Daughter of the Two Worlds:

Disclaimer: I obviously don't own Naruto, or Harry Potter for that matter.

Chapter 10: Meeting of The Alliance

Location:

Konohagakure no Sato

Hokage Tower

Meeting of the Alliance

Time:

September, 1st, year 113

03:00 pm

Hosts:

Senjū Tsunade, Godaime Hokage

Aids:

Katō Shizune

Hatake Kakashi

Nara Shikamaru

Guests:

Sabaku no Gaara, Godaime Kazekage, accompanied by: Temari, Kankuro and Baki

Ryōtenbin no Ōnoki, Sandaime Tsuchikage, accompanied by: Akatsuchi, Kurotsuchi and Shirotsuchi

Nagato "Pain", Leader of Amegakure no Sato and Akatsuki, accompanied by: Konan, Akasuna no Sasori and Deidara

-0-0-0-

"Let's start this meeting, concerning the impending war." The Hokage's booming voice resounded through the vast circular room. "I, Senjū Tsunade, Godaime Hokage, welcome you to Konohagakure no Sato."

They were sitting in a room that was usually used during meetings with all the clan heads and the representative of the civilians, which only happened once a month. It was dimly lit with no window, candles here and there disfiguring the shadows of the present people. The circular room was lightly furnished, only the bare necessary, a large concentric wooden table with enough chairs to fit the different leaders attending the meeting. Behind each leader, were long curtains featuring the color, symbol and kanji of each land. As such, behind the Godaime Hokage hung a dark red drape with the kanji of Fire and the Leaf symbol; the Sandaime Tsuchikage, a greenish brown curtain with the kanji of Earth and the Rock symbol. While behind the Godaime Kazekage, was a dark yellow drape with the kanji of Wind and the Sand symbol, behind the Leader of Amekagure hung a black and red curtain, the colors were split diagonally and the kanji and symbol of Rain were paint on it.

On each side of the four leaders, stood their aids, or rather their bodyguards. The blond haired woman was sitting with her hands held under her chin, a posture she usually took while thinking of a strategy. The busty Sanin had her hair in the usual low pigtails. She was wearing the Hokage's hat and her green kimono. She had never liked the long robes that all the Kages were required to wear. A scowl was settled on her young face, contradicting her real age, much to the consternation of her first apprentice and niece. Senjū Tsunade was known worldwide for her drinking and gambling habits, which she always lost earning her the title of 'The Legendary Sucker' sewn on her back. She really wouldn't mind a cup or two, or even a few bottles, of her beloved warm sake. But of course due to recent events -what with the presence of the Akatsuki inside her village and the fast coming war- she couldn't let herself wind out a little bit.

Even without her niece's tries to hide her sake away, the blond woman didn't drink, a fact that scared and worried at the same time the dark haired woman, even if she tried to mask it. Glancing to her right, she saw the small woman fidget lightly in her place. It wasn't really noticeable but she wasn't a Sanin for nothing, besides she was her aunt. Katō Shizune had short dark hair with brown almost black eyes. She was wearing the usual Jonin uniform which consisted of a navy blue trouser, a long sleeve shirt of the same color and a green jacket with the Uzumaki swirl on its back. She had her weapons pouch on her right leg, seeing as she was right handed and was wearing her low-heeled black sandals. Her hitai-ite hung proudly on her forehead, showing the unscratched Leaf symbol. The shirt's sleeves were longer than the small woman's arms, hiding the entirety of her hands. Her right arm was hanging loosely at her side while the other arm was holding a large stack of paper close to her chest. The telltale sign that was giving out her anxiety was her face, or rather the fact that she was biting her lower lip harshly.

While the female Jonin was blatantly showing her worry and wariness, the other two males, who were standing on the Hokage's left, were the epitome of laziness and boredom. There was an air around them that seemed to scream at the remaining persons that they'd prefer to be anywhere but inside the meeting room, thus causing a rather comical twitch on the left eyebrow of their leader. The two men's posture was both laidback but tense. They both had their hands in their pouches, a surprising fact for the light-haired man standing closer to the Hokage. Their faces, or what was shown of it in the older man's case, expressed ennui as both their eyes were half lidded, as if they found it troublesome to fight the gravity that was pulling down their heavy lids. While everything in their posture and comportment only displayed their relaxed state and lack of attention to their surrounding, all of the attending people knew it was just an act. They both were tense enough to spring at any given moment. It was comical and absurd to say that the great Hokage would choose someone that couldn't see underneath the underneath.

The one closest to the Hokage and consequently the more powerful of the two men, was a man widely known under different nicknames, such as the Copy-Cat nin, the Scarecrow but especially Kakashi of the Sharingan. His real name was Hatake Kakashi, a silver haired man wearing the same garb as his counterpart female Jonin. However what differentiated him from his fellow ninjas, was the mask that was always hiding his whole face except his left charcoal black eye. Yes, he was quite the peculiar Shinobi with quite the handsome bounty on his head. The Anbu acting Jonin was renowned around the world for not only his many feats, such as copying over a thousand jutsus and killing one of the Seven Mist Swordsmen, but also for his unpunctuality to everything, even mission reports. Of course that is besides his uncanny habit of reading pornography in plain view, calling his smut collection of books, romantic literature written by the 'amazing' novelist Jiraiya.

The other man acting as the Hokage's guard was much younger than the one standing on his right. He had dark brown hair held in such a way that was defying gravity, almost reminiscent of the shape of a pineapple. His eyes were of a darker shade of brown than his hair. His right ear was pierced and held an ornament that was peculiar to Team Asuma alone. His name was Nara Shikamaru, from the noble Nara clan known not only for its great lands, and the deep relationship shared with the deer living on their lands, but also for their rare medical books and researches. Like the man standing on his right, he had his hands in his pouches, his posture was slack yet tense and his gaze was bored. The reason a shinobi so young was inside the room while there were ninjas stronger than him who could protect their Hokage much more efficiently, resided in his intellectual and analytic mind, which proved time and time again his superiority compared to his father and teacher.

"We are all assembled here today to discuss the threat that has risen. Konohagakure no Sato had decided to see past its previous disagreements and the wrongs done to the land of Fire and allied itself with Sunagakure no Sato, Iwagakure no Sato and Amegakure no Sato." A long silence ensued the small introduction made by the Hokage. As no one seemed to plan on saying anything, the scowl that had been marring the young face of the Senjū Princess only deepened, giving an annoyed edge to her facial expression.

"I, Godaime Kazekage Sabaku no Gaara, thank you for your warm welcome and announce that Sunagakure no Sato had too decided to see past its previous wars and conflicts and apologize for any wrongs done to any of your respected countries."

On the Hokage's right, sat the Godaime Kazekage. He had fiery red hair and green eyes. On his forehead, was a tattoo of the kanji of 'Love' in a crimson red color. From all the leaders present inside the room, he was by far the youngest, only around the age of the youngest Hokage's guard. Unlike the host of the meeting, he was wearing the complete Kage dress, which wasn't really different from the usual Suna dress code. His name was Gaara called Sabaku no Gaara, due to his control of the Ichibi, the one-tailed demon, also known as the desert spirit or the Tanuki. His posture was tense and wary, quite understandable knowing that the objective of the Akatsuki was having all the bijūs and that one of the said monsters was sealed inside the young Kazekage. His back was stiff and his shoulders set in a firm line, both his hands were joined on the desk. Under the big hat he was wearing, his face was an emotionless mask. While all his stance showed how wary he was and uncomfortable, his face didn't express anything. Looking at his face, no one could have guessed that he was sitting in front of the same people who wished for his demise.

On his right, stood his older sister and the firstborn of the Fourth Kazekage. Her name was Temari and besides being the Kazekage's guard during meetings outside of Sunagakure or the ones hosting foreigners, she also was the Kazekage's ambassador. She had dirty blond hair gathered in four ponytails and green eyes. Her black headband was set proudly on her forehead, showing her allegiance to Sunagakure. She was wearing a mesh armor underneath a sleeveless purple dress. A purple blouse was thrown over her body and she was donning a pair of legwarmers and a black fingerless glove in her right hand. Around her waist was a purple sash while a big scroll was set on her back, where her biggest fan to date was sealed. Her arms were crossed over her chest, putting her hands dangerously close to the small fan hanging on her waist. Her face didn't show any sign of the tension and anticipation she was feeling inside, the only thing betraying her smooth mask of indifference being her eyes. Her teal blue eyes usually shining with determination and smugness, only expressed a deep wariness and mistrust. Mistrust directed toward the four Akatsuki members and the Tsuchikage and his guards. Her entire body was tense and looked like it would snap at any given moment.

On the other side of the Godaime Kazekage stood the older brother and the cadet. His name was Kankuro and he usually aided his little brother when the paperwork became just too much, even if he didn't want to. But unless he wanted to be crushed by his brother or buried alive, he had to do what his baby bro wanted. He also lead the Center of Poison Research and Development while also being head of the Puppet Brigade after the death of the Council Member Chiyo. He had brown hair and similar eye color. While his older sister resembled his mother, he took after his father. His face was painted with a dark purple color and his hair was hidden beneath a black hood where the Sunagakure Symbol was stitched. Like most of the ninjas present, his face was set in an emotionless mask, which gave an eerie aura due to the strange designs painted on his face. His eyes, usually filled with mischief and always spelling troubles, were darker almost appearing to be black. The perverted grin that was always settled on his lips disappeared to let place to a grim line of distrust and wariness. And like the man accompanying them, he was wearing the Sunagakure Shinobi garb, which he only did during formal meetings, or during the Council meetings, those old hags always had something to complain about. On his back, two scrolls were tied, where two puppets were sealed away.

On his left stood a man he greatly admired as a genin and still did. He was Baki, the Jonin-sensei assigned to their team and the one who took charge after the attack on Konoha three years ago. He had a darker shade of brown than the boy, now man, standing on his right and pupil-less hazel eyes. His skin was tanned with the weather that his land was infamous for and three dark red marks were on one of his cheeks. He was wearing the Suna Shinobi garb, consisting of light brown baggy pants and shirts of the same color with an armor over his chest and shoulders. His black headband laid on his forehead and his eyes showed loyalty to the leader of his village. A loyalty so deep that could have rivaled that of the Hokage's first apprentice. His eyes seemed to dare those present to make a move on the Kazekage, to try and attack him. His arms were crossed over his chest while his left foot tapped the ground in a definite pattern, cutting repeatedly the tense silence that had settled inside the room ever since the meeting started. A frown that had long since appeared on his forehead was deepening and soon transformed into an impatient scowl.

He was usually a levelheaded ninja and hardly ever lost his cool, but it seemed that these people, not including his ex-genin and now his Kage, knew the right buttons to make him lose patience. However, because he was only the Kazekage's guard, here, he couldn't say anything less a quarrel start which will irrevocably lead to the abandon of this meeting and thus the start of an inside war before they even started to battle the real enemy. Yes, if not asking them, even if it was politely, to hurry it up a little bit secured that the alliance will stay maintained, then no, Baki wouldn't open his mouth. Though, no one said he couldn't show his impatience through the annoyed expression that had took the emotionless mask's place and the tapping of his foot which only seemed to get on the nerve of the blond Akatsuki member. A plus, if you asked him.

"Tch. I see that Konoha is still as pompous as it had always been." Sharply commented the Sandaime Tsuchikage.

Directly in front of the Leader of the Land of Fire, sat the Sandaime Tsuchikage, with his subordinates, Akatsuchi, Kurotsuchi and Shirotsuchi. Oonoki was a small, old man. The top of his head was bald and his hair, which was styled in a traditional chonmage, was already white with age and his nose was always a rosy, almost red color. His big eyes were black and his beard was pointed, which gave him a triangular edge to his round face. He was wearing the official robe and hat of the Tsuchikage and had been giving a dark look to both of the Hokage and Kazekage. He was known for his contempt to the many quirks of the younger generation. He was also known as the ex-master of a certain Akatsuki member, as it was rumored that he was planning to name him his next successor hadn't he left the village. It was also acknowledged that during many conflicts he didn't hide the fact that he used the Akatsuki, whose leader was sitting next to him, to win said conflicts.

On the Sandaime's right stood his granddaughter and his guard. Her name was Kurotsuchi and she always called her grandfather a stubborn old man. She had black hair and pupil less pink eyes, complementing her heart shaped face. Her posture was straight and tense, her arms were hanging loosely by her side, contrasting with her firmly tightened hands. She was wearing the Iwagakure shinobi garb, which consisted of a red uniform with her right sleeve missing and a lapel over her right leg, the brown Iwa flak jacket, fishnets tights and a skirt over them. She was also adorning regular ninja sandals and black fingerless gloves. Now and then, her eyes would flicker with something undefinable toward the blond guard of the Amegakure leader, as her hands clinched tighter by her sides. A wonder how they hadn't bled already.

The man standing on the Tsuchikage's immediate left was Akatsuchi. He was a man, giving off an imposing aura. He had large cheeks and a plump nose, which made his face look jovial, if it wasn't for his dark eyes looking warily at each of the members attending the meeting. His black hair spiked underneath his his forehead protector which he wore as a bandanna. His usual happy grin disappeared at the prospect of the upcoming war. He stood closer to the Tsuchikage than his leader's granddaughter did, which didn't surprise the other three Iwagakure ninjas, as he was known as the most attached guard. He also adorned the official Iwa-nin uniform, which had both its sleeves under the brown flak jacket. Around his neck, laid comfortably a long yellow scarf, reaching his midback.

Next to the large man, stood a tall figure. He had silvery shoulder length hair and charcoal eyes. Shirotsuchi was well tanned and quite muscular, though his body seemed to be built for speed more so than muscle. He was wearing the red Iwa-nin uniform underneath the brown flak jacket, and his headband was tied around his forearm. His black eyes would look at each member carefully, before setting back to the ground in front of him in a bored way. He would let loose a sigh whenever the silence would prolong for too long than he would have liked. His left hand was in his pouch while his right hand's fingers were tapping a soft melody that couldn't be heard. He was humming the lyrics without making any noise. His posture was slightly slouching, though it was clear that he was wary of his surrounding, with being in unfamiliar territory, a feeling that was shared not only by his fellow Iwa-nin, but also by the Akatsuki members.

Shirotsuchi knew that his Kage meant well, but replying rudely during such a meeting would do them no good. Why couldn't the Tsuchikage accept the fact that he was already old and that there were people fitter for the position of Kage and younger than him? Take the Kazekage for exemple, he was by far the youngest Kage ever and clearly the best Suna had to offer. Sighing deeply, Shirotsuchi looked over the Akatsuki leader with a curious look, they had yet to say something and participate in the growing yelling match. A slight movement from the ginger haired man caught his attention. Finally, they decided to say something. However, all of the silver haired man's hope came crashing down as the leader didn't move at all, his fingers being the only exception.

A soft yet sharp tapping silenced the growing argument between the two leaders. Everyone was staring over the only Leader that hadn't said a word. His long face was covered with multiple piercings, whether they were on both sides of his straight nose, in his similar ears or on his chin. Even his orange eyebrows, which were frowning in an impatient manner, were pierced. His big eyes were showing his Rinningan, one of -if not the- the strongest bloodline limits to ever see the world. His lips were set in a grim line and his face was was smothered in a mask of indifference which only expressed immense impatience at the moment. His ginger flying hair was held by his forehead protector showing his alliance to Ame. He was wearing a long black robe where a white lined red cloud was sewn, the official robe of the Akatsuki members. His figure couldn't be seen, except his hands which were set over the table.

Clearing his rough throat, the ginger haired man started talking, his voice husky from disuse. "I understand that the Akatsuki had been on bad terms with your lands. However, I, Amekage and Akatsuki leader, decided to stop all attempts toward your Jinchuruki as long as the war will last. Furthermore, all of the Akatsuki members won't attack any of your ninjas and will abide by the rules of Konohagakure, Iwagakure and Sunagakure. On the other hand, you must promise that my ninjas won't attack be attacked on sight, do you agree to my terms?" His face regained its composure as his eyes lost all of the impatience the Reningan user had felt earlier. His voice was as monotone as usual, not showing neither stress nor arrogance.

Beside the Leader of the Akatsuki stood his most loyal member, and the only one he ever could trust with his life. With dark blue hair and golden eyes, Konan was a sight to behold. With exotic features and a calm face, Konan was the epitome of a strong woman. Her naturally pouty lips were set in a small frown as her eyes surveyed the reaction of the other Kages to her childhood friend and leader's speech. Her blueberry hair reached a little over her shoulder blades, while a single lock was held by an intricate origami depicting a blue rose. She was wearing the Akatsuki robe as were the other members standing on the left of the ginger haired man. The impassive woman was thankful that the sleeves were long enough to hide her clenched hands from view. Although she'll never admit it outloud, she was thankful for the opportunity to ally with Konohagakure deep inside. Perhaps Nagato will stop obsessing over world peace so much. She truly wanted to save everyone from the misery and life they had lived, but she also wanted Nagato to understand that her feelings for him weren't simply because he was using Yahiko's body. But that over the years she came to see him more than just a friend.

On the Akatsuki leader's left stood Akasuna no Sasori, ex-Suna ninja and a revolutionary puppeteer. He had short blood red hair and bored hazel eyes. Although he was never seen outside of his puppet Hiruko, an occasion such as this demanded that he came in his partially original body. His fair round face was that of a young boy barely reaching the late of his teens, contrasting with his real age, as he was already past his mid-twenties. He was wearing the official Akatsuki robe, hiding the large scroll where all of his puppets were sealed. His gaze traveled over the people present inside the room, not remaining for more than a couple of minutes on each person. His bored eyes lit briefly with a hint of excitement at the sight of the current head of the Puppet Brigade, a title he used to hold when he was still a loyal Suna ninja. He saw the recognition flicker in his eyes and let a small smirk tug on his lips. An act that scared not only the blond bomber but also the brown haired puppeteer, only making the redhead's smirk widen. Schooling his face back in a mask of indifference, Sasori let his chakra run over the presence of each ninja inside the room and his eyes look over them.

Next to the red haired puppet master stood another artist. He was Deidara, an ex-Iwa ninja and the previous apprentice of the current Tsuchikage. His long luscious blond hair flowed softly down his back, reaching a little past his mid back, a small lock was held back in a ponytail as a long bang hid the left side of his face. His right icy blue eye was fierce and seemed to burn with determination, while his left eye, which was hidden by his hair, surveyed each person inside the spacious room. His nose was straight and his rosy lips were set in a firm line, as opposed to his usual mischievous and arrogant smirk. He was well-tanned, as most of the ninjas were, though some more than others. The Akatsuki's bomber was wearing the Akatsuki robe like all members of said organization and his stance was firm yet relaxed. His hands, where a mouth was on each palm, were itching toward his concealed pouch holding his explosive clay. He was a passionate artist who respected all kinds of art, though was a firm believer that art was fleeting as known through his catchphrase 'Art is an explosion'. The youngest member of the Akatsuki was always seen fighting against the puppet master over the significance of art, as the redhead believed that art was eternal unlike the blond man.

All of the three Kages looked to be too deep in thoughts, letting a long silence engulf the dark room once again. The first ever Kage's granddaughter was the first to respond to the Akatsuki's leader's deal. Taking off her joined hands from under her chin, the blond Hokage started talking in a thoughtful voice. "I agree to this deal of yours. Kazekage, Tsuchikage, what do you say?"

"Yes, it is. However, how can I be sure that you are not going to betray the alliance if you see that you have better chances at accomplishing your goals with the enemy?" Gaara's voice was challenging, his eyes hard with determination and his face grim.

"You have nothing but my word... At the moment. By the time this meeting is over and everything concerning the impending war is discussed, we will sign a blood seal which will bind us until all of the objectives written are achieved. Will that be satisfactory?" The orange haired man explained with a slight smirk upon hearing the grunt made the one-tailed Jinchuriki.

"I will not sign anything unless that goddamned brat returns to Iwagakure and is judged for his crimes." Was the gruff response of the oldest man. His arms were crossed over his chest and a scowl was twisting his face. His charcoal eyes were glaring darkly at one blond haire artist who was glaring back with as much force. The young bomber looked as if he was about to attack, making the Tsuchikage's bodyguards tense and draw their weapons, which only furthered the tension between the master and his previous apprentice whose hands were munching his explosive clay.

"I must decline." The Akatsuki leader's voice was cold, making the Kazekage and Hokage tense even if the attention wasn't directed at them. "All members of the Akatsuki had abondonned all ties to their past life and had become loyal ninjas to Amegakure. If, by the chance they were captured by the village they deserted, then by all means, they can be judged as you please." A tense silence ensued, letting his words sink in. "However, as it is, none of my ninjas can be judged, detained, tortured and the list goes on. They are loyal Amegakure ninjas and you have no current power over them." His hard eyes traveled over each member of the meeting, noticing how each leader dealt with his conditions. Truly, they should have expected that they couldn't harm the Akatsuki ninjas or take them in. Deidara, Sasori and Itachi were some of the best shinobi to have ever walked this earth. And they were expecting of him to simply hand them over in silence. How foolish!

The ginger haired leader saw that both the Kazekage and Hokage had already accepted his conditions, at least there were still some sensible leaders. Though he also noticed that the Tsuchikage wanted to argue more on this matter. Just as he wanted to open his mouth to refute any opposition from him, Pein noticed that the Godaime Hokage beat him to it.

"Shut up old man!" Her outburst surprising more than one. "You know that they are right, so just accept your fate and let us talk about more pressing matters, such as... I don't know... the upcoming war! NOT your ex-ninja!"

Though her intentions were kind, the manner in which she addressed him was far from polite. In fact, it bordered over insolent and rude. The Tsuchikage felt as if he was about to explode, only furthering the already tense silence that was weighing on the room's occupants.

"Insolent brat! Where have your manners disappeared to?! Is this the way youngsters should talk to their elders?! Of course not!" His face had become deep red with anger as his breath was coming in short ragged pants. The small man contained so much anger, no fury, that it surprised most of the attendants.

Just as suddenly as his fury was unleashed, a dark smirk twisted his normally comical face, immediately creeping everyone, much to his satisfaction and their dismay. "Oh, I'm sure if it was your apprentice who deserted you, you too would have risen hell to make her return. Speaking of which, where is your pink protégée? And here I was thinking that I'd finally be able to meet the infamous Bloody Blossom." His gruff voice was dripping with venom. It was true that he was a moody person, however he was usually calm and his snide comments were more often than not making those around him laugh. But it seemed that the presence of his previous apprentice put the old Tsuchikage on edge, a comprehensive feeling that they all empathized with, not including the Hokage, as she was leaning dangerously close to fury herself.

"So you mean that Deidara means to you more than your own granddaughter?" Although her smile was nothing short of sweet, all those around her knew that underneath the sweet facade she was boiling and wanted nothing more than to kill the other man. "Well, as much as I'd love to show off my apprentice and rub it in your face, she is in a mission so dangerous that none of the Shinobi in the world could take on." As soon as the words left her lips, the attention of all ninjas was spiked. What kind of mission could be so hazardous? Was the first thought that ran through their minds; the second being was Haruno Sakura truly this strong or was the Hokage only exaggerating. Though the third thought was less favorable to women and based more on male pride

"Would that explain why I lost all contacts with my ninjas?" The voice of the Akatsuki leader stopped all thoughts and second-guessing of the kunoichi's powers.

"Perhaps they were killed." She answered him slyly, provoking a small smirk to appear on her black haired apprentice, a feat that happened rarely if never, immediately scaring the two male ninjas on the Hokage's leader. However, upon noticing the harsh glare directed at her from the ginger haired man, she let her smirk morph into a small pout. "Just kidding. Sheesh... People these days, can't even take a joke." The blond mumbled softly to herself, though was heard by everyone, due to their developed senses.

A small cough snapped the attention of the three glaring leaders to the only Kage who had yet to loose his cool. "Perhaps we should continue talking over our strategies for this war, unless you wish for our loss." His face was as impassive as before. On the other hand, his eyes were glaring darkly at all the Kages and his voice an icy whisper. As the Kazekage's calmly spoken demand was met with silence, he continued speaking. "First and foremost, we need to know what we are going to do about the civilians. As you know we can't let them be out in the open to any attack, unless we are going to fight Orochimaru and his allies in some field during one grand battle."

"And knowing Orochimaru and his dirty tricks, he'll find a way to attack us from the inside out and weaken our defenses, by starting with the civilians." Added the blond woman in a grave voice, unlike the one she'd been using since the start of the meeting.

"Thus why we must decide on where to hide them. If we cannot stir Orochimaru and his allies to the open, which I'm sure is quite the feat, then we'll have to employ the same tactics as he uses." Continued the ginger haired man.

"As I'm sure you speak of experience." Commented Ōnoki. "However, we can't bring all the civilians of each of our lands to one village, as it would only make this one village a major target to the enemy. However-"

"What's the meaning of this, Tsunade?!" The booming voice of Shimura Danzō interrupted the Tsuchikage. The room became suddenly filled with light, immediately blinding all of the members of the alliance. Each of the foreign guards drew their weapons and stood in front of the Kage they were accompanying. The clack of wood against the ground was heard throughout the spacious room as the figures of the Konoha Elders were seen. They were followed by three ninjas well known inside Konoha; two of which were the current Hokage's aids, or as they called themselves her 'errant boys', Hagane Kotetsu and Izumo. The other Shinobi was none other than a certain famous senbon wielder and ladies man, Shiranui Genma.

"Genma, What's going on?" Barked angrily the busty Hokage at the poor ninja who flinched visibly at the badly concealed killing intent.

Bowing in front of his Kage, the brown haired man started speaking, his monotone voice void of any emotion. His hair framed his face as he played with the senbon in his mouth. "I'm sorry Hokage-sama, but Danzō-sama wouldn't stop at anything." He smirked lightly before continuing, his face smug for an unknown reason. "I told him that no one was to interrupt this meeting, as it reflected on both our trust and future dealings with the other Hidden Villages. However he refused to hear any words coming from me or from Izumo and Kotetsu, calling us and I quote, 'mindless dogs with no respect for their elders'."

The smirk that had been on the senbon wielder's lips widened, while the same smug expression was reciprocated by all of the Konoha Shinobis. On the other hand, the blond Hokage glared darkly at the three elders who were only staring at her blankly, as if unaware of her fury. "Is that so? Pray tell, what's more important than discussing alliances?" Her voice was sarcastic and cold, disgusted at the very presence of the three people in front of her. Nodding her head lightly at the three still bowing Shinobis, she directed her gaze toward some of the people she dreamt of killing, but couldn't, as it would be seen badly by the Konoha citizens. Although, the angered Hokage was sure that she would get most -if not all- of the ninjas' support if she ever decided to follow her dreams.

Danzō, her worst enemy, stood between the Third Hokage's teammates. She could heartily say that she wanted nothing more than to dance on his grave. He was wearing bandages over his right eye and his right arm entirely. His dark eye was glaring venomously at her and his face was set in a continuous scowl. His left hand was gripping firmly the walking stick while his steps were firm. He was a short man with little dark hair and fair skin. Shimura Danzō had an X-shaped scar on his chin. Tsunade knew that he used to be her predecessor's rival and had always wanted to become Hokage. However he never managed to become one, as his method of ruling was more appropriate during war, whilst the Konoha emerging from not one but three major wars, besides the attack of the Kyuubi, prefered the more peaceful leading of the Third Hokage. Thus why he was chosen once again after the death of the Youndaime and a new one wasn't chosen until after the death of Sarutobi at the hands of his own student. Danzō was a vindictive man and had always held a grudge against the Senjū clan, and Tsunade, being the last of her clan, was more incline to be subject to his hate.

"Why are we not present in a meeting of such importance?" His voice was cold almost reprimanding, loud and clear, reverberating around the room.

"Are we seriously having this conversation now?" The Godaime Hokage dead panned in an almost whiny voice. Beside her, Shizune had the sudden yet understandable urge to hit her forehead repeatedly. As if sensing her apprentice's mood, the last Senjū started explaining. "Konoha needs a younger view that understands its ninjas past and knows better their upbringings more than the military view that will most likely deprive our successors from the Will Of Fire. Besides, the Nara brat has more grey particles than most people and the Hatake brat knows war through experience and knows how to approach the younger generation about the war and prepare them better than you did." She spoke in an authoritarian voice that left no room for arguments, for normal, sensible people. As it was, the intruding trio didn't fit in this category, and as such replied as if unknowing of the blonde's temper.

"However Tsunade-Hime, they do not possess the experience we do nor the wisdom we achieved over the years we lived." The voice came from the second male, on the right of the one who spoke earlier. In contrast to his cold tone, the new voice was calm and soothing, yet strict with an edge of disappointment.

Beside the war veteran stood his two puppets, also the Third Hokage's teammates, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane. They were both members of Konoha's Council. Although they were supposed to only make sure that all the decisions made by the Hokage were in Konoha's best interests, they more often than not forced the Hokage's hand. As it was, the Hokage was frequently overruled by Danzo and these two members, seeing as he had them both at the palm of his hands. However unlike Danzo they still showed rerpefy to the Hokage.

Homura Mitokado was an old well-tanned man with greyed brown hair. His small black eyes were enhanced by his dark green glasses while his long face was wrinkled with age, but retained a strong jaw-line from his youth. He was tall, wearing a long dark blue robe underneath a beige jacket and a white scarf covered his neck. He always had Konoha's best interest though with a more militant view, thus making him often side with Danzō, such as the decision made to slaughter the Uchiha clan. He was a calm man who always stayed coolheaded whenever he had to deal with crises, an everyday occurrence with the rash Tsunade being Hokage.

On the puppeteer's right stood yet another person who was at his beck and call, Koharu Utatane. She had light purple hair which was always pulled back in a twin bun locked by a traditional hair pin with a few pearls dangling off the side. Her dark eyes which used to shine in the dark with her determination were now hardly ever seen as she always squinted. She had a slightly wider than average forehead and wore long earrings. As a member of the Konoha council, Koharu always wore a long black kimono, closed off with a white obi, a jacket and a sash over it. She, like her partner, only wanted the best for Konoha, though she went about it more cynically than the younger generation preferred, as a result of getting involved in more than one Great War and watching the different betrayals and the backstabbing fluent in their era. Just like all ninjas, she had to grow up faster than kids her age and take off the pink tinted glasses during a life threatening situation.

"That might be true. However as I just explained this war doesn't need your help nor your opinion, as it doesn't concern nor affect you in the least. You're practically stepping on your graves for God's sake! This war will affect the future of the younger generation. Winning this war means protecting the young Academy students from growing up too fast like we had to."

"Wrong! Relying on children who don't know anything about betrayal and backstabbing will lead this village to its demise. Stop being so stubborn for once and listen to us, Tsunade-Hime!" Spoke the the only female member of Konoha's Council in a rich voice.

Much to the consternation of the barging trio, the only response they received from the supposedly mature and levelheaded Hokage was a scoff before she answered them haughtily. "I should listen to you? Yeah, so we can destroy together Konoha and transform it into a battlefield? I know how to lead this village to glory without tarnishing the memory of my predecessors nor canceling all the work he's done to Konoha thankyouverymuch." The last Senjū turned her head toward the other Kages present inside the meeting room, a clear sign that she dismissed the three old members of Konoha's Council.

While the Hokage was bickering with her Council, the other three leaders and their guards were following the exchange with an amused glint in their eyes. This heads moved from Tsunade to the three standing people, as if watching a tennis match, causing Genma, Kotetsu and Izumo to chuckle lightly before covering their laughter with a cough under the harsh glare of the legendary Sanin.

At the sound of clacking wood, the three guards followed the retreating members of the Konoha Council after bowing to their Hokage. It wasn't long before the magestic door that led to the meeting room was slammed shut rudely, shaking the walls of the spacious room and returning it to its previous dimly lit state. A tense silence ensued in which each Kage pondered over the latest development and the stability of Konoha's government. A loud sigh left the rosy lips of the blond Hokage. Her hazel eyes darkened as she thought of the three old hags who dared to interrupt her during a meeting that could easily mean the difference between death and life. She didn't know hat their goal of coming here, but she knew that it was not to simply demand why they were not present. She must keep an eye on them, especially thy sneaky Danzo. Who knows what he's planning with the ROOT under his command. The blond Sanin sighed again, this war was more problem than it was worth. But weren't all wars like that?

A small cough from her left brought her out from her musings. She gave a small nod in thanks to the Hatake brat and cleared her throat loudly, thus snapping the attention if the other Kages to herself.

"Putting that small... interruption aside, let's continue from where we left off." She stopped talking, waiting for the others to get their bearings. Unsurprisingly, the ginger haired man was the one to talk first.

"Yes, while hiding away all the civilians in a single place may look more appealing, I do not believe that it is the best course of actions to take." He paused momentary to see the raised eyebrow of the red haired boy sitting in front of him. "We do not know how long it will take to put an end to a war of such caliber which, let us not forget, has the potential to turn into the Fourth Great Ninja War. Furthermore, we cannot hide all of the civilians as we do not have neither the time nor the resources to build a fort big enough to contain all the civilians of each hidden village and let them live a fairly normal life. They will only be mistreated and live in worse conditions than refugees." He paused once again to let his arguments sink. He watched as each leader weighted the pros and cons of his arguments, taking a good five minutes just to answer him. As the oldest man present inside the meeting room started talking one single thought was repeating itself in the Akatsuki leader's head.

This is going to be a long meeting.

-0-0-0-

Meanwhile in Hogwarts:

True to his words, the eldest Uchiha led me to the Griffindor common room as chivalrously as he said he was raised to be. We had lapsed in a surprisingly comfortable silence, neither willing to break it nor to attract attention from the sleeping portraits or wake them up, a far worse possibility. However, as we were both trained as ninjas, it was compulsory that we would move as silently as the night's shadows. Upon arriving on the floor where the red and gold house's entrance door was, I realized that thankfully, the Fat Lady had not been wandering. In fact, she was sleeping like a rock, empty bottles of wine littered the floor and a soft snore escaping her being the only sound breaking the continuous silence. I did not know that she had wine bottles or that they could be emptied as they were paintings. After all, evenif the portraits were moving and quite lively, there were some things that remained unalterable such as the background design. Urgh, why am I thinking about this now?! Besides nothing made much sense ever since I started living in this world.

Chancing a look at the dark haired man standing a few paces next to me, I noticed that he too was examining the portrait with a barely visible curiosity lighting his usually bored dark grey eyes. He seemed to have reached some sort of conclusion as he nodded his head once firmly before turning his smoldering onyx eyes on my person. I felt his gaze intently on me, and for just a second I wondered if he was checking me. As soon as the thought made itself known in my conscious mind, I felt as if the glass that had been encasing me ever since I had felt Itachi's intense gaze on me shattered. And at once all my senses rushed back and the drowsy feeling left my body. It felt as if I had been swimming and all the sounds were dulled due to the water. I saw his pink thin lips move and I realized that he was talking to me, his eyes lost the intensity they once held, letting place to amusement.

"-night Haruno-san." He said politely, although a light smirk graced his lips, making his face lit with a hint of mischievousness that I would have never thought possible of the elder of the two Uchiha brothers.

"Good night Uchiha-san." I said with a small smile, before adding as a second thought. "Although not much is left of the night, ne?" My smile turned in a grin as I saw his smirk twitch.

He nodded once at me before turning on the sole of of his feet and walking toward his sleeping quarters, raising his hand in lazy backward wave. I watched him walk until he turned right, his eyes catching mine for a brief second. Once I was sure he was far enough, I faced the portrait that was the only obstacle between me and a warm bed. It may be difficult and even conidered a lost cause, waking the Fat Lady without causing too much ruckus, but I needed to go inside. Looking directly at the fair-skinned face of the woman dressed in white, I started calling her name.

Thankfully it didn't take long for her to awake from her deep slumber and let me through, though it may have taken longer seen as I had to listen to her lecture about night activities and yada, yada, yada. It wasn't until much later, when I had finally laid back on my warm bed that I realized something.

Itachi freaking Uchiha caught me staring at his lips.

-0-0-0-

And voila! The 10th chapter of DotTW! Late as always but really, exams are the Death Eaters plan-b to enslave us poor muggles. Seen as plan-a was Voldemort winning the war. Delusional, right?

Don't forget to review and criticism is appreciated :)

SharkswillruledaWORLD is out ;)