Only four people reviewed last chapter out of three hundred, so I decided to put this up Sunday as I usually do instead of earlier. A word of warning: There is some nudity, perversion, and a lot of turmoil in this chapter. Some things will link to future chapters! Recommended listening: Please by Staind.

Special thanks to LaughsRFun, Akatsuki Sakura Uchiha, nicolerogersXX, and Hana-Taisho for reviewing! I tried to answer your questions as best I could.

Hope you enjoy- LadyYakamichi

Chapter 12: Flaming Bright Orange

"Was there something that I couldn't see? Never knew this would be so political… You might feel in control of things, but you're not holding all the strings."- Please by Staind

Time seemed to slow as she saw the slender, long blade reaching to cut her legs from under her. Her breath caught in her throat; she could only watch as it drew closer. The blow would disable any chance to fight; yet she could not move to avoid the attack with Sasori's lock holding her. Suddenly, another silver haired body slammed into the masked figure, throwing them both from her view.

Sakura drove forward into Sasori's defenses with her second blade. Weaving patterns of light, she kept her body lithely dancing away from the edge in his hands as she put more strength into her assaults. Sweeping the puppet master off his feet, she stabbed down to pin his cloak. Her second blade was suddenly blocked from behind her as she was forced to dodge a slender dirk that stabbed for her ribs.

Turning her attention back to the masked figure who had returned, Sakura managed to glance about the warehouse. Though they were outnumbered, the Akatsuki were fighting valiantly in pairs which forced the guards to accept the grounds they were given. Each member seemed to be in his own element, perfectly matched. But sooner or later, they would fall to a lucky shot. They merely did not have the number required to face waves of guards as they were doing now.

Parrying the katana that followed the dirk, Sakura began an intricate dance of steps about her opponent. Moving continually to their weaker left side, she rhythmically batted aside their blows, weaving her body about the blades without expending more energy than necessary. Tight quarters were unfavorable to such a pair of weapons. Pushing more power into her return strikes, she pushed into a barrage that punished the hands. Each ringing blow was distinctly enunciated by the ringing peal of metal. The strokes were a familiar pattern that many of the Captains used, some mixed with the fluid style of the Commander and a harsher style that usually fit offensive lines, yet she could counter them all. Her body felt a slight sheen of sweat over her skin as she felt her muscles warm with the workout. It was an addicting sensation.

As the speed suddenly doubled, Sakura grinned viciously. So he had only been testing her. That made things all the more fun for her. Her muscles wove to block and attack with practiced precision. Moderating the strength in favor of speed the young girl snarled with joy as she saw the snake like eyes behind the mask. Driving her heel to his solar plexus, the assassin kunoichi knocked him from his feet. Her blade flicked out to twist his from his grasp.

She lunged forward to drive her blade into his heart. Yet as the blow fell, the scientist brought up his forearm in a last defense.

Suddenly her blade was caught; it refused to move though she had thrown her full weight into it. A jarring sensation ran up her shoulder as she was suddenly thrown aside, losing the grip on her only remaining blade. The pink haired assassin could only stare in horror as he pulled it from his arm, ignoring the blood as silver liquid suddenly filled its gash. Silver threads ran along his arms were the material had been ripped away.

Removing his mask, Kabuto smiled darkly. "Very nice indeed…" he murmured, twisting the sword in his grasp so that it now faced its owner as he abandoned the dirk. "You're still improving."

Sakura could sense the double meaning in his words, but there was no sense in asking in the middle of a war. Glancing back to where Sasori stood with her other sword, the pinkette swallowed as her hands clutched the railing. A plan formed rapidly in her mind as Kabuto approached with a lecherous smile on his lips. "But you know you have a way to go to catch up, don't you? Girls always develop slower than boys, but with you it's worth it to see the final result, wouldn't you agree, Sasori?"

"Certainly," the Puppet master agreed, caging her in. "Now, Sakura, you are going to come with us quietly. And if you don't, then I will happily remind you of how I punish those who make me wait."

There was a strong thud beneath her feet; a hilt protruded from the landing. Without pause, she wrenched it free, lunging forward to engage Sasori. Itachi was suddenly beside her, a thin smile on his lips. Automatically she stepped to his back, defending against the onslaught. Her mind felt at peace, something seemed complete as they held their own against the monstrosities of men.

In the deadly waltz of blades, their circles never broke; harmony reigned. There was no worry, no uncertainty, only the sheer force of the power that they wielded. Even as the battle stepped into higher gear, she could feel him keep in perfect rhythm with her movements. She had no need to worry; no blade would touch either of them. Sakura had learned her base fighting from him, had always worked in complimentary lines to him.

A sharp whistle rang out over head. Looking up as Pein vacated the area along with the other Akatsuki, she nodded once to Itachi who caught her eye. Leaping the side, she did not even both to check her back as she cleared the way with a series of well thrown barrages. With a precise leap through the doors, the young girl wove down a few back alleys. Itachi remained along side her, deep in thought. Reluctance radiated from his steps as she turned toward the clock tower.

Hopping the gate, she headed up the stairs carefully, avoiding the thin wires. He followed behind until they reached the top landing where the others were gathered, Pein at their head.

As she saw the silver eyes that stared at her coldly, Sakura paused. She noted the silent demand in them, felt the hand behind her seize her arm in warning. Caught between the two dominate males, the kunoichi let the silence hang as she took in both postures. One radiated protection, the other displeasure. Stepping forward once more, she gently reassured Itachi with a single nod before presenting herself before Pein.

"How did they find us?" he demanded quietly, though the intensity in his voice betrayed his wrath.

"Sasori is their leader; it was only a matter of time," she responded, calm though she was faced with a storm. "It is unfortunate you called a retreat or the antidote I was searching for could have been obtained and the threats eliminated as they should have been."

"Antidote?"

Itachi stepped beside her, into the fierce gaze. "Sakura has acquired a toxin that Kabuto placed in her blood stream. A doctor estimated she has two weeks unless the antidote is administered. Sasori and Kabuto are the only two known to carry it," he elaborated. "Both of whom were present."

Chuckling darkly, Pein stared up at the pair. "Cunning, just like the kitsune. I see why you chose her, Itachi. But now that your hand is revealed, what is to stop me from merely imprisoning you. For all I know you are also traitors. Prove to me your innocence. Or you will not be leaving that position alive."

"Very well." Sakura answered coolly. Stripping off her tunic, she unbound the bandages from her chest and arms to reveal the various scars. But more prominent was the silver sakura tree that curled up her back and down her thighs out of view. The raised red scars were hideous, pocketed by other marks of abuse along her skin. Removing her pants as well, she unwound the lower to reveal the marks entirely. "Look as you please."

A deep part of her heart was pleased to see that even Itachi was blushing mildly before he tore his eyes away from her front. She stood plainly before the members, unashamed of her skin as the sun light bathed her cream sections distinctly from that which had seen the sun. Lean, curvaceous, and filled out as a woman should through the chest quite generously Sakura's gentle coloring drew the eyes like a goddess of the moon. Glancing over her shoulder boldly, Sakura turned to face the Leader of the Akatsuki with a slow pivot.

His eyes raked over her, observant, but with a hint of something else beneath the surface. It was a darker desire, a want as he stared as if to undress her to her soul. Meeting his gaze defiantly, proudly she cocked her hip.

Itachi's cloak suddenly covered her from view as he glanced at the Leader coldly. "Is our loyalty enough now?" he questioned, tucking it about her.

The silent nod was enough. Redressing, she glanced as one of the members stepped forward. She recognized the pigment deficiency that caused odd divisions of his dark skin to pale white that marked him as Zetsu. His blade flicked out to knick her arm, taking blood with it. Licking the edge, he paused. "You are not poisoned. He has given you a cocktail that will force your development."

"Development into?" Sakura questioned curiously.

"Full growth."

Mulling that statement over, Sakura stared at her body. Had she not finished already? Her form had not grown in over a year; she had developed normal attributes of a young woman. Biologically speaking, she wondered what further additions could be possible. Nodding her thanks to him, Sakura turned so that she once more faced the Leader. "I assume my initiation is complete?" she stated. "The battle should have given enough range of my skills to provide a suitable sample."

Pein nodded curtly, his silver orbs dangerously alight. Subtly, Itachi seemed to sigh in frustration or relief. "We will go over the logistics later. The Guard is in tune to our previous headquarters; we will utilize this as our permanent base now. It will be difficult to escape notice for long," he stated grimly.

Meeting his gaze, the kunoichi smiled darkly. "That is why taking them down one by one is the best option," she mused with a panther's grin. "If pairs harass each steadily enough, I will guarantee that one of them will break and come out after us. In which case, all we have to do is lead them back here."

"Staying in a group will attract notice as you said," Itachi added in. "Therefore, we need to divide up into pairs and each choose separate targ-"

"There is no profit to a vengeance strike." Pein cut off coldly. "Sasori will be dealt with accordingly, but neither the Commander nor Kabuto is a direct danger to our organization. It is not your place to say what we should do. I will forgive the challenge to me this time as you each have been gone. The consequences will be severe if you choose to again. For now you each have assignments. Hidan and Kazuku, you are travelling to the land of lightning to deal with the Neko organization. Kisame and Deidara, your job is to eliminate the Yakuza before they get a rooting here. Itachi and Zetsu will be going to stop Tobi. In two weeks, report back here for further orders."

From his cloak, he drew three bags of money tossing one to each pair who vanished. Only Itachi paused, his volcanic black eyes boring into Sakura with a silent message of caution and a flicker of protectiveness. It was clear he was loath to leave her alone, but also that he was aware of Pein's earlier threat. Taking a deep breath as he too headed away, Sakura turned to Pein, her lips twitching. "As for me?"

"You are staying with me. You may have learned the basics from us, Sakura, but I have no doubt you have forgotten some of the key rules. The next two weeks, we will see if you are able to handle the title Akatsuki and you will learn to utilize your newer abilities. Stay here, for now, and read this," he ordered with a smirk, tossing her a thick black scroll dismissively. "It details what is required of you. I have other business."

Catching it deftly, Sakura sat down against the wall and began to read silently as he vanished. A particular passage caught her interest.

Missions are to be handled as ordered, failure to comply with orders or complete the mission given will be punished according to the infraction at my will. As a member, you will be asked to kill, sell your body, remove threats to our organization, and are required to fulfill any requirements as directed on the mission briefing. Your loyalty belongs only to me; human attractions are to be dealt with quickly in the appropriate manner. In return for your loyalty and service, you will be paid in accordance to the mission and given access to anything you require for your success.

As the Leader of the Akatsuki, I will do as I see fit with its members. Any defiance will be dealt with.

Her brain turned it over and over in her mind, bringing herself back to her days as an apprentice. Every rule that Itachi had burned into her mind fit these requirements; every punishment a mere tap compared to what could now be inflicted upon her. As she read further, she shook her head. Apprentices were at the mercy of their master except for treason; it was their master who dictated law and requirements except when it came to missions. Members, however, were bound by the will of the Leader.

A dangerous edge, she thought glancing over the passage once more as she recalled his feral expression when she had revealed her body. Something flickered into her mind, a blue haired woman's face. Sakura had seen her when she was an apprentice; the woman had been associated the Akatsuki as an information source. The pinkette frowned digging up the recollection. It had been on one of the missions she had failed. She had only been thrashed by Itachi. Pein had dragged the woman away stating that their punishment would be dealt with in private once he had been satisfied with Sakura's condition.

I got a beating… but her… she screamed all night, Sakura thought, setting aside the scroll. That was one of the worse thrashings I got. Did he do it to prevent Pein from enacting the same on me?

Coming back to the present, she picked up the scroll once more, taking the contents potential in. Pein has the ability to inflict any type of punishment for any crime or anything he deems a challenge. Realization dawned upon her like a blow to the back of the skull. Itachi's look made sense now; the smirk of Pein as he had left and the animosity between the two.

He thinks Itachi is growing too powerful, that he's getting attached to me. So he is going to use me to put Itachi in his place. And for the next two weeks, he has every opportunity to force me to break the rules. He wants me to fail. He has been waiting for this since I joined the organization; it is the only reason he permitted me to become Itachi's apprentice or to return after so long.

The scroll fluttered from her grasp. A lump welled up in throat as she curled up, resting her head on her knees as the weight of what she had done. Though her temper often flared with the Uchiha heir, Sakura had never wanted to be his demise once she had understood. His reluctance to come to the tower, why he had not let her come to Pein earlier… She had put his life in danger and snapped at him in the process at the Hyuuga manor. There was only one course of option; to completely submit to the Akatsuki leader and to keep Itachi safe while it was possible. In two weeks she would have to learn control, restraint of her emotions, and the perfect service required of an Akatsuki member.

That meant that for the moment, she finished reading the scroll Pein had given her and she remained in the tower until Pein told her otherwise. Absorbing everything she could from the black scroll, the kunoichi read it twice before setting it aside. Her muscles were cramped from the battle; she took the time to limber them up with a few stretches before settling into a meditation state to allow her rest without falling asleep and to go over the information.

Several hours later, footsteps approached. Opening her green eyes, Sakura rose and inclined her head respectfully to Pein. The girl kept her gaze to his chest wisely, noting the small smirk that gleamed in his cold eyes. "Come… I have found a place to suitably outfit you for your first mission."

As the words registered, Sakura carefully kept her expression smooth as she accepted the red cloak. Tucking her hair inside as she pulled up the cowl, she followed him down the stairs into society. Her composure never faltered as they walked past the guard station, nor as the patrol passed her. Remaining a step behind him, her eyebrows shot up as she recognized Temari's old shop. Pein's eyes took in the expression as he motioned her inside.

Obeying quickly, Sakura stepped inside. The parlor was stocked completely with various women's wear, most of it rather scandalous. Barely holding in a shudder of revulsion as the new owner's lecherous stare raked over her, Sakura glanced to Pein for guidance as he leaned in the doorway. He nodded his approval. "The standard blacks, Eisu, and then one of your special dresses," he provided with a warning undertone. "Something visually attractive, but keep your hands to yourself."

The owner nodded and motioned her over to the pedestal. Removing her cloak reluctantly, Sakura remained still as his measuring tape shifted about her form. "You'll need to release your… assets from their bindings," he stated as he took her waist measurements, a slightly gleeful smile appearing on the shop keeper's face.

As she looked back to Pein, Sakura saw that there was no leeway. Keeping her disgusted feelings hidden, the girl unwound the bandages so that her chest sprang free. He stared for a moment before reaching forward to slip the tape around her back. She felt the fingers touch her chest a moment before the flat of blade slapped the offending appendages away from her skin. Covering them with her arms, the young woman stared as Pein's lethal expression sent the tailor bustling about his shop disarmingly for suitable dresses.

Each selection Pein helped her in and out of to her concealed displeasure, critically eyeing each before dismissing them. Most were tight about the waist, exposing her slender curves without being lewd. Finally, he selected one. It was embroidered with silver thread, almost the color of the sea. Constricted with a corset top, but no sleeves, it cinched her bust up. The skirt was long, nearly touching the ground as she stood upon unfamiliarly tall shoes, a white cloak completing the ensemble to hide her bare shoulders. A few blades were slipped in various hidden sheaths. The shop owner styled her hair quickly, plaiting it intricately.

As Pein handed her a mask of pearl white, Sakura looked at it in confusion before seeing the nearly identical black and gold in his hands. He was dressed formally in a black and gold lord's jacket; it had escaped her notice beneath his cloak. Accenting his flaming bright orange hair, it was cut to show off his broad shoulders. Helping him to tie the mask in place, Sakura swallowed her nervousness at the close contact, using the opportunity to speak softly. "Pein-sama, what am I to be doing on this mission?" she questioned as she tied the knot.

Turning to allow him to tie on her own, Sakura stiffened slightly as his fingers brushed her cheek as he set the mask in place before tying it securely. "We are going to the Hyuuga's masquerade ball, Sakura. As Lord of Rain, I received an invitation to the event. You are going to be my escort and you are going to gain as much information as you can from Neji Hyuuga."

A/n: And so the story continues. I will send a preview of the masquerade to those who give me their thoughts on Pein and Itachi at this point. If I get ten reviews, I will post up on the day the tenth is given. I know that there has not been a lot of information on the silver stuff; don't worry, all will be explained later! This story has a bit to go first though.