I do not own Naruto, the Akatsuki, or anything of this sort. Only my ideas are owned by me!
Chapter 1: Prologue
Kazumi looked around the dark room she just entered. Bowing to the other Akatsuki members was now habitual and expected. "Respect your sempai," was what Itachi always told her. She closed the door behind her. Kazumi raised her eyes (respectfully) and assessed her situation. Kisame was agitated (Kazumi knew why, but was wise enough to hide this information). Zetsu was also acting wary of Tobi for some reason (another fact that Kazumi knew she had to hide from the Akatsuki). Konan was nonchalant as usual and simply was content to stand at Pain's side. Kazumi felt Tobi's presence navigate to the center of the room.
Tobi smiled at Kazumi. After all, being a Junior Akatsuki member was a huge honor for Kazumi he knew that if all went well tonight, the ranks of the Akatsuki would not remain so lank. "Kazumi-chan, do you know why you are here? I have a feeling you do, but in case you would rather not respond, I will accept any silence from you as…"
"Tobi-sama, I am well aware that Itachi-sama is dead," Kazumi replied. She raised her eyebrow as Kisame looked at her questioningly. "With all respect Kisame-sama, having travelled with you two and healed both of your injuries, I have a sense of chakra…I could feel Itachi-sama's fade…"
"Sorry Kazumi-chan…I didn't mean to be so…uh…" Kisame stammered. Kisame was well aware that everyone was watching both him and Kazumi. Angering Kazumi would be dangerous; junior member or not, she was just as deadly as any full-fledged member of the Akatsuki…even more so…
"Anyways," Tobi resumed control of the meeting, "Sasuke and his group 'Hawk' will also be joining as members." At this statement, Kazumi's eyebrows rose and every member of the Akatsuki felt a dangerous power inundate the room…
"So, Tobi-sama, or rather Madara-sama… (at this statement, the remaining Akatsuki members appear to be in shock), you are saying that the ones who killed Itachi-sama will be joining the Akatsuki? So much for loyalty…"
Tobi smiled. Although quiet and reserved, Kazumi always had a talent for obtaining information that people would try desperately to hide…that and her medical talents was a key reason in making her a Junior Akatsuki member so young in life (although she was the same age as Itachi). "Kazumi-chan, you must realize. Not only will 'Hawk' officially become fully fledged Akatsuki members, you will also. We recognize your vast talents and see no reason to why you should remain a Junior Member of the Akatsuki. "
Kisame looked over at Kazumi who looked pale. Well Itachi-san, it looks like your plan to try to uninvolve Kazumi-chan didn't go as planned… "Congrats Kazumi!" Kisame proclaimed as the other members also congratulated Kazumi. Tobi looked over at Kazumi and smiled on the inside. Itachi, you failed. In your pathetic attempts to protect her from us, you kept involving her with our activities. She has refused to leave multiple times and will become a useful tool to the Akatsuki. Tobi cleared his throat, "Now Kazumi-chan, time to meet the other new inductees!"
The door opened and once it opened, the other Akatsuki members developed a feeling that all hell was about to break loose…