Sakura awoke to the blaring of her alarm clock. Rolling over onto her side, she reached for the snooze button. She had intended to sleep until the afternoon during her summer break, but Jiraiya gave her a surprise when he changed her shifts to mornings rather than afternoon or evening hours. He had no greater excuse than the growing number of customers that would arrive, but Sakura wasn't pleased - even with the increase in pay.

Another five minutes passed and her alarm clock rang again. Shutting it off, she stretched her body, adding a miserable groan. How she hated the morning and its chirping birds and the inevitability of starting another day.

The added sting of her training hadn't helped either. Three days she trained non-stop until she ran out of food and water. Kisame and Hidan's regimen was the worst of the three since she had to actually 'move' around and 'exercise'. Luckily, her work uniform covered the bruises and make-up on her arms helped, as well.

Continuing her morning routine, Sakura walked down the stairs to the kitchen for her breakfast. "Morning, guys. I'm making natto with some fried eggs and white rice. Do you want some?" she greeted.

Hidan picked at his teeth. "Make some fucking udon for a change. No, get another pizza! That shit was good!"

She scrunched up her nose, agitated that someone she obviously didn't like would attempt to order her around outside of Hell. "I don't think so. I'll make or buy those things when I feel like it!"

Inside the kitchen, Pein read through his scrolls, eyes fixated on the ancient language Sakura couldn't possibly read.

"Good morning, Pein," she said.

Rolling the scroll shut, he left without a word.

Sakura puffed out her cheeks. It wasn't fair. Four days had passed since their heated discussion and he still refused to talk to her. It was her life, and she deserved to live and die on her own terms. If she didn't have the strength to wield it then she would die for nothing. It wouldn't change anything for them.

"Oh, she died? That sucks. Guess we'll just force an angel or another human to do it."

"It's not like we need the weapon. We have our own and we'd have to protect her a lot anyway."

"Kind of pointless if you ask me. I did like her cooking though."

She washed out a pan and hurried through the process of oiling the pan. She knew the thoughts in her mind were false - they didn't think that. Why did she allow her insecurities to consume her in such unhealthy ways? She was worth more to them than being a pesky human.

However, her thoughts didn't change. Perhaps if she knew the risks better, she would make a more thoughtful choice on the matter. But she didn't and they had to accept it.

In the living room, partizan in hand, Pein opened the portal.

Sasori raised his brows, puzzled. "What are you doing? A task for Indra?"

"Of course not. I'm going to speak with Konan. I'll be back." Before he could hear a response, Pein dove into the portal and disappeared as the floorboards mended together.

The chill caused Sakura to shiver. Overhearing their brief conversation, she wondered what sort of 'talk' he would have with Konan. It was possible that the two would speak about the weapon...

Whatever, I don't care. Let him do what he wants, she decided, pressing gently on the egg.

OoOoOOoOoO

Konan's hand pressed against the back of a runt-sized Flesh-eater, her nails scratching softly on its skin-shaving hide. Feeling his presence, she greeted Pein with a nod of her head.

"The weapon-"

"Has she agreed?"

Pein didn't respond swiftly, biting back his anger at the human girl. "No," he admitted.

Konan continued to pet the little creature's back. Its leg kicked out affectionately like a typical animal enjoying the physical contact. "Then I can't help you," she murmured.

"I'm not asking for you to retrieve it. If you had let me speak then I would have asked for more information and the risk it carries," he said briskly.

Konan's hand stopped mid-motion, causing the Flesh-eater to nuzzle closer. "I've told you, Pein. If her heart is not strong enough, she will be killed by the burden."

She made it sound so simple, but Pein couldn't accept that. He wanted real answers. "What kind of strength does she have to obtain? Physical or the cliched heart of hearts sort?"

"Shouldn't it be obvious?"

"I'm the one asking the question. You angels aren't very reliable when it comes to clarification," he answered, his tone marked with impatience.

Brushing off his insult, Konan spoke to him honestly, "As I knew Madara, he often said that he was chosen by the Master because of his strength. He was the boastful type, so it came as no surprise when he chattered on and on about his task. One day, however, he nearly died due to a wound he never truly conquered."

"A wound? From a battle?"

She shook her head. Of course, Pein would automatically assume she meant a physical altercation. "From love."

Pein scoffed, "Just speak of it."

"An angel he held close to his heart, Hashirama, passed just a time before the demons' banishment. One of Madara's own kind had murdered him - tensions were high - although it came as a shock to everyone."

Pein was silent, eyes focused on the spindly cracks forming in the dry earth.

"Almost instantly, the weapon he held in his hands overpowered him. He fought violently for control, but his body couldn't handle it. It wasn't until then that he realized the true power the Master granted him was also a curse. Upon Hashirama's death, Madara questioned himself for the first time in his life. 'Was my existance as important as I used to believe? I should have died instead of Hashirama. How can I possibly continue without him?' In the end, he forced himself to believe, for the sake of his life, that Hashirama wasn't someone worth caring for."

"Couldn't the weapon sense that his feelings were false?"

"No, because he believed these feelings to be true. It took time, though. He had to stow it away in the chest until he accepted it. Hashirama was an angel. Madara was a demon. Their entire existances were built around opposing forces and they couldn't change that - atleast that is what Madara came to believe."

The information she gave him was remarkably vast. "How do you know so much of this? You escaped Heaven long before the demons did."

"I speak with him seldomly. Since the angels don't bother with him, he's left alone and my presence grants him some comfort," she answered.

"You're too soft," Pein pointed out.

Konan frowned in displeasure. "Having compassion is not a weakness. On certain occasions, it can be the key to salvation."

"If that's what you believe." Turning on his heels, he began his walk back to the portal.

"You've collected enough to satisfy yourself? What do you plan to do? Manipulate her?"

"She's strong. I'm not worried," he stated.

Konan found his confidence to be a concern. "Pein, why are you willing to cost her her own life? Her freedom? Why won't you cut ties with her when you know it's for the best?"

"I'm not asking for guidance. Stop pestering me, Konan."

Releasing the small demon from her arms, Konan rested her freed hands into her lap. "One day, you'll have to do it. She cannot live her life with you forever. I'm only saying that we live in different worlds for a reason. It's best that you do so before she gets hurt... before you get hurt."

Peering at her over his shoulder, Pein moved forward through the small opening into the cavern. "Thanks for the advice, but we're fine as we are."

OoOoOOoOoO

Finishing her hearty, nutritious breakfast with the company of Deidara and Sasori, Sakura hurried to brush her teeth and complete the rest of her tasks. She headed upstairs to pack her uniform, stuffing the maid outfit inside her bag. Taking a quick look in the mirror, she glided a stick of lipgloss across her mouth, smacking her lips together. She reached for her mascara, passing her wand through her lashes. Fluffing her hair with the tips of her fingers, Sakura thought she looked fresh and awake, considering that she barely felt like either.

Pulling on her sneakers (and grabbing her heels), Sakura waved to the others. "See you later! After work, I might pick up some ramen!"

Hidan and Deidara cheered, overjoyed that their constant whining broke her.

Closing the door and locking the deadbolt, Sakura hoisted her bag over her shoulder. The hot, summer sun, already looming overhead so early, soaked her skin in its warming rays. Luckily, work wasn't too far away, so she wouldn't arrive drenched in sweat.

OoOoOOoOoO

Arriving just minutes before her shift began, Sakura sprinted to the changing room. She didn't have enough time to waste on covering the peephole, nor did she care. For now, she wanted to move through her work with little conflict, cursing herself for thinking that walking to work would be a wise decision in this heat. She could argue with herself, stating that she had no idea that there would be an accident, causing her to diverge from her normal route and circle around the entire block, but she didn't have time for that either.

Pulling on her stockings, she heard a knock at the door. "Hold on! I'm almost done!"

"Hurry, please! Customers are flocking in! We already have a group of seven and they're asking for you!" Ami's voice rang through the door.

Sakura groaned. Seven? This early?! Why did people arrive to get their jollies off at this time anyway? Fetishes like this were meant for the evening hours.

Walking out, she greeted the table kindly. The middle-aged men ran through the menu, but let their eyes wander to her exposed cleavage and long legs. She didn't quite understand the popularity of the outfit, but she wasn't getting paid to question it, so why bother?

After their mumbling and murmurs for their orders, she dropped the list onto Naruto's station.

He grinned at her, cleaning off the grill they used for meats and vegetable skewers. "Sakura-chan, how are you feeling today? You kind of scared me a bit last time I saw you."

Sakura had forgotten. The demon, Itachi's visit, her official joining to the group. It happened less than a week ago, but her training in Hell caused her to lose track of time.

"Oh, yeah, I'm okay."

"Come to think of it, what happened to your roommates? Do they still live with you?" he asked, leaning over the counter.

Sakura laughed sheepishly. "They do, but they keep to themselves. They're always busy."

"That place is kind of small... How do you all fit in there?"

"We have our ways of dividing the house. Now, Naruto, I need those orders?" She gestured to the grill, forcing a distraction upon the blonde.

He blushed, scratching his scalp. "Right, right! Sorry about that. I just don't know much about you, Sakura-chan. Your life seems so interesting."

She smiled wryly, turning her back to him. You have no idea, Naruto.

Receiving her tray filled with their morning dishes, Sakura stopped by the table. "Here you go," she said brightly, presenting their meals to each one.

"Hey, Sakura! I got the drinks ready," Ami called out.

Sakura turned her back to the table. "Okay, let me finish up..." Her voice faded as the hem of her dress raised inches above her thighs.

Swiveling on her heels, Sakura whipped her hand over the man's face behind her, shocking their guests. Initially, he stared at her wide-eyed, only to have a perverted smile spread over his lips.

"My, my! Yabai-chan is so feisty today!" he exclaimed.

"That's our Yabai!" another joined.

Stomping away as the men continued to enthuse over her physical reaction, Sakura stood idly near Naruto as he placed sliced lemons into each drink.

Watching her carefully, he settled the receipt on the platter. "Do I have to ask?" he questioned slowly.

She grit her teeth, slamming her hand on the counter. "Stupid idiot. He tried to look up my dress!" Unfortunately for the man, she wore track shorts underneath, but it still gave him no right to do such a demeaning act.

"Slapping him was no better. It kind of looked like he enjoyed it, Sakura-chan," he mused.

Sakura shook her head. She had such a strange clientele.

Reaching for the platter of drinks as Naruto slid it across the counter, Sakura felt something move upwards against her leg. Nabbing at it, Sakura's hand landed on something covered in hair as it clung to her leg. Peering down, her blood ran cold as she found a scrawny, spindly-armed demon attached to her.

Eyes bugging from their sockets, Sakura faked a coughing fit, her hand clasped over the demon as it began to detach.

"I'm so sorry, Naruto, but I don't think I'm entirely well yet," she said through a few coughs.

Naruto furrowed his brow. "What? Huh?! What do you mean?"

Backing away to grab her bag inside the changing room, she smiled weakly at him. "I don't think I can make it through my shift. Can you please cover for me?"

"You're serious? But, Sakura-chan-"

She opened the door and ran inside, locking it. Grabbing hold of the demon, she spotted yet another furry mass hitching a ride on her back. They were incredibly light, like holding air. Unzipping her bag as they began to shriek and whine, Sakura stuffed them inside along with her street clothes.

Exiting the room and heading to the door, she heard Naruto's shouts of worry. "Sakura-chan, are you sure-"

"Thanks so much, Naruto. I'll make it up to you, I promise!"

OoOoOOoOoO

Dashing through the front door, Sakura threw her bag off of her shoulders and onto the floor, an audible grunt heard. She had made it across town, wearing her revealing uniform and catching stares (and photos) from onlookers. But that was the least of her concerns. What if other people noticed the Hell-raised hairballs?

Stepping back, she continued to gesture towards the bag.

"Mind asking us why you're sweaty and acting like a lunatic?" Sasori asked.

Sakura growled out of frustration. "All of you are so stupid!" Unzipping her bag, she turned it upside down, throwing make-up, a brush, her wallet, phone, and the two scraggly demons from her bag.

The group of men stared, bewildered, until Hidan burst into a fit of laughter. "What the hell?! Oh, shit! That's so- Kakuzu, Kakuzu!" He sprinted into the kitchen, dragging the other man by his arm.

Kakuzu batted Hidan away. "Dumbass, what are you-"

"Look, look! The fucking things! They're..." He held his stomach, Hidan refused to stop giggling.

Turning, Kakuzu's eyes widened briefly. "Oh."

Sakura didn't understand what exactly was so funny. "Hey, don't leave me hanging like this. What's going on?!"

Kakuzu pinched the bridge of his nose, closed his eyes, and sighed. "Suiton, Raiton... Where are your brothers?"

Immediately, the little demons jolted up. Shrieking, they climbed onto Sakura, clinging to her like little animals.

"Leave us alone!" one shouted.

"No more! We don't want to be with you, Big Kakuzu!" the other added.

Kakuzu moved one foot forward and they screamed again. "Shut your mouths, little morons."

"Kakuzu, what are they?" Sakura asked, touching one as it climbed onto her shoulder.

"They're demons that I've collected," he answered, crossing his arms. "But they're acting like fucking idiots."

The little demon with a curved snout and blue markings underneath its white eyes grabbed gently onto Sakura's hair, hanging from it as it leaned off of her shoulder. "No, we don't serve you anymore!"

The other with its twisted horns and prominent, yellow nose agreed with its brother. "Kakuzu only uses us for our powers and never lets us have any fun!"

"That's sort of the point, Raiton. Now, come to me and stop this foolish behavior." Kakuzu detached his hand from his forearm, tendrils seeping out.

They cowered, hiding their faces in Sakura's hair like frightened rabbits. "No, no! If you take us, we'll never help you again!"

"And we won't help you find Katon and Fuuton!" Raiton squeaked.

"Is that so? Well, I could just beat you senseless until you remember your place," Kakuzu started.

Sakura held onto the two of them, holding both in her arms. She felt bad for them - so weak and helpless - it wasn't fair for Kakuzu to pick on them without someone defending the poor creatures.

"What if... we went out looking for them? It wouldn't hurt, right?"

Hidan shook his head, gritting his teeth in disgust. "Like I'd go out of my fucking way to search for low-level demons. It's a waste of time."

Sasori took one of Sakura's anatomy textbooks and flipped through it. "Not interested."

"I don't do things unless Pein tells me to... or if I'm gonna die," Kisame said, scraping the accumulating gunk off of Samehada's scales.

The girl frowned. And they used to call her useless?! "Kakuzu, you need to find them!"

"Why? Their bodies can't handle the mortal world, especially with all of the demon-warding charms that people carry here. Soon, they'll come crawling back, realizing their mistake," he replied.

Sakura's eyes fell to the two demons in her hold. They were so tiny and upset. She hated to think that they reminded her of herself. Unable to make choices for themselves and seeking some freedom.

Pein didn't understand that. He wanted to use her as a pawn, but then again, he did expect it from her since she agreed to become a member. Was she disloyal for disobeying him?

Shaking the guilt-ridden thoughts from her head, Sakura refused to think she was in the wrong. Why did she feel so bad about it? Because Pein wasn't speaking to her? The sword would kill her if she wasn't strong enough and Sakura knew that she wasn't exactly up-to-snuff when it came to confidence - particularly her own thoughts on her self-esteem. Test scores, exams, and everything about school... they were the supports that held her together. If she wasn't smart then what else would be left? She wasn't strong. She didn't like people, so charisma was out.

There was nothing.

But whining and hating herself wasn't something she liked to do either.

"It doesn't matter if they come crawling back or not. There will always be that feeling of resentment and these little acts of rebellion will continue," Sakura exclaimed. "You need to reconcile with them, Kakuzu!"

Kisame laughed, "Oi, she's right. Maybe you should listen to her."

Rolling his eyes, Kakuzu silently agreed. The sooner they reattached themselves to his back, the better.

OoOoOOoOoO

Several hours passed by as they searched the city for them. Raiton and Suiton barely catching a whiff of their brothers' scent. As the sun fell into the horizon, Kakuzu's irritation reached its breaking point.

"You two are completely useless. Work harder to find them."

Suiton shook his head. "No! You're nasty and mean!"

"We hate you!" Raiton snapped.

Sakura's feet ached, but finding them was absolutely necessary. Having demons roaming around the city could prove dangerous to others, but they were getting nowhere with Kakuzu's forcefulness.

"Kakuzu, why don't you try asking them nicely?" she suggested.

Crossing his arms, the tanned demon sighed. "That would only make it worse. I won't coddle them. Besides, doing that wouldn't help."

"Where did you find them anyway?" She had never heard of a demon hosting others of its kind. It didn't make sense either. If he found them useless, why have them?

"I found them in Tier-Five. Weaker demons fall prey to stronger ones, so the four would often be at the mercy of the others they lived with. Normally, I wouldn't bother, but they looked so pathetic that I decided to step in."

"That was nice of you." She didn't know much about 'Hell etiquette', but it wasn't normal for a demon to help others, so it came as a pleasant surprise to her that Kakuzu would perform such an act.

"Well, it worked in my favor because they made a deal with me."

"A deal?"

He nodded, "They offered their abilities as long as I protected them. Seemed like a good idea until they started acting like rebellious brats."

"That's because you stopped using us," Raiton shouted.

"We got bored," Suiton finished.

Ignoring them, Kakuzu turned his attention to Sakura. "It's fortunate that our scent has rubbed off on you. These idiots flocked to you out of curiosity."

The thought amused her. "So they thought I was another demon?" Their scent worked well for her in Hell - granting her 'camoflage'.

"No, they knew you were human," he corrected.

Furrowing her brow, Sakura waited for him to continue.

"They thought you were my partner," he answered, pointing to himself rather reluctantly.

Suiton danced on Sakura's shoulder. "Big Kakuzu has a beautiful bride!" he chimed in happily.

"Turn her into a demon! Turn her into a demon!" Raiton ordered eagerly.

Sakura shook her head firmly. "No. I'm no-one's bride and I'm definitely not being turned into a demon." How was that even possible?

Grasping her shoulder, Kakuzu looked down on her. "Actually, you should play along with their ridiculous antics."

"What?! But I'm not your bride!"

"They may follow your command if you agree. That way, I won't have to concede to their demands. It's not as though you'd have to prove it... they're very simple-minded," he explained.

She didn't like the idea, but lying wasn't anything new to her now. Holding on to them, she held the two in front of her face. "Listen, as Kakuzu's wife, I'd appreciate it if you helped find your brothers. It's very important that we find them as quickly as possible."

They faced each other, pondering the idea, then agreed. "Okay!" they said in unison.

Darkness swept through the sky as the two hurried across town, passing through alleyways and over fences to reach their destination. Raiton and Suiton continued to feed directions to the pair until they stopped at the entrance to one of the elementary schools in the district.

Immediately, Sakura's stomach churned. "They're in the school?"

Kakuzu walked to the gate that barred any possible intruder. "Here, I'll help you over."

Hitching his hands around her waist, he lept over the gate and landed on the other side. "We'll scout the outside first."

Sakura nodded in confirmation, her eyes sifting the dimly-lit area. Searching through the playground equipment and the soccer field, they found nothing that pointed towards any sign of the demons.

"They have to be inside," Sakura insisted. "But how do we get in?"

Reeling his fist back, Kakuzu drove his hand through the door, causing Sakura to flinch. That was one way to do it. Breaking through the door rather than the windows made less noise and outweighed the risk of glass cutting her.

Unlocking the deadbolt and knob, Kakuzu opened it for his 'wife'. Once her foot stepped onto the linoleum floor, an eerie echo of children's giggling fell on her ears. Heart thumping in her chest, she turned to Kakuzu.

"It isn't possible for any children to be here," she whispered.

"They must have taken possession," Kakuzu surmised, continuing forward.

Wandering through the first floor, the sound of whispers filled the emptiness inside the hallways. Tiny footsteps ran past them, but nothing was found as both whipped their heads to find the feet responsible. Creeping around the corridors caused Sakura's anxiety to grow. She anticipated a ghoul to pop out at any moment, goosebumps forming on her skin.

The stale air turned cold, her breath becoming visible. How powerful were these demons to cause such a shift?

They climbed the stairs, Kakuzu moving first. Suiton and Raiton sat quietly on Sakura's shoulders, their silence disconcerting. The temperature dropped drastically as they approached the corner, leading to a classroom - the door left ajar. Slowly, Kakuzu peered through the crack. Two figures stood together, motionless. Slamming it open, the door bounced against the wall as Kakuzu raced to them.

"Katon, Fuuton. What the hell do you think you're doing?" he shouted, his anger prominently showing.

Sakura followed behind him, eyes widening. Two children stood side-by-side, hands clasped. They plastered discomforting smiles onto their faces, eyes glassy and soulless.

"Possessing humans is against our code. You know that," he scolded.

The little girl raised her brows, indifferent. "We don't care about the code." Her voice was monotone.

The little boy cocked his head, his smile widening. "We had fun finding suitable bodies. And we want to stay this way."

Lifting a hand, waves of fire burst from the boy's palm, Katon intentionally aiming for Sakura. Fuuton circled his hand around his mouth, blowing air from behind Katon's flames, fueling them further.

Kakuzu grabbed hold of Sakura and raced out of the room, the heat of his fire scathing his skin.

"What's going on? I thought you said they were weak," she yelled, sprinting down the stairs.

"I haven't used them in so long. They've been conserving a millenia's worth of energy," he explained.

"What are you going to do then?"

Sighing, Kakuzu straightened his posture as they exited the school. "I'll have to kill them, I suppose."

"You can't! You'll kill the kids too," she shouted, denying his plan entirely.

Suiton left his hiding place behind her hair, staring at the girl with concern. "You're upset, but we can help."

Kakuzu attempted to snatch at the little demon, but it scurried from his outreaching hand. "Bastard. If you hadn't made us search the entire time we wouldn't have to deal with this."

"How can you help?" Sakura questioned, intrigued.

Suiton returned to her shoulder, eyeing Kakuzu warily. "We could possess you. We could fight against our brothers."

"Our powers oppose theirs!" Raiton pointed out.

Sakura found the entire idea of possession highly unsettling. "I can't do that. You should go with Kakuzu instead," she said, attempting to persuade the masked creatures.

They cried out, detesting the idea. "No more Kakuzu!"

"He doesn't use us! We've been nothing of use to him. Just accessories sewn onto his back!" Suiton whined.

Frustrated and stressed to his capacity, Kakuzu swiped both of them into his large fist. Hearing their shrill cries and constant bitching caused his blood to boil. They were far more obnoxious to be around than Hidan.

"Look, I'll use your abilities more if you stop with the fucking pestering," he caved, his voice thick with anger.

They were astonished. "Do you promise, Kakuzu?" Raiton prompted.

"Promise, promise?" Suiton repeated.

Kakuzu wished he could sew their mouths shut. "Hurry up and reattach to my back. We don't have time to spend casually talking."

Opening his clenched fist, the two crawl up his arm and down his tunic, their bodies fitting into their proper places below his shoulder blades. Moving swiftly into the school, Sakura kept a safe pace behind him. Kakuzu reached the classroom, Fuuton and Katon appearing agitated with his return.

"Go away," Katon ordered. "We aren't your little puppets anymore."

Just as it did before, flames erupted from his palm, Fuuton's wind increasing the fire in size as it seized over Kakuzu and Sakura.

Detaching his hand from his forearm, Kakuzu pushed Sakura away from the battle, her body slamming into the wall outside of the classroom. Water blasted from both of his hands, dowsing the flames, smoke rising to the ceiling.

Disgusted, Katon leered at the demon. "Suiton, Raiton. What are you doing working with him? You should be on our side!"

Shuffling forward, the two hastily built another rush of flames against him, their fear rising as their original master inched towards them. Parting his lips, tendrils poured from Kakuzu's mouth as held them firmly in place, Katon and Fuuton struggling against him. Using his free hands, he pushed them down their throats, ripping the demons from the children's' bodies. They squirmed, squealing and screaming as his fists tightened around their frames. Sakura flinches as the sound of bones cracking reverberate in her ears, their voices cut off.

"They'll regenerate," he assured, noticing her disturbed expression. "It was the only way."

On the floor, the boy and girl began sobbing, tears streaking their faces as they laid crumpled in shivering heaps. Sakura knealt down, grabbing hold of them.

"Will they be okay?"

"They'll never remember it," he answered. "You should take them."

Gently helping them to their feet, Sakura spoke to them tenderly. "It's okay. We'll go to the police station and they'll help find your parents, all right?"

Both continued to cry and Sakura gestured to Kakuzu, allowing him to return home.

OoOoOOoOoO

Sakura was exhausted.

She knew that she would have to take them to the police station, but she didn't expect that they would keep her for questioning. The officer on duty asked her an endless list of questions: Where were they? What was she doing there? Who were they with? What happened in the moment she found them? Did they say anything?

She flat-out lied, stating that she found them at the park, confused and disoriented. Thankfully, the kids barely remembered anything, only the time on their voyage to the station. Regardless, their parents were relieved to find their children safe and sound. After being thanked numerous times, Sakura left the station and returned home at midnight.

In her livingroom, she noted the little demons sitting patiently for her arrival. With her hands on her hips, Sakura marched over to them.

"You shouldn't have done something like that. If you ever do something so stupid again, I'll wring your little necks myself."

Katon scratched at his fur, clearly unfazed by her threat. "It doesn't matter."

Anger burned at her cheeks. She did not just waste her entire night for some rebellious demon. "What do you mean it doesn't matter?! You could have died out there or hurt someone."

Fuuton sighed, rubbing his cracked beak. "Kakuzu doesn't care about us. That's why it doesn't matter. He doesn't care what happens to us at all."

Bending forward, Sakura slapped her hand against Fuuton's head. "Idiot! If Kakuzu didn't care about you then he wouldn't have went out to search for you!"

Still doubtful, the pair face their master, questioning whether it was possible for him to say such a thing.

Kakuzu hated this. Exhaling a deep breath, he spoke to them calmly, "I didn't just protect you because of the deal. During our battles, your abilities were powerful and proved to be quite useful. I wanted to use you as an addition to my arsenal."

Raiton crawled out of his tunic, peeping over his shoulder. "So you respect us and find our powers impressive?"

Squinting, Kakuzu pushed the demon back inside his shirt. "Of course that's what I meant. What's the point in repeating myself? Learn to listen the first time, you brainless idiot," he stated reluctantly.

Accepting his answer, the four stitch themselves into his back, content that their master had enough kindness to praise their powers. Suiton waved to Sakura before falling into his place.

"We're happy to have met Big Kakuzu's bride! We hope to see you again soon!" After his farewell, the demon sealed himself into his position, the stitches mending him with Kakuzu's body.

The others were confused. Did they hear the creature correctly?

"Kakuzu's bride?" Deidara repeated.

Sakura sunk into the sofa, groaning. "Please, don't ask."


A/N: So I've been making excuses for myself because I didn't know whether to continue this story or not, but I guess I wanted to at least finish up this chapter. Hopefully my writer's block resolves itself.

Anyway, I really wanted Kakuzu's masks to have their own bodies like they did when he summoned them in canonverse, so I decided it would be a fun filler idea to show them off a bit. Next chapter will have more Naruto in it and I wonder what will happen? :)