can finish it before next Friday. I hope I can, but I am doubtful. Keep an eye out for my Tumbr, I will probably post an update on there. I hope the fight scenes were cool for you. I know the resolution came about quickly, but this story is short and focuses on SasuSaku not political mambojumbo. This mission was sort of a way to get them together. I feel like Sasuke wouldn't outright ask Sakura to join him or anything. And Sakura asking again is a no-no for me. Kakashi is the ultimate match maker.

To the people who left a comment:

94: Thank you. I always love jealous Sasuke. But you know jealous cute, not jealous possessive.

2. Guest: Thank you. I try googling a lot of the terms before describing stuff cause I don't want to write when I'm not 100% sure. I hope the stories keeps your interest!

3. Fuyutsuki Kasumi : Thank you. Yes, I will try to keep updateting as much as I am possible to. For now, I am updated with everything completed. Chap 3 is in process. I hope I can finish before the week, but the next ones might came along more sparcly.

4. boldlyshamelessland: Thank you. Well, this is a SasuSaku fanfic, so don't worry. I proof read my fics to my sister and she was very interested in Lee and Sakura. I don't think there is much to tell, but I can try to write a short fic about what happened when I finish this story. And you are 100% right. Sakura's heart belongs to the emo boy who stole it when they were young.

5. Jilliankate: Thank you. I agree. The slower the better.