Chapter 14: Training in the Woods, A Fated Meeting

Naruto knew it was late but he was determined to best Sasuke in the chakra exercise. He knew Sakura was asleep after being worn out from fuming about Kakashi's insult. Naruto sighed, "Poor Sakura-chan, I like her as she is but, she's right Kakashi-sensei doesn't give her the time of day." He shook his head before leaving the house from the window and going off to train not realizing that the silver haired man had heard him.

Kakashi looked down at the palms of his hands and sighed, 'Rin would be disappointed in me…here I am trying to emulate what Minato-sensei had taught us and I've messed up royally.' He decided to lie down and stare at the ceiling as he recalled Pakkun's words.

*Flashback*

His summon barked angrily, "That girl hasn't done anything but, train to expand her chakra reserves. You focus so much on those boys she is aware of her shortcomings Kakashi." The pug skipped down and began following after the kids before he looked over his shoulder at his summoner. "You should think about the wrong you've done against your student since I guarantee once you return to Konoha…she will only be a member of Team 7 but, she will no longer be your student."

*Flashback End*

Kakashi shook his head, "I really have nothing I can teach her that she hasn't already figured out…" He finally allowed himself to fall into a state of semi-rest as he kept his senses honed to protect his charges. He also tried to think of what he could do to make up for it when they returned to the village. He obviously wasn't the right sensei for her but, that doesn't mean there isn't one in the village or somewhere else he could find a string to pull. "I'll ask Pakkun to take a message to the Hokage."

In a moment of inspiration he wrote a note seeking a better instructor for his student explaining her shortcomings while marking her strengths including her relentless work at expanding her chakra coils. Pakkun was still glaring at his summoner but, agreed to take the letter to the Hokage for the girl's sake.

~In the Forest~

Naruto trained continuously and finally achieved his goal. He fell asleep but woke to a pretty girl in a simple yukata collecting herbs. The young girl had pretty soft brown eyes and a gentle face. "Oh Hello…what are you doing out here by yourself?"

The attractive young girl was picking herbs paused and turned, "Me? I'm just picking herbs and you…are you a ninja?" The soft brown eyes seemed curious. Naruto puffed out his chest, "Well I shouldn't be so quick to say so but, yeah I am a ninja. My friend Sakura would be mighty mad at me for telling that to a stranger but, you seem like a nice lady so I figured it was okay."

The brown eyed girl seemed to become mirthful as Naruto spoke, "Your friend Sakura isn't wrong…aren't ninja meant to be subtle?" Naruto shrugged, "I guess but…I'm gonna be Hokage someday and be the strongest ninja ever! I can't do that by being quiet all the time."

The young feminine person picked up the basket full of herbs collected and chuckled. "Well I hope you have someone to fight for…when you fight for another and have a purpose to protect them. It will make you stronger." Naruto watched as the pretty girl paused at the tree line, "By the way Naruto…I'm a boy"

Naruto fell down face first thinking frantically, 'Boys aren't supposed to be that pretty!'

As the young man travelled away from the blonde he continued to smile, 'Silly, naïve little boy, I hope you fulfill your dream someday. If you survive Zabuza-sama that is.'

~With the Akatsuki at the Main Base~

This was one of the times the organization gathered as a whole group Itachi's seal activated and he retrieved the letters from the seal scoffing lightly in amusement at his friend's declaration. He did as instructed and provided the letters to the curious members who saw their names on the labels.

Itachi muttered softly, "Letters to you three from Fairy-chan," Konan smiled and slipped hers open placing herself upon the arm of the Leader's chair who read the letter with her giving a smirk.

"How old is this Fairy-chan, Itachi?" the Leader asked allowing his ringed eyes to stare into Itachi's red Sharingan eyes. Itachi nodded and smiled, "She is only 12 hence the rant she has assaulted me with in her letter to me is very telling. Her ideas are advanced for her age and she could have graduated early had she not been keeping a promise to me."

Konan was intrigued, "Which promise was that?" Itachi allowed himself a moment of sadness, "To protect my brother so long as he never betrays the Will of Fire." Konan remained curious, "You betrayed the village…why would you not want Sasuke to do the same?" Itachi nodded towards Kisame, "My status is due to technicalities…the Village is worth protecting itself even if the leaders have become corrupted."

Kakuzu murmured, "Too many innocents reside in Konoha to despise the whole village…their shinobi forces are lied to by their elders to keep their loyalty." Itachi nodded, "The leaders may be corrupt but the citizens are innocent until proven otherwise."

Kisame sighed being reminded of his own circumstances, "Missing-nin don't become missing because they want to…they do so fighting for a better future for those they want to protect. We become missing when we fail."

Konan and Pein simply observed and felt sympathy after all they too became missing nin when they took over leading the rebel forces against Hanzo. They simply won their battle or they too would have been seen as traitors amongst their own. They would not disrespect nor pity their men the sacrifices they've endured. The Akatsuki inner circle deserved far better than that from their leaders.