I'm sooooo sorry 🙏 please forgive me! I know it's short, but I got caught up in Attack on Titan 😭 But the next chapter will be longer! I promise 😊

~Kei-chan 💜🎀

Chapter Nine

Unforgettable Stench

Kissing Sasuke was like tasting the first drop of rain. Fresh and reviving. His lips were soft and smooth. They traveled from my chin to my collarbone to my shoulder and back up. I loved it.

"Sasuke . . . ?" I mumbled in between kisses.

"Hn?" I heard him muttered against the dip in my collarbone.

"I need to get dressed," I pulled him back gently by his hair. "We need to get dressed."

"Hmm. . ."He pressed his lips against my wrist. "Why?"

"We have a meeting with the Chief of police," I reminded him. "In exactly an hour and a half. We need to get ready."

"We don't have to do anything," He brought himself back up, leaning on his elbows."Except," He kissed me slowly. "Stay here and continue."

"No," I pushed on his chest. "We are on a mission and we have to go. It's sort of a requirement in this line of work."

Sasuke frowned, "Fine."

He crawled off of me and leaned over the edge of my bed, rubbing his fingers through his tousled hair. He had slept in his room, but woke up sometime around seven and stayed in here with me ever since then. We had kissed and made out so much I thought I would pass out from the lack of oxygen to my brain. The funny thing though is that I wanted to keep going. Regardless of if I passed out, I just wanted to crawl back under the blankets with him and kiss. To let him tangle his hands in my hair and leave little love marks on my shoulders. Just to watch him move was over whelming. He was so fascinating every movement and I could never get enough.

"I have a question," I suddenly remembered. "If you don't mind me asking, that is."

"Hn?" He looked at the floor still.

"That night you left me on the bench . . . the night you left Konaha," I started. "What did you do after you knocked me out?"

"I left," He answered.

"Nothing else? You just left?"

"Yeah," Sasuke stood. "I thought about kissing you, as my way of thanking you for everything, but I figured that it wouldn't be the right way to do it."

"What do you mean?" I questioned.

"To kiss you, I thought that wouldn't be the appropriate first kiss for us," He explained.

"But kissing me after I had gotten knocked out and put in the hospital was?" I laughed.

"Yeah, I mean you were conscious weren't you?" He smiled, a real true smile making my heart flutter.

I shrugged and walked over to my wardrobe, picked out a long sleeved red crew neck and a chevron scarf.

"You, out," I told him as I chose a pair of pants.

Sasuke nodded and exited my room.

After the door had shut, I quickly did a little happy dance. I couldn't help but smile ear to ear. I was so happy and excited for once in a very long time. I didn't even know if I could label us as a couple, but I don't even care. I'm just excited I got to kiss him still.

I quickly got dressed and put my hair up on top of my head then quickly pulled in down when I realized what covered my neck in places. I sighed then brushed it out, letting it fall however it wanted to, and slid on a headband. I picked up the files we had recovered from the cave and tucked them inside of my bag. I had read thoroughly through each of them and noted several similarities. For example:

Patient 103, Kara Centio

Age: 23

Physical: Perfect (ranked 10 of 10)

Form of Death: Broken Hyoid

Kidneys removed, heart removed, lungs removed, and skin taken.

Kidneys transplanted to unnamed female for 5,000 dollars.

Heart transplanted to Nina Takuski for 32,000 dollars.

Lungs transplanted and skin grafted to Elmer Yun for 22,500.

Patient 146, Hans Fiyuki

Age: 28

Physical: Perfect (ranked as 10 of 10)

Form of Death: Broken Hyoid

Kidneys removed, tissue biopsied, and heart removed.

Kidneys transplanted to Angel Posey for 5,000 dollars.

Tissue biopsied to unnamed male for 6,000 dollars.

Heart transplanted to Marco Weston for 32,000 dollars.

Every victim was between the ages of 16 to 30, as well as having a perfectly consistent physical. In other words, they were all young and healthy. In their prime so to say. They all were killed the same way: smothered to death. Almost all of them appeared to be long dead before being picked apart; however, the ones considered fighters were torn apart while being alive. Some bled to death while others died from shock or heart attacks. Brain trauma seemed to reign over many as well.

"Ready?" Sasuke broke my trance.

I nodded, with a smile on my lips.

We made our way downstairs where Naruto and Sai were giving each other the evil eye over hot bowls of ramen. Naruto was sucking up noodles like it was nothing while Sai took his time, eating one noodle at a time.

"What are you doing?" I laughed.

"Naruto is just tired," Sai insisted. "And cold, I think he's cold."

"What would you know about me?" Naruto grumbled.

"What would you know about you?" Sai retorted.

"What's that suppose to mean?" Naruto yelled.

"Hey," I put my hand up. "Be quiet you two. Why can't you ever seem to get along?"

"Because Sai is a dick," Naruto replied.

"At least I have one," Sai smiled.

"Okay, that's enough," I stopped them. "First off, Sai it's very strange how you always refer back to Naruto's private areas when you two are in a confrontation. Second, Naruto watch your language."

"Whatever," Naruto turned around in his seat. "He's just annoying."

"Like you're one to talk," Sasuke commented.

"Oh, haha," Naruto stuck out his tongue. "So funny."

"We need to get going," I reminded Sasuke. "It's twenty til."

"Hn," He nodded then grabbed his coat and mine from the hanger by the door.

"Where are you going?" Sai questioned.

"We have a meeting with the Chief of police," I told him, putting my coat on. "We'll be back before nightfall."

"Okay, be careful," Naruto said, putting his dish in the sink. "An ice came through last night after the rain."

"Rain?" Sasuke and I questioned at the same time.

"You probably didn't hear it over the smacking of your lips," Sai commented, with a smile. "I understand."

I blushed and Naruto laughed.

"I didn't even know it could rain here," Sasuke said, looking out of the window. "I figured it was too cold for it."

"It's possible," I explained. "Maybe the temperature was warmer last night, giving some it some leeway to allow rain in."

"Must've been because it defiantly rained," Naruto laughed. "Ask Kakashi, he slipped on the walkway and hurt his ass."

"His upstairs in the bed," Sai laughed. "With an ice pack on his bottom."

"Poor Kakashi," I shook my head as Naruto and Sai laughed. "I hope he's okay."

"We should go," Sasuke tugged at my arm.

"Yeah," I agreed. "Bye, guys."

"See ya!" Naruto smiled.

"Have a lovely time." Sai said, with his creepy smile spread across his lips.

We opened the door and had to shut it immediately. It smelled so bad outside. Like rotted meat had been left out in the hot sun for weeks. It took my breath away and apparently did the same to Sasuke from the twisted look on his face.

"What's that smell?" Naruto said, from the kitchen. "Did one of them fart before they left?"

"I don't know, but it stinks," Sai agreed. "It smells like something rotten."

"Oh my god,"I took a deep breath. "What the hell was that?"

"Are you guys still here?" Naruto yelled, popping his head around the corner. "Oh kami, what the hell is that!?"

"It's outside," I told him. "As soon as we opened the door, we could smell it."

"Gross," Sai pinched his nose. "Naruto stop eating eggs and ramen."

"It wasn't me!" He protested.

"So I just opened my window and it smells like that meat Naruto cooked one day outside," Kakashi hobbled his way downstairs. "Anyone care to explain?"

"I don't know," I covered my nose. "But it's outside not just in here."

"I don't think I could even possibly stand that smell for a minute," Sasuke mumbled. "You need to call that man and tell him we can't meet today."

I nodded and made my way to the phone in the kitchen. I read the number wrote on the notepad beside the phone designated as the police stations and dialed it.

"This is Detective Palvo, how may I help you?" The deep mans voice on the other end asked.

"Yes, this is Sakura Haruno of the Leaf," I began. "We had a meeting with the Chief today and I'm sure you're well aware of the stench outside, so unfortunately we are not going to be able to make it."

"Understood," He agreed. "The meeting was canceled anyways. There were some things uncovered this morning dealing with the case and the Chief is going to be at the crime scene for the entirety of the day."

"Does the scene have anything to with this smell?" I asked.

"I'm not at liberty to say," Detective Palvo informed. "The Chief is the only one authorized to give away that disclosed information and if you are able to get ahold of him he might tell you."

"I understand," I reached for the notepad and wrote down the detectives name. "Thank you. Have a nice day."

I hung the phone up and turned towards the living room where the guys were talking.

"Sasuke!" I called out. "We have a mission."

"Why just you two?" Naruto stood, arms crossed, in the doorway.

"Well you can come if you want, I was just saying Sasuke and I because we both know where the cave is and stuff," I answered. "You can come if you want."

"I want to join, as well," Sai chimed in.

"I don't think I'm in any shape to be going," Kakashi slowly lowered himself onto the couch. "Why are you even going?"

"I think those caves have something to do with this smell," I told him. "And I would bet money that's where the police Chief is at. I don't know about you guys, but there's something fishy going on with those officers."

"I agree," Sai nodded. "Just the way they acted when you wanted a permit was strange. Their reasoning was illogical."

"What did you have in mind, Sakura?" Kakashi asked.

"First I would like to the if the Chief would let us into the crime scene and if not, which is most likely, we are going to sneak in after the investigation team has depleted," I explained. "Then I think we'll receive some answers, especially about those cops."

"Sounds like a plan," Kakashi said, putting a pillow underneath him. "Just take the head sets so I can keep up with what's going on."

We nodded.

"When do we leave?" Naruto asked.

"As soon as possible," I said. "The longer we take the more evidence they might be destroying."

"Let me put some shoes on and we'll go," Naruto said, zipping his jacket up.

"But what about the smell?" Sasuke asked.

"Scarves," I replied, tugging mine up over my nose and mouth. "I have more upstairs in the closet. Go get them."

Sai and Sasuke started upstairs as Naruto tried jumping into his shoes and fell forward. He jumped back up and slid one on quickly as he reached for his toboggan, falling on his face again. I sighed and grabbed the toboggan, shoving it down on his head.

"Here," Sai said, handing him a red scarf.

"I think purple is your color, Sai," Naruto commented on Sai's purple and blue printed scarf. "How come Sasuke got the grey one?"

"Who cares about the color?" I grumbled. "Let's just go."

"Alright," Naruto hopped up and smacked his stomach. "Let's go!"

We opened the door and pulled the scares tight around our faces. The stench seemed to creep its way in through the thick fabric. It was disgustingly foul. It made me want to throw up.

"Oh god," I heard Sasuke say. "This is disgusting."

The streets were completely empty, creating a eeriness in the toxic air. The wind was blowing quickly, cutting through me like a blade. I put my gloves on as we inched our way over the icy ground to the woods. The stench seemed to grow worse as we neared the trade route. I could hear Naruto make a gagging sound as we came to the entrance of the path.

"Stop!" A voice commanded from behind. "This is an official crime scene for police personnel only."

"We are here to speak with the Chief," Naruto yelled. "It's important."

"I don't think he'll talk to you," The man replied. "He's pretty busy."

I turned to see the a man wearing a gas mask. I couldn't make out any features, but the voice was very familiar.

"Detective Palvo?" I called, quenching my eyes up.

"Where you the leaf nin I spoke with earlier?" He asked.

"Yes," I answered. "It's very important that we speak with the Chief."

"I'm sorry, I can't do that," He replied. "Now go back to your house. There was an announcement made for everyone to stay inside. Don't you watch the news?"

"No," Sasuke answered. "Why are we suppose to stay inside? Did a chemical explode or something?"

"I am not authori-" He started.

"Palvo, it's alright," A voice said from behind us. "Let them in."

I turned back around to see the familiar face of the chair lift operating smiling at us. He was wearing a police vest with the title Chief written across the right lapel.

"We need to disgust something's with them anyways," He nodded. "Come. Follow me."

"Hey, I thought you were a ranger of some sort," Naruto said, following beside Jolly. "Why aren't you at the station?"

"I am a ranger," He laughed. "As well as the police chief. I do both."

"But with the investigation going on, didn't you think being at the police station was more important?" I asked.

"Well, yes, but we thought they were taking our people through that road and as you can see we were wrong," Jolly waved his hand in front of us.

The smell was unforgettable. Everywhere laid body parts. Hearts rotting away. Lungs floating around in pools of blood. The ground looked like a cloudy shade of red cover with loose body parts floating around in it. Some were squashed into pieces and others were still frozen in half melted blocks of ice. The smell rising from the blood bath was completely overwhelming.

"They seemed to have kept the body parts in the back of the cave, where it was frozen solid, to preserve them," He explained. "But the rain seemed to have melted them and flooded the cave as well."

I choked out a silent breath of air an almost puked. This is purely disgusting, I thought. And whoever is behind this is purely evil.

"What now?" Naruto asked, as the police squad seemed to swarm around us.

"Well now," Jolly smiled. "We seem to need new donors."

"What?" Sai asked, as a man stabbed a circular object into his stomach and one stabbed another one in Naruto. "Ahh!"

They both fell forward as one came towards me and I swung at them. Someone behind me jerked it into my back. I fell face down into a pool of blood, my ear filling up with it. The scent of the blood rushed into my nostrils.

"Sakura!" Sasuke called, letting go of the one who had him.

"No!" I called, grabbing for him as the same man who got me grabbed his neck and shoved it into his chest.

Sasuke fell forward as I did the same. The last thing I remember before passing out was Sasuke's hand grasping mine.