"We've had reports of missing-nin with red clouds."
Sakura flinched at the words. It was impossible. They were all killed in the war. She opened her mouth to protest but Kakashi simply shook his head, "It's true. We've had multiple reports- I don't even know how it is possible. But at the very least, we need to investigate."
Sakura's fingers clenched and unclenched. Her entire body froze and she felt like she couldn't even squeeze up a breathe. Naruto cleared his throat beside her, "Was it Sasuke?" She found herself turning back to look at Kakashi with weary eyes. It had been years since they had last seen Sasuke. He returned only to help fight for the leaf at the request of his dying brother. Afterwards, he disappeared. Not even gracing Naruto in a fight. "Sasuke wouldn't join Akatsuki again, Naruto."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Sakura. It happened before- he could be pursuing his idea of 'peace'" Kakashi stated.
Her mind was a whirlwind. How could it happen. Sasuke was supposed to be good now. How could he reinstate an organization that decimated Konoha and almost brought the world to its knees? She felt her breathe coming out in pants, she knew she was strong, but she knew she couldn't bring herself to kill Sasuke. She couldn't even do it the first time. Nothing has changed for her.
"We can leave right away. Sakura? Do you think you can be ready to go in an hour?" Naruto asked softly, knowing that she too was probably needing time process all of this. She nodded mutely, not able to form the words she could hear in her head. Kakashi dismissed them and she felt herself walking in a daze.
"Sakura-chan." Naruto's breath fanned her face and it brought her back to blue eyes staring at her. "Sakura-chan, I know it's scary but Sasuke isn't like he used to be. He found a purpose again, and a good one at that. It can't be him." He grinned at her but it didn't even reach his eyes. They both knew the truth.