I do not own Naruto, the Akatsuki, or anything of this sort. Only my ideas are owned by me!

Chapter 12: Serenity

Flashback

Itachi walked with her to the gravesite to investigate if there was truth to the fact that Zabuza Momochi's sword was taken. Upon reaching the site, they noticed the that the sword once occupying the area was missing.

"Itachi-kun, they took the sword after all. What are we going to do? The guy who disregarded the owner's death and takes his weapon may be after Kisame also, being one the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist."

Itachi gazed at Kazumi. Her insight was frightening, but accurate. "We must return and prepare. If Sasuke-kun felt his companion needed this weapon, conflict is imminent."

Kazumi may have been able to hold back her tears when they were watching the sunset, but now, they freely flowed from her green eyes. "Itachi…why? Now you have something to live for, but you are choosing to die…why must you leave me all alone again…?"

Itachi was touched by her statement and held her hand, "Kazumi-chan, you will never be alone. You are a beautiful woman who will be able to find someone worthy of you. What did you mean now I have something to live for?"

Kazumi wasn't sure if she should tell Itachi...What if it does not change his mind? This is cruel of me…Itachi planned everything out ages ago and was willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good, I cannot be selfish. "Never mind Itachi-kun," she said leaning on him.

Itachi kissed the top of her head. Within a week or maybe two weeks, I may lose the few things in life I cherished…

End Flashback

Kazumi awoke to find herself not only strapped into a hospital bed (with various ninja knots and seals), but also her eyes were covered with a transparent seal, and her having her own personal guard. Her hands also had seals on them and she could not move them. The man sitting on the chair across from her put down his book. "It's useless to resist the seals. Tsunade placed them herself and I am here in case something does happen."

Kazumi gazed at the ninja watching her. Silver hair, headband over one eye, and the mask: this was undoubtedly Kakashi Hatake, a dangerous foe for any member of the Akatsuki to deal with. "Why did you ninja come after me? What have I done to you? Is it simply because I am a member of the Akatsuki?"



Kakashi looked at her. She's beautiful, those eyes are memorizing however. Good thing a seal was placed on her eyes right now. "The mission had only one intended purpose: rescue or at least locate Kazumi Yakuzai. We suspected the Akatsuki may have captured you. However, the fact you are a member of the Akatsuki means that chances are that you possess valuable information as to the inner workings of the organization. If you cooperate, you may be able to be returned to your family."

Kazumi's jaw dropped. "I have a family? What are they like? I never knew I had a family? Are they kind? Are they concerned about me? Who are they? Exactly who…"

Kakashi shushed her. "We don't know much about the Yakuzai clan except that they are a skilled family of healers and destroyers who refuse to become ninja normally. All may be answered shortly, but you will be interrogated as is procedure." At this, Kakashi turned to leave.

"Wait!" Kazumi cried, "Can you stay with me?" What? Why did I ask him to stay?

Kakashi looked at Kazumi. She wants me to stay with her? "Why should I stay with you? I have other work to do."

"Well, I am guessing you were assigned to me so I would not do anything stupid. Also, your presence is kind of relaxing (blushes as she says)."

Kakashi was glad at the moment that half his face was covered with a mask. "Only if you promise that you will cooperate. After all, I still suspect that you very well have the capability to escape. I will stay with you until Hokage-sama arrives."

Kazumi smiled, "I promise to be a good kunoichi." She looked outside the window. Itachi-kun…that was the first dream I've had in a while that did not have adverse effects on my mood. "Um, Kakashi-sama, how am I supposed to eat with the 500 seals securing me here?

"You seem to hold a lot of respect for people," Kakashi noted. "You don't have to call me Kakashi-sama, it's too formal. Also, I guess Hokage-sama didn't think of that. I'll feed you some of the food left for you." Kakashi reaches for the rice with chicken and gets some chopsticks.

Tsunade walks past and witnesses Kakashi feeding Kazumi. Their eyes look happy. It has been a while since I saw Kakashi smile at a woman like that. Kakashi held the food slightly above Kazumi's reach while Kazumi complained how difficult it was to get a meal before Kakashi relented and let her eat. It's a pity I cannot just return her to her parents.

Tsunade entered the room and smiled at Kazumi. "Well Kazumi-san, we have Ibiki Morino here to interrogate you. Kakashi-san, please follow me."