Dream Skirmish

Chapter 6

The blonde woman sighs heavily, rubbing her temple with both her hands. "Why did I agree to become Hokage? I should have known there'd be this much paperwork involved..."
Tsunade casts a look around the room before gingerly opening a drawer and pulling out a small Saki bottle and taking a quick sip before swiftly hiding it again when she hears footsteps approaching her office. Once the person knocks, she hurries to seem a bit more organized with the papers lying on her desk before allowing them to step inside.
"Ah, Kakashi, just the man I need to see."
"Really? Why?"
"I need your updates on some recent events... I'm sure you know which ones I mean."
The white haired man nods, stepping closer to her. "Yes. The Orochimaru, Hell and Blacky issues." The woman hums and nods, placing her hands together as she leans against her desk. "Starting alphabetically, Blacky has almost made a complete recovery from her wound. Besides some pain she seems perfectly stable."
"That's good to hear, what else can you tell me?"
"Just that her mood has been darkened lately. She blames herself for the fact Kabuto got away and she won't let it go."
Tsunade sighs and runs a hand through her bangs with closed eyes. "I was afraid of that... Is she under surveillance?"
Kakashi nods slowly. "More or less. She's with Jiraiya and Naruto, so I'm certain she's in good hands."
"If you can consider Jiraiya's hands as good... Now, what of Hell and Orochimaru?"
"The same as before. Their locations are unknown to us and we can't even be certain if Hell is still alive or not. There are still ninja working around the clock to find any leads and information."
"Good... I want her found, hopefully alive and well, and I want that creepy snake bastard stopped."
"I think we all do."
"Is there anything else you can tell me that I should know?"
The tall man shakes his head, sliding his hands into his pockets. "No. That's the only relevant information I have at the moment, but I'll bring you any updates the moment I receive them."
"Then you're dismissed for now and keep up the good work."
Kakashi leaves the woman as she begins to physically tense up at the mere mention of her former teammate and fellow Sanin. Fuming, Tsunade arises from her seat and moves to the window overseeing all of the Leaf village and watches the people going about their business in the streets, showing no worry or care about recent events. She rests her arm against the glass, her eyes distant and hollow.
"What are you up to, Orochimaru?" She whispered to herself. "Why Hell of all people... Why her..."

"Why her?!" A pink haired teen yells loudly, fighting back tears. "Why do you care so much about her, Sasuke? Tell me! I want to know why..."
The young Uchiha stops in his tracks, looking over his shoulder with an emotionless gaze, which stuns the female confronting him. She lets out a quick and quiet breath, feeling her heart race when their eyes lock together.
"Sasuke..." She mutters, taking a step closer. "Please... Don't go... We need you here." Sakura shakes her head in denial, little pools of liquid daring to drop from her emerald green eyes. "I need you here..."
"Tsk." The black haired teen turns away and continues heading to the gates, not even bothering to say goodbye to anyone.
Shifting his bag of provisions into a more comfortable position, he stops near the gates, looking down the road that he's determined to follow until he finds Hell and saves her from Orochimaru's plans. He isn't sure what the Sanin wants with his friend, but Sasuke is going to stop him before he can cause any further harm to the young woman. As he motions to continue, a voice from behind him chimes up, sounding as broody as the young Uchiha feels.
"Sasuke, wait up." Neji approaches him, looking dead serious. "I'm coming with you."
"Why would I even let you join me?"
"Because you won't get a choice in the matter... I want to help Hell too, but we both know you can't take Orochimaru down on your own... Even I'd probably lose." He adds, sounding condescending.
With narrowed onyx eyes, Sasuke turns to face the adolescent Hyuga. "Are you suggesting you're stronger than I am?"
"It's not a suggestion, Uchiha. It's fact."
"Hmpf, in your dreams maybe."
They both began walking down the road leading away from the Leaf Village in complete and utter silence. Nothing but the occasional glare is exchanged between them. They continue together until nightfall and set up camp, their tents being at opposite ends of the clearing they take shelter in. Both have their own hearth to warm them, their own rations and both have plans to simply ditch the other while they sleep, forcing them both to ironically not get any rest as one waited for the other to retire to bed first.