Ocean Of Blood And Fire [Sasusaku]

Chapter Twenty Three: Sasuke's P.O.V.

"Where's Sakura...?"

Kakashi stepped into the house, looking around for our female teammate.

I looked around as well, expecting her to appear from around a corner and wave at us. But she didn't. I started to grow worried, though I showed nothing. Naruto, however, wasn't so composed. He started freaking out and running around everywhere, shouting her name loudly as if she were hiding somewhere.

Immediately I knew it was useless. She wasn't here...

Tazuna, hearing the noise, came out of the kitchen, looking surprised. "Sakura's gone?You mean she didn't join up with you?"

Kakashi narrowed his eyes, concern for Sakura growing. "No. She didn't. She was with you last time I knew."

Tazuna, sensing Kakashi's rising anger, held his hands up. "Last time I talked to her, she said she had something to do and would be back later."

Kakashi immediately turned to us. "Naruto, you search around the woods. Maybe she went to get some extra training in. Make sure you check the whole forest. Sasuke, go look through the town. Visit all the shops, every home, look everywhere. If you find her, let us know through the comms units."

"What will you do, Sensei?" Naruto asked apprehensively.

With a grim face, Kakashi replied, "I'm going to check in with the Mizukage. See if he knows anything about a break in."

We were confused, but we had no time to ask questions. We spread out and searched for Sakura.

I sprinted towards the village, a sinking feeling in my stomach. I was... afraid. I was actually scared that something bad happened to her.

But she can take care of herself, right?

Right. She was strong, much stronger than anyone would anticipate. If she was attacked, she would have the element of surprise on her side for certain. Anyone looking for an easy target would be gravely mistaken. I had faith in Sakura.

Still, though I knew all this logically, I was still close to panic. After all, emotions weren't ever based on logic. As I ran through the streets desperately searching, running through shops, barging into homes without apology, I was so close to breaking down. I didn't want to lose her. I couldn't lose her. I couldn't lose yet another person that was important to me. I didn't think I would be able to handle it.

And in that moment I realized that I was selfish. I realized that, while I was scared for Sakura, I was more scared for myself - I was scared of trying to live without her. I didn't know if I would be able to.

I hated it, but somehow she'd become one of, if not the most important part of me. I had no idea how, I had no idea why, and I certainly had no idea what to do with that newfound information, but I would delve into it later. I had to find her first.

And thankfully, I did.

And what I found took my breath away.

She stood in front of a long line of people, so tired she could barely stand. She was swaying slightly on her feet, but she stood there anyway, healing them. All the people who couldn't afford to go to the doctor, she was healing them with her own glowing green chakra. I looked around in bewilderment and saw that many more people were gazing at themselves in surprise, tears of joy and relief flowing from the eyes of their loved ones. How many had she helped? How long had she been here, healing those who couldn't get help elsewhere?

Still in shock, I lifted a hand to press the button on my comms, and spoke quietly. "I found her..."

Kakashi's voice crackled to life instantly, relief evident in his muffled voice. "Thank Kami. Okay, get her back here."