I woke up with my hands tied behind my back, slumped in a chair. For a few moments, confusion clouded my vision. Then my memories came back, and I sat up, looking at the Akatsuki leader sitting across from me.

"Hatake Kaori, a normal captive of the Akatsuki would normally be dead. Yet your strength and knowledge have changed your fate. Youngest to graduate the Konoha Academy, youngest leader of the Anbu and retired for two years from the services at only 15, I ask you to consider joining our group. The alternative choice is death."

My quick thinking kicked in, and before he could give me the chance to consider, I had found an alternative of my own. "May I propose my own alternative?" His nod was slow, letting me go on. "I work as a sort of maid for your organization, not as an actual member. I can cook and clean, and heal most injuries."

His expression, or what I could see of it, was contemplative. Then, a blonde haired boy ran in, his ponytail uneven and sweat running down his face from running. Before he could say a word, the leader spoke.

"Alright, you may act as a maid for the Akatsuki. As we lack an extra room at the moment, I'm sure Deidara wouldn't mind sharing his with you, as he was tardy for this important meeting. You may go with him. New clothes will be provided for you in the morning, but for now, you should get some sleep."

My hands were instantly untied, my body aching as I stood up. I faced the members of the organization I had been brought up to hate, my posture straight and eyes calm.

"I'm Hatake Kaori, but I'm sure you all knew that," I stated, starting the introductions.

"Hoshigaki Kisame." His skin was blue, and I knew I had heard the name before. He had been one of the seven swordsmen of the Mist.

"Uchiha Itachi." I stared at my former rival. He had barely changed, his hair still black and eyes still cold. "It's nice to see you again, Kaori-chan."

"As it is to see you, Itachi-kun. The village hasn't been the same without our rivalry."

The other members looked slightly confused at our knowledge of each other. Yawning slightly, I urged them to continue introductions.

"Sasori." The red-haired boy reminded me of Gaara, and I decided he was probably from the Sand village also.

"Hidan." Light hair slicked back, and a huge scythe, I remembered the fight from earlier which had resulted in my capture.

"Kakuzu. You provided a better fight than I expected in the desert, Kaori-chan." His green eyes were full of respect.

"Hi! I'm Tobi-kun! It's nice to meet you, Kaori-chan!" The orange-masked man caused me to giggle, his energy astounding.

"Konan. It'll be nice to have another girl in the Akatsuki." Her blue hair had a white paper flower in it.

"Zetsu." One half black, one half white, his large venus fly-trap extensions were slightly intimidating.

"Deidara, un. Come with me, I suppose I'll lead you to my room."

He turned on his heel and walked forward, and I analyzed the members one last time before following him down a long hallway. I pushed some of my snow-white hair out of her face, lengthening my strides to catch up with the blonde. Each door we passed had the kanji for the member's name on it. I was so distracted that I nearly ran into Deidara as he stopped, turning as he opened the door.

"Don't touch my desk, un. And the bathroom is the door on the right."

"I won't; I respect your belongings. And may I borrow some clothes?" I asked as a second thought, looking down at my ripped and bloody attire. He just sighed, going over to a dresser and pulling out a pair of dark pants and a t-shirt, throwing them at me as I walked into the bathroom.

I walked out ten minutes later to see him sculpting a small bird. His gaze turned to me, and he smiled slightly.

"Those clothes are a little big on you, un."

I laughed in response, still looking at the creature by his hands. "That's a cute bird. Do you sculpt often?"

"Yes, un. It's part of my jutsu. I'll tell you about it in the morning. Now, about sleeping arrangements-"

"We could share the bed. I wouldn't want to sleep on the floor or wish that upon you. And I trust you not to pull any stunts."

"Well... I suppose that would be fine, un."