Colliding Paths: AU SasuSaku

Solving the Case and New Problem

Naruto leaned back in his chair, absorbing the information with a serious expression. "That tattoo could be a lead. It sounds like the same group we've been tracking."

Sasuke nodded thoughtfully, his mind already considering the implications. "We'll need to check our records and see if there have been similar incidents reported recently."

Sakura glanced between them, her expression thoughtful. "Is there anything else you need from me regarding Mika's condition or her account of the events?"

Naruto shook his head. "Not for now, Sakura. Thanks for the update. We'll keep you informed if we need anything else."

Sasuke stood up, signaling their readiness to leave. "Thank you, Sakura. We appreciate your help."

-

As they walked out of Sakura's office, Naruto glanced at Sasuke. "What do you think about the red cloud tattoo?"

Sasuke frowned slightly. "It's definitely a lead worth following. We'll need to cross-reference it with recent criminal activities."

Naruto nodded in agreement. "Let's head back to the station and get started."

-

The police station gradually quieted down as evening descended, the last rays of sunlight filtering through the blinds of Sasuke's office. He and Naruto had been combing through records and brainstorming leads for hours, determined to uncover more about the elusive red cloud tattoo.

Naruto leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms above his head. "I think we've hit a wall for now, Sasuke. We've been at this non-stop."

Sasuke nodded, rubbing his temples with a sigh. "Yeah, you're right. We need to approach this from a different angle tomorrow."

Their conversation was interrupted by the soft knock on the door. It opened to reveal Lieutenant Kakashi Hatake, his trademark calm demeanor contrasting with the intensity of the investigation. "How's the search going, boys?"

Sasuke closed his laptop, looking up at Kakashi. "We've been digging into the red cloud tattoo lead. Found a few potential connections, but nothing solid yet."

Kakashi nodded thoughtfully. "It's a tough one. Keep at it. Sometimes the breakthroughs come when you least expect them."

Naruto stood up, stretching again. "We will, Lieutenant. Hey, do you know anyone who might have more info on this tattoo?"

Kakashi paused, considering. "There's a contact I have in the underworld. I'll reach out to them tonight and see if they know anything. In the meantime, keep me updated on your progress."

With a nod, Kakashi left the room, leaving Sasuke and Naruto to wrap up for the day. They gathered their belongings and headed out of the station together, the city's evening lights beginning to illuminate the streets.

Outside, Sasuke glanced at Naruto. "Let's grab dinner. We can brainstorm more over food."

Naruto grinned, nodding enthusiastically. "Good idea. Ramen?"

Sasuke smirked. "Sure, why not."

They walked to a nearby ramen shop that Naruto frequented, the familiar scent of broth and noodles welcoming them inside. They found a booth and settled in, ordering their usual bowls.

Over dinner, they discussed their next steps in the investigation, bouncing ideas off each other and strategizing how to approach potential witnesses and informants. The warmth of the ramen and the quiet chatter around them provided a brief respite from the intensity of their work.