Chapter Three: The Search

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"Damn, are we there yet?!"

I glared at Suigetsu. Karin then hit him hard on the head.

"Ow!! Four-eyed monster!!!"

"Shut the f*ck up Sui-kun!!"

I smirked. Just like the old times. Last night, I decided to search for Sakura here in the Mist. I know that it has been a year after that incident, but after what I heard yesterday, that my wife is alive. I didn't have anymore second thought and immediately called the gang this morning.

I need their expertise.

I know that we have to start from scrap. With only the location those bastard conducted the operation, of which Shikamaru told me; but I can't give up now. Not now that Sakura probably needs me as much as I need her.

At last, I now have this strong thread of hope to hold on to.

Sakura, just wait for me.

Moments later, we already reached the location Shikamaru told us. I turned to Karin and she nodded then, closed her eyes, trying to concentrate on the remaining chakra signatures left here over time. I had Suigetsu look around for any clue.

I looked down the ground, and saw a shadow hovering over us, high up in the sky. Looking up, I saw the eagle come down and rest itself in Juugo's shoulder.

"Got anything?"

I asked them. The orange-haired man sighed and shook his head. "No. He couldn't see any sign or trace what-so-ever of Princess."

I sighed and nodded.

Turning my head towards Karin, I saw her look at me and shook her head. "I'm sorry Sasuke. But I can't sense any chakra trace left here. Its been so long, and..."

Before she could finish what she was about to say, I turned on my heel and punched a tree.

"S-Sasuke..."

"Sasuke-sama.."

I heard the two called me but I just ignored them and stared at my now bleeding hand.

Damn it.

This is useless.

How on earth are we gonna find Sakura if we don't even have a clue on where she is this moment?! Fvck! I feel so pathetic!

Its been five years, I still can't find her.

"Sasuke-sama, here."

I snapped back to reality when I saw Juugo giving me a handkerchief.

It was only then did I realized I was crying.

Taking the piece of cloth, I wiped these stupid tears of mine. I'm hopeless. I can't even find my wife. What if, what the others say is true?

What if she is...

Hell no.

NO.

Shaking that thought out of my head, I took in a deep breathe.

"HEY GUYS!! COME QUICK!"

Me, Karin and Juugo haulted and turned towards Suigetsu's direction. My brows furrowed as I ran towards him at full speed.

My heart is racing at this moment!

Could it be?!

I stopped in front of the white-haired man and held him by the collar.

"What is it?!"

But instead of displaying that serious face of his that he had these past few days, Suigetsu smiled at me and raised his hand in front of my face.

"I think we got a clue."

When I recognized the familiar object, I immediately let go of his shirt and stared at it with wide eyes.

It's...

Our wedding ring.

A lump formed in my throat as I held the ring in my hands. I can't be mistaken.

This is the same silver ring that I wore on her finger the day God bonded us together. Yes, it may have some dirt on it now, but this is her ring!

After recovering from the shock, I swallowed and asked him.

"Where did you find this?"

I saw Suigetsu shrugged and pointed towards a lake.

Soon enough, I sensed Karin and Juugo join us and looked at me with a questioning facial expression.

Suigetsu spoke,

"I found that ring in that lake. It wasn't wasn't located at a deep part, so I easily spotted it."

Lake?

I looked at the ring again and slowly, a small smile formed on my lips.

Sakura..

This may be the first step in finding you. But I know that this is all worth it.

You're worth it.

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