Finally, the first chapter of Connected Shippuden. If you have any better story title, I would be glad to use it. If you are reading this story, please go back and read "Connected" before you read this one. Things might be confusing if you hadn't read the first story yet.

Here is the summary: After ending up in the middle of Konoha, troubles arise for the Akatsuki as the villages target the Akatsuki. And the girls will do everything in their power to keep the Akatsuki from dying. Maybe some love will bloom. Rated M for safety, violence, and Hidan.

Hopefully, you guys will like this story more than the other one.

*Edited: April 12, 2012

Hikari's POV

We spiraled downwards towards nowhere. I couldn't see anything but darkness. There was an illumination and I could clearly see Itachi holding a candle with difficulty. The wax was slowly dripping onto his fingers and I could see Itachi grimacing a little.

Kyoko frowned. "When did you get that candle?" she asked. No one had enough time back then to pack anything. We just got out of the house with only what was necessary and left. We didn't think that Itachi would have brought a candle. Did my house even have candles?

"I just thought that we needed it," Itachi said.

Deidara smiled and said, "Thanks, Uchiha . . . Katsu!" Deidara probably exploded what was left of the henchmen back at Isaac's base. He'd just set up bombs there not long ago.

I sighed as we were heading down. I have dived off a cliff before. Needless to say, I am not fond of diving sixty miles per hour toward god knows what. Especially if it is in a place I've never been to before.

And I did the stupidest thing I ever did: scream. Danna looked at me oddly as I was flailing my arms around and wrapped me in his arms. I blushed and stopped moving around so much. He made me feel safe and warm.

Hayden said, "Where are we going to land?"

Itachi thought for a moment. "Hn," he said.

"I think that means that he doesn't know," Kisame said.

Madara put on his Tobi mask just in case we got into the wrong place. "Tobi thinks that Itachi should have made sure where Tobi and everybody were going!" Madara exclaimed in his Tobi voice while glaring at him.

"Aww, I liked you better as Madara, but Tobi's sweet!" Heather said.

"I have to agree," I said. Although I loved hugs, I hated being squished, especially by a hyperactive member of the Akatsuki. It just seemed like an evil S-ranked ninja with plans to take over the world was less scary in my opinion.

"True, I have to say, your fucking Tobi persona is annoying," Zetsu said.

"How do I put up with you people everyday?" Madara sighed.

Heather "hmphed" and looked away.

We had been in there for five minutes already until we saw a little spot of yellow from the bottom. Tsuki and Eiko squinted. "I see another light," Eiko announced.

"No shit," Hidan said. I looked to my best friend. Rita was still unconscious. If only Konan came along, she should have been healed by now.

We were getting closer to the light until it fully enveloped us in it. We were greeted by color. Lots of it, and of course, buildings. We were in Konohagakure: the last place any of us wanted to be in.

My eyes quickly scanned the village. It didn't anyone took notice of us yet since we were on top of the Hokage Monument. However, we knew that the village was in distress. Villagers were running around screaming while other shinobi tried to calm them down.

What could have caused them that much horror? I soon found the root of the problem when I looked at the sky above the village and saw orange. It was the Deva Path with his arms spread open like he was about to use Shinra Tensei.

Let's just say, my instincts got the best of me and I pushed my way off Sasori's arms and sprinted off.

I jumped over buildings and I could see Tobi closely behind me. He was muttering something about not following orders and taking matters into his own hands.

When we got close enough, I gathered all of my voice and screamed, "PEIN!"

He stopped and looked towards me. He quickly took notice of Tobi. He didn't move until we got there.

When we got next to him, Pein asked, "Tobi, you're alive?"

"So is everybody else. We had some . . . issues," he said in his Madara voice.

"Madara," Pein warned seeing me. His Rinnegan eyes flashed emotionlessly.

"He told everybody. It's okay," I said.

"We have to get out of here," Sasori said as he appeared next to me.

Pein nodded, but it was too late. Tsunade and ANBU members appeared. Let's just say that they weren't amused.

I gritted my teeth and said. "Go! I'll stay behind for now!"

"No!" Sasori said. I glared at him and he looked taken aback. I closed my eyes and turned around.

"I'll be fine. I promise," I said. He nodded and the three escaped.

Tsunade said, "Follow them!" in her authoritive voice.

"Oh no you don't!" I said and took out a scroll I got from Danna. Luckily, he gave me ten of his puppets and trained me in using them.

I cornered them so that they couldn't move. Although I'm not as strong as the Akatsuki, at least I could distract them for a bit. I looked over to my right to see everybody else escaping. Eiko seemed to be fighting Zetsu's grip. I smiled sadly at her and everyone else. I saw Sasori looking torn between what to do.

I knew that I wouldn't make it. Then, there was a flash of light and they were gone.

Well, now to kill as many ninjas as possible. I killed the ninjas quickly, some ANBU which I was secretly proud of. After only a few months, I could do this much, but I felt bad killing all of them. At last, I turned to face the captain and Tsunade.

"Capture her!" she screamed as the man appeared behind me with lightening speed. I closed my eyes as I felt my pressure point being pressed.

The last thing I thought was about Sasori.

Madara's POV

In the flash of light, we were pulled back to the entrance of the Amekagure base. "Madara! She's still back there! What the hell are you doing?" Sasori asked.

I stopped. "We had to let her go. She'll be safe. I trust that her life would be spared," I said. 'Hopefully.'

"But, you can't leave a comrade behind like this!" Eiko screamed at me. She was crying and Zetsu still had his arms around her protectively.

"I-I never knew you could be this terrible!" Heather said and I turned to face her shocked at what she was saying. "How could you. You are worst than scum!"

My eyes widened a little before closing. There, I felt that pang against my chest again. "It would be better if you didn't call me that," I said in an uncaring voice. I must be terrible.

"I don't care if you're the leader. I'm going to get her back," Heather said storming off with Eiko following after she got out of Zetsu's grip. I clenched my fist.

Sayuri shook her head and followed them as well as Hayden and Kyoko. Tsuki glared at me. "We're not going to stay here and do nothing," she said.

Sasori looked down. "They need to know where to go," he said. "And we all owe her for giving us a home."

Hidan sighed. "I guess Rita will get bitchy if she wakes up alone," he said.

Zetsu simply melted into the ground. Itachi glared. "You better not do anything to Konan or Pein," he whispered.

Kisame said, "Let's destroy Konoha!"

Kakuzu stared. "What?" Kisame asked as if nothing was wrong. "We are going to destroy it anyways!"

"Stupid," Kakuzu muttered before walking behind Kisame. "If you want to come, you can," he said to me.

"Hn," I said. Am I really that terrible?

"You sure got attached to them," Pein said. I nodded. "You should go then. I guess it makes the Kyubi easier to catch with his anger. I will get Konan and come after you later," Pein said disappearing.

I sighed and put on my mask again. "I guess she's right. Hey!" I said. Everybody turned around. Zetsu rose from the ground slightly so that his head was above it.

"What do you want?" Heather asked. I felt some pain in my chest. Not again! I grunted.

"We should train first. If Hikari got captured, I'm sure she would make up a story for them to trust her. She'll probably go through training, too. You should start," I said.

"Hey, that's actually a good idea!" Hayden said. I had a smirk on my face. Maybe this will work out.

Everybody started agreeing. Heather agreed at the end. Later, she walked up to me. "If you leave anyone else behind ever again, I won't forgive you," she said and walked away.

I sighed. Why is it so hard to make her happy?

Hikari's POV

I woke up to nothing but the dark. I tried to lift my arms, but I found them tied. Shit! I'm in Konoha prison. I sighed as I put my arms down. This is great!

I heard footsteps coming my way accompanied by the dripping of water. I scrunched my nose at the smell of the decaying iron bars.

"You're awake," a voice said. I looked up to see Ibiki. Great, the torturer is here.

"Yes," I said. "What am I doing here?"

For now, I had to try to fake innocence. Ibiki raised an eyebrow. "You killed multiple ANBU members," he said.

My eyes widened in fake shock. "What? Since when?" I asked.

Ibiki said, "You don't remember? Did you remember men with a black cloak with red clouds on them?"

I looked as if I was thinking hard. "I do remember them," I said. Then I gasped. "They're the Akatsuki!" I said.

"Yes, I believe that you have been controlled by them," he said.

"Really?" I asked. "Oh yeah! The last thing that I saw were the Sharingan eyes! Ita- the Uchiha must have controlled me! I'm so weak!" I said. Now I haven't said that in a while. I had been stronger since the Akatsuki came. If I can take on a couple of bullies and assassins, then I should be able to take on ANBU.

"Are you a ninja?" he asked.

"No," I said. "I'm just a puppet master though I don't use them for fighting. I use them for shows. You know, for the little children," I said mentally slapping my head. Great story Hikari!

Ibiki nodded. "What village do you come from?"

"Suna," I answered. No duh, Ibiki! That's where all of the puppet masters are! Like Kankuro . . . and Sasori.

"I understand. Would you like to be a Konoha ninja?" he asked.

What? I looked at him in shock. Was he for real? I could be lying for all he knows and he could take me to Ino's father, but he decided to trust me? "Ninja? I'm not that good am I?" I asked.

"You defeated many ANBU members single-handedly. Of course you are good," he said.

"B-but Itachi controlled me-"

"Because you had skill. Would you rather stay in here or train to be a ninja?" he asked interrupting me. He would give me an option? How nice!

I nodded. "I'll be a ninja then," I said quietly my outer emotions betraying what I was feeling inside.

I sighed though. I'll soon be a missing nin unlike my other friends. Once I get enough knowledge or when Rita comes, I'll have to leave.

"Good. Lady Tsunade will introduce you to team Kakashi!" Ibiki said. I froze. Team Kakashi? That meant that . . . The pink-haired bitch is there! (No offense to Sakura fans)

I groaned. What did I to deserve this? I felt a weight lifted off me as my aching arms fell to the floor. I got up from the floor and followed Ibiki out of the cell. The jail was in bad shape. There were rats running around and some sewer water here and there. Those made me feel creeped out. And the smell of iron was still in my nose. I really hated that smell.

"How long was I out for?" I asked.

"Two days," he said. Sheesh, that travel took a lot of chakra out of me!

"Wow," I said. We continued walking in silence until we reached outside. I squinted as my eyes adjusted to the light.

I saw the Hokage tower in front of me. I sighed as I followed Ibiki up the stairs. Why won't they have fucking elevators? One of them these days would have been awesome.

I sighed again. I have been cursing a little too much lately. Ibiki stopped a door and knocked on it.

"Come in!" came a tired feminine voice. Ibiki opened the door and I saw a blonde lady surrounded by sake bottles. Really? This is the leader of Konohakagure? I kind of liked Tsunade, but this was different. This time, she was the enemy and she was here sipping some sake. She sure was intimidating, though.

Shizune was on the side with Tonton the pig. Ibiki kneeled on the floor as did I.

"Lady Tsunade?" he asked.

"Yes?"

"This young lady would like to be a Konoha nin," he said.

I heard a thump and, "What? She killed our ANBU!"

"Itachi controlled her because of her skill. She would be a great asset to the village since she isn't a ninja yet. I would like her to be in Team Kakashi. After all, they need another member (Sai isn't here yet)" Ibiki reasoned.

"Fine! Get Kakashi in here!" Tsunade screamed.

Five minutes later, Team Kakashi came through the window. Tsunade twitched. "Use the damn door!" she yelled.

"Uh, sorry Lady Hokage," Kakashi said ruffling his hair. He looked like the real deal . . . all of them did.

"Why the hell are we here Granny Tsunade?" Naruto asked irritated.

"Don't call me that, Naruto!" Tsunade said. "You have a new member in your group, Kakashi. What's your name?"

"Uh, I'm Kusagi Hikari," I said thinking about a last name.

"Okay, from here on out, Kusagi will be part of your team. She is at least jounin level and your team is missing a member," Tsunade said.

"Nice to meet you Kusagi-San! I'm Haruno Sakura!" Sakura said.

"Hi, Haruno-San! It's nice to meet you too, but you can call me Hikari," I said in a cheerful tone. Why the hell am I befriending her? I guess it wouldn't hurt to pretend.

"Only if you call me Sakura," she said.

"Okay, Sakura-chan!" I said.

"I'm Uzumaki Naruto and I will be the Rokudaime Hokage! Believe it!" he said.

"Nice to meet you, Naruto-San," I said.

"No formalities," he said.

"Sure."

"And I'm Hatake Kakashi, the leader," Kakashi said and we shook hands.

"You have to be under strict supervision because we are putting you under probation. Here is your hitae-ate," Tsunade said holding out the headband.

I took it and tied it on my arm. "Here is your jounin uniform." I took the green vest and the pants.

"Arigato Hokage-sama," I said.

"You will be living with Sakura-chan for the time being if it is okay with you Sakura?" she asked. Sakura nodded and I mentally groaned. No! My life is officially over!

"Let's start training!" Narto said as he exited . . . Through the window.

"Use the damn door!"

I sweatdropped as Kakashi and Sakura opened the door and left I followed close by. There were the stairs again and I groaned. At least it was better going down than up.

I followed the three to the training fields which included a ten minute walk with people whispering things about me because none of them knew me, but here I am in a jounin vest like I was here for all of my life.

"So, Hikari-chan," Sakura said when we reached some tree stumps. I vaguely recognized one as the one Naruto was tied to during Kakashi's test.

I turned to her. "What do you specialize in?" she asked quizzically. Seriously? Did these shinobi not know that I attacked them yesterday?

"Oh, I specialize in puppets and weapons," I said.

"So, like Kankuro-San?" she asked.

"Yeah," I said thinking about the young puppeteer.

"Are you good in taijutsu?" she asked.

"Not really," I said. It was the truth. I couldn't hit anybody well. The most I could do is break someone's nose . . . or I can break some pink-haired girl's head.

"So we should work on that!" she said.

"Okay!" I said.

"I should teach you how to do a chakra infused punch," Sakra pondered.

That's great! I always wanted to learn that.

"Okay! So you have to focus your chakra into your fist and punch down!" she said.

I sweatdropped. "I'm not really sure how to control it," I said. "I don't even know how to walk on water."

"Really?" I nodded.

"I just became a ninja, but they said that I was at least jounin level," I said.

"Then we should work on your chakra control first!" she said.

"Thanks!" I said. Even being with the worst character in Naruto has its ups and downs. I sighed. I missed Rita. I wonder how everybody was doing back there, but I didn't want to go back yet.

I focused my chakra as Sakura told me to do and looked up at the tree with determination. I'll do my best.

I collapsed to the floor breathing hard. According to Sakura, I had good chakra control. Naruto popped up next to me. "Let's go to Ichiraku's!" he said.

I feigned confusion. "Ichiraku's?"

Naruto gasped. "I have to take you there! It has the best ramen in the world!" he exclaimed.

We all followed him to the ramen shop. We lifted the curtains and sat on the wooden chairs. The scent of noodles assaulted my nose. It really was a nice smell. Teuchi and Ayame were cooking up ramen and guess who I saw sitting there on some of the chairs? Hinata's team. I smirked and looked back at Naruto. Even if I have to kill him later, I want to see some action now!

We sat down on our seats as the Hyuuga heiress turned red. "U-Uh N-Naruto-kun," she stuttered.

"Oh, hey Hinata-chan!" Naruto said.

"U-um w-who I-s y-your f-friend?" she asked.

"Oh, her? She's Kusagi Hikari. She's a new ninja and she's in our team now!" Naruto said.

"Yup, and I'm teaching her in chakra control," Salura said. "She's catching on really fast."

"N-nice t-o m-meet y-you K-Kusagi-San," Hinata said.

"Me too, Uh," I said pretending not to know her.

"Hyuuga Hinata," she said.

"Nice to meet you, Hyuuga-San!" I said.

"N-no, H-hinata is just fine," she said.

"Then you can call me Hikari," I said. Hinata nodded.

"I am Yuuhi Kurenai, the team leader. It is nice to meet you," Kurenai said.

"Aburame Shino," Shino said. So much for an introduction.

"And I'm Inuzuka Kiba and my dog is Akamaru," Kiba said pointing to Akamaru. Boy was he big!

I immediately reached out to pet Akamaru. His hair was soft and puffy like a marshmallow. I always liked dogs. I guess that doesn't change. I only act like myself around the Akatsuki.

"It's nice to all of you! I hope that we would be good friends," I said. According to the timeline, Danna was dead and the Shuukaku was already captured. I looked warily at Sakura. I wanted revenge even if Sasori did revive himself.

After Naruto's feast of ten bowls of ramen, we began to leave for each other's home.

"Bye Hikari-chan!" Naruto screamed and waved his hand at me. "Bye Sakura-chan!"

"Bye Naruto!" we both said as we walked our separate ways. Now I was stuck with her. I wonder how this will turn out.

So, this is the first chapter. Phew.

Any suggestions and comments are wanted. No flames please.

Please review.

Over and out Karin Taicho!