Chapter 10: The Trap

"What the hell is up with everyone's obsession over this pink-haired chick? Is she f**king hot or something?"

"Yeah she actually is. Plus she is a badass fighter."

"Well Well, looks like our two princesses have finally woke up."

"Shut up Hidan."

Hidan flicked off Sasori before turning his attention back to the meeting.

"Whatever. You missed some exciting news. It seems even our backer is interested in the chick that kicked your ass. "

"Oh?"

"Yup, his new request is to throw a party and kidnap her."

"That is a stupid idea. How the hell are we going to make her attend and she is going to put up a fight."

"We have no choice. It was a personal request."

Sasori turned and saw Yahiko standing behind him.

"Go and sit down. We need to figure this out."

Yahiko walked to the head of the table and did a quick head count to make sure everyone was present.

"Ok, so everyone has been informed about the news. Any thoughts?"

"He asked for a party and a party is what he is going to get. Yo Kakuzu. What's our budget."

"50 bucks."

"Are you f**king kidding me? What the hell are we going to do with that? Tell me the real amount you damn stingy miser."

"Fine...a 100."

"You F**ker! You are probably planning to pocket whatever is left over. Damn a**hole. "

"Shut up you pretentious wannabe religious bastard. Let's just kidnap the damn girl. Then we won't have to spend any money."

"What did you say you..."

"Both of you SHUT THE HELL UP!"

Hidan and Kakuzu's argument was quickly dispersed at Yahiko's command. It still didn't stop Hidan from flicking Kakuzu off.

"The budget is unlimited. Kakuzu don't even try to deny it. Or would rather just 'kidnap the girl' and end up losing our backer's support?"

Kakuzu grumbled before agreeing with Yahiko. He did have a point.

"Anyways, money isn't a problem. We need to figure out a way to get the ANBU group, especially the girl, to attend."

Sasuke watched the Akatsuki members think about a resolution to the problem at hand. Whatever their plan was, he was going to find a way to prevent Sakura from going to the party. A smile played on his lips. He could think of a lot of things he could do to keep Sakura...occupied.

Itachi watched his younger brother smile. Probably thinking about Sakura again. When he was through with his assignment at the Akatsuki, he was going to have fun tormenting Sasuke about Sakura.

"No thoughts huh?"

Silence filled the room, making Yahiko sigh.

"Okay, putting that aside, what do we know about the girl?"

"She is hot, and was able to kick Deidara and Sasori's butt as if it was nothing."

Deidara glared at Hidan who was shaking with laughter. The damn bastard wasn't going to let him forget.

"I meant anything useful and more specific?"

"She is a hand-to-hand fighter and is quite adept with a pair of sai. She is also very strong."

Sasori rubbed his jaw, remembering the pain he felt when that girl's fist connected with his face.

"Hmm...is she the strongest fighter that the ANBU has been keeping on the down low?"

"I can't confirm that."

"Why Sasuke?"

"There was another guy who didn't fight during the battle at the Valley of the End district. Although the girl is strong, we can't jump to conclusions."

"That is true."

"Hey, the guys we fought were pretty decent too. That silvered hair dude was pretty good, but it seemed as if he was holding back. Same could be said about the chain-smoker."

"So the ANBU does have some strong fighters."

"Yes. Plus, their leader Tsunade, has been known for her fighting skills."

"How do you know this Itachi?"

"I've heard the rumors. Not to mention the attack on the ANBU's main household. She took down more than a dozen Iwagakure members by herself."

Yahiko grimaced. The way the Akatsuki members described the ANBU confirmed his suspicion. They have been holding back. It would be near impossible to get them to come to the party.

"Yahiko! Yahiko!"

Yahiko looked up to see Tobi jumping up and down.

"What is it Tobi?"

"Look what Tobi found."

Everyone turned their attention to the woman that Tobi had tied up on the ground. Itachi immediately recognized her as Kurenai from the ANBU. What the hell is she doing here?

"She was sneaking around the back."

Kurenai gritted her teeth as she recalled the incident. Hinata didn't notice the wire that had tripped an alarm. Kurenai had to basically throw Hinata over the damn wall. Thank the Kami that Kiba had caught her and was smart enough to ride off.

"Oh? Well this is perfect. I know exactly how to get the ANBU to attend the party."

"Tsunade! Tsunade!"

Sakura and Tsunade were both conversing when they heard Kiba and Hinata yelling Tsunade's name. The two ANBU members were rushing towards them with a worried expression on their face.

"What is it?"

"It's...It's Kurenai! The Akatsuki caught her sneaking her around!"

"What?! Did you say Kurenai?"

Asuma and Kakashi approached the group. Asuma was already lighting a cigarette.

"Yes."

"How the hell did that happen?"

"I...I didn't see the wire that tripped the alarm...Kurenai...she...pushed me over the wall and stayed behind. I'm sorry."

Asuma was trying to control his instinct to rush over to the Akatsuki's hideout. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Kakashi looking at him. Asuma sighed before addressing Hinata.

"It's fine. It wasn't your fault and Kurenai is more than capable in protecting herself."

"Tsunade let me head out, I'll bring her back."

"NO!"

Sakura blinked as Tsunade and Kakashi yelled no at the same time. Even Asuma couldn't help but smile a bit.

"Did you forget that the Akatsuki is currently looking for you?!"

"No..."

"Then you already know the answer."

Sakura only tsked in response. Fine, but it doesn't mean she can't go later, when everyone is asleep.

Kakashi saw Sakura's expression and immediately knew what she was planning to do.

"Don't even think about it."

"I wasn't thinking about anything..."

Kakashi rolled his eyes before turning to Tsunade.

"What's the plan?"

"We will be retrieving Kurenai of course. Asuma, go prepare a team. Try not to let your emotions cloud your decision."

"Yeah."

Just as Asuma was about to go prepare, Tsunade's cell phone rang.

"Who the hell..."

Tsunade answered the call and quickly switched it to speakerphone so everyone could hear.

"Hello ANBU."

"Who are you?"

"I feel a little offended. After all, you sent a spy to greet us."

"Akatsuki..."

"That's right! Give yourself a pat on your back."

"If you hurt her I swear I'll..."

"Yes yes, you will skin us alive. We won't hurt her."

Everyone looked at each other in confusion. What's going on?

"Let me clarify. We won't hurt her, if you agree to our request."

"What?"

"We will be throwing a party in three days. A certain pink-haired girl is required to attend. Feel free to accompany her."

"Why the hell would we go to a damn party."

"Hmm how about if you don't I can't guarantee the safety of a certain woman..."

Tsunade glared at the cell phone and slowly unclenched her fist.

"Fine. We will attend, but if there is even one scratch on the woman, you will pay."

Laughter could be heard from the other end.

"Glad you came to your senses. Your invitation will arrive shortly. Formal attire only. Until then ANBU."

Tsunade waited until the man hung up before she threw her cell phone on the wall. Sakura quickly intervened and caught the cell phone before it could be shattered into pieces.

"It's obvious that this is a trap, but we can't leave Kurenai in the Akatsuki's hands."

"We can still head out right now and retrieve her."

"No. We have just made an agreement. We will be able to see her in three days. For now we need to prepare for the party."

"We can't just trust their word!"

"Asuma! The yakuza may be a lot of things, but we always keep our word."

Asuma stopped mid-rant. This was true.

"Anyway...the plan. Asuma, Kakashi, Naruto, Sai, Sakura and me will be the ones attending the party. Before then, Asuma and Kakashi continue training the new recruits. Hinata, Kiba, and Shino, all three of you will remain at the main house go find Shino and tell him the news. I need you guys to be prepared in case the Akatsuki plans to attack our base."

"Alright."

"Then let's get ready to go to a party."

"Kurenai are you alright?"

Kurenai looked up to see Itachi standing in the doorway. After he Akatsuki members had a brief discussion, the man who was responsible for capturing her, dragged her to a room and locked her in. She had been sitting around for a few hours.

"Yeah, but won't you blow your cover?"

Itachi shook his head and walked over to her.

"Everyone is asleep."

Taking Kurenai's hands, Itachi unwound the rope, allowing Kurenai to rub her wrists. Itachi handed her a bottle of water.

"They aren't going to hurt you."

"Oh?"

"It wouldn't benefit their plan. They will keep you in here until the day of the party. You are the bait to lure Sakura out."

"Damn. When is the party?"

"In a few days. You just have to be patient until then."

"Alright, but Itachi what is the Akatsuki's goal?"

Itachi heard footsteps and quickly retied Kurenai's hands.

"Itachi? What are you doing?"

"Giving the woman water Kisame. Do you want her to die before the day of the party?"

"Relax, I could care less. But come on... apparently Yahiko has banned Kakuzu from shopping for the party stuff. We are now in charge. What the hell am I? A damn party organizer?"

"Yahiko trusts us. At least he won't have to worry about a party with puppets everywhere, or worse, a religious party."

Kisame thought about it before bursting into laughter.

"That's true, but he could've sent Konan out. She is better with these things."

"It would be an origami party then."

Kisame sighed.

"Fine, we are the best options. We will head out at dawn. Will you try to get some sleep? You are only 25, but you have bags under your eyes that make you look at least 40."

Itachi briefly touched his eyes. He did have a point.

"Ok, let me finish giving her water."

Kisame nodded before walking away. Itachi waited before he leaned forward to whisper in Kurenai's ear. Leaving the water behind, Itachi left Kurenai to process the information.

"The Akatsuki wants Sakura and the destruction of the ANBU organization."

I need to tell Tsunade.

Sakura returned to her room after informing Naruto and Sai about the current situation. If only Tsunade would let her go retrieve Kurenai. Then they wouldn't have to go to the damn party. Walking over to her closet, Sakura began to unbutton her shirt.

"Do you need help?"

Sakura felt Sasuke's breathe on the back of her neck. Trying to refrain from turning around and punching him, Sakura chose to ignore him and walked into her closet.

"Nope and get out."

Sasuke laughed before walking over to sit on her bed. It had only been two days since he last saw her and he already missed her.

"Sorry, I don't feel like it."

Sakura twisted the fabric that was in her hands. Just because he kissed her and comforted her, didn't mean she would be running into his arms every time she saw him. Quickly changing into shorts and a long t-shirt she walked out of the closet and found Sasuke laying on the bed. Crossing her arms, Sakura waited for him to get off of her bed.

Sasuke looked at Sakura, giving her a once over before a smile formed on his lips. Oh yes...he can definitely keep her busy on the day of the party.

Trying to ignore the sensation she felt from Sasuke's gaze, Sakura began to tap her foot.

"Will you get off?"

"Nope, but you are more than welcomed to join me."

"Like hell I will."

Just as Sakura turned a way, Sasuke grabbed her arm, pulling her towards him and the bed. She landed on top of him, her long hair brushing against his cheek.

"See this isn't so bad."

She could feel the blush forming on her face.

She is too cute.

Deciding he should be a little nicer, Sasuke rolled Sakura over so they were both facing each other on her bed. Leaving one arm on her waist, Sasuke's expression turned serious before he addressed her.

"Are you going to the party?"

Interested by Sasuke's quick shift in expression, Sakura only nodded.

"Not allowed."

"It's not an option. Tsunade won't let me go in alone to retrieve Kurenai so the party is the only option."

"You were planning to enter the Akatsuki's main house, alone. Even after I told you they were trying to capture you."

"Yes."

Sasuke sighed. It's better if she went to the damn party. Thank God, they had stopped her.

"I don't like seeing any of the ANBU members getting hurt."

A rueful smile appeared on Sasuke's face.

"I figured that out after you punched Deidara."

"He deserved it."

"I don't disagree with you there. I don't want you to go to the party because it's basically a trap. But I doubt I'll be able to stop you."

"You couldn't if you tried."

"Was that a challenge?"

Sakura saw the look on Sasuke's face.

"Nope, just a fact."

Sasuke laughed.

"I'll fix that another time. I guess there would be one benefit in you attending the party."

"Oh?"

"I get to see you in a dress."

Sakura rolled her eyes. She felt a yawn coming and tried to hide it from Sasuke.

"Go to sleep. I'll stay with you for a bit."

"I don't want to sleep..."

"Don't worry. If you have a nightmare, I'll be here to wake you up."

Sakura thought about it for a second. It would help. Besides, she was tired. She could feel her eye-lids drooping.

"Mk"

Sasuke watched as she fell into a light slumber. Pulling her close to him, Sasuke placed a kiss on the top of her head.

"Sweet dreams Sakura."