Author: Sorry, but ever since school started I've been buried in homework. From math to Chinese Calligraphy! So I will try to update on the weekends, no promises. Please Review! Oh, and Kai Hiwatari is back for all Kai lovers!
Enjoy!
Itachi removed his hood and smirked. "You're late."
"So? It's not like I had difficulty with my missions, unlike you." Haruko huffed.
"Just remember who trained you." Itachi sneered.
"The pupil has surpassed the sensei." Haruko countered.
"Uzumaki Naruto, welcome to one of the minor Akatsuki Headquarter." Itachi gestured.
"I don't want to join you, believe it!" Naruto yelled
"Now Naruto, so some respect…" Haruko muttered.
"You never said that you were still a member!" Naruto yelled.
"I know, but I don't really do assassination missions anymore." Haruko looked away.
"I won't join, believe it!" Naruto yelled.
Itachi shook his head. "Maybe Haruko will be your first trainer…Haruko, show him to his room."
Haruko walked down several hallways and staircases and arrived at a door. She motioned Naruto in there and made his sit down. "It's for the best Naruto. Unlike the Kohona village, everyone here is similar to you. No one will shun you anymore."
"Why, did you join?" Naruto inquired.
"I joined…because I was made to, like you. I was a helpless orphan. Everyone hated me for no reason, like you. I was taken in by Itachi-ni-san who trained me. Here, everyone was a lot nicer…"
"If I stay here, will I be strong?"
"I became the Mizukage easily after I left…"
"Will everyone accept me?"
"Of course, people want to train you here."
"Really?"
"Yes. I will be your trainer. After about 5 years from now, this headquarter will be moved. But we will attack …a little ahead of time. For special reasons, no betrayal."
"Ok…"
Haruko left the room. She walked to the conference room where she sat down with Itachi. He had an amused smile on his face.
"What?"
"Remember that boy with blue hair you met when you first came?"
"I think so…"
"He's still here."
"So?"
"Want to visit him?"
"Am I ordered to?"
"Yes, yes you are. You are his new trainer."
"Where is he?"
"Dorm H-59."
"By the way, Naruto does know the truth now. His training starts tomorrow and I expect you to show him to the training grounds. And I am in a higher rank than you are now, it means I'm in charge. And leave the Headquarters with Kisame and Miya after I leave with Naruto."
"Hai…"
Haruko still had the memory of the Akatsuki Labyrinth clearly in her mind. She knew where to go and where the trapdoors are. Deciding she didn't want to walk, she teleported to Kai's dorm and knocked. The door opened and behind it stood a much taller version of Kai.
"Long time no see, Kai."
Kai looked puzzled for a moment. "Haruko?"
"It's Haruko-sensei to you now."
"Really?" A teasing smirk appeared.
"I'm in a much higher rank than you now so don't test me."
"Hai."
"Tomorrow, training grounds at dawn. Itachi will be there with my other trainee. I'll see you there."
"Hn." Kai's eyes flickered for a moment.
"Nothing you want to tell me?"
"I uh…"
Haruko patted him on the back and walked off. Kai stood there for a moment and then jogged towards her.
"Why'd you come back?"
"I'm still a member, still have missions. I just checked in with a B-Ranked. And I would think you would have escaped by now."
"Tough security."
"Oh, the over-sized baby can't beat a few guards." Haruko sneered. "The security reinforcements are the most rookie members here you know."
"Shut up."
"So, what exact member rank are you?"
"Class B Major, you?"
"Class S Lieutenant Colonel."
"Hn."
"I need to go see Itachi about Naruto. Remember, tomorrow at the training ground 3."
"Hai."
Kohonakagure
Sasuke paced up and down the hallway of his house. 'Damn, when is that Kenshi person going to arrive? It's like a second Kakashi…' Then, he heard a knock on his door. He opened it and gestured the sannin to come in. They sat on the couch where Sasuke immediately directed the conversation onto Haruko's mission. "I thought Haruko was just here for the meeting. Why is she on a mission?"
"The meeting was just an excuse to come to this village without suspicion. I don't know the detail, which is between the Mizukage and the Hokage. But it was scheduled that Haruko-sama leads this mission. The headquarters will be destroyed, in a few years. Haruko-sama says that Naruto will be recruited there for him to control the Kyuubi and become a powerful Shinobi. I asked why, but she said to not question her authority."
"Still, it sounds dangerous."
"She said it's what she does."
"Thank you."
"Anything for our Mizukage." Kenshi then exited the house.
Akatsuki Headquarters
"You know I can't train him for 4 years Itachi." Haruko sat on the couch, sipping her black coffee. "I have arrangements back in Water."
"Hai, I know. That's why as soon as Naruto gets around to trusting us, I will take over the job."
"I met with Kai."
"What do you think?"
"I expected better…"
"Ah, the guy's one stubborn teen. Reminds me of you when I stuck you through a history course. Of course, that was more amusing than frustrating. He is Voltaire's kid so we can't really give it up and throw him out though."
"Nah…so that's why you 'buddy-buddied' me up with him. You know the history. Very clever, digging into someone's personal history."
"Hai, I also crossed paths with this little rumor about you and my brother."
Haruko blushed slightly. "…"
"So, how's it going? I mean, you gave him two pecks so far."
"Who's counting?"
"Me."
"Nosy baka. Just remember that I'm in a higher rank than you are. You are only Class A Lieutenant."
"Yea, whatever…But still, it is amusing how my brother warms up to you. He pretty much turns into a weak touchy-feely kid."
"And?"
"You turn softer too."
"Don't talk lies."
"Nah, it's true. You know, I think it's one of those emotions called 'love'. It's obvious in Sasuke, but when it comes to you, it turns a little bit unreadable."
"And I care because?"
"Do you really like my brother?"
"What are you implying?"
"Don't act stupid."
"I will say this once. If you value your life, shut up."
"I guess I will just assume that you have become extremely fond of him. And I mean it when I say extremely."
Haruko's cheeks became tainted with a slight haze of pink. Sasuke was indeed pretty nice, though he can be a rather cold person at times. Haruko brushed the blush off hastily. "I just find him intimidating and interesting. That's all." 'But is it?'
"Intimidating and interesting enough to become your personal huggable teddy bear no?"
Haruko shot Itachi a shuddering glare that would send even Kenshi into a frightened state. Itachi didn't seem as much affected by it, but it did wipe off the sneer that he had put on earlier. Haruko stood up, shot another cold glare, then walked off to her quarters.
Haruko lied down on her bed and drifted off to a shallow sleep.
Dream
"Haruko?"
Haruko woke up and found herself in front of Sasuke. "Sasuke-San?"
"I really have become quite fond of you, Haruko."
"Nah, really?"
"Hai."
"Nah, but I have so many responsibilities."
"Your responsibilities come before be?" Sasuke looked hurt.
"…Itachi, I know this is a genjutsu along with the Mange-Sharingan. The same trick you did to me when I was 9. It's not working, at all."
"Aw, but I haven't gotten hold of the perfect blackmail yet…" The illusion of Sasuke changed into Itachi. "Well, I suppose I can always try again next time. After all, I've got eternity on my life."
"Eternity is just a human exaggeration. It's not real."
"You're no fun. I mean, you've really turned into those political Mizukages. And here I thought that you would be at least a little different."
"Shut up if you don't want the Water Shinobi after you as well. I can issue the order if that's what you're asking for. There are lots of ways in which I can inflict damage to this organization. You wouldn't want me as an enemy now, would you?"
"Of course not, Mizukage-sama! I would never dare challenge your skill!"
"Are you mocking me?"
"Of course not. You are to train Kai and Naruto for a, say, 7 months. Kisame will take over then followed by Miya. Is that fine?"
"Naruto would really enjoy training with Miya-San and all, but I'm not so confident about Kisame-San."
"Does it matter?"
"Well, I personally detested my training sessions with Kisame-San. I mean, maybe you should consider having him not stress the whole 'Patience is Virtue' speech of his. I mean come on! 'Patience is one of the most important skills of being a Shinobi. Being able to withstand the long hours without boredom will not only strengthen the mind of patience but of endurance from the weather conditions of the site. As young ninjas of the Akatsuki, it is of great importance that you master this tool. It will bring great success. Now, let us start with 6 hours of strict attention for the slightest movement at field 7.' Ew, it really sucks."
"I'm sure it isn't that horrible."
"It is! You should try it, I mean I was only a kid! It's natural for me to fidget! But no! He just had to do the Paralysis Jutsu on my jaw before dinner! That bug meanie!"
"That's my partner you're talking about, you know that?"
"I have endured too much from him to give a damn about how you feel about him. Unless you're gay that is."
"Which is a very distinct possibility but no."
"Aw, you're no fun at all."
"I'm not gay, and let's leave it at that."
"So you don't like guys."
"No, I like girls and girls only."
"Oh…who's the lucky girl that's aquatinted to ya?"
"No one!"
"So you're backing off the fact that you are gay."
"I'm not gay!"
"Can it be? The heartless Uchiha Itachi is losing self-control! I am ever so grateful for my photographic memory!"
"Don't spread girlish lies."
"It's not really a rumor or anything. I mean, it is what seems to be the truth."
"Don't go off with this lie that I am gay. I am just the type of person that doesn't enjoy having the company of a female. Unless for a mission."
"Then get out of my mind and never bother me again."
Itachi grumbled as he left Haruko's mind.
End Dream
Haruko sat up on her bed and looked at the clock that hung on the wall. Almost 5 o'clock. Damn, I have really worked into the early riser thing since the whole Mizukage thing. Haruko got up and dressed in the many blue training outfits that she had. She went to the cafeteria and got herself a cup of black coffee. She brought it to the appointed training ground. She hopped up to the highest branch and leaned against the trunk. As she waited for Itachi to arrive with Kai and Naruto, Haruko drifted off to a deep thought about what could be happening back in Fire and Water.
It was an hour later when Itachi arrived with the two beginner ninjas. Itachi started to train with Kai using Taijutsu, considering he can't have chakra control. Haruko walked over to Naruto and handed him some weights. Naruto puts them on and immediately groaned at the weight that has been put on his shoulders. "Now run 50 laps and finish it with 100 sit-ups and pushups. Move Naruto! I'll be back in a few hours to check your work. If I'm not satisfied, no dinner!"
"Hai!" Naruto immediately started to run his laps. Haruko teleported back to the Wave Country along with her and met up with Kenshi.
"I trust that I can leave you in as my substitute. But don't make any serious decisions without my permission. I will know if you plan on scheming behind my back. So don't try it."
"Mizukage-sama, I am forever loyal to you. I will never disobey your orders or question your authority."
"I'll be back in about 7 months of time. Uzumaki will finish his training in 4 years. The Akatsuki Headquarters will be brought down as soon as I arrive back with Uzumaki. The Headquarters is supposed to be moved in 5 years from now. But we're going in ahead of time. Though this Headquarter is a minor one, it is still some sort of victory."
"Hai."
"I'm going Fire to met the Hokage. Until the 7 months are up, most of my privileges will rest with you. Don't misuse them." Haruko then teleported to the Konoha gates. The guards recognized her immediately and opened the gates. Haruko set her horse to a gallop and headed for the Hokage's tower.
Sasuke looked out of his window and saw a horse along with a blur of blue. He immediately realized who it was. No one in Konoha has blue hair and has horse-riding entrances. It has to be the Mizukage. Sasuke jumped on top of the roofs, catching up to her. Apparently, the Hokage was expecting her.
"Attacking 4 years from now. As soon as I return with Naruto, both the Water and Fire armies are going into action."
"Yes. But the Akatsuki still expects you as a member?"
"They can't have me as an enemy, or they go…" Haruko pointed her thumb down. "Besides, I'm their Class S Lieutenant Colonel. They can't go against me. Even the leader can't."
"But it sounds fishy."
"It won't after 4 years."
"I suppose."
"Anyway, I'm supposed to check up on Naruto's training in a few hours, so I have some time. I think he'll be upset when he finds out they don't serve Ramen."
"Well, if you need any assistance, we are on a really heavy bounded alliance. And I think you should spend more time with Sasuke while you're on breaks. He's been pacing around a lot these few days. Oh, speak of the devil there he is. Not that it's hard to notice how you always make your entrance." Tsunade pushed Haruko of towards Sasuke and walked off.
Sasuke stood there as Haruko ran towards him (AN: O for god's sake, stop acting all tense!). "Sasuke-kun! Nice to see you again!"
"So, how was it?"
"What's it look like?"
"Successful."
"Nah, only half the mission is done. This is a long-term mission. I expect it to last 4 years. Though my major play is the first 7 months and the last week. So, how have you been?"
"A little lonely without you…"
"Nah, that's cute. I have a few hours to spare, care to join me in them?"
"Fine."
"Nah, from the look in your eyes, there's something you want to tell me."
"Well, yes actually. The Spring Festival is coming and I was wondering if you could make it…"
"I could, and Naruto could come too if you want me to bring him."
"Do you have anyone to go with?"
"What do you think?"
"Do you want to well, spend the, you know Spring Festival with, um me?"
"So you're asking me out?"
Sasuke flushed. "Well, I guess so."
"Ok."
"Really?"
"Yea, I mean, hanging around the Akatsuki isn't the most fascinating experience."
"Ok, then…"
"I'll meet you at your place around?"
"Is 6 ok?"
"It's fine. Do you think if I bring Naruto, Sakura would let him tag along with her?"
"Ask her."
"Oh! There she is right now! Sakura-chan, over here!"
Sakura looked over her shoulders and immediately ran towards them. "Haruko-chan! It's nice to see you again! I was pretty worried!"
"Nah, Sakura-chan, I could bring Naruto over to the Festival if you would let him be your date."
"Naruto? But I was um, going to uh, ask eh, Sasuke-kun…"
"Not interested." Sasuke snorted.
"Ok, have Naruto come, but ask him not to be such a baka so that I can at least have maybe a little bit of fun…"
"If you don't want to, I can ask Hinata-chan."
"Um, that's ok."
"Alright then. Oh! Its time I should head back to check on Naruto's training! Just let me get something. Sasuke, can you get my mount?"
"Hn."
Haruko rushed up to Ichiraku's Ramen stand and purchased a beef Ramen. Balancing it on her head, she got onto the mount and teleported back to the Akatsuki after bidding her friends' goodbye. She arrived in the training ground and saw Naruto panting, slumped against the wall. "You should thank me. I went all the way to Konoha to get you Ichiraku's Ramen. But you seem too tired to get it, I guess it'll have to go cold!"
Naruto perked up at the mentioning of Ramen and immediately ran to Haruko's side. Haruko rolled her eyes and handed him the beef Ramen. "Naruto, the Spring Festival is in a week and I got Sakura-chan to agree in having you come with her. So if you train hard, I will consider allowing you a day off. The Akatsuki has lots kimonos for disguise purposes. I'm sure you can get one that you like."
"No oh tokin mohivasion! (Translation: Now you're talking motivation!)" Naruto said between mouthfuls of noodles. Haruko smacked his head and walked off.
"You'll be sleeping on the floor. Consider it as a training." Naruto groaned at the thought but none the less, agreed seeing the reward in the end. 'A date with Sakura-chan! This has got to be really fun! I'll show off my improved muscles to her and she will forget completely of Sasuke! Oh, thank kami to you Haruko-chan!' Naruto thought blissfully as he ate the last of his Ramen.
Author: That's the longest chapter yet! Now I want reviews for my hard work!