3 Months Later
Sasuke sighed and assisted the last Suna evacuee in one of the planes that will set off towards the evacuation center to-god-knows-where. When the old woman finally entered the plane, Sasuke jumped down from the platform and jogged toward Naruto who was talking to Gaara.
" Bad news Sasuke, Minato just called, Orochimaru just sent him a threat video. Check this out. " Gaara grunted and showed him the holographic video through his phone.
" Kukukuku, Minato, what a waste to see your growing city dying slowly. How many men are you going to bait for you to just simply surrender like how Kumo simply surrendered their seats? FGN will continue to use you all as baits and shields to protect their seats and egos. Are you going to wait for more bloodshed before you realize things? I hear you've been hiding your people together with Gaara. What a cowardly act but hold on to your pants cause I will soon find you. You will see my wrath soon, you will see your villages turn to ashes once I release these bombs. " Orochimaru moved out of the video and showed an army of mutated armies behind him. The video ended with Orochimaru's hysterical evil laugh echoing in the background.
" That bastard, what is his objective in this shit? " Naruto blurted out as he hugged his gun to his chest.
" Was Minato successful with the relocation of the evacuees in Konoha? " Gaara shook his head at Sasuke and slipped his phone into his front pocket.
" That's why he called, both of our planes got bombed just an hour ago, sadly only 20% passengers in the plane survived, together with 6 crews and 13 Jounins. we lost a total of 34,000 people for Suna and Konoha. " Gaara sighed gripped his gun and slipped it into his gun vest bag.
Sasuke stayed quiet while planning a strategy for their current situation. " What of Konoha? What's the stat? " Naruto glanced at Sasuke sadly then looked down.
"It's worst than we thought teme. They had also bombed Konoha, HQ is the only building that was left untouched because of our bomb and bullet-resistant walls. The Hokage tower a historical building had finally crumbled. The Senju, Hyuuga, and Uchiha districts are now merely plotting land. Malls are basically ruined temples now. The medical center is still standing tall but it's empty and bloodied. Sadly, Dad can't even tell me, his and mom's location for their safety. Everyone under Rank Anbu had scattered and we can't even contact some of them. " Naruto teared up and crouched down on the ground.
Gaara glanced down at the sad blond and looked at Sasuke who was also staring at the blond.
" How's Hinata? " Gaara said as he pulled up the blond.
" She's fine, she was assigned as a medic in the evac center after the bombing, but what concerned me is that nobody's heard or seen Kakashi-sensei and Sakura-chan. When the bombing happened Sakura-chan together Kaka-sensei went out, ready to relocate since they'll be heading here to Suna but it has been 10 hours and they didn't report nor called. Their location in the GPS disappeared from the map. Tsunade is freaking out right now but we can't do anything but wait for them. " Naruto looked up and stared at Sasuke.
" And to make things worst, Itachi and Shisui were the back-ups of Sakura and Kakashi, and they also went missing. The elders are now, making up shit that Sakura was the mole and must have brainwashed Kakashi and your brother and cousin. They're currently arguing about it that's why the conversation had to be cut short. "
Sasuke froze in his spot and stared into space while facing Naruto. He blinked and glanced at him.
" So what do we do now? " Gaara spoke and crossed his arms, despite being a rank higher than the two, he was impressed with their skills and strategy and had been dependent on the two's plan ever since they were brought to Suna.
" We search for them. " Sasuke turned around and started walking to the van parked just a few meters away from them.
" How? " Sasuke ignored Naruto's question and opened the van and sat on his swivel chair while typing on the holographic keyboard.
" I told you we can't even contact them, so how are we going to find them? " Sasuke smirked when the monitor showed a map of Tanigakure's tallest mountain then a red dot appeared.
" Seems that the last location that was recorded is in Tani. That's where the ambush must have happened."
" But how did you- " Naruto slumped down to the floor and leaned at bunker beds.
" I for a fact know that Itachi must have given Sakura the weapon that she and I made in Oto. I left it in Itachi's care since it was a high-calibrated weapon that has not yet been presented and evaluated. It's the only weapon and no duplication was made. 3 months ago, during the evacuation, I instructed Shisui to give the weapon for Itachi to use but he declined and said he'd hide it. But just 7 hours ago, it had notified me that the weapon was used and an already installed fingerprint and DNA were signed in. " Sasuke leaned back and zoomed in on the map through a controller.
" I have not yet signed in Shisui nor Itachi's prints and DNA in it, the only person who had access to it is- " Sasuke paused and stared at the two who were now seated inside the van.
" Sakura. She must have used it when they got ambushed. Did you receive the last location ping? " Gaara whispered and rubbed his temple and walked towards the monitor and double-tapped the screen, zooming the map even more.
Soon the map showed a 3D holographic of Tani's central district, which is filled with buildings and is only a few kilometers toward the entrance showing the lined direction to Suna.
Sasuke looked down at the 3D map and then back at Naruto and Gaara.
" It's best if I go and rescue them. " Naruto protested and stood up ready to argue with Sasuke when Sasuke held up his hand.
" I can track down Sakura faster than you could, and I have better powers than you that fit for solo missions. " Gaara sighed and nodded.
" He's right, but I cannot allow you to go alone, go take your team, you need someone to assist you but I suggest you bring a different vehicle. A faster one, not like this van that moves too slow for any ambush. " Gaara pulled out the keys from his pocket and threw them at Sasuke.
" Take care of Shukaku. " Sasuke nodded and walked out of the van and rode his motorcycle.
" I'll contact you when I'm about to leave. " Naruto nodded and sent him a smile while Gaara sent him a salute.
Sasuke arrived at the military base and saw Karin, Suigetsu and Juugo waiting just outside Shukaku. Sasuke got off his big bike and glanced at the military vehicle. The sand-colored vehicle blends with the surrounding, making it invisible to the naked eye, not until you stare at it longer. He gave the car a good tap and listened to the quality of its walls and was glad to know that the vehicle is bulletproof.
" Ey, long time no see boss. I see your hair is now longer and you're back to your color, last time we saw each other you were a fucking vampire. " Sasuke smirked at Suigetsu antics and nodded at him in recognition. He glanced at Juugo who was now even more buff while Karin's hair is even more uneven, but she had gained a few muscles.
" Time to rescue your damsel in distress? " Sasuke snorted at Suigetsu and rode the vehicle.
" So where to this time Sasuke-kun. " Sasuke turned on the vehicle and showed a holographic map zooming in.
" To Tanigakure. " He whispered and he glanced at Suigetsu and Karin who were seated at the back while Juugo adjusted his seatbelt. When the 3 were all seated, Sasuke turned on gear and drove off at full speed.
Sakura looked around as she clutched the medical sling bag with her other hand that now secures the soldier pills that Gaara's men will be needing. She looked around and used her other hand to pull out her laser-infused pistol.
" Of all places to get separated it had to be in Tani. " Sakura cursed quietly as she moved from building to building, avoiding the rampant mutant-like zombies. She moved to jog towards the mountain, it took her another 30 minutes to survey the area then she placed her wristwatch near her lips.
" Tenzō, where are you? " Sakura cursed when the line gave her a static reply. She looked around and moved to stand near the cliff, 60 feet below. She scanned the area, giving her a wide view of Tani.
" Crow? Flicker? Stat, please. " Sakura bit her lip in fear as the sun starts to paint the skies orange and pink. When she heard another static she sat down on the ground and leaned on the tree. She pulled out her only bottle of water and drank the last liquid slowly. Despite getting even more thirsty, she remained seated and pulled out her weapons, she had 1 pistol hanging from her belt, 1 rifle that has the fastest reload in their HQ, and her last magazine of bullets. While the gun-sword that she had been protecting was safely attached to her hip.
She glanced at the setting sun, in hopes that no lurking monster will be bothering her tonight in this area.
Sasuke parked the vehicle just at the outskirt of Tani, he stared at the entrance of the city and then realized that it was bigger than it looked. The mountain became the walls of a hidden cavern, perfectly hiding the village between the breasts of the earth.
" So how are we going to find your brother? " Karin said as she leaned at the window while taking a view of the surroundings. Sasuke stayed quiet while thinking of the possibilities where Itachi or Shisui would run to if they got ambushed.
" I know where. " Sasuke turned on the vehicle and drove through the gates. He sighed thankfully that Gaara's beloved car was a silent car, that not even turning on the gears would make a sound. Sasuke drove through the streets and he saw the underground train station just a few meters away from them. He then got off the car while Suigetsu followed. Karin and Juugo moved to the front seat where Juugo took the driver's seat.
" Karin, Juugo, wait for my call, stay on standby all the time and be careful of the surroundings, it's getting dark, and the mutants will be lurking at this hour. " The two nodded and closed the windows then drove off.
Suigetsu followed behind Sasuke as he prepared his sword and sniper. " Why would your brother and cousin stay in here when it's dark. " Sasuke ignored him and continued looking around the now low-lighted area. When they arrived at the waiting area Sasuke then proceeded to walk towards the entrance of the train bus. He walked at the edge while feeling the walls of the station.
" Why here? " Sasuke paused to glare at Suigetsu then proceeded to walk not until he felt the steel door.
He opened the door and turned on the flashlight when he only saw darkness.
" Your couz and bro must be creepy people to hide in the dark. " Sasuke only grunted at Suigetsu as a reply while following the wet trail.
" My my my, you do know me, brother. " Sasuke smirked when he reached the end and saw Itachi and Shisui, sitting on steel chairs looking calm and untouched. The flash-ball on the floor gave little light to the room.
" Dude why here? " Suigetsu said as he pointed at the leaking ceiling and walls filled with tubes for pressured air and water.
"It's something you will learn when you explore places. " Itachi spoke calmly and drank his water while Shisui nodded.
" And, they always have food packs in here. " He added as he chewed the last piece of chocolate bar.
" Tani is famous for its huge mountains, and huge roots in the underground, this tunnel will take us to any part of the city, but its the best area to run and hide to confuse the enemies. " Sasuke informed him as he walked towards Itachi who was seated near the light.
" And- . . . " Itachi paused then glanced at Sasuke waiting for him to continue the sentence.
" And underground train stations, lead you to underground tunnels, giving you the perfect place to enter and exit without getting seen or captured. " Sasuke smirked at Itachi with a smug look.
" The perfect maze " The siblings both whispered loud enough for the walls to echo it in the entire room.
" Damn, and I thought you Uchiha's are only vampires. " Shisui laughed at Suigetsu's joke and patted him on the back.
When Sasuke and Suigetsu finally adjusted to the eerie tunnel, Itachi pulled out a map and another flash ball, a white circular-shaped fiberglass that glows brighter than a flashlight.
" Shisui and I have already located some areas on the map and possible entrances and exits just outside the walls of Tani. " Itachi pointed out 3 areas on the map and then glanced at Sasuke who was listening to him.
" These 3 areas are the easiest and nearest yet it has the most complex buildings above. " Itachi pointed to another part of the map as he continued explaining. " This street is a mutated infested area due to the dimly lit area, it's between the hospital building and the local council building. Though Shisui checked the area, it was no use since it was empty and ransacked. " Shisui pointed to another area and started pointing to another area
" These two areas have connecting tunnels, it's a safe tunnel but it's too eerie and wet since this is the sewage. So it is gonna be disgusting but when you go through another tunnel in here, it will lead you to the dam, another side of the entrance but it's an emergency exit for us since many tunnels are connected to the dam. " Sasuke leaned back a little to look at the holographic map.
" How about the mountains? Are there any tunnels leading to the mountains? Or the mall? " Shisui shook his head while Itachi nodded at him. Sasuke sent them both a confused look then glanced back at the map waiting for the two to fully explain their miscommunication.
" Hn, this will lead you to the mall, though, Itachi and I knew this will lead you to the mall but- . . . but the tunnel's walls have collapsed. We tried another tunnel but it seems the tunnel surrounding the mall has all collapsed, we find it suspicious. A mutated freak must be trapped inside and we'd rather have it trapped and bomb it. " Itachi grunted at Shisui's statement, showing his disagreement.
" But we fear that there might be more civilians in the mall, so we'll have to enter the mall through its doors though- . . " Sasuke nodded at Itachi who have paused momentarily, and was now in deep thought.
" Though it is possible that the snake's henchmen are situated in there since we got ambushed in that street and the mall is guarded securely, just an hour ago, we were able to detect footsteps just on the mall while we're in the tunnels below it. " Suigetsu scratched his head as he tried to sink into the conversation.
" So why not skip the mall? " Sasuke glared at him then glanced back at his brother.
" We can't since either Kakashi or Sakura is inside. " Suigetsu looking more confused stared at the three Uchihas.
" That's where Sasuke last detected the weapon Sasuke made, probably Sakura used it or Kakashi, but that's where it was lit up before the connection got lost. " Suigetsu made an oh sound then nodded at them.
" What's the safest route then? " Shisui sighed and pointed to another part of the map.
" We go to the mountains, on the streets. "
" We discovered no tunnels leading to the mountains, but there is a cliff just a few kilometers away from the mall, giving the perfect view of the whole city, or that's what we predicted. " Itachi added and then turned off the map and the two flash-balls, darkness immediately enveloping the room.
"It's best if we go as a group, I see that there's no need to get separated in this maze city. " Sasuke said and stood up. Even in the dark, he could see Itachi and Shisui glance at him then nodded. He squinted his eyes with doubt when he realized that Itachi and Shisui weren't mutated so how can they see in the dark?
He watched as Shisui and Itachi led the walk back to the train station, he walked behind, while Suigetsu was gripping his shirt, as he guided the white-haired man in the dark. Still in thought, he kept stealing glances at his brother and cousin who have been silent as they maneuver them back to the light.
They stopped just at the stairs waiting for Suigetsu to finish the call, who went to the end of the stairs looking for a better signal to contact Karin. Sasuke kept staring at the two who had been quiet, adding more mystery to their demeanor.
" Two ways, we go up or we go straight. " Sasuke said as he gripped the steering wheel as they all stared at the glass door of the mall. Itachi who was seated beside him surveyed the area before glancing at Shisui who was seated at the back, sandwiched between Karin and Suigetsu.
" I say, we go up. Bring your best men since this will be a 4 man team. " Karin pouted at Itachi and snickered at him.
" How did you know it's a 4 man team when you haven't even checked the number of enemies inside. " Sasuke glared at Karin while Itachi glanced at her. Karin was left shocked when she saw Itachi's side profile and blushed then looked away. Shisui chuckled, even more, adding more embarrassment to the redhead's face.
She couldn't help but get flushed at the Uchiha men who were looking handsome no matter the dirt on their faces. Suigetsu glared at her then smirked at Sasuke.
" Trust the Uchihas, they're known legendary prodigies. So, I'll go with ya boss. " Sasuke nodded at Suigetsu and waited for his brother and cousin to suit up.
When the three exited the car, Juugo who just finished surveying the area and caught the keys that Sasuke tossed. " Same strat, I'll call, but this time, make some space at the back and if you could, have Karin prepare the medical kits, in case of emergencies and casualties. " Juugo nodded at Sasuke and watched the three Uchihas sneakily walk to the side of the mall followed by an obnoxious white-haired man.
" Do you think they'll actually defeat the enemies inside when there's only 4 of them? " Karin asked when Juugo entered the vehicle.
" 3 and a half, I doubt Suigetsu will be at par when it comes to Uchihas, specifically these 3. " Karin nodded at him while continuing to stare at the backs of 4 men who were now running at the side wall of the mall.
" Geez, just a year ago, we had normal cars, now we have flying vehicles and magnetic shoes. " Juugo grunted in response as he moved to hide the car further from the mall.
" Well, well, well, look who's here? " Sasuke looked around when they reached the 3rd floor. They had spent the last 2 hours, going around the mall, looking for civilians until they reached the 3rd floor where they found 3 civilians cuddled up inside the Janitor's closet.
Sasuke glanced to the side and saw Kakashi holding the hand of a 10-year-old child. Sasuke smirked at Kakashi with a smug look, " Didn't think I'd see the day, I'd be saving the ass of my mentor. " Kakashi only sent him a chuckle and nodded while the kid ran to her older brother who was standing behind Sasuke.
" Kakashi " Kakashi glanced at his back and saw Itachi and Shisui approaching him just when they finished surveying the room. Kakashi nodded at them in acknowledgment and went back to stare at Sasuke who instructed the three civilians.
" Hmmm, I see that you still have not found Sakura though lets set that aside, we've got 16 enemies below, all armed, no vest though, just 4 hours ago, I heard collapsing on the ground floor so I'll bet that they're stuffing new mutants in that area. " Itachi handed Kakashi a bottle of water and then showed the map of the mall.
" Hn, then Shisui was right that they are hiding mutants in here. Though we still cannot blow this place up if we cannot assure that there are no more civilians, especially on the remaining last 2 floors. " Shisui nodded at him then kneeled down on the floor.
" We'll have to split up, Suigetsu bring back the civilians to safety, while we distract them, Kakashi and Sasuke, you'll exactly have an estimated 20 minutes to run down the halls and find more civilians while we delay the enemies. " Sasuke grunted at Shisui then kneeled beside him.
"It is best if Itachi and I do that while you and Kakashi look for more civilians, you can see more in the dark and run faster than I do. " Shisui stayed quiet then glanced at Itachi who was also staring at him the two sent a silent message to each other then Shisui stood up and patted Kakashi's shoulder.
" Okay, let's go then I'll meet you both outside, okay? " Shisui walked backward as he sent the two a mocking salute.
" Ah " Sasuke and Itachi said in unison, when the two disappeared in the dark, Sasuke glanced at Suigetsu and sent him a nod, he watched the civilians follow Suigetsu quietly.
" Most takedowns get to assist mom in her meetings and shopping spree for the next 4 weeks. " Sasuke smirked at Itachi and nodded. He watched as Itachi immediately leap off the railings and grabbed the curtain hanging in the middle and slid down to the ground floor. Sasuke followed suit and when he reached the ground floor, Itachi was already fighting off 3 men at the same time. Sasuke pulled out his gun-sword and started blocking and shooting the men.
" Nice gun you got there, it looks bigger, I say, " Itachi said as he ducked down an attack which Sasuke countered with a bang of his gun-sword. Sasuke smirked then turned around then started attacking another enemy.
" one," Sasuke said as he blocked another attack from behind.
" and yes, I had time, going around for 4 months, it's enough time to think and create. " Itachi smirked at his brother's statement then pulled out a rifle then shot the enemy in the head just when it was about to stab Sasuke from the back.
" two "
The brothers continued their attack, even when outnumbered they were able to take down half of it until the enemies were all found lying on the ground.
" Kakashi must have miscalculated we only fought fifte- . . . " a loud bang was heard, stopping Itachi from talking, he turned around and saw Sasuke pointing his gun towards him. Itachi glanced back and saw a freshly shot enemy collapsing behind him.
" nevermind. Let's go, search for that mutant then let's start planting. " Sasuke nodded and jogged to follow Itachi.
When the brothers reached the crater on the floor they were shocked to find it empty. Sasuke kneeled down to look around the dark hole while Itachi looked around.
" There's no trace of life for mutated freaks in here. They're all dead. " Sasuke spoke quietly as he stood up and approached Itachi who was even more shocked.
" Seems like me and Shisui and I made a mistake. " Itachi moved to stand back and stare at the crater.
" I know who made this. " Sasuke stared at Itachi who looked at him with a shocked face.
" So you're saying that Sakura made that crater? While Kakashi was lazying around the 3rd floor, Sakura was fighting off some mutants? " Shisui said as he glanced disappointingly at Kakashi who was ignoring his glances.
" Don't get me wrong, we got separated, just didn't think that all along we had stayed under the same roof. " Kakashi clarified as he sent a glare to Shisui.
" The mall was too big for even Kakashi to know the situation though, I'm sure your wristwatch must have beeped or notified you about a nearby comrade. " Kakashi sighed and lifted his arm, silencing Itachi.
" Sadly the watch gave in, I couldn't contact anyone, the signal here in Tani sucks unless you're using old-fashioned radio like that. " Kakashi said as he pointed to the radio Karin was holding.
At the back Karin, and Juugo sat quietly while Karin was healing the scratches of the civilians. Itachi nodded as the three Uchihas sat in their seats quietly, looking at the walking mutants on the street.
" We'll have to go tomorrow and find Sakura or Gaara will have to send another rescue team for us. " Sasuke said just as he leaned back. Itachi who was seated behind him stayed quiet and glanced at Shisui's eyes who was finally letting sleep overcome him. He glanced at Kakashi who was seated at the front, staring at the now concerned Sasuke.
" I'll message Gaara about your development so he can prepare necessities when we all return. " Itachi whispered and started typing on his pad.
The SASUITA scene was not part of the original script but thanks to Pinterest which showed me photos of Sasuke and Itachi together, I said why not a good fighting scene for them?
Was hoping to create more fighting scenes in this chap but I recalled I still have a lot of chapters to do, trust me when I say I do we still have a long way folks so just drop your review or likes or just enjoy my story.
Hope you are all doing great and doing fine.
Take care and stay safe.
lovelots,
Luna