Sakura's POV

How could you leave without asking where you're going?

What's the problem? I've been on countless missions with him and nothing happened. You worry over nothing.

When you were gone on missions, your teacher and also Naruto were there. It was different.

Gaara-kun, Sasuke said he doesn't like me anymore. You have nothing to be jealous about.

Think about this: Why didn't Sasuke fight when Pain attacked Konoha? Where was he?

….I don't know.

Did you fight?

Yes.

So why didn't he? I've met him. He doesn't strike me as a coward. Why would he need someone else to look for Naruto?

Gaara-kun, don't say that. Sasuke asked me to go because we are teammates. It's natural to work together.

Since when does that Uchiha consider Naruto is better than him? A man would never admit that to his rival. Why would he embarrass himself by asking Naruto for help? Has he ever asked Naruto for help before?

No.

So why would he need his help now?

Maybe because Naruto is strong. He possesses the 9 tails.

That doesn't matter.

Why are you so against him?

Because he's using you! He only wants to take advantage of you. Why do you think he's taking you to places you don't know? How could you blindly follow him? If I told you to go somewhere with me, would you go? You didn't even want to come to Suna. Why are you reluctant of me, but you follow him without question? Do you like him?

Of course not.

Then?

You know what? I can't put up with your jealousy right now. My village is in trouble. I have to think of my responsibility to my country first. I have to go.

I hang up because I just couldn't stand to hear so much negativity. Gaara's words were harsh. He has never spoken to me that way before. I wonder what got him so triggered.

"Sasuke-kun, how long until we find Naruto?"

"Just follow me. You'll know when we get there."

Just like I thought. I have nothing to worry about. Sasuke knows what he's doing. Gaara is just paranoid. I only hope everyone at home endures until we come back to save them. I should have trained more with Tsunade-sama. If I did, maybe we wouldn't have to reach out to Naruto. No. Who am I kidding? I can never defeat Pain no matter how hard I train. I'll reach out to Gaara later, to let him know that everything is fine. It's cute that he cares about me, but overreacting is a bit annoying.

…

Gaara's POV

How can she be so unconscious? How can she trust that creature instead of me?

"Gaara?"

I turned around and saw my brother. I am not in the mood right now.

"I don't think father is going to come back."

I was surprised.

"Why do you think that?"

"I heard the elders talk. They were already discussing who should replace him. Our soldiers came back claiming to have found no trace our father. The village can't wait for him to return if he returns. I know Sasori. He's one cruel ninja. He would never let an opponent get away alive."

"And who should replace him?"

"The elders have already asked me, but I declined. You're going to be the next Kazekage, little brother."

Kankurou is happy. How can he do that? Be so careless and free? I wonder what he'd do if he knew what I know.

"I think I would have preferred you as Kazekage."

"Oh, don't be so scared, little brother. You're not the youngest to take the throne. The Village hidden in Mist had a 10 year old Mizukage."

He got closer to me and patted my shoulder. His grin was so wide, I wish I could enjoy it, but my heart aches for Sakura, my thoughts are elsewhere.

"I am going to help you, Gaara. I will be there for you. Ask me when you don't know what to do…"

"And you'll do what?"

"Temari! Aren't you happy Gaara is the new Kazekage?"

"He's not officially. Don't get your hopes up. Father might come back."

"You only came here to ruin our mood."

"Actually I came here to make sure you're both ok. Everything is in chaos right now. I wouldn't be surprised if someone organized a coup. We have to watch our back now more than ever until one of you sits on the throne. I'll go supervise the cook to make sure we don't eat poison."

Temari took the fan in her hands and left. I was left alone in the room with Kankurou. I honestly wish he'd leave, so I can make a plan to save Sakura. If I will be Kazekage, there's no way I can leave the village to go and find her. Why doesn't Kankurou want to be Kazekage?

"Our sister is a little paranoid, but thanks to her we won't get poisoned. I know I can eat in peace."

"Kankurou, you're older than me. You should be Kazekage."

"I don't want to."

"Why not?

"I've never had power, but I know I would destroy everything if I had it. Power brings out the ugliness in people. It turns them into emotionless bodies. Look at father. When has he ever cared about any of us? He has always cared about keeping his status and that was all. How many times has he tried to kill you to make sure you don't steal his throne?"

"Aren't you scared I'll become just like him?"

"No. You have always had power."

I know he meant Shukaku.

"Ever since you've met that girl from Konoha, you've started letting people get close to you. You've protected me and my sister more times than I can count. You don't kill unless absolutely necessary. I've seen it. You are not an animal. You're my brother and I meant it when I said I am going to help you if you need it."

"Thank you."

I barely had time to think about a plan to get Sakura away from that power obsessed beast because I was summoned to so many meetings with the elders, ANBU, the council, the ninja…

….

Sakura's POV

It's already been 4 days since we left the village. Why is it taking to long to find Naruto?

"Sasuke-kun, is Naruto far from here? Where exactly is he?"

"Didn't I say you can trust me?"

"Yes, but this place seems shady. I don't think Jiraya-sensei and Naruto would train here. Look1 There aren't even ninja here. They're all civilians. What village is this?"

Sasuke got upset. I saw a shadow clouding his eyes. Why is he upset? I only want to know….

"You have nothing to fear as long as you are with me. You said it yourself: they are only civilians. And how would you know where Naruto is training?"

I felt a little scared in my heart. Why does Sasuke talk to me like this? Why does he want me to blindly follow him? Something doesn't feel right.

…..

Sasuke's POV

That boy of the sand must be drinking blood of the liver now. I have his girl to do whatever I want with and he can't stop me. Orochimaru doesn't care if she's a virgin or not. I am going to try my luck. I don't want to rape her because I am sure my mother wouldn't like it and then, she won't talk to me. Sakura is so stupid! She believes everything I tell her, even if nothing I say makes sense. I don't have to try hard. She is going to fall into my arms by herself. I bet she'll beg me to take her soon if I act friendly enough. She does everything I tell her to do. I am surprised that boy from the Sand didn't try anything with her. He must be dying of a bitter heart right now. If I can control Sakura like this, I bet I can control anyone.

…..

Gaara's POV

"This is the letter I received from Uchiha 5 days ago."

I waited for him to read it.

"This is the letter I received from Sakura's mother."

I am begging you: Save my daughter! I know something bad happened to her. She's been missing for days. I know she trusts you. If she is with you now or if you know where she is, please tell me. I saw that Uchiha Sasuke watching her during the last days before Pain arrived. Kakashi-sensei said that my daughter and that boy went to find Naruto. But Naruto is already here while my daughter is still missing. I am begging you: Bring her back to me. Please!

"Kazekage-sama, do you know where this girl is headed?"

"This girl is named Sakura." I said annoyed.

"Forgive me. I meant Sakura-sama. If I want to find her, I need to know the path she's taking."

"Wait a second."

Sakura, are you there?

Gaara-kun!

I felt that she was scared and my heart dropped.

Are you alright? Don't cry!

I know the tone of my voice scared her, but it was necessary to keep that Uchiha thinking he's got her wrapped around his little finger to have him let his guard down so I can save her.

Gaara-kun, you were right! I am scared. I don't know what to do. Help me!

I feel so powerless that it drives me crazy. I wish I knew where she was. I wish I could go to her right now. I sighed, trying to calm down, so I can tell her what to do.

Listen to me, please. Describe everything you see. Tell me if you're moving South or North, help me find you.

I heard sniffling. Sakura was wiping her eyes.

My Sakura, don't cry. If you cry, he'll know that you realized what he's doing and he won't let you out of his sight. You have to make him believe that you still don't know anything.

Ok, I'll try my best.

Please, we don't have much time. He'll soon realize you're talking to me. Tell me what you see.

My sweet flower described the buildings, the streets, she read some plates for me and I told my subordinate every detail she said to me. He was a darksome man for a long time and he can easily recognize this sort of places where shady people do business. He came in handy after I had forgiven him for trying to poison me with ice-cream. He's been loyal to me ever since. Soon after identifying her location, my blossom panicked. I hate to feel her fear!

Gaara-kun, Sasuke wants to take away my bracelet. What do I do?

Don't give it to him!

If I don't give it to him, he is going to beat me and take it anyway. I am so stupid! I should have listened to you!

I closed my eyes and sighed from the bottom of my heart.

Sakura, listen to me. Tell him you will get rid of it yourself. Then, throw it away. You must make sure he doesn't get his hands on it.

But how will we talk if I do it? I don't want to break our connection. I am scared. What if I never hear you again?

You will. I will make sure you get it back. I'll save you. Just tell me where you're throwing it to know where to look.

Ok… 30 meters North of the yellow building we've just passed, on the sideway of Hardstone Street. Please save me!

I will. I love you.

And then her voice turned black.

...

Notes: The punishments you suggested are so precise and cruel! I like them. I have a special kind of torture prepared for the Uchiha. Poor Sakura got played because of her innocence. Is it scary that Gaara and Sakura can no longer communicate? Will Sasuke let Sakura slip from his fingers? How will Sakura escape if Gaara can't leave the village? Please give me your opinion.

Thank you so much for all your reviews and for reading! :D

I am again very sorry for the late update. I hope to post the next chapter sooner.