Naruto Belongs to Misashi Kishimoto

Akatsuki Blossom

I stared blankly at Pein, my heart filling with confusing emotions and my voice was lost. I was unable to make any form of speech, verbally or mentally. All I could think about was that I would have to return to the treacherous village, I so desperately wanted to escape. Snapping from my shock, I forced my eyes away from Pein and watched my trembling hands.

"Is there something the matter?" asked Deidara, noticing my change in stature.

"No," I lied "Nothing is wrong,"

"Good," Pein interrupted again. "We need to discuss methods and possible threats,"

"Possible threats? I thought no one knew that the Akatsuki was functioning" pointed out Kisame, wearing a contemplating expression.

"They don't, however, many of us are recognizable. That is a possible threat - there is also the hostile rumour that Orochimaru's assistant, Kabuto, is roaming around with Orochimaru's disturbing abilities,"

I gasped and thought that Sasuke had murdered Orochimaru but then realised, I never found out what happened to Kabuto. And I was foolish enough not to think that Orochimaru was above, to not manipulate his assistant and work horrendous experiments on him. Most likely to continue his forever lasting, legacy.

Not long after it had started, Pein declared the end of the meeting and we were all sent away. Still exhausted from healing Itachi, I stumbled through the abandoned corridors to my bedroom and collapsed on my comfortable bed. Slowly, I unravelled the sheets and blankets from the mattress and climbed into the warmth - instantly falling asleep.

"Sakura!"

I looked around me, until I found Naruto grinning madly at me with his blue eyes shining brightly in the typical Konoha sunlight. I tilted my head to the side, confused by his overjoyed expression and waited patiently for him to tell me what the fuss was about.

"I did it," he declared proudly.

"Did what?" I asked, confused.

"I brought Sasuke back Sakura. I brought him back for good!" Naruto exclaimed happily.

I froze in my place, unable to register the news he had given me. Mixture of emotion swirled in my stomach and I was confused as Naruto tugged my unresponsive body through the gathering crowds. We continued venturing through the endless waves of people until we emerged and I could make out the familiar figure.

However, I also noticed other figures attached to his sides. Obviously, they were related, you could tell by the uncanny resemblance they upheld. But there was a big difference between the two girls, one was definitely a Kunoichi whilst the other was definitely a Civilian.

Regaining my consciousness, I paused next to Naruto and desperately clutched his hand. He squeezed mine back, in a gesture that showed closure. Together, we stalked forwards and I offered the three a gentle smile.

"Welcome," I began "Welcome Home, Sasuke-Kun," I finished

He glanced at me and then to Naruto. He shrugged and nodded, knowing that he didn't need to bother to be accepted. But, a small portion of me couldn't help but grow suspicious of the two girls he had brought with him.

"So, who're your friends?" I asked politely, taking my hand back.

"I'm Hitsugaya Ayame," said the Civilian.

Long black hair cascaded down her back, in thick waves, while her eyes sparkled like porcelain silver gems and her skin was a perfect peach colour. She was short, in comparison to myself and Sasuke. Adorning her slim body, was a plain white Kimono with a black Obi.

"Hi Ayame," I greeted "I'm Haruno Sakura,"

"Nice to meet you, Sakura. I'm Hitsugaya Ayumi," greeted the Kunoichi.

Her black hair was cropped short and brushed elegantly against her petite shoulders, unlike her sister, Ayumi possessed dark green eyes that dimmed as her mood changed. Her skin was a cool shade of pale peach and her body adorned a full body suit.

"Nice to meet you two as well," I lied smoothly.

I opened my eyes quickly and groaned, trying to erase the lingering images of my recent dream. I smiled grimly and wondered how life could be so cruel and twist events into alternative experiences. My dream was what I desired to happen, but the reality of the situation were terrible and heartbreaking. Dispelling those negative thoughts, I climbed out of my bed - feeling refreshed.

Taking the clean towels from my dresser, I walked into the bathroom and locked the door behind me. I took a good long look at the brand new bathroom, shined to a sparkling perfection. Still half awake, I stalked to the front of the mirror and looked at my revolting reflection.

Hair sprawled in disarray, eyes dazed, skin a sickly pale, face dead and my entire body shook violently from the unpleasant façade. How I wished for something as wonderful as that too happen, how I wish I could still be apart of that small section of security back in Konoha. But I knew it was too late now, nothing could save me from the traitor I have become - not that I regretted my decisions.

Sighing, I departed from the mirror and peeled away my sweat drenched clothes. Quickly, I stepped into the showed and turned it on, letting the cold water wash away my memories. Not long, the water turned blistering hot and I just let it run down my body like a waterfall.

For what seemed like forever, I stepped out of the shower and wrapped my clean body in the large towel I had gathered and wrapped my hair in a spare towel. I looked back into the mirror and found the figments of what remained of the girl I had left behind, she was still there, buried underneath the emotional despair. The emotional despair had given me more pain then one would have if Hidan used them as a living sacrifice.

The girl I once was, she had pale peach skin, large emerald eyes, glossy bubblegum hair, defined face and a childish grin. A girl with the same features looked back at me, but only the pale peach skin remained while the rest vanished. My eyes were no longer emerald, but much darker, my defined face looked more hallow, the childish grin had been stolen and the bubblegum hair had turned flat.

I wasn't the girl I once knew - but I hope I never saw her again because the one who is replacing her, is better.

I know this chapter wasn't very good but I'm sort of arranging my plans for this story so please be patient.

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PAREWHAI JENSEN

Parewhai Jensen