Sakura of the Akatsuki Chapter 21: Trust, a naruto fanfic

Hello everyone! Man sorry for not uploading in such a long time! I've been very and I mean VERY BUSY! I also been brain dead for the pass how many months that has passed XD

Sasuke: Well that's just great leave us all hanging *rolls eyes*

Oi I try my hardest damn it! DX

Sasuke: Sure you do *walks off*

O.o well anyways enough chit chat just enjoy the chapter my friends.

Chapter 21: Trust

Sakura stared dully at the white paper before her, her fingers tapping on the table as she looked up at the other female Akatsuki member who was skillfully making origami animals. Sharks, dogs, cats, butterflies, you name it. Not that she didn't have anything against the paper art it's just the fact that she really sucks at it. Konan was very much a natural at what she does. Very graceful and beautiful like a kunochi should be as a deadly weapon, it was shocking to say that Sakura acually liked her. They were able to converse much easily about certain things that would be just plain odd to tell the other Akatsuki members that were all male. It was very nice to have someone to talk to that wasn't a guy, personal girl time was needed time to time when you just wanted to get away from those idiots that they call the opposite sex. Men surely were clueless when it comes to women.

Sighing inwardly the Haruno started again, grasping the edges of the paper tenderly and started to fold to make a crane 'Konan-san makes it look easy' she thought to herself bitterly as she flashed one more glance at the blue hair woman. Feeling her gaze she lifted up her brown eyes to meet hers' a trace of amusement hidden in their depths as she smirked ever so slightly 'Evil bitch...' Inner Sakura scowled half-heartedly, truely not meaning it as she to fiddled with her own paper in the back of Sakura's mind. She wasn't doing as much as a job she was.

Resting the paper back down on the table she sighed in defeat.

"Is something wrong Sakura-san?" Konan asked softly, she rested down on what appeared to be a frog by her mass animal collection right by the dog and the snake. How ironic that it would make her think of the trio that was once team seven. She inwardly cursed at the damn animals, especially the snake.

Sakura gave a small smile "No, perhaps a bit flustered about the paper I never was great when it came to origami it was never my strongest art skill"

"Perhaps not, everyone has a certian skill...you are more of the type to be in the art of medicine I very much envy your healing ability"

Sakura rose a pink brow "Oh?" she murmured thoughtfully, she didn't know wether or not to be flattered by the woman at all or just not think about it.

"Your a very strong kunochi Sakura-san, a fighter and a healer even with a talent for genjutsu it makes you a very formidable opponent even to the Akatsuki I could understand now why Sasori didn't stand a chance against you" Konan confessed, shocking the emerald eye girl to no end. Everything that was said was sincere, Konan meaning every single word but yet dazed like she was thinking of something long gone before the present "If I was like you, perhaps things would have been different" she said to no one in particular. Snapping out of whatever she was in Konan gave something that looked suspiciously like a bashful look, her cheeks turning the slightest tint of pink "Ah, forgive me I was distracted"

"No need to apologize Konan-san" Sakura assured. Her ego couldn't help but grow at the fact she made even the strongest member of the Akatsuki envy and acknowledge her strength. Something that others haven't seen in her before, the potential to be the ultimate shinobi that she wanted to be. To be in the same ranks as Naruto, Kakashi, Sai, Sasuke...even her shishou.

Sakura shook her head to toss the sudden feelings out the window. Standing up she walked towards the kitchen "Do you want tea Konan-san?" she question. Smiling just a little Konan nodded her head "Yes tea would be nice" she answered before returning her attention to her new project.

Saying nothing else the pinkette entered the other room, she brushed her hair out of her face as she walked towards the tea pot on the counter. Grabbing it she held it up to eye-level and mumbled under her breath "Doesn't anyone know how to refill things these days...?" walking over to the sink she filled it up and set it on the shove. Flickering on the flame she leaned against the counter and waited. Her eyes closed as she went off into a meditative state. She didn't even notice someone enter the room, another Akatsuki member but definately not Konan. Though Sakura's nose scrunched up when she smelled sweat and the scent of burnt hair. Opening her eyes unwillingly she looked into the gaze of a very...close in your face Deidara. His brow was furrowed as he stared at her, but all she did was owlishly stare back at him "Yes?" she asked lamely.

"Yes?" he repeated as he frowned "Is that all you have to say, yea?" he grumbled.

Sakura only tilted her head slightly, showing little confusion to the blonde's behavior. He rolled his visible eye at her and crossed his arms "Don't play dumb with me Sakura-san you and I both know you been avoiding me...well not just me but EVERYONE in the Akatsuki besides Konan-sama, yea!" a little huff of air blew through his nostrils, appearing like a pouting child. Or like Naruto when he was denied a dinner date at Ichiraku. Sakura Inwardly winced at that as she blinked at the Akatsuki man slowly "Ugh..." she really didn't know how to reply to that.

"Even Kisame-san is arguing about you not sparring with him anymore and do you know how fucking moody the Uchiha bastard has been and more annoying Tobi has become!" he screeched. He pointed to his burnt locks with pure frustration "Itachi-san didn't even hold back on the fight if fish breath didn't intercept the battle I would have been ash, yea!"

Wow...Sakura didn't know if she should be impressed at how she affected the others. Well, she did know that her absence affected Madara...she rubbed her right shoulder where the mark of Akatsuki appeared. She noticed it appeared with how Madara's mood was affected since he was the leader of said organization 'Totally forgot that was there...'

Though she doesn't really care if the Uchiha man stomped his foot childishly, the man was plain creepy and she was going to avoid him like the plague.

She just avoided Itachi because of the akwardness she had around him since she woke up in his lap unexpectantly, same with Deidara except she had fallen asleep on his lap. Also the sudden atmosphere Itachi produced when he was in the same room as her, he had been acting like that since the accident in the lirbrary with Madara. Along with him ugh...pinning her to the bed and stuff to prove a valid point. A soft blush went across Sakura's cheeks at the distant memory, Deidara didn't miss a beat as he rose his brows at her in question. Giving a false look of shame Sakura looked down "Sorry Deidara-san I didn't mean to disrespect you or the others in anyway, please forgive me" she said, her words laced with formality. It was a habit since she always spoke to her higher ups that way, and sad to say everyone else here in Akatsuki was her senior members.

Before Deidara could say anything the pot of boiling water hissed loudly as steam filled the air. Turning around quickly Sakura got the cups and added one "Since your hear Deidara-san perhaps I could make you some tea" she scanned him for a moment "And perhaps heal some of those burns..." she finished. Getting some green tea bags she put each individual one in their own cup and filled it with water. "Thanks a bunch, un" Deidara grinned his sudden anger and frustration gone in an instant. Giving him his cup she gave a nod "Perhaps you could join me and Konan-san as well"

He easily agreed and followed her out of the kitchen.

Konan didn't even move from her spot as she welcomed Deidara lightly. Though Konan looked a bit heartless she was rather nice to be around, Deidara greeted her respectfully before sitting down "So this is what you two been doing, yea?" Sakura noted that he always said "un" or "yea" at the back of his sentence, she wondered why he always said that but instead of asking she absentmindedly agreed "Yes" her voice was surprisingly soft sounding today not even a razor sharp of coldness in either of her words. But it made Deidara smile that similar smile that her best friend once made, though...now that she looked at him. He sorta looked like Ino...

'Ha! Your right that's hilarious!' Inner wailed along with some serious laughter errupting from her chest.

Sakura bit her lower lip to sniffle a giggle, she was not going to show anymore emotion today. No matter how hilarious or stupid something is, she wasn't going to laugh. Her status claims so, she's a cold blooded killer. Not a happy go lucky assassin who skips around with a kunai of death while laughing merrily to her targets. People would have thought she had fallen off her rocker if that happened.

Deidara inspected a few of the origami in wonder "Did you do some of these Sakura-san if you did then your suprisingly good, un"

Sakura slummed in her chair a gloomy aura forming above her head "No...that's Konan-san's" she whispered. Deidara just stared "Then which ones are your's?" Sakura just pointed to the pile of messed up origami, none of them didn't even look like anything just folded up paper. The Akatsuki terrorist rubbed the back of his head sheepishly and gave a sympathetic look "Oh ughh...they're nice?" Sakura only inwardly sulked more 'That came out more like a question then a statement damn it!'

"Sakura-san never really do origami" Konan explained, she secretly winked at Sakura before Deidara could give her a look.

"Oh she never done it before, yea?" he seemed suddently intrerested about this news.

"Never" Konan lied smoothly.

Sakura would have to thank her later. Deidara took one of her works and held it up to eye level "Well, for a first try it's not all that bad..." it sounded like he choked it out. Liar. Though Sakura could understand he was trying to be nice and not insult her 'It's the thought that counts' Inner reminded. But Sakura knew it was hard for him to judge somethign so cheesily done, he was a artist himself in a odd explosive way so it was natural to have criticism when judging other's artistic works. Sakura had remember he use to argue all the time about Sasori with his view of art.

Ignoring all that Sakura scooted her chair closer to him after taking a nice sip of her tea, Konan did the same to (just that she stayed in her place working on her origami). Deidara angled his head away from her suddenly aware of her closeness as she held up her hands "Let me see any of your injuries before I forget to heal them" she grumbled.

Deidara complied and stripped from his, literally torn, cloak and rested it on the table. He had severe burns, the largest one trailing from the middle of his neck down his chest. Itachi surely did a number on him with his fire jutsus. And there was a long gash traveling down his left arm, the part that was held together by stiches was almost detached from the rest of his body 'Brutal much?' Sakura mentally commented, though she is just as bad when it came down to brutality so she had no room to talk.

Leaning forward she rested her hands on his burn, he flinched from the contact but said nothing as green chakra illuminated the cherry blossom's hands making him relax in relief "Ah...that feels so much better, yea" he groaned happily. Sakura rolled her eyes as her hands moved about to weave the skin together leaving it smooth and scarless, feeling his muscles ripple from her touch. It made Inner Sakura squeal in pervy delight as Sakura kept her mind on healing, she didn't even notice Konan watching her work. Going for the long gash next she paused "Deidara-san, who poorly attacted your arm?" she inquired, her nose wrinkling in distaste at whoever did it.

"Kakuzu-teme" he gritted "That bastard is very cheap, yea"

Holding up his arm she studied it momentarily before pulling mindlessly at the broken string-like material. The limb started detaching even more that made Deidara jump uneasily and grab her wrist halting her movments "Don't pull it out my arm would fall off woman!" he growled. Sakura gave him a look "Don't be a baby just hold your arm together I'll fix it" she promised, she muttered 'Baby' under her breath again as he let go of her and did what she asked. He held his arm steadily in place with his free hand as Sakura's healing chakra returned once again this time moving. In awe he saw Sakura pull the string out while running her chakra in it's place to hold his arm together, it moved in and out in a controlled patern. She was reattaching his arm permanently, going all the way around she engulfed her work just a second throughly before moving her hands "Okay Deidara-san you can let go"

And he did, much to Konan's and Deidara's astonishment the arm stayed in place.

He flexed his fingers and the mouth on his hand stuck it's tongue out at him "Amazing, yea" he muttered. Sakura fixed the gash next looking highly satisfied with her work, without saying anything Deidara offered her his other arm, it two was stiched together. Sighing she quickly did the same thing and clasped her hands together "Done" she breathed, ha she wasn't even tired. Not even a bead of sweat on her forehead. She took a sip of her tea before fixing up all the smaller burns and scratches.

By the time she was just about finished two, no wait...three Akatsuki members enter the room. Two of them was Kisame and Itachi, surprisingly the third one was Pein who sat down right next to his partner. The Uchiha and the ex-Kiri nin sat besides each other and on the opposite side of Pein. Itachi closer to Konan and Kisame right next to Deidara. Sakura couldn't help but send a glance from behind her hair at the Uchiha.

He seemed calm and collected. Not a odd feeling anywhere, in fact he wasn't even looking at her. He was spotless from the spar with Deidara, he came out clean with not even a spec of dirt in his hair.

"Hey look who dragged the cat out of the bag" Kisame chuckled, he was looking at her with that toothy grin of his.

"And look who came out of the deep blue sea" Sakura countered.

He held up his hands and leaned back in his chair "Hey, no need to be snappy kitten" he joked. Never losing his light hearted mood, shocking since the whole time she's been around him he was mostly cranky. In the morning he would yell at anyone who would make even the tiniest noise outside his room. Sakura being the victim of his wrath twice now since the Madara incident. He would blame her mostly for his lack of sleep.

Itachi said nothing as he just closed his eyes, sitting there all relaxed. Pein on the other hand looked at her handy work and smirked "Still impressive with your healing abilities Sakura-san"

"Thank you Pein"

Everyone seemed to stiffen from her lack of a honorific, all eyes except for Itachi's turned on their leader just waiting for him to possibly beat the girl or something. But all he did was smirk "Your welcome"

Deidara let out a breath that he didn't know he was holding 'Talk about lucky, yea' reaching over he got his cloak from the table and stood up. Taking his tea he sent a wink at the pink hair kunochi "Yea thanks Sakura-chan your the best, un" he walked out of the room happily with himself. Sakura watched him disappear with surprise on her features, he switched 'san' with 'chan' just like Yasou did. She felt her cheeks and the tip of her ears grow hot as she looked down embarrassed. Kisame laughed as he took Deidara's seat and patted her back "Isn't that cute Kitten has a admirer" he cooed teasingly. Sakura growled and grabbed his wrist bending it almost at a akward angle though not enough to break it.

As planned the shark man yelped, Sakura let go happily as she gave him a tiny innocent smile.

Itachi snorted softly, it sounded amused as he just gaze his partner a look and continued to relax there. Konan covered her mouth to sniffle a giggle, Pein sending her a look of wonderment before turning his Rennigan gaze back to the pinkette. It was odd, that girl. She made everyone slightly different, even himself. Though it was disturbing the change was rather…nice. He liked it at least, it was nice finally hearing Konan laugh after all these years.

But, he cannot forget the reason why he came here in the first place.

"There is a mission" he spoke, gradually catching everyone's attention. Kisame's brows rose up as he rubbed his tendered wrist "Mission?" he repeated. He grinned at the thought, mission was usually meant killing people with his big ass sword time for him and that was the many things he loved such as violence, gore, swearing, and ripping enemies to shreds. Pein laced his fingers together and nodded "But it isn't for you Kisame or you either Itachi, and Konan…" he looked at his partner "You can have the day off" in return he got a small smile from the female.

Itachi and Kisame shared a look.

"Then…who is going on this mission?" Itachi inquired, slightly curious.

"Sakura-san is…I am also going it only requires two Akatsuki members" Pein answered. He reached over and patted the pink hair kunochi's back when she nearly choked on her tea. She slowly put her cup back on the table and cleared her throat "M-me?" she sputtered unsurely. The first time anyone ever heard her sounding insecure about something, then again Itachi and Kisame had been in the organization longer than she has and they still never went on a mission with their leader.

"Yes, you is there a problem with that?" he gave her that: are you questioning my authority look.

"No…" Sakura shook her head and her shoulders straightened up, she got over her surprise fast. She tilted her head and flashed a smile (her usual rare ones, most dubbed it the heartbreaker smile) and pushed Pein's concerned hand away "What's the mission?"

"We are going to do a recon mission" Pein watched Sakura's face fell. She was most likely expecting something more challenging than that "On a Jinchuuriki" he added quickly. Something unrecognizable flashed in her green apple eyes for a split second before fading away, she rested her hands in her lap slowly "Oh? Which Jinchuuriki?" Pein ran his hand through his flaming orange hair as he took a deep breath, was it just him or was the room suddenly suffocating?

"The Rokubi" he replied.

Sakura bobbed her head "Understood, when do we start?" She seemed mildly interested, or that she didn't care at all. As long as it wasn't Naruto it was a go for her, not that anyone besides Itachi knew her motive of even being in Akatsuki. She brushed some of her hair out of her face as she lazily stood. Pein followed her example and gave Konan a glance before gesturing to the door "Right now actually, we will be heading to another headquarters in a different country where the Rokubi should be lurking" Sakura's eyes flashed slightly. She was happy, very happy, for one she got to get away from Madara for awhile. Two she could gather more information about Akatsuki's said leader to Konohagakure and three she wouldn't have anymore incidents regarding the Akatsuki terrorist or older Uchiha brother. That, was like a hidden paradise.

"Alright I'll just go pa-"

"Your things have already been transferred" Pein interrupted.

Sakura frowned. Already moved? Pein noticed her expression and headed towards the door, he beckoned Sakura to follow. And so she did, she only spared once glance at Itachi before she disappeared into the hallway with Pein. They walked slowly together down the now familiar corridors, all the way to his office. He opened the door for her and allowed her to step in first neither of them saying nothing as he entered and closed the door behind him with a soft click. Watching him go over to his desk Sakura helped herself by sitting in one of the chairs, her arms crossed and her expression stoic and slightly bored (possibly resembling Sasori's bored look) as she tilted her head lightly to the side.

"If my things are transferred does that mean we are traveling on foot about now?" she questioned.

Pein shook his head and opened one of the drawers to his desk and pulled out a scroll. He placed it on top of his desk's neat wooden surface as he tapped it with his index finger "We will also be transferred there by jutsu…all the bases that have not yet been discovered by any village are linked together to this base only Akatsuki members with the rings" he pointed to his own ring he had "can use it, from here we will be transferred to my other office over there all of the rooms are linked specially so the room you had all your items in was transferred to another room over there so your room would appear as if no one had touched it" he explained. Sakura's brows rose, that was a handy jutsu…not so important but handy if you needed a quick escape. She leaned forward as he opened the roll of parchment, the writing and symbols were neatly written within it as Pein rested his hand in the center of it.

"If you be so kind Sakura-san as to please rest your hand on top of mine so that we can leave now" he spoke. His ringed eyes peered up at her from under his bangs, a smirk on his lips as Sakura stood and rest her hand on his. Her hand flinched at how cold, but yet still slightly warm his skin was. And then she felt nothing, everything in the background beside Pein and herself had melted away into darkness. They floated about for only possibly a few moments before the pinkette could feel solid ground under her feet again as a different room started to materialize. She was now impressed as she slid her hand off Pein's to inspect her new surroundings. She squinted her eyes at how bright the room was. Unlike the office in Amegakure this one had windows, big windows to be exact and you could see the outside. It was a clear and sunny day, trees everywhere as the song of birds reached her ears. It was very much different if you heard nothing but rain for awhile. This was totally better.

'Agreed I almost don't want to see another drop of water again! Konoha was much brighter than this!' Inner yelled, she seemed very excited to see the sun.

Sakura made a slight face at the name of her old village. Konohagakure was the most sunniest place on earth besides the hot desserts of Sunagakure. Sakura went to the window and placed her hand on the cool glass surface, her fingers traveling down it slowly. She should probably send a message to the elders later on today to warn them about the next target. That was if Itachi hasn't already, she had felt his chakra spike the familiar way when she did her wind jutsu. Turning to the Akatsuki leader she bowed her head a little "I shall take my leave to my room now"

Pein grunted and waved his hand dismissively as he sat down in his chair. He already had a stack of paper on his desk that possibly regarded the mission. But Sakura didn't stick around long enough to find out. So she left, she decided that she should probably get a look around and get use to the place she will be staying at for awhile. To her utter surprise it looked very much like a house. It wasn't to difficult to find the exit out, so yes to her utter horror and surprise…they were indeed in a house. Well…she couldn't really call it a house.

'That's a fuckin mansion!' Inner Sakura wailed as she flailed her arms wildly.

Sakura made a sour expression as she took a better glimpse at the place and rubbed her eyes to see if it was real. Looking back up at it she noticed it was still there 'To think the Akatsuki would hide in a house…as big as this if Tsunade-sama ever found out or even Naruto and Kakashi-sensei they would really think they are idiots for never looking in the most obvious place where a S-Rank criminal organization could possibly hide' but now it wasn't the time to think about all this. She had to place her mind on the mission. A sigh escaped her mouth…a mission. Re-entering the her new neat home she went to the sitting room and sat down on the nearest couch spreading across it. She rested her arm over her forehead as she stared up at the ceiling. A long sigh past her lips as she relaxed, moving her hands she created the signs needed for her jutsu and moved her hands closer to her mouth whipsering softly to the wind as her chakra lightly flared and then disappeared. Her whispers being taken in the wind back to Konoha.

This time her heart didn't trob painfully for her village. Konoha, as beautiful as she was...she was corrupted with dark secrets. Choices that were horrible to make that scarred the face of history. So sluggishly the Haruno moved onto her side, her eyes closing as she pictured her friends, her family, everyone. Even Sasuke, if it wasn't for him...if it wasn't for him leaving she would have never become like this. Her brow knitted together, though she did have to hand it to Sasuke. Without him leaving she would have never became this strong. She was powerful, and she got her wish. She caught up to Naruto and if she caught up to him, she was determined she had caught up to Sasuke.

Her thoughts stopped when she heard the light tapping of feet above her, if she remembered correctly there were some stairs and the foot steps were definately going down them. She moved her head up to peek at the door way as the person approaching enter the room. And to no one's surprise it was only Pein. She watched him approach and stand right beside the couch she was on. No word was spoken until the Akatsuki leader tilted his head to the side "May I join you?" he questioned. Sakura stared blankly at him for a moment before sitting up and scooching over giving plenty of space between her and the orange hair man. With nothing else being said the man sat down, his hands resting on his lap needly staring at the blank tv before them.

'Is it just me or is this kinda akward?' Inner questioned.

'Somewhat' Sakura agreed.

"I hope you are ready for this mission Sakura-san, we start tomorrow at dawn" Sakura turned her attention to the orange haired man and nodded her head. A small smile forcing it's way onto her lips as she stared down at her lap "Of course Pein, soon we'd have to seal another Bijuu" she answered. Pein grunted in response before grasping a remote and flickered the tv on. His rennigan gaze staring at the television boredly as he flickered through the channels "I trust you well enough to accompany me for this" He told her seriously.

Sakura's shoulders slumped slightly 'Trust' it was good for her goal. But she wasn't the right person that Pein should be trusting, in fact she was marching right for the annilhation of the Akatsuki 'Score one for Konoha then' Inner Sakura muttered as she sat inbetween the outter Sakura and the Akatsuki Leader. Of course no one else but Sakura can see her since Inner basically lived in her mind 'Shut up' Sakura nearly rosed her eyes until Pein finally stopped on a channel that he thought was interesting enough "I assume we'll be here for awhile?" She inquired.

"As long as needed until we have the apropriate amount of information regarding the Rokubi, the Jinchuuriki host is a missing ninja he could be anywhere we are here due to rumors that he was spotted in this country" he stated.

"Who is the Jinchuuriki?"

Pein blinked, a rather bored yet solemn expression on his face as he sank further into the couch "The man's name is Utakata a Jinchuuriki I am meant to capture" he frowned, the channel no longer held his interest as he switched the channel once more. Sakura pushed some of her hair aside as she watched the screen change, a old but so familiar movie was on as she scoffed "Utakata? The man from Kirigakure...met him once" she let out a soft sigh "He wasn't a difficult opponent" it was just possibly a year ago when she encounter the missing ninja, he was in her way from completing a mission so she had to beat him down in order to get pass him. He was rather difficult to deal with but she managed to overcome him in the end.

Pein rose a eyebrow "You've met?" he questioned.

Sakura nodded her head and crossed one leg over the other "Yes, on a mission long ago nothing really special" she explained.

The Akatsuki leader pried no further as he watched his movie, Sakura sitting idely beside him as they said nothing more to each other for the rest of the day. Tomorrow they shall prepare for their mission. And at dawn track down the Rokubi.

Gaara rested down his final paperwork for the night, relief in his features as he placed it into a full basket of complete work that the council would overlook tomorrow. Though, something didn't settle right with the Kazekage this evening. Pushing his chair back Gaara stood to his full height, glancing out to his village in it's peaceful state. Nothing seemed wrong, but what was this feeling he was having in his gut? The young Kazekage sighed his eyes closing tiredly. He placed his hands behind his back as he just waited. He didn't know for what but he waited, listening closer to any disturbance. And there it was, the slight movement of the wind. Peering over his shoulder Gaara calmly greeted his most unwanted guest.

"Sasuke..." he murmured.

The Uchiha stood there casually by the door, his arm crossed his eyes cold and wary as he said nothing back. His features much more different from the time he and Sasuke had battled against each other from the Chunin exams. Even Sasuke's taste of fashion was different. So Gaara turned to face him, mimicking Sasuke by crossing his arms as well "What are you doing in my village?" Gaara asked. Sasuke pushed himself off the wall and strolled over casually, he reached into his pouch and tossed something onto the ground "I believe this belongs to you" he growled. Gaara's jade eyes went down to the discarded object. A ANBU mask.

"I see...so you killed one of my ANBU" he spoke softly.

Sasuke did his usual Uchiha 'hn' and kicked the mask disrespectfully with his foot "I came to return what was your's but I also came here in search of someone and I am sure you would know where this certain person would be" At this the Kazekage was surprised, but remained equally as stoic as the Uchiha.

"If you think we may have a lead on your brother then your wro-"

"I'm not searching for Itachi, I am looking for someone else first or later depending on who I run into" Sasuke raised his hand and held something between his middle and index finger. Gaara almost had to nearly narrow his eyes to see it and froze. A strand of pink hair...and there was only one person he knew with the same hair color as that "Sakura..." Sasuke nodded his head and with care he place the strand of hair back where it belonged and knew it was safe. The Kazekage couldn't help but glare "What would you want with her?" he questioned.

"Just her whereabouts is all I want and then I'll take my leave" the Uchiha paced. As if waiting, no...wanting would be the correct word for his answer.

Gaara shook his head "I am afraid I don't know where she is and as for you leaving...I'm afraid I cannot let that happen" Sasuke paused in mid-step when something crawled up his legs. Glancing down he saw the sand run up to his thighs, making any means of movement impossible. His gaze met up with Gaara's defiantly his eyes bleeding red with the power of his family's Kekki Genkai "If you think you can make me stay you have it all wrong, I have no intention of allowing myself to be caught when I have yet to reach my goals...but I'll take your word that you know nothing" no matter how close Sasuke looked, he could tell that the Kazekage was not lying.

'So Sakura isn't here to...'

Raising his head up Sasuke closed his eyes "Suigetsu"

"You called Sasuke-san?" A new voice chimed.

Gaara's eyes widened slightly when a new man appeared beside the Uchiha, spilling some water on the Kazekage's sand to make it into mud as Sasuke mindlessly stepped out of it as it pooled around his feet. Sasuke took a moment to breifly glance at his comrade and rested his arm lazily on the blade that was held by the rope on his back "Like I said" he started "I have no intentions of staying" turning on his heels Sasuke made his exit and through Gaara's door. The man who was left behind rubbed the back of his neck a blush forming on his face as Gaara stared him down, sand threateningly floating around him like a ominous storm cloud "Well, nice meeting you and ugh...good bye!" Suigetsu was quick to follow Sasuke out and slammed the door behind him before a large sand bullet could strike him.

And Gaara was quick to follow, before he left he pressed a red button that was under his desk sounding the silent alarm to all Suna Shinobi. As he exited out the door he barely caught a glimspe of that man Suigetsu as he turned around the corner his voice ringing out loudly "Sasuke-san wait up!"

And then the choas appeared. ANBU was the first to arrive, coming in through any window and any door they came in from. The startled surprise of the silver hair boy was enough to tell Gaara that he and the Uchiha were surrounded and made his enterance, pushing aside some of the Ninja that were in his way and stood in the small circle that surrounded the two missing nin "I said you weren't going anywhere, if we capture you the better"

"I have no time for this" Sasuke retorted.

Gaara clenched his hands at his sides staring down the man that Sakura once called her love and teammate. He would never be able to see what she once saw in him as he stared into the depths of onyx pools. The ex-jinchuuriki took a step forward "I'm afraid you have no choice in the matter"

"Hn"

Without word the ground under the missing nins' feet caught aflame, the fire going up slowly as they started to disappear "Send Naruto my regards I suppose..." Sasuke murmured as he disappeared. One of the ANBU daringly trying to stop him to only result in getting his hand burned "Damn it!" he cursed, craddling his hand as he hissed out in pain. Turning to their leader he spoke up "What do we do now Kazekage-sama?" They all watched as the flames disappeared. Sasuke and Suigetsu getting away in no time as some explosions errupted in the village.

"We need to inform Tsunade-sama of Konohagakure to tell her about this event that happened tonight please make the preperations to do so" Gaara's blood boiled as he heard some startled screams from the civilians outside. Turning a complete 180, Gaara returned to his office to check out the damage through his window. It didn't seem to bad, just a few destroyed roads. He raised his eyes up to the gate, seeing the shadow of Sasuke in the moonlight until it was gone. He as the Kazekage failed...

Itachi sat down on his bed, his hand running over his eyes momentarily as his keen ears picked up on his door opening. Lifting his eyes he met the concerned gaze of his partner "Kisame..." he rasped. The blue man made no movement as he shut the door behind him a brown bag in his other hand as he let out a soft sigh. Walking to the Uchiha's dresser he rested the bag on the surface and took a step back "This should last you a month..." he started, his sentence dying down slowly. He shot his partner another look and pinched the bridge of his nose "Itachi-san I-"

"Thank you Kisame-san that would be enough for today" Itachi pushed himself up, his hand held up to silence his partner effectively.

The older man frowned but dropped the subject. Spinning on his heels he sauntered to the only chair in his room and made himself at home. He rested his Samehada against the dark oak wood desk and laced his fingers together "Itachi-san you can't pretend to ignore your illness any longer it's getting worse by the day I don't see why you just don't go to Kitten to get yourself healed, since she was the Godaime's apprentice I'm pretty sure she could do it" Kisame's beady eyes followed his partner's movements as Itachi pulled out some orange bottles of pills from the back placing them very neatly in order. Of course Itachi only gave him the Uchiha grunt before squinting his eyes to read which medication was which. Opening the first drawer of the dresser he reached his hand in and searched under layers of his clothes to pull out similar bottles that Kisame had brought him.

"I am serious Itachi is all this worth it?"

Itachi read all of the bottle lables, moving each into seperate groups but he did not answer. Kisame took the hint that his partner wanted to drop the subject as the ex-Kiri nin felt a twinge of pity deep in his gut. The Uchiha was to far from backing out now. So Itachi tossed away the old useless bottles, somewhere that no one else could see it in the open view as he popped open a freshly new bottle and pouring some pills into his palm. Tiny beads of sweat formed on his forehead as crimson liquid dribbled from the corner of his mouth. Kisame moved in his seat slightly alarmed until he got a stern look. Kisame sat back tentively and eyed his partner when he took his medication without the need of water.

"Soon I won't more of this..." Itachi placed all the bottles under his clothes and closed the dresser.

He looked over his shoulder and gave a slight nod "Thank you for getting them Kisame-san" he murmured softly. His skin looked deathly pale, the raven hair man returned to his bed, laying across the surface. His tiredness showing as he closed his eyes, his lips slightly parted as he felt the violent beats of his heart. His will screaming at him to live "I think you should really reconsider Itachi-san...your only twenty-one you still have so many years ahead" Kisame spoke. Itachi resisted the urge to groan as he turned on his side, his back facing the blue skinned man.

"I will atone for my sins Kisame-san...I will give Sasuke the life he deserves and nothing more..." Itachi's voice was hoarse, almost like a fleeting whisper in a cool summer breeze.

But Kisame understood it all, even as his brows furrowed in distaste 'Even in this much pain he still thinks Sasuke is more important...' he mused to himself. Reaching out he grasped the handle of his blade, if he never held a ounce of respect for this man he probably would have put him out of his misery years ago. Raising to his feet he decided now it was the time to let the Uchiha have some rest and made his way to the door at a snail's pace. He never bothered to look back as he left the room. All he has to do now if just simply follow Itachi until his death.

As Kisame left Itachi let out a shaky sigh, his vision as horrible was it was became more of a blur as sweet darkness started to claim him. His mind picturing his brother's hateful gaze boring into his mind. But behind him was pink and green...yes green eyes were staring back at him, no trace of hate lingered in their depths as wild pink hair flowed in the non-exsistant wind. A young girl, so familiar with the red ribbon that sat innocently in her hair. She she seemed so young, so innocent and happy. Her eyes showing him the layout of her soul as she smiled at him, her lips a petal pink as she waved tentively at him. Itachi stared off into space with some confusion as sleep claimed him.

His dreams filled with the past and that familiar pinkette who had always known.

-Itachi's dream-

"Itachi it's nearly time to go! Sasuke gets out of the Academy in less than twenty minutes!" his mother scolded, her wooden spoon waving in the air as she angrily glared at him. His father, who was sitting at the table with him drinking some tea frowned at his wife's antics and rubbed his forehead, a disapproving grunt leaving his lips "Mikoto...Sasuke is a big boy I'm sure he can find his way home" he shrunk back when her wrath turned on him. Itachi just watched as he set his cup down, amusement flickering in his eyes as he watched his father. Leader of the Uchiha clan, be bested by his mother.

"For Kami-sama's sake Sasuke is only six!" she ranted on.

Excusing himself, though he knew it would be useless for his father to hear him due to his mother he stood up and swiftly left. He made his way down the hallway, pausing to momentarily gaze at one of his family photos fondly. A picture of him holding Sasuke when he was only a infant just before the Kyuubi attack. Smirking slightly he continued on his way to the front door and sat down quickly to put his shoes on. Making sure they were on correctly he made his way out into the compound. The buzzing life of the Uchiha reaching his ears as soon as he shut the door behind him.

"Itachi-san~!" Someone sang.

Itachi sweat dropped. He knew that voice just about anywhere as he glanced up to meet the shining eyes of his best friend, let alone his cousin, Shisui. His hair dark was unkept as usual, with his broad nose but still childish face. His brightening grin made the Uchiha heir cringe, he could have sworn the sunlight made them twinkle like that creepy man...Might Guy was it? Shisui patted his shoulder not so gently as he laughed loudly catching the eyes of passing by Uchihas "So where are you off to today Itachi-san?" he inquired.

Itachi parted his lips to answer.

"I bet your sneaking off to see Hachi-chan again?" Itachi's cheek flared up when his cousin elbowed him playfully on the arm with his elbow.

"That's nonsense I'm getting my brother from the Academy..." he grumbled, smacking Shisui not so gently on the back of the head as he left his family home onto the busy street. Shisui following him like a lost puppy as he nagged his ear off about his supposed 'secret love life' and how romantic it was and even going to the extent of saying it was like on of the books Jiraiya of the Sanin would write. Itachi felt a vain appear on his forehead, he cursed himself for even telling Shisui about his relationship to Hachi at all. Life was such a bitch when it wanted to be.

"Jeez Itachi-san you need to learn how to joke, all that frowning you do will scare all the girls away!" Shisui rested his hands behind his head as they marched on. Winking at some girls who blushed and waved back either shyly or seductively. Was it wrong to say Itachi assumed that in the later future his cousin would possibly be a play boy? The Uchiha heir ignored a busty brunette as he passed by her not even sparring a single glance her way.

"Heart breaker as usual" Shisui commented dryly.

"Speak for yourself" Itachi retorted.

His cousin laughed a bit sheepishly. It didn't take them long to reach the Academy as they waited outside the gate. Itachi listening to his cousin's mindless babbling until the bell rung loudly and the sound of excited children echoed from the building. And one by one, they started appearing from groups to masses. Itachi peeked above all their heads seeing no sign of Sasuke in the crowd and frowned. Where did his little brother go?

"U-um..."

Something lightly tugged on his shirt. Blinking a few times he turned his gaze down, his onyx orbs meeting with two startling green gems. A girl, she looked suddenly timid as she averted her gaze as soon as he made eye contact with her "Your Sasuke-kun's brother, Itachi-san y-yes?" she questioned, seemingly trying her best not to stutter in front of him as her cheeks turned into a pleasing rosy red color. His cousin leaned over her resting his hands in his pocket, his eyes gleaming happily as he smiled "Oh who is this cute little thing?" he cooed making the small girl tentively take a step back.

She twiddled her small thumbs "I...ugh...S-Sasuke-kun said that he was going to go hang out with s-some friends and that he'd be home l-later..."

Shisui watched her instensely for a moment "..." he moved in a bit closer. The pinkette was staring at him nervously until he tossed his arms up into the air "AH~! SHE'S SO CUTE!" he gushed as he enveloped her in her in his arms rubbing his cheek against hers' wildly "I can just adopt you as my sister and take you home~!"

The girl squealed as she wiggled in a attempt to get away. Itachi almost snorted when laughter threathened to raise up as he watched the two. Clearing his throat he plucked the child from his cousin's grasps, ignoring his protests, and held the girl there so she was eye to eye with him "Thank you for telling us..." he paused waiting to hear her name.

"Sakura...Haruno Sakura"

"Sakura" Itachi repeated, the name rolling off his tongue easily as he set her down. He ruffled her hair giving just a small smile "Thank you very much for telling me about Sasuke" he smirked when he watched her go red head to toe. Shisui giving him a look that he didn't pay attention to he lightly poked her on the forehead, much more gently then he did with Sasuke. She flinched from the sudden contact and raised her hands to rub her forehead, a puzzled look on her face as her eyes nearly crossed trying to peek up at her forehead. But then her lips turned up "Y-your welcome..."

She backed away a few steps bowing to both of them "Have a nice day it was a pleasure meeting your both!" she blurted before dashing off running to a woman Itachi would have guess was her mother. He watched as they hugged each other in a loving embrace before leaving, Sakura only turning her head to look at them once more before waving her final farewell to them.

"She was nice...and very cute" Shisui comment as soon as the young pinkette disappeared around the corner.

"Ah."

Since Sasuke was no longer here there was no point in him sticking around any further. Spinning on the balls of his heels he headed back the way he came, he had to tell his mother what Sasuke was up to rather then him going off somewhere and having her sending the military police force to find them. "Ah! Itachi-san you bastard don't just turn and leave me!" Shisui whined as he caught up. Itachi chuckled as he stuck his foot out ever so slightly to have him trip over.

As planned Shisui stumbled forward. Though sadly he regained his balance "What the hell was that for you ass!" he demanded.

Itachi closed his eyes, a smile forming on his lips "That's for being annoying"

"What! Annoying! Itachi you jerk I thought you loved me!"

"Shisui, your my cousin...that's disgusting..."

The Uchiha boy flailed his arms "ITACHI I DIDN'T MEAN IT LIKE THAT STOP TWISTING MY WORDS AROUND DAMN IT!"

"Hn"

"GAH! YOUR IMPOSSIBLE!" Shisui crossed his arms over his chest pouting. His cheeks reddening in frustration as Itachi laughed, both of them heading home to the compound together. After their little spat they traveled in silence.

GRRRRRRrrrrrrrrgglllllllllll...

They both paused in mid-step. Itachi tilting his head slightly as Shisui sweat dropped. He chuckled and patted his stomach "I guess following you around I neglected to feed myself..." he explained. Itachi gave a swift nod of his head and scanned the area, his eyes landing on a certain famous ramen bar as he took a meaningful step towards it.

"Ramen...?"

...

"Sure why not"

-End of Dream-

Yasuo sat at the edge of the bed silently, smiling to himself as he watched the older Uchiha sleep peacefully for once and not so disturbed like he usually was. Getting up he stretched his arms and headed for the door. He stopped when he noticed something on the ground, narrowing his yellow eyes he kneeled down and reached out timidly and brushed his fingure along the still warm liquid. A horrid realization dawning upon him as he raised his hand to see the crimson stain along his skin.

"Blood..."

He clenched his hand and peeked over his shoulder to the slumbering man behind him. If there was something wrong, he would trust Itachi to tell him later when he asked about it. Slightly worried, he prayed the Uchiha didn't harm himself accidently by sparring with another Akatsuki. He had sensed Kisame's chakra in here not to long ago and came to check up on the Uchiha after the ex-Kiri nin left. Moving swiftly, thanks to the training others provided him, he was able to sneak out of the room undetected.

'I wish Sakura-chan was here, she could patch anyone up...' he mentally told himself.

He would have to but faith in her hands when it came to the healing of his family. Akatsuki was everything to him, lowering his head he walked along the hallway farther away from Itachi's room.

He would have to wait to see things out.

Chapter 21 is completed yayz! Sorry for not updating in so long guys but things have been happening and it takes me awhile to get ideas on what to write lol aren't i just a smark cookie? Anyways ik ik no itasaku like people wanted but this is sorta happening so because of Madara things kind of went Akward for everyone but no worries Sakura and Itachi will start heading on the train of romance pretty soon and it seems Sasuke is now looking even harder for Sakura dun dun DUN! So what do you think will happen? Isn't it all so dramatic! X3

Sasuke: Smart cookie? I say more of a retarded one with buck teeth...

WTF! BUCK TEETH! I GET THE FACT I'M FROM CANADA BUT DID YOU REALLY HAVE TO GO THERE!

Sasuke: Yes, yes I did you can say I'm like your punishment for not writing for like...how many months? *raises a brow*

O.e *twitches* don't ask me it's not like I remember

Sakura: *crosses arms tapping her foot lightly* everyone has been waiting for you to show up!

Itachi: yes you should know that others are dying to know the ending of this story Shizu-chan *calmly sips some tea*

AWWW COME ON NOT YOU GUYS TO! DX

Sakura: Ohhhhhhhhhhh we are very much in this ewe;;

Itachi: It's only for your own good *sets tea down and takes a step closer*

*takes a step back* O.o why are you coming closer...? *notices Sasuke and Sakura came close as well and sweat dropped* i don't like where this is going...O_O

Sakura: ...*w*

Sasuke: -_-

Itachi: =/_\=;; *holds up rope*

*the sign DOOM appears above my head as I cower and hold the story plot in my hands* w-wait you guys show mercy...DX

Itachi, Sakura, and Sasuke: *jumps Shizu and ties her down*

NUUUUUUUU! DX *struggles*

Sakura: phew~ *wipes forehead happily* we got her 3

Sasuke: good now lock her up so she would be bored to only type her story...

Itachi: *nods* agreed...to the dark room...*turns and drags Shizu off*

The dark what! O_O

Itachi: oh you'll see...bwahaha...

*reaches out to Sakura and Sasuke though they totally ignore me while I'm dragged to the dark room* NO! DX

Sakura and Sasuke: *bows to the readers* please we hope you enjoyed this chapter please review and keep waiting for the next Sakura of the Akatsuki *ignored Shizu's cries for help*

-Sakura of the Akatsuki blooper!-

"Yes?" he repeated as he frowned "Is that all you have to say, yea?" he grumbled.

Whack!

"Ow!" Sakura screeched as she held her reddening cheek "What the hell Deidara!"

Deidara pointed at her with a accusing finger "Bitch that's what you get for ignoring me didn't you know how that made me feel as I am slowly gain feelings for you because of this damn story, un!" he cried, his visible eye watery as he grasped both her shoulders shaking her wildly "Why don't you love meeeeeeeeeee!" he demanded.

A whistle blew as the other Akatsuki entered the room. Naruto, Sasuke, and Kiba following behind as they tried to peel the Akatsuki blonde off her "Deidara you teme get a grip dattebayo this isn't in the script!" Naruto reasoned as he latched himself onto one of Deidara's arms tightly. Sasuke got the other one as the Akatsuki terrorist tried to brush them off "Shizu-chan would not be happy if she-"

Bam!

Everyone stopped, horror streching on their face as the sound of tapping heels echoed off the walls around them. A woman with black hair and scornful brown eyes appeared, her beloved story script in her hand rolled up as she heavily tapped it against her open palm eyeing everyone. And yes, including the camera men and crew dangerously as her eyes settled back of a terror-filled Deidara.

"Okay Who is the bitch who messed up my story!" She barked.

Everyone squeaked and pointed at Deidara, their hands trembling.

Stalking up to him she poked his roughly in the chest cornering him between her self and the counter "Oh you got nerve blondie..." she mumbled.

Deidara looked like he was about to piss his pants when that sudden and yet horrible familiar eyes flashed ominously. Her lips pulling back into a insane smile as the shadows played across her face "You know what happens now Dei-kun~" she said in a sickly sweet tone, the atmosphere thickening greatly as everyone ran from the area.

"Holy shit run for your lives dattebayo!" Naruto wailed jumping behind the snack table off set, Sakura following right behind him.

Itachi and Sasuke took cover behind one of the set walls both of them covering their ears bracing themselves as a few of Itachi's fellow Akatsuki just fled the set in general along with most of the crew and producers. Cries of terror heard throughout the movie studios that caused uproars on other sets.

"YOU BASTARD!"

"NO! NO SHIZU-CHAN WAIT!"

Cries of pain and things breaking filled the large room as some unfortunate people got caught up in the commotion. Those who escaped thanked God for the escape as the director took her frustration out on the Akatsuki terrorist.