The Return

Chapter 14

Taka

Shortly after leaving the village, Sasuke headed towards Orochimaru's hideout. After getting his mission from Kakashi, he felt terrible for not picking up on Sakura's feelings over the past few weeks. He thought she'd come home late at night and went straight to bed, but the more he thought about it, the more he remembered hearing soft sobs coming from her room. Despite seeming so cheerful and fiery during the day, there was no way she could have people dying on her watch and not be affected by it. He swore that while she took care of the injured in the Leaf, he would act on her behalf and put a stop to this rogue band's ploy.

He arrived in the darkness of the surrounding forest that afternoon. He gave his regards to Yamato, who was on duty watching Orochimaru, and headed down into the depths of the snake's den. The dark cavern reminded him of times he'd rather forget. That said, the bonds he formed with Team Taka were just as irreplaceable as the ones he had with Naruto and Sakura.

Once inside, he walked a little way until he came to Orochimaru's main lab space. Bright fluorescent lighting made the place seem much brighter than usual. Back in his day, all the labs were shrouded in darkness and lit with torches and lamps. Now, it seemed more scientific, but it was still cold at the same time. 

He sensed a presence approaching and instantly regretted recruiting his old team. Still, there was something about them that reminded him of Naruto and Team 7. He'd just have to suffer through the drama and try to get them to focus as best he could. Particularly when it came to...

"Sasuke! Hey, you. Why don't you visit anymore? You know I get lonely" Karin ambushed him, clinging tightly to his arm.

Just ignore her and she'll leave you alone, he thought to himself. Still, he couldn't help but feel bad for Karin. After all, he attempted to kill her as well. He pinched his brow, the memory of his past crimes still haunted him every now and then.

"Do you have a headache, Sasuke?" Karin reached up and tried to touch his forehead. Thank god Suigetsu found them before she got ahead of herself.

"I thought I heard Karin's tears of joy" he smirked.

"Suigetsu, you jerk! There were no tears!" Karin punched him in the face.

Sasuke sighed, it looked like the team was back together again with their usual antics.

"Looks like everyone's here" Juugo strolled in quietly on hearing the commotion. "What brings you to the hideout, Sasuke?"

"SUIGETSU!" Karin punched him again.

"Enough, you two," Sasuke said coldly. "There's something I want to discuss with all of you."

"Sasuke" Karin rushed back over to him. "What is it? Are you coming back here to be with me at long last?"

"In your dreams" Suigetsu chuckled. "You're Sasuke's last pick I'm sure."

"I'm gonna kill you!" she cried before landing another blow.

"Suigetsu! Karin! I said that's enough. Calm down and listen up!" he said with a bit more force.

"My, my, Sasuke raising his voice. That's something I haven't heard in a long time" a voice hissed by the door.

Sasuke sighed, at this rate he'd never be able to help Sakura. Thinking about her put him back on mission though.

"I don't have time for this nonsense, there's a reason I came here" he indicated. "There's trouble in the Leaf and I need your help to stop it."

"Ah, you mean the Akai Hebi, don't you?" Orochimaru hissed knowingly.

"Akai Hebi?"

"The Red Snake, they're a band of rogue shinobi that have rather anarchist views and operate much like the Akatsuki."

"Do they also use a chakra-stealing poison?" Sasuke inquired.

"Well, who can say?" Orochimaru shrugged in a not-so-subtle way.

Sasuke gave him a sharp look, demanding to know the truth. It would be just like his former teacher to have already analyzed the poison's properties.

Orochimaru chuckled. "Perhaps if you could obtain a vial of the gas, I could formulate an antidote."

"If I do collect a vial it'll be going to Sakura, not you" he countered. He knew Orochimaru just wanted it for himself and not to protect the Leaf in any way. 

"Ah yes, the young kunoichi. How is she doing? It's been quite a while since I saw her last. I still remember our first meeting at the Forest of Death" he grinned, licking his lips with his snake-like tongue.

Sasuke almost reached for his sword, sensing a threat, but remembered the mission. His teacher was simply trying to provoke him, nothing more.

"What? What's going on?" Karin asked worriedly.

"You can tell us, Sasuke" Suigestu indicated slyly. "We all know she's your girl-"

"Suigetsu!" Sasuke said sharply. He looked over at Karin. Despite all of the hardships he'd put her through, he knew she still cared for him. If she knew about Sakura and his relationship, she might not join them, making the team unbalanced and ineffective.

Orochimaru grinned. "I'll give you the data I've collected so far and then you four may take your leave."

Sasuke and his team gathered around as Orochimaru explained the coordinates, profiles, and potential radius for the poison gas. It wasn't going to be easy, but as a small elite team, he was sure they could pull it off.

"Alright, is everyone in agreement and willing to go?" he asked cautiously.

"I suppose," Karin said nonchalantly, although he could tell she was secretly just as excited as Naruto. Suigetsu and Juugo nodded their agreement.

"Alright then, Team Taka will leave effective immediately." He turned and took the lead as they headed back out into the sunlight. Wait for me, Sakura, he thought. I'll be home again soon.