The Road Less Traveled

Chapter Three

12.19.07 Author's Notes: Sorry this chapter is so short, but I was studying for my math finals like crazy…and now I'm half dead. I was going to make this longer, but I figured if I didn't post this now…you wouldn't see anything for another two or three weeks. I don't really like how this chapter turned out (writing it was something like torture…the ideas didn't want to flow at all), but I hope you enjoy reading it!

Sakura's Thoughts

Inner Sakura's Thoughts

No.

No, no, no.

This is impossible.

I don't believe it.

She stared at him for a while, the fact that he was still alive still not quite registering in her mind.

After all she had done--fighting all of those damn puppets, almost being made into Sakura-kebobs, and just generally getting stabbed at and almost killed a hundred and one lovely different ways, he was still alive.

Well, fuck.

Somebody up there just hated her with a passion. Or had a twisted sense of humor.

Sakura gave Zetsu a look that clearly said: Are you serious?

Zetsu just smirked at her and motioned towards the door with his hand. Sakura looked at Sasori, who was standing in the doorway, with a smug look on his face.

"Shall we?" Sasori asked somewhat impatiently, but not giving Sakura the feeling that he was rushing. It seemed like he was perfectly content…like he had everything planned out. It made Sakura uneasy, because it felt as though he was playing a game, or pulling her strings.

She reluctantly walked towards Sasori, staying silent, since she didn't trust herself to speak.

Content that she was finally moving, he walked out of the room. Sakura followed after saying goodbye to Zetsu and closing the door behind herself. She figured it might kill her if she wasn't polite, and she really wanted to get out of her precarious situation alive someday soon.

We're lucky we agreed to Akatsuki's offer. If they could bring Sasori back to life, then they could certainly help us keep Naruto alive.

Who knows what situation we would be in if we refused…

A very uncomfortable one, I bet. We'd have everyone in the Akatsuki against us…well…even more than they were. Now, at least, we'll be on polite terms.

I'd hate to have to fight against all of them AND Sasuke…not that I'd make it out alive, anyway.

What are we going to do, now? Wing it?

Most likely. We don't really know the Akatsuki. All we know is that they are S-Class criminals with a different point of view on life...maybe this would be easier if we weren't so prejudiced. They are people, as well. They were molded into the people they are now by the things they experienced throughout their lives and how they reacted to them.

Hmm…Didn't Zetsu say that not all of them chose the paths they're on?

Yeah…maybe we should give them a second chance. Who are we to condemn them?

Sasori abruptly stopped at a door, and Sakura very nearly crashed into him but managed to stop herself in time. She heard him chuckle, and frowned.

What are you laughing about, puppet boy?

Sasori turned to face Sakura. "This will be your room for the time being," he said, and walked past her, offering no further explanation.

Sakura was about to open the door of her room, when she heard a loud growl originating from her stomach.

Eheheh. I forgot we haven't eaten since this morning…Maybe Sasori will show us where the kitchen is?

Yes, Sasori will really be willing to help you after you helped kill him.

Have you got any better ideas?

…No.

Sakura turned around and ran after Sasori. When she caught up to him, she cleared her throat to get his attention. "Sasori-san, could you take me to the kitchen?"

Without turning around, he replied, "You should be able to find them yourself. You are a capable kunoichi; or did you defeat me just because Chiyo was helping you?"

What an ass. I'd rather risk getting lost than begging him for help.

He is playing with us! If I get angry at his comment, it'll prove that I'm easy to manipulate…

But if you don't, he could get angry, and that probably wouldn't bode well for us.

If he attacks us, he'll get in trouble with Akatsuki, since our agreement states that I am to be treated as an honored guest in return for healing them.

Let's wing it, then, and hope for the best.

Sakura silently turned on her heel, and walked down the hall. Sasori, frustrated by the fact that he had failed to get a rise out of her, followed her. Inwardly smirking, Sakura continued walking down the hallway, and turned left at the next corner. The scent of spices permeated the air, and she heard water boiling, so Sakura guessed that she was headed in the right direction. Forgetting for a moment that Sasori was behind her, she quickened her steps and was soon met with a wonderful sight.

The table was prepared for lunch, and there was a variety of delicious-looking foods there, just waiting to be eaten. Sakura nearly started drooling as she walked towards the table.

"Sasori, you weren't supposed to bring her here yet."

Sakura was mildly startled by the comment; in her haste to find food, she hadn't noticed that there was someone in the kitchen. She turned around, and saw a blue-skinned sharkman. She wasn't fazed by his appearance; after seeing Zetsu, it would take a lot more to scare her. There was something appealing about the rugged air about him, but Sakura quickly brushed that thought away.

Didn't Naruto mention something about being stalked by a blue-skinned Akatsuki member?

…Now that you mention it, he did. He's Itachi's partner. I think his name is Kisame.

Speaking about Itachi, I hope we don't see him anytime soon.

"It's not my fault she didn't rise to the bait. I misjudged her," Sasori reluctantly confessed.

Haha! Sakura 1, Sasori 0!

"Hmm. Well, lunch is almost ready anyway," Kisame replied.

"I'll go let everyone else know," Sasori said, and hastily left.

That's right! Run while you still can!

Kisame turned to Sakura, and introduced himself. "Sakura-san, my name is Kisame."

"Nice to meet you, Kisame-san."

Sakura's stomach gave a loud growl.

"Hehe…if you don't mind me asking, how long will it take for lunch to be ready?" Sakura asked, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly.

"It should be done in five minutes. Feel free to sit at the table. Everybody else should be here soon." Kisame answered.

"Who, exactly, is 'everyone else'?" Sakura asked.

"Itachi-san and Sasuke. Tobi and his partner left to obtain supplies," was Kisame's reply.

Sakura paled.

Sasuke and Itachi?

Somebody up there just loves us.

Sasuke AND Itachi? It's bad enough having to face one of them, but both? And won't they try to slaughter each other horribly or something? They'll get blood in the food!

Most likely, and I'm not sure I want to see that.

"Are you alright, Sakura-san?" Kisame inquired.

"Yes, I'm just fine," she replied quickly. Avoiding his gaze, she went and sat down at the table.

What are we going to do about Sasuke?

The food. I want to eat it! It's inhumane, making us wait like this.

…Nice try, trying to change subjects like that. I guess I'll go along with it.

Sakura stared at the food with a predatory glint in her eye. Kisame noticed this, went back to his cooking, and made a mental note to make some more food.

So what's our plan of action?

Eat, and ignore the Uchihas.

Ignore them? Do you really think that's going to work?

There's only one way to find out…

Just then, the two brothers walked in.

Speak of the devils, they're here already.