With his arm stretched out the window and wind coming into his car Sasuke took his time while driving his way in the outskirts of Fire Country an unknown area between the two countries.

Despite being busy at ANBU, he got a lot on his mind such as when this will end. He among the others is getting sick of getting vaccinated every month but he and the others knew this is just the beginning. He was beginning to fear the health of his parents since they're getting old and he couldn't deny his comrades are getting weaker. The virus is slowly getting into their system and this temporary vaccine is now not helping.

He sighed when he spotted a few men wrapped in PPE's burying another dead body. Aside from the increasing positive cases, mortality is also rising. A few of his colleagues who were assigned in sound were getting sick luckily he and Rookie were still healthy. This solo mission at least gave him enough time to survey other countries to know their state.

From afar he can already see the glimpse of the border of Wind Country. He made a quick stop at the border and was inspected by the military and medics. After a while, Sasuke was still on hold and was questioned for documents as well as his proof of authority to bring weapons inside their country.

Sasuke had to calm himself since this was just purely protocol. So he pulled out a red card that Gaara sent to him, to give him the privilege without question inside their jurisdiction. The medic together with the military immediately panicked and immediately allowed Sasuke to go through.

The military saluted at him after recognizing his name on the card. " We apologize Sir. We will inform the Gaara-sama of your arrival as well as the other authoritative personnel. " Sasuke only nodded and closed his windows and drove away.

He looked around the deserted place and realized, he will be staying the whole day under this heat.

Sasuke made his way through the large gates of Gaara's mansion. Despite being in the middle of the desert Gaara was able to create a beautiful landscape of his home. He could spot huge boulders with growing plants, a lake and coconut trees beside the road leading to the doorstep of Gaara's quiet home.

He parked at the front and was greeted by Temari and Gaara. He had to roll his eyes when Temari approached him ecstatically ready to hug him. He simply avoided her and shook Gaara's hand. Gaara nodded at him and smirked at his sister's attempt.

" I see you still despise my sister. " Sasuke rolled his eyes and glanced at Temari who was pouting while instructing the butler on what to do on Sasuke's bags.

" Hn " Gaara sighed and pointed his hand to the doors.

" Shall we talk? I believe you weren't informed about a situation since you were traveling? " Sasuke nodded and walked together with Gaara inside his home. While Temari followed behind them.

Sasuke sat in front of Gaara while having his breakfast, he couldn't deny he missed Suna's silence. He had been to Suna many times at a very young age together with his parents that's where he met Gaara, Temari and Kankuro. Temari had a crush on him while Kankuro would try his best to get the girl away from him. He spent most of his time with Gaara despite their rivalry. Gaara was a silent eager child, too silent, on the other hand, Sasuke was a competitive little boy, the two don't really look good together but as they grow they both saw their similarities, which is the need for peace and they both had high respect for that need.

" I was not able to talk to you after his death but my sincerest condolences to your deceased father Gaara. " Gaara nodded his head and sipped his tea, taking his time to calm his mind about the subject.

" He was corrupt, he was not a good leader, he was a bad person but he tried to be a good father after mother's death. He tried. " Sasuke nodded at him and sipped his black coffee. He glanced at Gaara who still looked conflicted on his transient feelings that were triggered by the death of his father. He cleared his throat and looked at the beautiful indoor garden.

" Did Chiyo-sama find anything? " Gaara nodded and sighed.

" He was definitely poisoned, it also triggered his heart complications sadly which ended his life. One of our maids did it, it was seen in the retrieved deleted footage of the CCTV afterward. She was working under Danzo. We. . I had no choice but to- " Gaara sighed and placed his cup on the table. Gaara looked at the garden his mother created and his father who tried to preserve.

Sasuke nodded and looked around then back at Gaara. " What is this situation that I was not informed of? " Gaara pulled out his phone and placed it on the table. Soon it showed a holographic video of Kakashi.

" Gaara, I believe we have an emergency right now. We might delay our help to Suna, the moment Sasuke arrives in Suna please inform him immediately to fly to Cloud right now per Great Nations request. " Kakashi cleared his throat and they could hear shuffling of papers. Kakashi then looked back at Sasuke and lifted a folder.

" Jiraiya had informed me of your mission Sasuke, this is much more important than that, so you have a new mission, check your phone I sent you the details. Sasuke leave your car to Gaara, he will be driving here in Konoha together with Temari and Kankuro. Cloud had agreed to our offer and will be assisting us with this mess, especially against Kiri. Kiri had just released news about a new variant that is now affecting Cloud. Fly to Cloud ASAP, Suna will provide you with the plane and Cloud will provide you the vehicle back to Konoha. On your way back to Konoha Itachi will meet you at the outskirts of Sound. Contact him when you're on your way at least you'll both know where to meet up. Good Luck and make this mission possible. "

When the video ended, Gaara took his phone and slipped it inside his pocket. Sasuke sighed and pulled out his keys. He sent Gaara a glare then handed him his keys.

" When I get home, there better be no scratch in Sian. " Gaara chuckled and nodded.

" The plane is at the back, get your important stuff and bring it with you. " Sasuke nodded at him and drank his coffee in one gulp.

He adjusted his mic while checking the stat of the plane. He looked at Gaara who was talking to the pilot then walked up to the plane.

" He'll be flying the plane back in Suna, so he is your co-pilot for today! " Sasuke nodded at the man who saluted at him. Sasuke started pressing the buttons and listened as the plane turned its gear on.

" Kakashi called me a minute ago, he wants you back in Konoha after 48 hours! Since the Minato-sama just announced Konoha at its State of Calamity, Red Level 4! " Gaara shouted at him while looking up at Sasuke who is turning on the gears. Sasuke nodded and signaled the co-pilot to close the doors.

Gaara watched as Sasuke departed with great speed. When he could no longer see the plane he looked at Temari and Kankuro who were waiting at the corner.

" I've met Sakura and had taken a liking to her. " Temari smiled at Gaara and slung her arms on his shoulder.

" Say you remember right, the girl Gaara used to have a crush on. That's her right? " Temari rolled her eyes at Kankuro while Gaara shrugged Temari's arm and left the two to bicker.

The ride to Cloud took Sasuke 2 hours, when they arrived at the country, He was welcomed by Cloud soldiers together with the Officials. Sasuke turned to look at his co-pilot took over his seat.

" Get back safe " Sasuke sent the man a nod who gave him a salute.

Sasuke spent the rest of the day, talking with the officials and department heads about their current state. Gaara, Minato, Chiyo, Jiraiya and Tsunade joined the meeting through a holographic visual call. At the end of the meeting, he went outside and visited a local coffee shop that serves meals that could get him through his travel. After his meal, a soldier approached him and handed him a key.

" Sir, Kakashi-sama informed me about the situation. So this is the key to your room if you want to stay for the night and here's the key to the vehicle that Konoha had requested for you. " Sasuke took the key to the vehicle and looked at the vehicle parked outside the shop. The soldier looked worriedly at him and rubbed his head.

" Uhm, are you sure sir? It's getting really late, it'll probably take you more than 5 hours to reach Konoha again. " Sasuke grunted and glared at the man and turned his back and faced the other soldier and took his bag.

" Just get me 3 bottles of water. " The soldiers nodded and dashed back outside the building. After the man left Sasuke exited the shop and approached the vehicle. Sasuke took his time, he inspected the motorcycle, making sure it was in good condition to travel for hours. He slipped his gun bag on his shoulder. Tied another bag to the back seat of the motorcycle.

" Great, I'll get soaking wet if it rains. " Sasuke grunted and rode the black motorcycle. Soon the soldier came back holding a jacket, helmet and bottles of water.

The man handed Sasuke the jacket and helmet to Sasuke then slipped the bottles in his bag. Sasuke wore the jacket and slipped on the helmet.

Sasuke raised a brow at the man when he bowed down to him.

" Thank you for helping our Country sir! " Sasuke nodded and turned on the motorcycle.

" Continue serving your country soldier. " Sasuke then adjusted his gun bag to his chest then zoomed away.

Sasuke just reached the outskirts of Kiri after two hours of traveling. He made a quick stop outside a local diner and called Itachi. After a few rings, Itachi answered the call.

" Ah? " Sasuke grunted and looked around.

" Where will we meet? I'm at the outskirts of Kiri. " Sasuke could hear shuffling for a few seconds followed by water before Itachi answered the call.

" Hn, meet me at the port of Village of Hot Springs. I'll send you the coordinates and just follow the map in your beloved car. " He heard a familiar chuckle. He rolled his eyes and scoffed.

" Gaara has my car, so shut it Shisui. " He heard a soft 'damn' followed by Itachi's chuckle.

" Then I'll send it in your phone. See ya lil' bro. " Sasuke grunted in reply and looked around then at his watch.

7:15 pm

Sasuke rubbed his temple then wore his helmet again. Realizing it was already 7 pm and hopes he'll reach the destination faster or Itachi will surely leave him behind knowing Shusui is with him. Despite Shusui's playful personality, he was very meticulous with time, a second late or not, when you arrived on time or late he'll leave you.

When he reached the border of Hot Springs, the personnel immediately let him in after realizing he was an ally. After a long drive, he made a quick stop at a diner for his dinner and called Itachi, after a few rings Itachi answered.

" Ah Sasuke, bad news, we'll be a bit late since there's a problem here at the port we're still not in Hot Springs. So it's either I and Shisui will have to swim or wait for the soldiers to leave the port in this place. Sadly we can't swim because of the storm. " Sasuke grunted and drank his water, waiting for Itachi to continue.

" We have informed Kakashi of the situation and they'll contact us when either one of us finds a solution. I sent you the map on the way home, its much safer and- . . . convenient. Head home first, I'll meet you there. " Sasuke sighed and dropped a few bills on the table and signaled the waiter that he was leaving. He stepped outside and looked up at the sky.

" Ah, get back safe nii-san. " Despite not seeing Itachi's face he knows he was smirking.

" Ah " Sasuke ended the call and rode the motorcycle and taking his time driving at the edge of the road beside the beach. Trusting Itachi, Sasuke followed the map and enjoyed the view of the moon and the sound of the ocean. He made a stop and removed his helmet to look at the beach and couldn't help but sigh at the cold wind. Taking his time to enjoy the view since going back to Konoha means weighing more responsibilities on his shoulder. He looked at the sea while remembering certain memories consisting of the moon, the sea, and his brother and the pinkette whom he lost his hope after her last message.

Come back safe nii-san and If you're still there, I hope you're okay. You don't need to come home just be okay and alive.

When he was ready to leave not long enough, he heard moans. He made a face and was about to wear his helmet again when he heard another grunt, a grunt of pain. Sasuke jumped down to the beach from the road and followed the sound. He walked around for a few minutes, not straying too far away from the vehicle after finding nothing interesting. He turned around when his eyes quickly spotted a wrecked wooden boat, not too far. He pulled out his gun and walked cautiously to the boat and found a bag wrapped in plastic, he took the bag and looked around, from a distance he saw a person laying on the ground.

He quickly ran to the person and saw a very familiar color. Sasuke paled and approached the person. He dropped on his knee and turned the person around and saw the familiar face of the person he had been thinking of for a long time.

" S-sakura . . " He shook her shoulders slowly and watched as she blinks a few times.

" I-i m-m-must be d-dead. " She smiled and was about to reach up to his face but failed because of lack of strength. Soon her eyes closed and Sasuke panicked. He placed his finger on her pulse and couldn't help but sigh when her heart kept beating. Slowly he lifted her and rushed back to the motorcycle and carried her to his front while driving the motorcycle.

He decided it was too dangerous to get back to the city since Orochimaru and his men might be looking for Sakura, so he continued driving until he reached a local inn by the road. He made a stop and placed Sakura down behind the bushes while leaning at the bag that she brought. When he knew she cannot be seen, he quickly went inside the inn and booked a room with a big bed.

The girl looked curiously at him then glanced behind him, finding no one with him. Sasuke scoffed then looked away.

" I m-move a lot when I sleep. " The girl nodded at him and handed him a key and was about to sit back again and continue playing with her phone when Sasuke scoffed.

" Do you serve meals? If so, please send it up to my room immediately, also, bring an extra pillow and uhh sheets. " The girl rolled her eyes and nodded then went to the back room. When the area was clear, he made a dash outside and picked up Sakura from the ground and dashed towards his room, which was luckily on the 2nd floor. When he entered the room, he immediately placed Sakura on the bed and locked the door, he opened the drawer and found an extra towel. He wrapped the pinkette in a towel and closed all the windows and curtains. He checked the rooms for spying devices and recorders when the coast was clear he proceeded to take a shower.

He emerged from the shower room with a towel around his waist. He dialed his phone and was about to inform Kakashi he found Sakura when he heard footsteps outside his room. He dropped the call and took his gun. Soon he heard a knock, with his gun hidden behind the door and gripping the knob, he slowly opened the door and peaked.

He saw the girl outside his room, holding a tray of the meal he ordered and, extra pillows and sheets.

He nodded and took the tray and placed it at the table near the door and took the pillows and sheets dropping them on the floor while hiding the view of his bed.

Sasuke cleared his throat then looked at the girl.

" I'll have a guest in the morning. " The girl smiled wickedly at him then winked at him.

" Ooookay, I'll just inform granny in case she saw her. " Sasuke nodded at the kid then closed the door.

Sasuke tiredly yawned and looked up at the ceiling after realizing that he had fallen asleep he immediately sat up and looked at the bed. When he saw the bed empty and the window opens he panicked and pulled the gun under his pillows. He stood up and approached the window while cocking the handgun. He peaked at the window when he heard the door open. He immediately turned around pointing the gun at the intruder and saw the pinkette emerging from the bathroom looking flushed and panicked.

Sakura immediately raised her arms, accidentally dropping the towel. Sasuke stared at her then at her body. When they both realized what just happened. Sasuke immediately turned around and closed the curtains.

" I-i d-didn't mean to. " He heard her scrambling on her feet and heard the sound of sheets. He soon heard her clear her throat. Sasuke turned around and walked to the sofa and handed her a bag.

" Here, I've got extra clothes. The boxers may fit you though the shirt would be loose. " Sakura nodded and took the bag from him. Sasuke turned around opened the door, he glanced at the wall clock reading the time.

11:11 pm

" I'll get us meals, since room service may not be available at this time. So go change, there's an extra gun in my bag, you know how to hold one. Use it in case of emergencies. " Sasuke immediately closed the door and went out.

Not long after Sasuke left, Sakura immediately locked the door and started rummaging for the clothes inside Sasuke's bag. She slipped on Sasuke's shirt and wore his shirt. Soon she pulled the covers of the bed replaced them with new ones. When she was done with the bed, she started sweeping the floor knowing it was her dirt.

She pulled out the gun from his bag and placed it in a safety lock. When she was done cleaning the room she sat on the bed and placed a hand on her stomach wound. She remembered clearly how she got it and couldn't help but thank the two strangers who helped her.

Sakura slipped the 5 vials in her bag the ones she stole from the vault where Kabuto hid all the important ingredients for the virus and replaced them with fake ones. She took all the herbs only found in Ami and placed them all in her bag. She couldn't deny it that the more she tries to cover up her plans Kabuto was getting suspicious of her as well as Orochimaru. So it's either she dies in here or she dies trying to escape and she would rather do the latter.

She looked up at the clock glaring at her. 6:56 pm

Dinner was almost here and she knows that the guards and watchers would take turns eating their meals. By 7 pm, the 2nd shift would start their jobs and the 1st shift would be going directly to the cafeteria for dinner whereas the 1st shift would be passing down their reports to the 2nd shift for 5 minutes and another 5 minutes for the guards to go to their respective spots. So she only has 5 minutes to exit the building without being detected by the cameras or be seen by Kabuto or Orochimaru and another 5 minutes to escape the base and run to the nearest port which is only a 10-minute run.

She tied her shoes and wore the hoodie she stole from her 'teammate'. She slipped on the backpack and gripped the doorknob while leaning her ear on the door listening to the hallway. Not a second later she heard the ring signaling everyone that the meal was ready. When she heard the commotion outside, she immediately opened the door and walked past the crowd, ducking her head and hiding her features.

When she reached the entrance she immediately dashed while gripping the gun in her pocket. She ran outside almost to the gate when she heard someone yell at her. She almost got blinded by the lights shining on her but she pushed herself and ran faster until she was out of the gates. Gaining more speed, she ran faster when she saw more men following her. She looked back and started firing at the soldiers who were shooting at her.

Finally seeing the port. she dashed but was shocked when she felt a sting on her side. She looked down and saw blood seeping from the stomach. She grunted and continued running, ignoring another sting on her shoulder. She was almost near the port when she realized she was falling.

She bit her lip and just prayed her death would be less painful than she imagined it would be. She was expecting a hard hit from the ground when she was embraced by warm arms. She looked up at the masked man while the other was gripping her bag and shooting at the soldiers. She looked around and realized she was being carried while running. When they were out of sight, hiding underneath the port. She saw a wooden boat where soon she was placed gently.

She looked at the masked men who turned on the engine of the wooden boat.

" Don't close your eyes and just go straight, follow that light and you'll reach home. " Sakura nodded and watched as the men pushed the boat further into the sea. She smiled at them then one of the masked men gave her a salute. When she was far enough she watched as the strangers ran to the other side hiding from Orochimaru's men. Luckily she wasn't spotted because of the fog.

She turned her back and had a hard time finding the light until she found it. She bit her lip and would slap her face when she felt like sleep getting into her. She placed a hand on her stomach trying to stop it from bleeding even more. When she was almost near the light, a huge wave crashed into her small boat. She leaned back and watched as another bigger wave crashed her boat to the point she lost her consciousness.

She looked up and gripped the gun when the knob twisted. She lifted the gun and pulled the safety lock. Soon Sasuke entered the room carrying 2 plastic bags. She heaved and dropped the gun on the bed. Sasuke took the gun and handed the plastic bag from her.

" I already called the team, they'll be here around 3 am to fetch us. So go eat your meal, prepare your things, and rest. " Sakura nodded as Sasuke walked to the bathroom immediately as if she wasn't lost for months. Sakura bit her lip and looked down at the plastic. She took out the meals inside the package and peaked at the other and realized they were gauze, tape, and antiseptic for her wound.

She smiled and set aside the meals and cleaned her wounds and covered them to avoid getting infected. When she was finished, she started eating her meals and couldn't help but love the flavors, since the food in Orochimaru's base was always bland to the point her tongue was getting used to it. When she was done. After her meal, she threw the packs in the bin and checked the things in her bag.

Soon Sasuke emerged from the room and went out of the room. Ignoring her presence, Sakura looked up at the closed door and sighed. She laid down on the bed and sighed. She couldn't help but feel sad about the way Sasuke is treating her. She was hoping he'll at least talk to her like he used to but she understands that her disappearance had conflicted him or maybe he was just using her feelings when they were at the base. She could feel the ache at the thought of the latter.

She laid down facing the window and tried to ignore the new feeling in her chest.

Happy Hearts Month! Not so romantic for the month of love but eeyyy, at least they met right? While I was writing this chapter, I was at conflict of letting Sasuke or the two masked men save Sakura, so what I did is I placed both of them, so no conflict will be done. IDK if you know who the masked men are but I surely know that you know who they are. hahaha

Happy reading cause next chapter is gonna suck tbh, trying to revise it as much as I could. Happy reading!

Take Care

lovelots,

Luna