Ugh. I hate those kind of people; they just get on my frikkin' nerves!

As you're walking towards your room, Zetsu stops you.

"You know what? You've been nothing but trouble since you got here," says the black side.

"It wasn't her fault! I would smack you, but then I'd get hurt too..." says the white side, defending you.

"I didn't do anything! I don't even know why I'm here!!"

You pout. Your mood is totally out of whack.

You're about to open your door, but Kisame, surprisingly sober, taps your shoulder.

"Huh?"

"Konan wants to see you..."

Great. That's just great.

"U-um... Okay..." you stammer in reply to Kisame. "By the way... Where's Konan's room?"

"God," Kisame mutters under his breath. "It's room number ten." With that, he continues down the hall, deliberately bumping into your shoulder.

You sigh, turn around, and also head down the hall. You stop in front of a wooden door with the number ten on the brass plaque. It sounds like Koske and Itachi arguing inside.

Taking in a deep breath, you guide your hand to the cold doorknob...

Before you get the chance to open it, it swerves open (thank God it opens inward). Koske is about an inch away from your face after catching himself. Itachi storms to the doorway and sees the two of you.

"I TOLD YOU NOT TO GET THE (bleep) NEAR HER!"

Koske just ignored Itachi and sent you a glance, while Itachi fumed, glaring at you, then at Koske. Itachi started walking towards you with an animal look in his eyes, roughly grabbing your arm before someone shouted,

"Let her go!"

It was a female's voice, stern and official. Itachi let go immediately, but scowled and walked away. Koske had watched from the side, not saying anything. A small smile formed on his lips as soon as Itachi passed, mumbling something about 'people interrupting'.

"(blank), come," stated Konan, turning and heading back into the office. You followed, slightly shaken at what happened just now.

Konan's office was neat and orderly. The walls were navy blue, with lighter blue flowers. A rectangular desk sat in the center, and two chairs faced it.

"Yes...?" you begin.

"What is with all the fighting?!"

"How am I supposed to know? I didn't do anything! They're the ones that are freakin' appearing out of nowhere and making out with me!"

Konan rubbed her forehead as she looked to her feet and slammed the palm of her other hand on the desk.

"Don't you mess with me! Just 'cause you're new, it doesn't mean you can screw around with other members. We chose you for a reason, you know?"

What, exactly, is this reason? you wonder.

You sigh and plop down on one of the chairs.

Konan sighs and sits at her desk, folding her hands in front of her and resting her chin on them.

"Tell me... what has been going on?" she asks, trying to sound caring. You just slouch and look at the floor, unable to think of a way to put your strange encounters into words. You open your mouth to speak, but quickly close it to think about what you want to say a little bit more. Konan looks at you, waiting patiently.

"Well?"

You gulp.

This might be my only chance... you think. You once again open your mouth to explain when...

An idea pops into your head. It's not the greatest, but it's something.

"Why do you want me in the Akatsuki? I'll tell you if you tell me."

"Haha. Various reasons..."

"Well, first of all, it wasn't Leader-sama who chose you; it was Itachi," she begins. "When Itachi proposed the idea of a new member, Koske protested, saying 'whenever we get a new member, someone will die', etc. Basically, Koske didn't want anyone to die. He is the most caring of our members, although he rarely shows it. On the other hand–"

The door swung open and the guy from the other night stormed in.

"KONAN!!"

You stare in shock at the man who just interrupted your meeting with Konan. You were getting some important information, too! Getting a look at him in the light rather than dark, you saw that he was actually quite handsome. His stunning blue eyes contrasted greatly with his pure black hair and grey tips. It looked like this guy should be in a modeling agency rather than a criminal organization.

Konan got immediate concern in her eyes. "What is it, Lance?"

"Hidan and Kakuzu are having grave troubles in a battle with some leaf ninja. Zetsu reported it to us."

Your ears perked up at this news. Leaf ninja... could they be looking for me?!

Konan sighed. "I want you and Koske to head off A.S.A.P. Do whatever it takes to save them. I feel like Akatsuki is weakening, and we can't afford to lose any more members after Sasori."

"Yes ma'am," the man apparently named Lance said. He ran off into the hallway, closing the door behind him. You could hear him yelling Koske's name.

I hope Koske will be alright... you thought to yourself.