Pink Dust

6. A Rock and a Hard Place

I'm baaack! So, so sorry for the long wait for this chapter! As I was in the process of writing it, I was kinda torn between two plots. So, hopefully, this is the better choice and I will see if it pans out the way I want it to! I wrote the last bit in a kind of frenzy so, apologies for any typos or errors!

It is truly an amazing feeling to know that people still favorite and follow this story even though I take so long to update! Also, thanks for the awesome reviews!

I'm sure I don't have to mention this, but it's just in case: WARNING! Some smutty goodness ahead, don't read if it is not your thing.

xxx

Chapter 6: A Rock and a Hard Place

"You want to run by me again how this happened." The Hokage's desk (or what used to be a desk) lay shattered in pieces all over the office. Papers and scrolls lay strewn across the floor as though a tornado had struck the place.

The remainder of team Kakashi stood in the disheveled office after reporting back to Tsunade about what had happened. Each member stood a fair distance away from the enraged Godaime who seemed about ready to ignite. It's to be understood, however. Team Kakashi's mission was a complete and utter failure. Not only did the worst case scenario come to pass, but an even worse worst-case scenario was now realized. Not only did Sakura disappear in a flash of pink light, but also the strange entity which had been their only clue had disappeared along with her. The strange pulsing of chakra had completely vanished, along with Sakura's chakra signature.

They could not do anything to prevent it from happening. By the time everyone had noticed that something is wrong with Sakura it was already too late and she was already too far into the parameter. It would have been even more disastrous if anyone dared follow her.

Naruto had to be restrained as he was fighting so hard to follow after her. He now stood in the Hokage's office, uncharacteristically silent. He could not look Tsunade in the eye. Of course, he felt responsible for what had happened, they all did. They all had a duty to protect Sakura, who was relying on them to do so. With her condition, there was no way she could go through this alone. They not only failed their mission, but they also failed Sakura. Naruto's nails dug into his palms as he clenched his fists in frustration. First Sasuke, and now Sakura. Frankly, he hadn't been able to do anything right. He was pathetic.

Tsunade sighed after her eyes rested on Naruto's aberrant demeanor, but it was Shizune who spoke.

"Who do you all think you are?" She said quietly, her eyes hidden behind her ebony locks. "Who gave you the right to underestimate Sakura like this?"

That was enough to break the heavy atmosphere festering in the office. The room was filled with a different kind of silence now as everyone stared at Shizune incredulously.

"Especially you, Naruto!" She said, glaring at him. "You should have more faith in your teammate. She's not that weak girl anymore because she's been fighting tooth and nail to get stronger. You know more than anyone how much she has achieved, how much she has grown."

"I-"

"She knew what she was getting herself into when she accepted this mission. This is her opportunity to get to the bottom of what is making her so sick. Let's not just jump to conclusions and trust Sakura."

"Gomen ne, Shizune-san." Naruto said, bowing his head. "You're right! Sakura will be able to complete this mission and return back to us no matter what! I have faith in her."

"Yes, Sakura certainly is resourceful." Kakashi said lightly.

"We must trust that she can go through with the mission." Tsunade agreed, taking a deep breath. "But in the meantime. Shizune! Make sure that the parameter is guarded around the clock to ensure we will have the first word of any sign of Sakura. This is still to be kept top secret lest we start a panic."