Authors Notes: Took a small break before writing this chapter, but I am back now. I actually had to rewrite this chapter a few times to get it so it felt right. With Hinata now part of the Akatsuki things are really going to get interesting. How will Nartuo react to this when he finds out? What will Tsunade do when Sakura doesn't return? Let's find out.

Sakura's Secret

Chapter 12

It had been nearly two weeks since Hinata had made her decision. True to her word, Sakura began to train her. And just like she promised, she didn't hold back. Hinata was lying on the ground in a pool of her own blood. Gasping for air as she struggled to catch her breath. She had been on the receiving end for the last two hours. Struggling to push herself to her feet she looked up at Sakura who was glaring down at her.

"Is that all you got Hinata?" she stated coldly. Poising her kunai in an offensive position.

Hinata collapsed to her knees again. She was exhausted.

"Get up."

"I-I can't." she panted.

"Then you truly are weak." Sakura said with no emotion. "I thought you joined us to get stronger. But it looks like you just want to go back to Konoha and marry the dog. Remember your father sold you off, Naruto didn't even acknowledge you were there."

Hinata shot a glare at her. "I am NOT weak! And I am not going back!"

"Oh?" Sakura grinned evilly. "Prove it then. Come at me as if you mean to kill me."

Hinata's chakra spiked as she felt a surge of anger overwhelm her. Violet flames enveloped her hands. She didn't think twice were this technique came from as she launched herself off the ground at the pink haired kunoichi. Using slashing moves to keep Sakura on the defensive.

Sakura was surprised by the sudden surge of chakra, but didn't show it. Bounding back she stayed out of Hinata's reach. Quickly analyzing the technique, she concluded that the chakra that surrounded her hands was similar to Asuma's technique with his Chakra Blades. And no doubt, could cut through almost anything.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt something snag her left arm. She then noticed that only one of Hinata's hands had the blade-like chakra around it, while the other looked like she was controlling a puppet. Then it dawned on her. She was using one of Sasori's techniques. Another twinge came from her leg. With a quick pull Sakura found herself on her back.

Quickly rolling back, she sprung off her hands to push herself away from the assault but a split second too late. Warm fluid gushed from her right arm as the limb was severed from her body. Sakura howled in pain, snapping Hinata out of her berserker rage.

"Oh my god Sakura, I am so sorry." she began to apologize but stopped when Sakura began to laugh. "Sakura?"

"You did great Hinata. Not only did you discover a new technique, you integrated it with what Sasori taught you." she said as the pain subsided, enjoying it's feeling. Walking over to her severed arm she put it back in place. Holding her hand over where the cut was. A pale green light emitted from her hand, healing her arm instantly.

"H-how did you do that?" Hinata was stunned.

"It's a long story." Sakura smiled. "We are done for today. Let us get cleaned up before the meeting."

"Right." Hinata smiled. She then realized that during her rage, her chakra had managed to heal her wounds. Though blood still stained her clothing from where they were. She then looked back at Sakura who was departing the area, she wasn't sure but she thought she saw a look of pleasure on her face when her arm was severed. Shrugging it off she chased after her, quickly catching up with her renewed strength.

"Are you sure your arm is ok?" she asked again, worried.

"It's fine." Sakura reassured her, looking towards the raven haired girl. "Do not be sorry. Show no mercy to your enemy." she said sternly. Hinata nodded in understanding.

"I guess you will be with Hidan again tonight?" she asked. While Pein had stated her and Sakura would be sharing a room until hers was ready, Sakura had stayed most nights with Hidan. She wasn't entirely sure how the two got together.

From her first impression, Hidan was a foul mouthed, short tempered man. Not to mention he was a Jashinist, and had no problem advertising it. She remembered hearing terrible things about the religion.

"No. Leader-sama is sending Hidan-kun and Kakazu on a bounty run." she replied, looking up at the ceiling as they passed through the hall ways towards their room.

"H-how did you two end up together?"

Sakura laughed at first, causing Hinata to flinch a little "You sure you want to know?" she asked with a grin. "I'll tell you after the meeting."

Reaching their room, both quickly cleaned up and changed into fresh clothing before setting off to the Akatsuki meeting room. Only a handful of the members were there in person. The others were in their rainbow chakra forms.

"Good." Pein started, catching every ones attention. "Now that everyone is here we can begin. We are drawing closer to our goal. Soon we will bring ultimate peace to our world." he smiled.

"Sasuke, I am sending your team to obtain the eight-tailed jinchuriki. A man that goes by the name Killer Bee."

Sasuke and the rest of the 'Snake' team, as they were called, nodded in understanding.

"Be aware that he will not go down easily. It is reported that he has mastered the tailed beast within him and can call upon it at will. It will be a true challenge for you."

Pein then turned his attention to the other two girls. "Sakura and Hinata. I trust your training is going well."

"Yes Leader-sama" Hinata answered confidently. During her time among the Akatsuki she had stopped stuttering for the most part, except on rare occasions.

"Yup, she cut off my arm earlier with a very impressive technique." Sakura put in. "I look forward to expanding on that particular technique she used."

"That is good to hear. I have an assignment for the two of you." he stated. "There is a double bounty on a pair of twin shinobi that reside in Kumogakure. I believe it will be a great live exercise for you Hinata."

Both girls nodded. Hinata was a little scared though. She had never taken anyones life before. It wasn't that she was afraid to go, but she was afraid she would get there and fail. Not be able to deliver the final blow.

"That is all, you have your missions."

And with that the meeting ended. Sakura could see the internal battle going on within her companion. Placing her hand on her shoulder she reassured her silently that they would not fail. Getting up from their chairs, the two girls were stopped by the younger Uchiha.

"We havn't had much of a chance to talk Sakura." he stated bluntly, typical of him.

"I didn't think we had a reason to talk." Sakura shot back at him. It was obvious that she still hadn't forgiven him for almost killing her some time back.

"I was.." he hesitated for a moment. " I was following a false ideal."

Sakura smirked. She knew what he was at least trying to do. "I suppose that's the closest to an apology I will get from you. Very well we will talk, but after we complete our missions."

He nodded and watched the two girls walk out of the room before returning to his team to prepare for his own departure.

"When did Sasuke join?" Hinata asked, this was the first time she had actually seen him since she arrived.

"When I was in Konoha stealing the hidden scroll." Sakura replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "The look on his face when he saw me for the first time in the meeting was priceless."

"You stole the scroll?" Hinata was shocked. "When were you even able to get it without getting caught?"

"It was easier then I had ever thought. I stole it the morning we left and left a copy in its place. Now, I believe I said I would tell you how Hidan and I ended up together."

Hinata only nodded. She was at first in awe that Sakura had stolen something so valuable to the village and not get caught. And at the same time, not sure if she would want to hear how her best friend ended up with a Jashinist.

"Short answer is, our god approved of it." she waited for Hinata to piece together the answer she just gave. She didn't have to wait long.

"You mean you're a…" she trailed off.

"Yes, I am a converted Jashinist." she replied. "I get pleasure from pain. Weather it is caused to myself or someone else."

Hinata only stared at her in disbelief.

"It felt right for me to convert." she continued. "I've always enjoyed pain, even when I was still living in Konoha."

"So, have you sacrificed people?" she asked slowly.

"Yes. I've done so many times. Hidan and I always request bounty missions so we could perform our rituals."

"But there wasn't any reports of any murders in Konoha when you were there."

Sakura only smiled at first. "Lord Jashin granted me a gift when I departed on my mission. Any one who was cut with this blade-" she patted her tanto. "Would die painfully while I was there. It is the way I took care of the ANBU that posed as Akatsuki members and how the bandit who intended to rob us died.

Also, I sacrificed myself during the night. So I wouldn't draw too much attention to myself. But I'm afraid the next person who looks in my apartments closet is going to be in for a big surprise." she giggled a little, imagining Naruto opening her closet and seeing the ring of blood that stained the floor.

"Anyways, let us get ready for our mission. You are now officially a member of the Akatsuki Hinata, be proud."

Hinata only grinned a little. She did feel at home now. Ever since she arrived the other members had treated her kindly and helped her get stronger. And now Leader-sama trusted her to be sent on a mission, even if it was a small one. She couldn't wait for when she could expose herself to her former friends and most of all, her father. She would show him just how strong she had become.

Konoha

"Any news?" Tsunade asked from behind her desk as Kakashi appeared at her window. The masked shinobi shook his head with a sigh.

"There has been no word from Amegakure." he reported. "It is possible that Hinata is having trouble settling in. You know how she is with new people. Sakura probably stayed longer to ensure it goes smoothly." he offered. Though he honestly had a bad feeling about all of it.

"I hope your right." the Hokage commented. "I can't afford to send a team to investigate without causing suspicion. Especially with Akatsuki attacks on the rise."

Kakashi nodded. He knew it was only a matter of time being they set their sights on Naruto again. He only prayed they would be ready.

"Perhaps I can help in this." boomed another voice as the Toad Sage entered the room.

"Jiraiya," Tsunade frowned a little at the perverted old man. "What are you doing here?"

"I stopped by to see how Naruto was doing in his training with Killer Bee." he replied before getting straight to the point. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. I plan on heading to Amergakure to check on a few leads regarding the Akatsuki.

If I see the girls I can tell them to get back to Konoha. I fear that the Akatsuki may be residing in city."

His last words weighed heavy on every ones mind in the room. If it were true and the girls were in the home of the Akatsuki, they were in grave danger. Both of them have close ties with Naruto and either one would be perfect bait to lure him into a trap.

"Please hurry." Tsunade finally said. "I fear time is of the essence."

Additional Authors Notes: A small chapter, but had to get an update out. So to clarify a few things, in this story Naruto has already met Killer Bee and has begun training with him. However, he does not have Sage Mode yet. Hope everyone enjoyed it. Read and Review please!