Ripples

Chapter 13

                            Choices

"They were sighted around here," Kakashi said as the ninja party clattered to a halt on a rooftop.

He glanced around at their surroundings, but there were no overt signs of ninja presence – but then, he hadn't really expected there to be.

At least it had stopped raining.

"We'll make this our starting point," he went on. "And we'll fan out in all directions to search the surrounding five kilometers. Our wireless communication won't reach that far, so for this mission, most of you will have two of my dog summons with you at all times."

With that, Kakashi bent down and summoned his animals, calling a pack of dogs onto the roof among them. He hoped whoever had built the roof had done a good, stable job.

"Kiba has Akamaru, so he doesn't need another companion," the silver-haired ninja continued as the dogs paired off with Sai and Shino. "And I'll take Pakkun. Naruto, since you're Akatsuki's target, you'll be accompanied by Yamato and Hinata in addition to one of my summons. Is that clear?"

Naruto nodded, glancing at the dark-haired girl next to him. Hinata offered him a shy smile.

"Alright, you'll be following the scents of Sasuke and Sakura, but should they ever divide, your first priority is to track Sakura. And if any of you encounter the Akatsuki, flee on sight and return here."

He gestured, and the party scattered – appropriately – like leaves in the wind.

-xxx-

Sakura watched Juugo and Suigetsu jump off into the trees around them with a sigh. There went her conversation-buddies. Sasuke had apparently deemed it prudent for them to split up, and while Sakura had a half-hearted hope she would be allowed to go off on her own and thus escape, she wasn't putting a lot of stock in it.

"Sasuke..." Sakura's attention was drawn by Karin cuddling up to Sasuke's side, her voice taking on a distinctly flirtatious tone. "I've wanted to be alone with you for a while – just send the little girl along now..."

"You have to go too," Sasuke observed dryly.

"What about her?" Karin huffed, pointing at Sakura. "Is she going?"

"No. She stays with me."

Sakura sighed – she thought so. No opportunity to escape here.

After all, even if Sasuke had been unusually clear about his motives in taking her along (they were complete bullshit, of course – she could take care of herself!), that didn't mean she still wasn't going to jump at any chance she was given to get back home.

"Why? What makes her so special?"

"I'm the only one who can keep her from escaping," Sasuke said curtly.

He knew it was true. Karin resented Sakura so much she would probably just let her go. Suigetsu liked her too much to really try to stop her – he might protest, but Sasuke doubted he'd actually fight to stop her leaving. And Juugo...

Well, Sasuke had detected a touch of resentment from the large blonde since his conversation with Sakura last night. If Sakura told him she was trying to escape, Juugo was so devoted to her he'd probably help her.