Hello, readers, well this will be my first Naruto fic that I have published in fanfiction and for any of you touchy people it will be Akatsuki orientated. They will be the protagonists… villages will be seen as the bad guys and if you do not likie… don't read.
Also I am in the search for a Beta for this story and if you are interested, please PM me… all that is necessary is a well rounded knowledge of Naruto both manga and Anime (fillers and all, and to the latest Japanese episode that as been aired). I know, I know, I am asking perhaps a lot here… but I need help in making sure things are going good, that the characters are canon and that the story I'm telling fits in with the background that we have been provided.
One thing, I did change the time of Konan's death and Tobi/Obito wasn't able to get his hands on Nagato's rinnegan... his body had already disappeared.
I know I am rambling here and that none of you care and just want to get on with the story and I will only say this once… cause I'll most likely forget in the future to say it again. I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS!
Sweet world it's over, dream time is over
Another story comes and goes -Akeboshi-
In a cavern near the edge of Kawa no kuni (River Country), seven pair of eyes looked at one another… some of them expressing their surprise more openly then others.
"Pein what is the meaning of this?" a bored voice demanded, staring down at his hands in disgust.
Blue eyes snapped towards the red head, still in too much shock to be able to find his voice. The last thing that he remembered was staring at the younger Uchiha before his Ultimate Art exploded.
Ringed eyes looked around the room; he had not expected all of them to return. He would have to figure out what it all means after he explains what at least he already understands to his subordinates. His eyes flickered towards the sharingan wielder. Well he wasn't the only one that had some explaining to do.
"Settle down," his calm voice spoke above the others, demanding the attention of six of the deadliest shinobi of the last generations. "As you can all see, we have return to the world of the living."
Hidan resisted the urge of responding sarcastically.
"Yes Pein, but how?" Konan spoke up.
The rinnegan wielder sighed, "after the unpredictable death of Sasori. I placed a jutsu on our rings to use the chakra that we have donated to the statue and used the chakra of the beasts to restore us back to full health."
The room remained silent, more than a few members not understanding why Pein would risk the stability of the statue, in making sure that none of his members died.
"That still doesn't explain why I am here?"
Pein nodded, "if I were to guess, I would say that your real body remained alive long enough for me to perform the jutsu. Since you have been present since the sealing of the first two beasts, there must have been enough of your chakra stored up for it to work."
Sasori grunted in acknowledgement, though still loathed the idea of being human.
"Well that answers that, however what are we supposed to do now, hmm?"
Pein resisted the urge to shrug, in all honesty so many things have changed that he wasn't sure what to do. Though, he understood that it wasn't in the world's best interest to let a group of shinobi such like themselves loose, without a purpose or goal.
"Pein-san, I believe it will be best to tell them the whole truth." The Uchiha decided to speak up.
The other four looked between the two, curious as to what they were talking about; really leaving Pein no choice. However, he was going to force the truth out of Itachi first.
"Very well, but I believe you are better suited to explain what is going on, Itachi-san."
The stoic ninja sighed; he really should have seen this coming. Though, admittedly he was still distracted over the fact that he was in perfect health and his eyes are as sharp as when he was eight.
Itachi remain silent for a few seconds, debating if it will be wise to trust these criminals with his most guarded secrets. Yet, it wasn't as though Pein was really giving him a choice.
Exhaling he related his clan's history; the one that Konohagakure no Soto (Hidden Leaf Village) has tried so hard to forget. When he gets to the part about the elders ordering him to whip out his clan, the eyes of every nin narrowed. To the same extent this confirmed the beliefs they all held about what the Hidden Villages really are, a bunch of hypocrites that abuse the trust that their shinobi place on them.
He looked directly at Pein as he explained his reason for joining Akatsuki. "I came into this organization to keep an eye on a certain person; this person was also the one that helped me with the massacre of my family in exchange for not attacking Konoha."
"Fucking great, so you are a fucking spy!" Hidan yelled in annoyance.
The stoic Uchiha sighed; he really didn't enjoy explaining himself, but if he understood what Pein was planning then it would be best to have these shinobi on his side.
"Not in the complete sense of the word, in incense I agree with the goals of this organization: peace throughout the Shinobi Nations. However, I do not agree with Madara's methods; the beasts' power should not be harvest into such a weapon."
Deidara snorted, "ironic how it was that power that brought you back." Itachi shrugged. "Though, who is this Madara?" the Iwa-nin added.
"Uchiha Madara, or as you knew him, Tobi, was the real leader of Akatsuki," answered Pein.
The room filled with a tense silence, this news was more surprising then Itachi being a spy.
"That is impossible, Madara would be older then I and if I recall correctly the first Hokage killed him," objected Kakuzu.
"Plus, why would he pretend to be such an idiot?" added Hidan.
Deidara was shaking. He could not believe he was tricked in such a way. He had been his partner for nearly twelve months and he would have never thought the idiot was anything more than an idiot. Plus, he hates being made a fool and to be thought of as only a weapon. If he wanted that he would have stayed in Iwagakure
"So what do you want to do?" asked Sasori, bore with all this drama.
"I have been informed that Madara is planning to declare war on all the shinobi nations to be able to capture the last two jinchūriki. He has allied himself with Kabuto and Uchiha Sasuke's Team Taka."
Itachi's eyes narrowed, "what are you talking about, Pein?"
Pein smirked, "it would seem that Madara has told your brother a version of the truth behind your clan's massacre. He is now hell bent on getting revenge on Konoha for the way they used you."
Itachi sighed; his brother is so predictable yet now Pein has given him a reason to join this war.
Deidara growled in annoyance, stupid Uchiha and their habit of escaping death in impossible situations. That was his Ultimate Art and nobody should be able to escape!
"The five great nations plan to meet in Tetsu no tochi (Land of Iron) to discuss Akatsuki that is when Madara plans to make his declaration. I myself feel that Madara is a threat that we cannot ignore and will have to confront. His idea of peace is just an illusion, a genjutsu to be franc."
"I don't see a fucking reason why we should worry, let the idiotic villages and Madara kill one another!" Hidan Grunted.
"Yes, Pein-sama, why do you wish to interfere? The villages mean nothing to us; we have all been used by them… and betrayed. Why should any of us help them?" Sasori contradicted.
The others nodded, except Itachi that was planning on how to get his otouto to see reason. Pein nodded, understanding where they were coming from.
"Anyway, wouldn't the villages come after us once they realize we are all alive, hmm?"
Hidan looked at Deidara in surprise, 'since when does Blondie ever make sense?!'
Konan looked at her old friend; she knew that he wished to make up for his past mistakes and to help Naruto achieve their sensei's dream. Nagato knows that the Akatsuki is a force to be reckoned with and will provide a great advantage in favor of the Great nations. He just doesn't want to explain his reasons to the others and the others aren't going to follow him blindly; they never have.
"This isn't to help the villages," Konan said, surprising them all. She normally never spoke in these meetings. "We will go against Madara to show him that we are not just tools that he can manipulate. We are shinobi that are feared by even the greatest of the villages and he believes that we are just pawns that can be played with and sacrificed as he wishes. We will not fight for the sake of the villages that have condemned us since childhood. We will also demonstrate to said shinobi that believe us weak our true power."
Deidara inclined his head, as well as Nagato, Itachi and Sasori. She did give them a good excuse as to why they should join the incoming war, but something was still missing.
"What of the bijū and the statue?" Sasori stated their thoughts.
Pein narrowed his eyes that power was ultimately theirs. "That will be our other goal; all of us here are linked to the chakra within the Seventh Path. We shall go after it and make sure that no village obtains that power."
A few of them smirked, this was something they could all understand and agree on.
"What of the others, un?"
"The moment the jutsu activated the link to Madara, Kisame and Zetsu broke. The statue's power will only work for us."
Itachi's eyes narrowed, "and what do you plan to do with it?"
"We will discuss that once Madara is truly defeated, though it will be something that we decide as a whole. From now on we'll work as a real team to show the true power of the Akatsuki."
Kakuzu grunted teamwork really isn't his thing. The number of partners his killed during his years in Akatsuki should be a testament to that. However, he felt as though he really didn't have a choice; Pein wasn't going to let any of them leave if they disagree with his ideas.
The group slowly started to nod to show their agreement, though it was reluctant for a few. Itachi only knew that he needed to find a way to save his brother and if Pein really didn't have anything planned against Konoha then he will stand with him.
Nagato sighed inwardly in relief, now it was time to start getting things ready. "Good, now at the time we are residing in our base near the border of Kusa (Grass) and Ame (Rain). We will all rest for a day to get used to being back, afterward we shall move out."
Everybody nodded, yet Sasori couldn't help but glare at his hands once more.
Konan's eyes harden, "what has become of Amegakure?"
Pein's expression darkened, remembering everything he was told about his village after his death. "Following your death by Madara's hand, Konoha and Suna shinobi moved in. They have taken the shinobi loyal to us into custody under the pretext that they wish to know how we manipulated a whole village. That will be our first move before we head to the summit; we shall reclaim our home."
There were a few who grunted in disagreement, yet no one voiced it. They all knew that they needed a secure place to reside and Ame and its civilians have stood by the Akatsuki for the past years.
The room was silent for a few seconds until Pein dismissed them, reminding them to rest and to get ready for a battle. They will not be able to let word get out that any of them were alive until the time of the summit.
As the members began to leave, Deidara remembered something that had been bugging him since the start of the meeting.
"Pein-sama didn't you use to have orange hair, un?"
-o-o-o-
The hours passed and a thin layer of tension could be felt, for the first hour Sasori quietly complained to Deidara about how all his hard work had been for nothing. Deidara did his best to hide his amusement.
Hidan was thrill that now he could continue his work for Jashin, his god was going to be pleased.
Itachi stood in the library staring out into the drowning sky.
"Things not go as you expected?" asked Pein as he entered the room.
Itachi grunted, reflecting everything that happened during the last two years.
"I notice you weren't surprise that I knew your secret," he said walking towards the shelf.
"I have never thought you incompetent." Itachi said in a monotonous voice.
"However, you've thought me a fool." He said matter-of-factly, "For listening to Madara all those years ago."
Itachi shrugged, "he offered you a way to achieve your dream and at that time you were grieving the death of your friend. Anybody can relate."
"Though the others didn't act as you expected?"
"They were more accepting then I would have imagined."
"Don't underestimate their intelligence, a few of them have been suspicious for a while now. Sasori and Deidara were the first to voice this." Itachi raised his eyebrow. "I informed them to not worry that you have never acted against the organization or have shared our secrets."
Itachi clearly heard Pein's unsaid warning/threat, "dully noted."
"That being said, if given the chance would you return to Konoha?"
Itachi sighed, he had been thinking of this for the last hours. Nonetheless, he already knew the answer. "No I won't be going back, Konoha no longer holds the prospect of a peaceful life any longer; at least not for myself."
Pein sighed inwardly, pleased that he wasn't going to have to fight the Uchiha.
"Very well..."
-o-o-o-
Night passed without incidents and the Akatsuki member ready themselves for what was to come. They knew that they would eventually spill blood once more. As dawn approached the eight shinobi gathered around the entrance.
"As we enter Amegakure, we will not hide; Ame's people will know of our return."
The group nodded, Hidan and Deidara grinned.
"Remember you are not allowed to kill any shinobi or harm the village in any way."
The previous two grins dropped and they grumbled their disappointment.
"Pein-sama, how many shinobi are in the city?" Kakuzu grunted.
Pein was quiet for a while, calculating how many shinobi each village would be willing to send. "Around hundred at least, they had to have hit the village when the citizens were mourning Konan's death." His expression darkened at the last two words.
There were a few grunts of disgust at the underhanded tactics of the Hidden Villages.
The group travel for the next hours in silence, no one (Deidara and Hidan) dared to speak up. As the group reached the boarder of the village Pein stopped and smirked at the clear sky. Everybody will be able to witness their return.
In a matter of seconds, the seven Akatsuki members stood at the village's gates looking over the busy streets of the village.
It was a girl no older than eight that first notice their presence. She screamed in delight and ripped her hand out of her mother's grasp, running towards the cloak figures with unpolluted happiness.
The girl ran up to Konan and to the surprise of everyone, but Pein, she wrapped her arms around the older woman's waist.
"Tenshi-sama (Lady Angel)! I told Mother that you weren't dead!" A deep chuckle got the girl's attention to the man that was standing next to her tenshi (angel). "Pein-sama you are back as well!"
It was at this moment that the girl's mother appeared, the other members were looking at the crowd as they stared at the girl with anticipation; waiting to see what their Tenshi and Kami (God) will do.
"Kami-sama, Tenshi-sama, forgive my daughter's rudeness! She does not know any better!" The woman fritted trying to pry her daughter from Konan's waist.
Pein lifted his hand to silence the mother; Konan smiled and lifted the girl. "Be proud, you have a brave little girl and child you are right to have faith in us. We will never abandon our village."
Her last words were directed at the crowd and it obviously relaxed. The people started to whisper and Akatsuki saw how the news spread.
It was a matter of seconds later that a Konoha shinobi jump in front of the group. The shock that he felt was fleeting and the blank mask was firmly in place.
"Everybody step back! This is a group of dangerous criminals!"
The crowd turned on the shinobi, "Akatsuki-samas are the rightful lords of this village!"
"Yes, you do not belong here!" another villager joined in. Soon the shinobi was surrounded, he had a bewilder expression, not believing that these people were defending a group of S-class criminals.
Pein smirked and lifted his hand once more; the group instantly fell silent. "You have heard the people, Konoha-nin and you should know that we do not take kindly to trespassers." He inclined his head and addressed the Akatsuki. "Spread out and search the village incapacitate and capture all Suna and Konoha shinobi." With that the five members disappeared, Itachi momentarily appearing behind the Konoha shinobi and as fast hit a pressure point on his neck; causing the nin to lose consciousness. Itachi left not a second later.
"Kami-sama, please help my husband. He was captured trying to keep Konoha's shinobi away." A woman in her mid-twenties ran up to him and knelt at his feet.
Pein nodded he knew that the shinobi that stood with him were arrested and if the Suna and Konoha shinobi what was best for them, Ame's shinobi better not have been treated badly.
"Do any of you know where they are being kept?"
A man stepped forward, bowing his head in respect. "There are rumors that suggest that they are being held in the first level prison."
Konan's eyes narrowed not liking the man's answer. Those cells were known to flood whenever it rain long/hard enough.
"We will get them at once and bring them back to their family." She said tonelessly not letting her worry show.
Pein meet Konan's eyes; they were both dreading the worst. Those shinobi better be alive or the outsiders will surely suffer.
-o-o-o-
It was 30 minutes later that the Akatsuki meet at the central tower. A circle of their prisoners lay at the center. To the relief of Konan and Pein the Ame's shinobi were all alive, only a handful were located on the lower cell were suffering the early signs of hyperthermia. The ninjas that were healthy and that wanted to stood against the far wall.
Nagato looked at the pile of unconscious bodies. "Take them to the cells that you were being held in, but make sure that none of them die. We might need them to be able to reach an agreement with the other villages."
The shinobi nodded and immediately started to haul their prisoners away.
Pein turned towards his members. "Nicely done, we will rest for a week before we start our journey to Tetsu (Iron). Konan will stay here to keep watch over the village and prisoners."
They all nodded and left the room to search for their previous living quarters. Konan turn her glare at her partner; she did not enjoy being left behind and he knows this.
As though reading her thoughts, he turned to her. "You shall be present at the meeting, just as the rest of us. I'm not foolish enough to not think that the Kages won't try to kill us on sight."
She looked at him confused, but nodded. She understands that she was just going to have to trust him and that he'll keep his word.
"Come on Konan, we have work to do."
-o-o-o-
At the other side of the building a couple of floors above them; Sasori and Deidara sat in the kitchen. The blonde couldn't stop inspecting his arms; they were perfect, as though they had never been ripped off. Also to his relief, the mouths on his hands were still present. He sighed, now he didn't need to preform that Kinjutsu ever again. It was just too painful and tiring.
Sasori was still frowning; he had truly forgotten what it meant to be human and have living flesh, emotions were as troubling as he remembered. Plus, during that fight with the Konoha pink hair brat; he had lost his two favorite puppets and his hundred puppets.
It has been hours since they saw leader and the time for dinner was quickly approaching, yet neither of the two artists showed signs about doing anything about it.
Pein entered the room and noticed the eerie silence, "Sasori!"
Said red head looked up and caught the small metal object that had been thrown his way.
Deidara looked over his partner shoulder and gapped. "I thought To-Madara had that ring?"
The rinnegan wielder shrugged. "When we were resurrected that ring lost its connection to the rest, because of that I was able to make this one."
Sasori looked at the ring and put it on his left thumb. As his chakra flowed through the metal and it adjusted itself to his finger; his nails changed their color into teal. The connection between him and the rest of the Akatsuki reestablishing, six different chakras flowed from the ring and he knows that it will be a constant present in the back of his mind.
"Tomorrow we will all go out to train, no matter what happens at the summit we have to be prepare."
The artists nodded.
"Sasori, when you have the time, I ask that you evaluate the condition of Itachi's health."
The puppet master nodded, though this piqued the blonde's attention.
"What's wrong with Uchiha-teme?"
Pein looked down at the organization's youngest member, "nothing that concerns you, Deidara."
Deidara grunted, not believing that for a second. Sasori stood before his partner could say anything idiotic.
"Where is Itachi?"
"In his room, though it would be best to announce your presence before entering."
Sasori nodded before he took off.
Pein turn towards Deidara and gave him a pointed look. "This foolishness has got to end, remember Deidara that it was your temper and recklessness that brought your end."
The Iwa-nin nodded, knowing that what Pein is saying is true, yet the emotionless mask that Itachi always wears annoys him to no end and it just begs him to get a rise out of the Konoha-nin.
"I will try," was the only answer that Deidara could give his leader and Pein understood this. Deidara, though he hid it well carried his own demons and because of this he could relate to his fellow Akatsuki.
Well there you go and I hope you enjoyed it… if you did tell me and if you didn't tell me why. I welcome flames and enjoy hearing what you think.
So one more thing… I have many of the side pairings decided, but I'm not sure who I'll have paired up with Sakura and that will be the most focus and dramatic pairing. So I want you all to tell me, be it via review or PM who you want her to paired up with… be warn that it will have to be someone from Akatsuki and Sasuke isn't even an option. (I'm having issues with him right now… he is an ass for no real reason and doesn't listen to other people).