Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, because if I did I would make the story centered on the Akatsuki, and I would include more about their backgrounds. Because, really, aren't we all dying to know?
I have something of an idea about where I'm going with the pairings. More about that later…
Remember, this takes place when the Rookie 9 are 20 years old. Neji, Lee, and Tenten are 21 years old.
I'm eating ramen while I'm writing this…but I can't help it! I see why Naruto loves the stuff! (Slurp.)
Oh, yeah. I am going to put in random quotes occasionally, when it fits the situation.
They say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself—Andy Warhol
Present: 5 yrs. After Shipuuden.
The Hokage glared at her paperwork in a futile attempt to set it ablaze. A quiet knock sounded on the door. "Come in!" Tsunade called, looking up.
Three very familiar kunoichi entered.
"You wanted to see us, shishou?" Sakura asked, gesturing towards her two companions.
"Ah, yes. Please shut the door. I have an extremely important mission for you three." They did as they were asked. "Good. Now listen closely, because what I'm about to tell you is completely confidential; not even Shizune knows."
Sakura, Ino, and Hinata shared a glance. Then they turned back to their leader and nodded.
"Within the past few years—actually, ever since Itachi died—the Akatsuki have been rather quiet. There have been absolutely no events that could be positively linked to them." Her audience nodded their understanding. "However—that is no longer the case. Recently, several ANBU from Konoha have returned from their missions abroad with no reports of suspicious activity, only to later remember, after it is already too late, that they had spotted the signature cloak of an Akatsuki member. This has been going on for the past couple of months.
"I have reason to believe that there is someone within their ranks that has the ability to alter memories temporarily."
When Tsunade paused, Sakura gravely handed over the Hokage's precious sake. Tsunade took a drink, and then continued.
"Also, the ANBU remembered something odd. There are no reported killings in the areas that the Akatsuki was spotted at."
"Excuse me, shishou, but what does this have to do with us?" Ino nodded, agreeing with her long time friend/rival. Hinata merely looked at the ground.
"I wish to assign you three2 missions." Tsunade held up one finger. "The first is an A-ranked mission, and your success will mean your promotion to ANBU." She held up a second finger. "The second I will assign you regardless of whether the first is a success or a failure. However, it will be easier to complete as an ANBU. Keep in mind that it is an S-ranked mission, and extremely dangerous." She paused. "You will infiltrate the Akatsuki, and remain there for 3 years. Then, by any means necessary, you will return. If you don't, then I will write you off as traitors. However, everyone else will consider you missing nin as soon as you step out of those gates for your mission, and will treat you accordingly. You will even have a whole couple of pages in the bingo book dedicated to each of you. Any questions?"
Surprisingly, it was timid Hinata who spoke up. "Um…Hokage-sama? If the Akatsuki have a member that can alter memories temporarily, then doesn't it stand to reason that the person can also read memories and find out about this mission?" Thankfully, she had lost her stutter over the years. As well as her crush on Naruto, amazingly enough.
"That's a good point. When someone asks about why you wish to join, tell them something that is true, and a good reason for leaving. For instance, Hinata, didn't your father recently disown you and make Hanabi the new heiress?"
"Yes…"
"Events like that. Remember those instead of this meeting. That would probably throw up enough smoke in order to deceive them."
"What makes you think that we'd be accepted, anyway?" Ino blurted out.
Ignoring the blonde kunoichi's rudeness, Tsunade gave them a straight answer that was rather worrisome. "If the Akatsuki are not killing, and are also lying low, that leaves only one possible thing for them to be doing." She paused again. "They are recruiting again. Just like they did two years ago. And if what the ANBU remember is true, they are not looking for any normal members. They are specifically recruiting medics."
Meanwhile…
"Come in," Pein called, not bothering to look up from his paperwork. He heard the door open and shut quietly as the person waited patiently for their Leader to finish. After a moment, he looked up and smiled. "Hello, Lilith."
"Hello, Pein-nii-sama," the young woman replied, also smiling. She wasn't wearing her hat, so her light purple hair was quite visible. "I'm going out to recruit again."
"Again?! That's the third time this month. I hardly get to see my little sister before you're off again…"
"Oh, don't throw me the wounded puppy look; you know it doesn't affect me in the slightest." She pointed to her blood red blindfold.
Pein sighed heavily. It had been worth a shot. "Well, we do need at least one medic, and soon, I feel. I'll let you go, but on 1 condition." Lilith opened her mouth to protest, only to be cut off. "No, Lilith. You're working yourself to death over this. I don't want to be held responsible for that. Besides, the Akatsuki work in pairs. With a couple of exceptions. So, who will you take?"
After mulling this over, Lilith reluctantly replied, "Tobi."
Pein frowned. "Why him?"
Lilith smirked and rearranged her blindfold. "Zetsu is on a mission. The world still thinks that Sasori, Deidara, Hidan, Kakuzu, and Itachi are dead. Kisame is useless for recruiting missions. You have paperwork, and Konan wants to stay and help. I can't find Kasumi and Datenshi. Cean is over at the base in Grass. The other two are over in Lightning, babysitting the base there. Thus, that leaves only Tobi."
Pein stared at her. She had thought all that in less than a minute? "Fine. Where do you plan to go? Do you have any prospects?"
"I think I'll go to Konoha. "I've heard things about the medics there. Three, in particular."
"Really?"
"Yes. Three kunoichi that show great promise in many different areas."
"Then go ahead and brief Tobi, since you seem to know what you're looking for. When are you planning to depart?"
"In two days."
"Very well. Safe journey."
"Now that I can promise."
Turning around, Lilith strode out without another word.
I apologize for the OOC-ness. The next chapter is hilarious, I promise.
Oh! I almost forgot! I saw someone with Sasuke hair yesterday! I couldn't stop laughing, and now whenever I see the guy I burst in fits of laughter. I think he's going to start to wonder what's so funny, eventually.
Review! It gets me into the writing mood!
