Disclaimer: Naruto doesn't belong to me.

A/N: Sorry for the once again long update, but Christmas break is coming up and in that time I'll try to put up two more chapters before school starts again.

I stress the word try.

Thanks for your reviews and patience.

Chapter 7
Having been met with a different person than the one she expected she paused in her running, raising her eyebrows in surprise.

After a few moments of complete silence, and apparently no explanation forthcoming she decided to speak up.

"Sasori-san, why are you here?"

She had been late for her training by a good ten minutes. She had rushed through her morning routines to make up for the lost time, but once getting to the usual spot, Itachi was no where to be seen. Instead Sasori was there, looking incredibly bored.

He looked at her as though she should have known the answer and she blushed. He stood from the rock which he had been sitting on and began brushing off any particles of dirt. He regarded their surroundings with some distaste before turning back to her.

She liked Sasori quite a lot, but she did not remember him ever coming out to the training grounds when she was around. Besides he had to train Deidara, and she had yet to see Deidara around.

"Sakura-chan," he began calmly. He was one of the few to call her Sakura-chan, which was one of the reasons she liked him. It made her feel liked, and she appreciated him for giving her that. "Itachi has informed me that you have taken an interest in healing."

Sakura nodded surprised that Itachi had actually talked to him about what she had said. It was true that she had told him of her plan, but he had yet to do anything despite her insistence. It had been over a week ago and although she had not lost her determination, she had no idea how Sasori could be helpful. From what she knew, he used mainly puppets and and she had yet to see him in a way hurt so as to need healing.

"How can you help me, Sasori-san? Do you know healing jutsus?" she asked curiously getting closer to him. She was always at ease with him. He reminded her of Itachi and the fact that he always spoke to her kindly made it very easy for her to get attached to him.

"I have some knowledge in the area of poisons and antidotes. Any medic-nin has to know the properties of herbs and plants."

She nodded slowly. She supposed that would be a good way to start, but she knew very little about poisons and knew nothing on how to prepare an antidote.

"What about Deidara-kun, Sasori-sensei?" she said, immediately giving him his new title. He looked slightly amused at this.

"Hidan took him on a mission, Sakura-chan," he explained. "An espionage mission," he continued, furrowing his eyebrows ever so slightly. "I don't think Deidara was the best choice to take along. It is a skill he lacks, however, and Hidan does have his charming qualities surprisingly," he said after seeing Sakura's questioning glance.

Sakura bowed her head, trying to hide her smile. Hidan had never seemed to her to be charming. He always cursed when she was around although Itachi and Sasori often gave him warning looks. Sakura didn't mind that much although she blushed a lot in the beginning when he would curse continuously in front of her, something he often used to humor himself with.

Even so, she still managed to form some type of bond with him, since she was the only one scared enough to actually listen to him when he ranted without saying anything he considered offensive. He seemed to think she was actually interested or he just wanted someone to listen.

Besides, Hidan was one of the few Akatsuki members Deidara liked, so they were around him quite a bit. Hidan also seemed to have taken a liking to Deidara calling him Deidara-chan often.

"Sasori-sensei, Itachi-sensei will not teach me today, then?"

He gave her an odd look. "He left on a mission with Kisame. He is not expected for another three weeks. He did not mention this to you?"

She shook her head. "No. He always tells me when he is going to leave," she replied softly.

Sasori simply cleared his throat uncomfortably and she forced her face back into her normal expression with a smile pasted on.

"Gomen, Sasori-sensei," she said brightly. "I want to learn everything you can teach me."

He nodded simply. "Good, let us go to the greenhouse then. When Itachi comes back I shall no longer be your sensei."

She tilted her head to the side but he said nothing further and she knew to not ask further.

It had not even crossed her mind that Zetsu might be at the greenhouse, though it should have seeing as he was hardly ever in the base and she often sawing him going in that direction in the morning.

"Ah, Zetsu-san, good morning," she said inclining her head.

She was not sure why but the others all had rather high respect toward Zetsu, even Hidan did, slightly. She took to their example and tried to be very polite to him as she did with Konan and Leader.

He looked in their direction and muttered a greeting to Sasori while his light side gave her a small smile. His dark side was not as friendly and narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Sasori, any damage will be avoided."

"Of course, Zetsu. Sakura-chan wishes to learn healing. I'm going to teach her what I know on certain plant properties."

Zetsu raised an eyebrow, but then frowned as though remembering something.

"Has Itachi left already?"

She nodded quickly although he wasn't looking at her, instead waiting for a response from Sasori who nodded, serene expression in place.

Zetsu looked back at her, an odd smile on his face. Both sides. "I have heard about our upcoming guest, Sakura. It appears Itachi believes you to have some talent to go so far in obtaining someone so renowned."

"I don't understand Zetsu-san,"

The smile remained on his face. "It doesn't matter. Sasori, there will be no trouble in my staying, and observing your training."

There was not even a hint of a question but Sasori still nodded granting his unasked permission, seemingly composed, even while Sakura gulped.

Zetsu was so intimidating to her, even more so than Kakuzu who had at least begun to tolerate her presence. Zetsu never spoke to her but even so she often felt him watching her with those calculating eyes.

"Well, then Sakura, follow me. First we will start with our poisonous flora..."

She nodded absentmindedly as she followed behind him, her wary gaze never leaving Zetsu's half smiling face.

So began the tedious work of memorizing plants and their properties. For the next week and a half, she learned all their little quirks, such as the time in which they should be planted and picked. Which ones could kill were memorized first, much to her discomfort.

It wasn't particularly difficult. She'd always been good at memorization, but even so the task was made that much more difficult by Zetsu's following eyes. He said very little and it was never praise or encouragement, for when he did speak it was always a warning or added information that made her queasy such as what plant had been used to kill what indiviual.

Sasori for his part remained very nonchalant about the whole teaching arrangement. There was no doubt, however, about his knowledge. He knew all the intricacies of most of the plants and Zetsu was hard-pressed to add information not already provided.

Most of the plants in the greenhouse were poisonous and it took a long tome to got through the basic ones. She spent almost all day in the greenhouse only stopping for a small lunch or snack. She inwardly despaired because each day felt long and boring. She did like Sasori, but there was such a strong feeling of sadness from not seeing Itachi, that she couldn't really enjoy being in his company without thinking of her true sensei.

"Why is Belladonna useful, Sakura-chan?" he asked looking at her expectantly.

She did not disappoint. "It has berries that look normal but aren't," she replied. "And it tastes sweet," she added.

"What part is the most toxic?"

""Um, the root?"

He nodded in approval but continued his unending questions. "When should it be used?" he inquired eyes looking sharp all of a sudden.

She resisted the urge to gulp. "To poison children," she answered quietly. "They can think the berry is a normal one. They die from eating a few."

He looked at her thoughtfully before giving her his calm boyish smile. "Very good, Sakura-chan. This is good progress for little more than a week worth of study."

"Thank you, Sasori-sensei," she told him truly thankful. Itachi would be pleased when he came back. She was working hard memorizing every detail just to make him proud.

"Sasori, I wish to speak to you privately," Zetsu stated coming out of his secluded space. He had been unusually quiet this day."

"Very well," Sasori said waving a hand towards her. "Sakura-chan, you can go get lunch. I sense Hidan is nearby. Perhaps he will accompany you."

"Yes, Sasori-sensei," she answered, uncertain.

She walked toward the exit of the green house looking back suspiciously at Zetsu, wondering what could be so important.

"Sakura will begin learning antidotes, correct?"

A mere formality. He already knew.

"I will teach her all I can," Sasori replied, his voice just a little defensive.

"My knowledge is greater than yours when it comes to such matters."

A threat and request.

"Perhaps," he acknowledged. "But Itachi requested me to teach her." He raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't aware you had taken an interest in the child, Zetsu."

"I've always had an interest, Sasori. I have been very curious as to why Itachi has continued to waste his time with her,"

"I don't consider it wasted time. She has a quick mind and enviable chakra control even at her age."

"Is that all?" Zetsu said amusedly. "I wondered what control she held over him."

"Control?"

"You haven't noticed have you, Sasori? Of course not. You don't care much for humanity do you, Sasori?"

A silence although Sasori narrowed his eyes, control lost for just a moment.

"Don't worry, I don't think anyone's really noticed besides myself. I notice things more than any of you."

"What have you noticed exactly?"

"Any humanity Itachi has left belongs to her. At least most of it, I believe."

A disbelieving look. "You are over exaggerating things, Zetsu. I doubt his affection for her stretches very far."

"I think it does. In any case, I am sure he would be very angered should something happen to her."

"Yes, he probably would be."

"I could help you teach her, Sasori," Zetsu said self assured. "Sakura may prove to be a useful ally later on."

Sasori nodded slowly. "Any help you want to provide, Zetsu, will be accepted."

Zetsu walked out. "It's feeding time for me, Sasori, but I will return to assist you."

Sasori called out, before Zetsu was completely gone.

"Just some advice, Zetsu. Itachi will not be the only one angered should Sakura-chan be harmed."

Getting accustomed to having Zetsu as a teacher was surprisingly easy. The first day was tense but by the second there was a notable change in Zetsu. He seemed kinder to her and made her laugh on the second day something that surprised him and her.

His knowledge of plants was greater than Sasori's although Sasori was better at explaining. Zetsu often used words she didn't understand and she was very confused with his lectures. Sasori was more patient and repeated Zetsu's information in simpler words.

Plants used for healing were much more difficult to learn. Different plants had different uses or they had to be combined to be effective. She felt more comfortable with learning this though. She didn't intend to kill for a very long time if she could help it.

Zetsu noticed her different approach to learning medicinal herbs and often asked her questions that she was at a loss to answer.

"Sakura, I have wondered why you have expressed an interest in medical ninjutsu."

Sakura froze momentarily from taking a bite from her apple. She didn't know how to answer this. She knew that no one should find out about Itachi's secret.

She gave him a bright smile and he looked away from her. " I want to heal Itachi-sensei and Deidara-kun if they ever need it, Zetsu-sensei. They are my family."

She was being honest without revealing too much and she knew Itachi would be proud. Zetsu gave her an odd look but seemed to believe her and he didn't bring it up again.

She began counting the days until Itachi would return and Sasori and Zetsu would often berate her for her absentmindedness.

She couldn't find it in herself to care. Nothing was more important to her than Itachi's return and his answers as to why he left.

She was laughing, flushed and excited, as she ran toward the staircase that led to the ground floor. Her laughter seemed to bounce off the walls and she continued her journey relentlessly, not even stopping to greet Konan, who she passed by hurriedly.

She couldn't continue, however, when she ran straight into Hidan.

"Damn it! Who-," he began before catching sight of her pink hair. "Sakura-chan, what the hell are you doing running like an idiot?"

Already used to his eternal bad language, she brushed it off. "Hidan-san, I'm sorry, but Itachi-sensei has come back."

Hidan as a man devoted to only his God, could admire the devotion Sakura was able to show at such a young age. He didn't think Itachi particularly deserved it, but who was he to judge the little girl.

Now for example, Sakura's eyes were a very bright green and her face was flushed with happiness. She had on a bright smile and she was dressed very properly so as to impress her immovable sensei.

"Oh yeah, he returned already. Brought someone with him, too."

She stopped suddenly and stared at him confused and wanting answers.

'Who?"

A shrug.

"You'll see. He's in the dungeons."

The dungeons? That meant it was a prisoner.

"Thank you, Hidan-san," she said, already continuing her way up to the ground floor. She hadn't been in the dungeons since her tour of the base and wondered with a chill.

Who was now a prisoner?

She entered making her steps light so as to not make any noise. She caught sight of Itachi but resisted the urge to call out. She wanted to see what was going on and she didn't want to interrupt him.

She was cloaked in darkness as Itachi went forward to the mystery person. She couldn't make out the person's features very well, although even from here she could see their lithe outline.

"Once, you prove your loyalty, perhaps better accommodations can be made for you," he said rather politely.

"What do you want?" the voice was strained and obviously in some pain. It was also obviously female and young, as well.

"We are in need of your skills," he replied smoothly.

"I will not heal criminals," she replied at once. Sakura was beginning to understand and she wasn't sure if she liked where this was going. The woman was a medic-nin.

"I did not ask you to. What I require is your knowledge," he said unaffected by her obvious unwillingness.

Itachi looked on at the young woman before him as she narrowed her eyes at him. She said nothing so he continued. "There is someone who wishes to learn medical ninjutsu. Medic-nins of your caliber are hard to find, and we did not waste time acquiring you, so you shall teach her."

Her suspicions were answered and everything came into focus. No one knew medical ninjutsu, so who could have taught her. Itachi had gone to look for someone, just so she could have a teacher.

This person would be forced to teach her all she knew about medical ninjutsu. She couldn't stop the feeling of revulsion that she had wanted this and had selfishly not even thought about the others who could become involved.

It didn't matter much though, as soon as she learned everything she needed the person would be released no worse for wear.

A small forced laugh. "I refuse."

Sakura felt her breath hitch. She couldn't refuse.

No, she had to be taught by this person. She had to learn everything she could to cure Itachi-sensei's eyes. The person could not simply refuse.

"I am being courteous in asking you, but there are other ways of making you comply."

Sakura shivered. She did not like seeing Itachi-sensei when he was being this way. When he was cold-blooded and just his tone could make someone fear for their life. She didn't want the person who was to teach her to be harmed.

But, she thought selfishly, that she didn't really care because it didn't matter what had to happen so she could be able to help him. He'd done so much for her already.

"You think I value my life? I will not help you, and as you said I am good at what I do. I can kill myself right now without any pain and I will no longer be of any use," the person said, her tone brutally sincere.

Sakura had to admit the lady gave an interesting argument. But she couldn't do it. Didn't she understand she was needed?

Impulsively she whispered out, "Please, you have to."

It was whispered but it was enough to get the person's attention. Two pinpricks of light, which she took to be that person's eyes looked straight at her.

"Who is there?" she asked, not curious but demanding. Sakura already began to leave her place in the shadow walking slowly.

"Come, Sakura," Itachi-sensei commanded and she quickened her pace, walking forward and taking her place at his side. She resisted the urge to hug him, for the time being anyways.

She had missed his presence so much, but there were more important matters at hand.

The woman was now completely visible. She looked young, but she was already obviously older than Itachi-sensei. She looked younger than Konan. Her dark hair was scraggly and her dark eyes shone brightly on her pretty face. There were trails of dry blood on her face though and there was a long gash on her pale cheek. She looked very surprised at Sakura'a appearance,

"Sakura, this is your new...," he paused all of a sudden. Sakura's lips quirked just a bit despite the situation. "Senpai," he concluded, and then lady glared in response.

"I already gave you my response," she eyed Sakura for a moment. "I shall not teach her."

"Your life is obviously not to be bargained with. Perhaps, your mentor's life and what remains of your family is a better item."

There was silence as she looked down momentarily. When she looked up her eyes no longer had the spark they had before when she unhesitatingly refused. Her jaw was clenched though and she looked toward Itachi with unconcealed hatred

"As expected," Itachi-sensei finally said, his calm voice completely unchanged. "You should not try anything against Sakura. If she is harmed, I will not hesitate to kill those who you consider important."

Sakura smiled inwardly when he said that. As always, he was protecting her in his own way. He would perhaps never outright admit that he cared for her, but she understood she was important to him. She didn't need any reassurances, but it was nice to receive them, nonetheless.

"You may get acquainted," he told her, ignoring the woman as he looked at his student. "You will meet with her everyday for 6 hours. Afterwards, you will still have you regular training with me, although our time together will be quite shorter."

She turned towards him now before he left and hugged him momentarily, squeezing him with all her strength. "I missed you, Itachi-sensei."

He raised an eyebrow slightly. "Foolish girl," was his reply.

She almost believed she heard an affectionate tone in his voice. He turned though before she could figure out his tone, and strode across the dungeon toward the exit.

"Before I forget, Sakura," he called back. "Her name is Shizune."

Shizune looked on what she supposed she had to call her pupil. She was young, too young to really understand or perform anything worthwhile that she could teach her.

It wasn't the only thing that bothered her. She had been expecting someone colder, more bitter, and so it would have made her job easier to hate the person. This girl of about 9 years of age or so had pink hair with a black ribbon keeping it out of her face. She was a small thing, short and thin enough to look fragile. Innocent green eyes peered at her in sudden nervousness.

What was such a child doing in this place? She'd never heard of Akatsuki, but she could already tell it was no place for a child. Especially if it had the likes of Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame, both of whom she knew enough not to trust with the care of such a small child.

This Sakura girl smiled sweetly at her and Shizune knew it would not be good to get attached to the child.

"Sakura, where are you from? How did you get here?" she asked, wondering how she got to be here of all places. She had always been protective of children and she shivered to think as to how the child lived here and what she could possibly suffer at the hands of such criminals.

"I'm from Konohagakure, Shizune-senpai. Itachi-sensei brought me here."

"He kidnapped you?"

She giggled a little lightening the tension ever so slightly. "No, I wanted to come with him."

"You're too young," she told her. The smile did not go away and this irritated her. "Medical ninjutsu requires very precise chakra control."

"I have very good chakra control," she answered simply although there was a hint of smugness in her voice. "Itachi-sensei says so."

"At your age?" she said disbelief evident although her curiousity was growing.

The girl nodded without hesitation.

"You don't need to worry about that Shizune-senpai," she said, the words coming easily to her. Shizune flinched slightly when she heard her new title. She had not expected to hear those words spoken in this situation. "I just want to learn all you can teach me."

Shizune recalled how the girl had actually pleaded for her to not refuse. Granted she had only whispered 'please' but it was enough for her to understand just how much the child wanted this.

She was wary of the child, however, because she knew this girl as of now had power over her. If there was any problem the girl could accuse her to Itachi.

"Why?" she asked, her voice softer than she intended.

"I will heal Itachi-sensei," she said eyes determined. "I will be the best medic."

For some unknown reason, Shizune found herself inwardly shivering. The girl spoke of being the best with no hint of uncertainty. It was unnerving to hear her speak, all of a sudden, her sweet appearance changing into that of a person with only one purpose and one goal. Her expression cold and determined; it didn't suit the child.

Then it was gone and the little girl was back, looking suddenly vulnerable with her green eyes pleading.

"I need to be."

I know my chapter length isn't consistent, but I think it's not that short. I hope this chapter wasn't too bad.

I read over some of the other chapters and I know there are mistakes floating around. I'll fix these sooner or later.

Please submit your critique.