Chapter 2
It had been a week since he had left Konoha and surprisingly Sakura remained with him. She seemed quite unaffected by the fact that she had left behind her parents. He had been expecting tears and regrets but she did no such thing. In fact, to her, his word was law. It was odd, not even Sasuke had been so obedient. She had been useful, there was no doubt about that.
Many seemed to think they were orphans. True he didn't result in any pity from the villages they visited. There was something about him that gave others the impression that he should be avoided. This was something he appreciated since it was in his and their best interest to do so.
Sakura, on the other hand, provoked sympathy from everyone they passed by. He had been correct to assume the girl would be extremely skillful at deceiving others. With such an angelic appearance, many would offer her free food or help. It was in this way that he ate many meals without having to bother himself with getting. Also, Sakura was in charge of interacting with people when they saw fit to approach them. She appeared to have fun inventing different stories to explain their situation to concerned civilians.
The only drawback to having her along was that they could not travel as fast as he could have alone. The Akatsuki base wasn't far but Sakura couldn't travel at the same pace he could. Also as they went through the villages they had to be careful because he was a missing-nin and Sakura was in fact a missing child. If Konoha searched for her it wouldn't be hard for people to remember a pink-haired child.
He was, however, pleased to see that Sakura was indeed quite serious when she said she wanted to train. In those rare moments that they were resting he taught her. For now it was mostly basic things that she should have known had she been from any ninja clan. She was bright and eager so it was easy for her to learn the basics of chakra and jutsus. She would be of assistance in the future, if he didn't lose interest and followed through with training her.
Already they were only a few miles from the Land of the River, where the Akatsuki base was located. He was expected of course but they had never specified when exactly. This was the only reason he was taking his time. They could get there before nightfall if they continued at this pace.
Sakura usually found the need to talk to him if there was silence for too long. For the most part when they were in towns she talked of things that wouldn't seem suspicious. Usually she talked about training. Now though her curiosity was sparked when he told her that they would arrive at the destination soon.
"Itachi-sensei, what is Akatsuki?" she asked. She had not questioned him much in their seven days together. She accepted that they were going somewhere but her curiousity grew as they approached.
"It's an organization and I am a member," he told her.
"So I have to be loyal to it," she stated, but there was a hint of a question. This was where he would teach her about loyalty.
"No, you do not have to. As my pupil, you are first and foremost loyal to me," he declared and left no room for argument. Not that she had any as she nodded in complete acceptance.
"What does your club do?," she continued, and he felt some hint of amusement at her wording.
"Nothing for now. Some missions will come later on," he responded vaguely.
"Will I get a ring too?" she said staring at the ring on his right hand.
"That is only for members," he replied and she got the meaning in his words.
"Where we are going...what is it?" she queried playing with a strand of her hair rather intently.
"It's the Akatsuki base. It's where all the other members live," he told her. She may as well get used to what would be her new living arrangements.
"Are there many, Itachi-sensei?" she asked hopefully. The girl apparently felt that this would be some new family for her. He found it odd that she had so easily forgotten her real family.
"No, there are only 9 of us since...," he didn't continue and Sakura looked up at him waiting. "We had another member, but he has left."
"Why?" she said with forced indifference. The fake indifference in her voice meant that she would not pester him should he not answer. It was a habit that he quite liked about her. It was good to know she knew her place, because he knew how much she was interested in knowing. At the same time, she was willing to satiate her curiosity out of respect towards him.
"He tried to possess me," he said diffidently. She let out a gasp. She really was too sheltered.
The snake bastard had failed obviously. At only 10 years of age he had been able to defeat one of the legendary Sannin. The man (if that still applied) had left soon after taking his Akatsuki ring with him, a sore point for them. They were to kill him should the opportunity arise. Unfortunately the Sannin was not stupid and had hid himself from any member since.
"Are the other members young?" she asked. Itachi-sensei was in any case still an adolescent although he looked a lot older. When he had told her he was 13, she had been quite surprised. Perhaps there would be others close in age to her.
He was not completely surprised by her question. Truth be told he wasn't aware of the ages of the others. Kisame for his part was a lot older around 25. No one knew about Sasori considering he was always inside his puppet and the others also remained a mystery.
"I am the youngest, I believe," he answered and there was a slightly disillusioned look on her face. "If you were expecting friends, you were wrong, girl."
"It doesn't matter," she replied hurriedly. She was always trying to show him that she wasn't bothered by anything. "As long as you train me Itachi-sensei I will be fine. You will be my..."
She stopped and it was quiet for a while. Hardly caring what the girl had to say he never pressured her to continue. She often stopped her sentences and left them hanging. This time, however, she continued.
"Family."
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They arrived just before the sun set. The barriers were disabled for anyone carrying a ring so it was easy to enter. Otherwise it would be near impossible for someone to enter within 10 miles of the base, which was pure forest. Since Sakura was accompanying him the barrier allowed her to pass. He looked down at his companion as the base came in sight.
In actuality it was a cave. The entrance was dark but there was a hint of light. Despite it's small appearance the base was quite large. Once entering there was a large chamber with 3 pathways. One lead to the Leader's room supposedly, one towards their library, infirmary, and dungeons, and the other going underground to where the members' rooms where located.
It was, in fact, filled with all the commodities needed and because it was underground it was extremely spacious. There were a great number of rooms available and each member had their own quarters.
He'd been here before when on Konoha missions happen to be around the area. It was easy to escape whatever teammates he had on these missions since most knew to leave him alone. So he knew the base pretty well but he was still unfamiliar with what the many rooms in it contained.
Sakura was fascinated by the base. There was something intriguing about the cave something about its darkness and isolation that appealed to her. This was to be her new home and she wanted to smile because she would be living in a cave and it was very funny and fascinating. It was definitely a change from her old small house.
Thinking of her old home made her for the first time in days to think of her parents. While it was true her parents were not abusive, no one would call them caring. They fed, clothed her, and gave her a roof over her head but that was it.
Her father had wanted a boy and often ignored her. He never hid her disappointment in her gender. Her mother perhaps disappointed because of her husband's views had never taken much of an interest in her. The only strong reaction she could remember them having was when she had expressed her dream of being a kunoichi. Her mother had adamantly refused to enroll her in the academy and often reminded her of her shortcomings. Her father looked on disapproving, but never said a word. She missed them in a way, because they were her parents but for the most part she thought that they wouldn't be very affected by her absence.
Itachi looked down at the little girl by his side. She had a faraway expression on her face. She was very tired as she would rub her eyes in an effort to stay awake. The expression was gone and replaced with wonder at the base. He though she would be disheartened but once again the child proved him wrong. As they entered a figure was visible, barely illuminated by one of the candles placed haphazardly in the entrance.
He was not completely visible but it was unmistakable as to who he was. Sakura stared openly at him. She was quiet though and Itachi guessed that even she understood this man's importance. She looked toward Itachi before casting her gaze downward.
"Leader, I have done my task and proven my capabilities. I am here to stay permanently," Itachi said formally inclining his head slightly. Just by doing this Sakura looked up toward the man with some uncertainty before looking down once more. This was the leader of the Akatsuki. He didn't seem very old. Itachi-sensei treated him with respect so he had to be very powerful.
"Yes, I am pleased." A paused and then- "Who is your friend?" he continued but was directing the question toward her.
"Sakura, Leader-sama," she replied her voice quiet but clear in the large empty entrance. Her eyes were still downward. Itachi noticed she had not said her family name.
"I have brought her to train. She will be beneficial to me," he said nonchalantly. He had thought that the Leader would not be present. He was expecting to tell him of the girl's presence later on when he had seen what talent she may have. As of now, he had no idea if the girl had any skill other than lying and memorizing facts.
"I see. She is very young and already you believe that she can be trusted. She will stay in this base where our members reside and will know of our activities without being a member.," he paused and his voice lost the reprimanding tone. " I assume you know what you have done. I hope she's useful and you are correct in keeping her. She will be dealt with if she makes an unfortunate mistake. Should a slip occur I hope you are not too attach to her," he finished the threat evident in his voice.
"Yes, Leader," Itachi replied nodding his head in agreement. Their Leader walked toward the girl and put a hand on the girl's chin tilting her head so she faced him. Her green eyes widened but she didn't move.
Good, Itachi thought, she's not completely intimidated. At the same time she knows her place and what he can do to her.
She stared at the man. He had the oddest eyes. They were an odd gray color and there was a pink outline on the corners of his eyes. He had reddish hair and there were piercings on his nose, ears, and the bottom of his lip.
"Striking features but otherwise quite ordinary. Are you sure she'll be worth the trouble?" he said but didn't wait for a response. He was walking out from the base already.
Sakura may have been an eight year old but she knew when she was being insulted. Of course, she wasn't the most witty person because of her age. So she replied the best way she could. "I won't be any trouble. You'll see," she shouted at his retreating back. He made an odd noise of what sounded like disbelief.
She turned to Itachi-sensei blushing because she felt she had done something childish. He looked as blank as ever. Then he brought his hand to the top of her head. It was by no means affectionate but Sakura had learned in her short time with him how much a touch meant. He did not touch anyone when he could avoid it. This simple gesture meant more to her than if he had verbally praised her..
Her face split into a wide smile. He contined walking down toward a large chamber. It was the first time he had shown any sign of acknowledgment and in response she hurried toward him and hugged him tightly around his waist. He did not respond but then again she had not expected him to.
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Suggestions, criticisms, and questions welcomed.