2 months from now, it'll be exactly 1 year since Sakura's disappearance and Tsunade had lost all hope. She made her daily rounds along with Shizune in the Hospital. Shizune had been a big help to her since Sakura's disappearance, she was able to calm her down most of the time and assist her in the medical department.
They made a quick stop at the entrance and were greeted by Ino who was talking to Sai for his monthly check-up.
The blue-eyed blond smiled at Tsunade and waved.
" Tsunade-sama! Just in time! You've got a package, the delivery man just left a few minutes ago. " Tsunade approached the blond and looked at the small box.
" I didn't order anything and no one notified me about vaccines or medicines arriving. Did you know about this Shizune? " Shizune shook her head. Sai and Ino stopped talking and looked at the package.
" Someone who wrapped that must be in a rush. " Ino snickered while inspecting the package. Shizune took the package and saw no details except for the hospital address and Tsunade's first name only.
" Did you ask the deliveryman where it's from Ino? " Ino shook her head. Tsunade took the package again and inspected it and saw the name of the courier that didn't exist in Konoha.
" Ino, could you search this courier, we might find where it's from. " Ino nodded at Tsunade and typed the name of the courier in the search engine of her phone.
" It says Haze Courier is from-" Ino paused then showed it to Sai. Sai nodded and sighed. Ino looked at Tsunade and showed the screen of her phone.
" K-kiri? " Shizune read the word aloud and glanced at Tsunade who glared at the screen.
" Then we better bring this package to Jiraiya, this might be a bomb that'll be triggered once opened. Sai, call Itachi and inform him, also send a bulletproof truck here, to deliver this package to the military base. " Sai nodded and turned around to call Itachi through his earpiece.
Tsunade turned around and took the package from Shizune. " Take my stuff, we're heading to the military base. Ino, you're going with Shizune. " Ino and Shizune nodded at her and both headed to the main office. Sai turned back to Tsunade.
" They're coming, they want us to wait at the back door. So I'll be assisting you while the bomb team arrives. " Tsunade gripped the package softly and tightly afraid it might fall.
It was supposed to be Sasuke and Itachi's day off, their mother suggested having the same day off just this once so they could spend together along with their father and grandfather. Sasuke was looking forward to it since work has been hectic and he missed his mother greatly since they haven't seen each other for weeks despite living in the same house. His office had become his crash-in place lately.
Today was just not his day aside from having a bad hair day, Itachi said there was something important back at the office and Itachi wouldn't speak of it, and he was worried it might be something worst than their current state.
He approached his sad mother. " Don't worry we'll be back before lunch will be served. " Mikoto smiled and kissed Sasuke's cheek. Itachi came running down the stairs and kissed Mikoto's forehead.
" If we're late, don't wait for us. " Mikoto nodded and stared at her sons retreating worriedly. Fugaku entered the kitchen and hugged Mikoto from the back.
" Let's hope everything's okay. " Fugaku nodded at Mikoto and kissed her head.
Sasuke was pissed off while going back to the base since Itachi wouldn't say a word and was in a rush, which worried him to death. Once arriving at the base, he was surprised that the Rookie 9 and Team Guy and their team leaders whom he met at Sound were there, along with Tenten, Ino and Hinata whom he haven't seen for months. He looked at the side and saw Tsunade together with Shizune and Jiraiya.
He approached Naruto who was talking to Hinata, " What's happening dobe? " Naruto shook his head.
" I don't know, we were in the middle of our date when they called and said it was an emergency. " Sasuke nodded and watched as Kakashi, Obito and Rin entered the room wearing their upgraded bulletproof spandex armor.
Jiraiya signaled everyone and everyone followed him as they headed to the Military training room. Sasuke stood beside Itachi who was talking in hushed tones to Shisui. Sasuke looked around and noticed even Minato was here beside Jiraiya and Tsunade. KOR7 exited the room and went into the middle of the training room. He sighed and moved to stand near the one-sided glass panel of the room.
He watched as the three each entered the bulletproof robots that they would use in training. The three walked slowly to the middle of the training room and Sasuke touched the glass to zoom in the view and saw a small disgustingly wrapped package.
" We're ready to unwrap your gift Tsunade-sama. " Kakashi's voice echoed in the room while Obito's snickered followed. Tsunade rolled her eyes and stood beside Sasuke and stared at the package as the three unwrapped the package slowly.
" The first layer has been unwrapped and all we see in a beaten up box, no wirings or such. " Kakashi spoke again, Itachi stood beside Sasuke and pressed the button.
" Continue with caution it might be wired inside. " Itachi spoke and Rin replied with a simple yes.
" Itachi-san, we're seeing a piece of crumpled paper and inside the plastic are 4 vials and another piece of paper. " Itachi leaned closer to the screen and zoomed in where the screen indeed showed a plastic with paper.
" No wirings are in it, so it must be indeed a gift for Tsunade-sama. " Obito spoke followed by a giggle from Rin and a chuckle from Kakashi.
" Okay. Please take the package to the conference, so we can fully inspect the items. " Itachi nodded at the screen while Kakashi nodded back as if the three could see Itachi.
" Everyone let's head out to the conference. " Everybody nodded and followed Itachi who was walking ahead and talking to Minato.
Sasuke sat beside Itachi who was busy talking to Shisui. Minutes passed Kakashi entered the room carrying the package followed by Obito and Rin.
" Before Kakashi hands this to you Tsunade-sama, are you sure it's okay to open this? You can just open this at the hospital or at your home since this is now safe. " Tsunade shook her head and smiled at Minato.
" We had already wasted everyone's time and for the sake of everyone's curiosity, I'll open it here. " Minato nodded at Kakashi who handed immediately the package to Tsunade. Tsunade exhaled deeply and opened the package and inspected the vials in it.
" Place this inside the chiller that we brought Shizune, so it'll preserve the chemical at room temperature. " Shizune took the vials inside the plastic and left the paper inside.
Tsunade uncrumpled the paper and straightened it.
" Sooooo, what is it? Read it aloud Tsunade-baa-san. " Tsunade glared at Naruto then read the crumpled letter. Everyone in the room went silent and leaned closer to the table to listen to Tsunade who was trying to calm herself.
" Shut it Naruto! " Naruto pouted yet still leaned closer to listen to her.
Tsunade lifted the paper closer to her and slowly read it. " I know you're the person I could trust the most, and no matter what, fate had always brought me to you, fate would have proven us right if you're reading this. I know, it's been months or maybe years since you've heard of me, time has been different for me but despite the flow of time I still think of you, I hope you're okay. " Ino squealed and hugged Hinata while Shikamaru hushed Ino for Tsunade to continue. Jiraiya lifted a brow while sending a jealous glare at Tsunade. Sasuke leaned closer while his eyebrows drew in together out of curiosity.
" Everyday, I've been missing you as well as everyone. I am okay right now so do not worry about me, I am finding ways in here to survive. How is everyone? I hope they're okay. How is Naruto? Did he confess to Hinata already? I hope he did. " Tsunade paused when everybody laughed at the blushing Hyuga and Naruto.
" Is Kakashi-sensei still reading his porn? I miss your late ass by the way. Everyone in here is always on time, it kinda sucked. " Kakashi immediately sat up straight at the familiarity of his name, he was certain one person only called him that and that person was not in here.
" Ino, I missed you, I hope you're still visiting mom and dad. I hope you're okay, I missed your hugs, especially this time. Tell mom and dad I miss them so much and tell them I love them. " Ino immediately teared up and stood up while listening eagerly to the message.
" Shizune-san? I hope you're okay, please protect Tsunade-shishou for me please, we both know she might get a little tactless. " Shizune giggled at the same time tearing up.
" Rookie 9 and Team Guy, how are you all? I hope you're still hanging out despite the hardship, please keep each other company like how we were in the base, everybody needs to comfort each other in these trying times. " Naruto wrapped his arm around the brooding Sasuke while everyone nodded and smiled.
" Mom? Dad? I discovered something but it's okay, I had my suspicions already in the past, though now proven, it's a little hard to take it in but I'm happy that I met you both. I know where my real parents are, they must have their reasons, and one of them is to protect me from whatever harm. I love you and I miss you both" Tsunade looked at Jiraiya who smiled softly at her.
" Sasuke-kun. . . Thank you for trying to save me multiple times. I heard you calling out to me many times in my slumber and it calmed my erratic heart and mind. Thank you. " Sasuke looked down while he gripped his pants tightly. Everyone looked at the stoic Young Uchiha who was now looking down and avoiding everyone's eyes.
" Everyone? I miss you all, please be okay and do not worry about me. While writing this letter I am currently okay and surviving. This package might have reached you after days or months, so do not bother looking for me since I am not sure if I am still breathing by the time this reached you. I am currently under Orochimaru for his experiments and projects. I've been injected with several chemicals, experimenting with my body for his activity, so do not search for me, I don't wanna infect you all but don't worry, I'm doing my best here. I am assisting Kabuto so I could uncover their plan, I had little progress but I hope this will help you. I have little time since they have been suspicious of me, especially Kabuto. I had sent you vials and labeled them by numbers. I had also written down the recipe for some useful poisons that will be very helpful for the military division. " Shizune pulled out the vials from the chiller and inspected it while Tsunade glanced at it before continuing on reading the letter.
"Vial 1 is the vial for the virus that Orochimaru is currently working on, vial 2 is the main ingredient of the cure to the said virus, please use it carefully since I get to steal only 1 vial, study it as well for future purposes. As much as possible make many duplicates of it this might save you all from his incoming attacks. Vial 3 is the army drink that I had made for the military or everyone on the field, it will sustain you for 1 week, without rest and food. I myself had tried it and it went well, lastly, vial 4, the most important of all- " Tsunade paused to regain her breathing and heartbeat while everyone looked seriously at her.
" Vial 4, the most important of all, the cure to the virus that Orochimaru had been injecting on himself. Please study it well, I had sent the lists, methods, and process of vials 4 and 3. I had little knowledge of the vial but I had written down what I do know, please continue it for me. I have little time in here and so do you, please do this quickly and surely. " Tsunade bit her lower lip while holding back her tears.
" I miss you all, I really do, I feel lonely in here right now and sad and weak and hurt but just the thought of doing something to help you all lifted my spirit. I know this may not be enough compared to your efforts but please do accept this and after this letter, I want all of you to move forward, please promise me that." Tsunade paused and wiped her tears " I love you all. " After the message, Tsunade finally collapsed back to the chair tearing up while the girls cried their hearts out and the men stayed silent. Naruto looked around at the gloomy faces of everyone.
" H-hey " he wiped his eyes and smiled at everyone while his tears are still streaming. Everyone looked at him except for Itachi and Sasuke.
" We promised Sakura-chan in our hearts to move forward after this letter is read. Right? I think we should do the same as she did, she's moving forward while she's- " Naruto sobbed and wiped his eyes. " while she's tormented and experimented. We should work harder for her. We shouldn't be crying in here and do nothing. " Naruto wiped his eyes and hugged Hinata while crying his heart out.
" Naruto's right " Everyone looked at Rin who had stopped her sobs. " Sakura-chan risked her life for this. She had done maybe 75% of the mission, she did more than enough than any of us. This is our chance to avenge her by working hard for her. " Ino raised her fist and smiled at everyone.
" For Sakura! " everyone followed suit and raised their fist. Sasuke stood up slowly and walked out of the room leaving everyone confused. Itachi smiled at everyone.
" Tsunade-sama you raised a very smart and kind and loving girl. Thank you everyone for coming. As the meeting facilitator, I call to adjourn the meeting. " Itachi bowed and ran after Sasuke.
Minato looked at the slammed door then back to the people in the room. " Everyone in here, I need you to rest today cause tomorrow until we finish this we'll be lacking sleep and rest. " Everyone nodded and bowed and slowly exited the room.
When they arrived at the manor, Sasuke immediately went up to his room and locked himself up. Mikoto looked up at the staircase worriedly at his son's retreating back before slamming the door shut. She looked at Itachi who walked up to her.
" Is everything alright? " Itachi sighed and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
" Just give him time. " Mikoto nodded and was dragged by Itachi to the garden where his father and grandfather awaits.
7 days have passed and they still haven't seen Sasuke. Naruto was getting worried while Kakashi understood the young Uchiha who was still grieving over the pinkette. The past week they had gained progress at the military division while the Tsunade and her team are still figuring out the vials. Everything was working out as they expect Jiraiya thought and silently thanked the pinkette who helped them greatly with the progress.
He looked at the door and saw the young Uchiha enter the office looking colder even more stoic. He grinned at the Uchiha, " Ah Sasuke just in time! I am sending you on a mission. A very important one that only me, you and Itachi know of. " Sasuke drew his eyebrows together and approached the white-haired man.
" I am sending you on a solo mission to travel to Suna and Gaara will meet up with you at the gates. I have prepared the vehicle for you as well as your weapons and armor. You leave tomorrow at dawn where the enemies are tired and everyone's asleep, return immediately after 24 hours. " Sasuke nodded and saluted at Jiraiya and turned around to leave when Jiraiya spoke halting him.
" This is important for you and everyone. " Sasuke sighed and continued walking.
Sasuke entered the kitchen to grab a drink when he saw his mother slicing some vegetables. He glanced at the clock and realized lunch was nearing. He approached his mother whom he hasn't seen for a week. He stood beside her startling her.
" Good morning. " Mikoto grinned at her son and patted his shoulder.
" I thought you went to work? " Sasuke shrugged and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge.
" They gave me a day off since I'll have a special mission that only Jiraiya, Itachi, and I, knew of. " Mikoto grinned and called out to their servants and cooks.
" Go prepare a huge meal and go set the garden. " Sasuke chuckled at his mother who was too ecstatic. He towered over her and kissed her head.
" Call me when everything's set up. " Mikoto nodded and started pulling out ingredients from the fridge. Sasuke looked back at his mother and spoke.
" Oh, by the way, Itachi will be having his day off as well since he'll be having his own mission. " Mikoto grinned even more and nodded at him. Sasuke chuckled and left to go to his room.
He sat beside Itachi who was conversing with his father about clan affairs while he made small talks with his grandfather. He indulged himself with his mother's specialty, tomato soup, and would answer his mother and father's questions between sips.
" Tsunade had informed me about the vials Sasuke, since she needed Mikoto's help in it. " Sasuke paused and placed his spoon back on the table and wiped his mouth.
" Ah, they're still conducting their research on it. " Fugaku nodded at him and glanced at his wife who shook her head.
" That girl, no wonder she's smart, she's originally a Senju. " Sasuke glanced at his father and noticed his mother glaring at his father.
" Ah " Sasuke drank his water and glanced at his brother who only stared at him. Madara coughed and turned to look at Fugaku.
" Who? " His father made a yelp when his mother kicked him under the table. Itachi had to hold his laugh and cleared his throat.
" Oh? Sakura, she's such a sweetie and a genius, they said. " Mikoto smiled and would glare at his father once in a while.
" Ah, the girl with pink hair? I recalled she was very young when I first met her. " This took Sasuke's attention and faced his grandfather.
" She was Sasuke's playmate at the villa's park. One day when I was watching over them, we got kidnapped, I know you all remembered that. The pinkette was there, when Sasuke and I were saved, I told Itachi that Sakura was still in the hands of the kidnappers, so he left me in Shisui's care and saved Sakura. I bet if Itachi didn't save her, she would have been dead years ago. " Sasuke glanced at Itachi who avoided his gaze.
" Hn. " Sasuke drank his tea and watched as his mother's glare moved to Itachi and would smile at Madara. Sasuke sighed and listened as his mother change the subject for his sake. Though he couldn't deny he had always been thinking about the pinkette. He just wished wherever she was, she was safe and will be in his reach soon.
Itachi stared at his brother who spaced out after mentioning Sakura. He was staring at the dishes before him while holding on to the cup of tea. Mikoto glanced at Madara who was also staring worriedly at Sasuke. Fugaku placed a hand on Mikoto's thigh underneath the table and smiled at her. Mikoto smiled back and went back to talking to Itachi.
It was 10 in the evening and he just finished preparing his things for his travel tomorrow to Suna. When he heard a knock on his bedroom door. He made his way to the door lazily and was surprised to find his grandfather at the door.
" Ah Grandpa. " Madara nodded only at Sasuke and made his way inside Sasuke's room. Sasuke closed the door behind him and glanced at his grandfather who was looking at his weapons laid out on his bed.
" You're going on a mission? " Sasuke nodded and approached his bed and slipped the bullets in his pack while placing all his guns in a case.
Madara slipped his hands in his pockets and pulled out a small pouch. Sasuke stared at the pouch and went back to placing his guns inside the case.
" You'll be needing this, though this may be old tech but it's still useful, I had specifically made this according to your DNA and capabilities. " Sasuke grabbed the pouch and stared at it. He pulled out a vial with purple liquid in it.
" People say I was corrupted because I worked with evil people. Selfish because I kept this and used only by me. Crazy because I was able to create a chemical that could change your perception, give you power, that no one thought would exist. People said many bad things about me, but I just wanted the peace that only can be achieved by me. This is my secret that I will carry in my grave and I hope you'll do it. If people find out about this, they will get greedy and would do anything to get their hands on this power. So don't let them. " Sasuke nodded at Madara who was staring at his window.
" When you drink that Sasuke, there's no going back. " Madara handed him a booklet then walked towards the door.
" Visit me in my chamber if you have questions. For now, study it to know the power that I am talking about after that burn it. Leave no trace. " Sasuke nodded and looked at the booklet.
Madara exited Sasuke's room and a few minutes Sasuke stood in the middle of the room, looking at the purple vial.
" I see grandpa made his visit and before you intake that, think through it. Once you have it Sasuke it gives you the power and there's no going back. " Sasuke looked at Itachi who was leaning on his door frame.
" Ah " Itachi nodded at Sasuke and turned to leave.
" Take care in Suna, I'll be gone for a few days so return home as fast as you could. " Sasuke nodded and closed the door when Itachi disappeared in his sight. He sighed deeply and started reading the booklet while preparing the fireplace in his room.
He had fallen asleep at 1 am after reading his grandfather's secret and knowing of its consequence he was on the verge of doubting when he realized that the side effect may be countered because of the new technology after talking to Tsunade at midnight about a possible cure. He was not surprised when Tsunade knew of it since young Tsunade had been working with Madara on a few experiments.
He slipped in his wrist device and wore his contacts. After that he exited his room and walked towards their garage, he entered the room, placed all his things in his car. He saw Itachi enter with a backpack on his back and wearing his bulletproof leather jacket. He glanced at his wristwatch and saw it was already 3 am. He glanced at his brother who pressed the button to open the garage, Itachi then approached his Suzuki Hayabusa whom he loves so dearly. Sasuke rolled his eyes when his brother wiped his motorcycle before smirking.
Sasuke had to agree though his brother's Suzuki Hayabusa was one of the fastest in the whole world and expensive. Itachi had to add more cash to have it customized according to his preferences.
Sasuke smirked and approached his supercar, Lamborghini Sian, though it was not as fast as his brother's motorcycle but his car was specifically tuned to his wants. He had it sent to the military base for him to tune it, to strengthen it. His car had always been the star since it costs millions and he had upgraded it to his likings. Making its case and windows bulletproof. His car though has experienced damage but he as the engineer for its upgrade made it easier to replace it without any company help.
" I see you upgraded your Sian again. " Sasuke smirked proudly at his brother who ignored his haughty look.
" I installed a new system in it where I have a clear GPS and call it CCTV from the satellite on where the car is and it is connected to any satellite all over the world which would be helpful before, during and after an ambush. Also, it will send my current location and video directly to my base if any accidents do happen. " Itachi looked at his brother both impressed and annoyed. He had always have believed in his brother's capability in engineering but he never expected it would be this too great and important.
Sasuke on the other hand looked tired and bored.
" Close it after you leave Nii-san. " Itachi nodded as his brother entered his car and zoomed out just in time for their large gates to open. Itachi chuckled at his brother who was showing off his car's speed but Itachi would disagree with it. Sasuke's Sian might be techy but Itachi's Hayabusa is speed lightning fast.
Hello! How were your holidays? I hope it went well. My Christmas was sad and depressing. Typhoon Rai or Typhoon Odette had struck our city badly, the roofs were blown away, buildings were topped down, we've got no internet and electricity for weeks. Water was needed, we've got no drinking or tap water. The typhoon did not only strike us but maybe half of the island in my province was struck as well as neighboring islands. The internet has still not been fully restored as well as the electricity.
Kinda sad that 2021 ended so sadly, and now a city nearby is on Alert Level 3 for Covid-19 due to Omnicrom Variant. I hope y'all doing well. I'm sorry for the late update I had to face my problems, which is a priority in our situation. Nevertheless, ENJOOOOOOOOY!
Take Care
lovelots,
Luna