Here's another chappie for you all :) I appreciate all my amazing readers who have stuck by my story. I just re-read all my old reviews. And each time I do, I get more and more inspiration to write. Also, ALOT of people are for Team Itachi. How bout team Hidan, Sasori or Hidan? Any love for them? :) Deidara got a lot of love too though...Well, now I know who's rooting for who :) Once again, I don't own anything but the insane plot line ;)

Enjoy! - VZ

The long silence that followed Itachi's smug statement finally ended, thanks to the blush and words that left Sakura's lips.

"Y-you should stop talking non-sense."

The pinkette pulled her head back in hopes to put some distance between the dark haired man and herself.

Unfortunately, he didn't let her get too far.

Itachi leaned close and pressed his forehead against hers, his eyes demanding her attention.

"What I speak is the truth and you know it as well."

Despite the conviction that rang in his voice, she remained steadfast and stubborn, refusing to succumb to his sinful smile and hypnotic gaze.

Thanks to the technique that purified her body from any wounds whatsoever, she was able to use her hands to push away the Uchiha and stand on her own two feet. As soon as she was upright, her legs backed up several yards, distancing herself from Itachi. Who was, as usual, fully intent on claiming her as his and making sure the whole damn shinobi world knew about it. Something that she once thought was an absurd idea. However after watching him go to such great lengths to ensure her safety, she wasn't so sure anymore.

It was more than confusing.

One minute he'd be cold and distant, especially in front of others.

Then the next Itachi would do something so surreal and heartwarming that she couldn't fathom why he would be a criminal or single all this time.

It seemed like He'd do just about anything to proclaim her his.

True, his possessiveness was, at times, flattering. It never failed to bring a blush to her cheeks or a shiver of pleasure down her spine. And the way he speaks….forbidden emotions seem to surge and overflow within her, tempting her to simply give in to his advances….to him.

But….she couldn't.

For some unknown reason, she could not surrender, no matter how sweet admitting defeat would be.

"No Itachi. I…do not-"

Before the medic-nin could even finish her sentence, the Uchiha interrupted, his voice as dark as his gaze.

"Do not say it. Do not lie to me or yourself." As he spoke, he stood up and started walking towards her. Reminding Sakura of a lion stalking its prey. Every step and every move he made was predatory.

A beat of silence passed before she replied, her green eyes looking at everything but him.

A mistake she soon learned to regret. Because due to her fear of gazing at his eyes and losing her nerve, her eyes met with several other pairs. Ones that were watching her with interest, curiosity and...hope?

"In case you have forgotten, you're mine love."

Itachi's smooth velvet voice effectively brought back her attention on him, away from those eyes and the feelings behind them.

Indignation filled her right then thanks to his rather arrogant and presumptuous, not to mention, possessive statement.

"I have great memory Itachi Uchiha and No, I do not belong to some obsessive man who has no regard for anyone but himself."

Sakura was proud to hear her voice was steady and didn't waver, despite staring at his handsome face.

There was no way she was going to let him distract her with his good looks.

"You're right."

"I know I am."

"You don't belong to such a man."

"Exactly!"

A smile appeared on her lips.

"You belong to me."

The curve of her lips soon turned down at the corners, becoming nothing more than a grim line.

"You are so damn frustrating! Why can't you just ask me who I want? Instead of labeling me as yours?!"

The pressure that had been on her shoulders for the past few weeks finally came to a boiling point.

It was as if her anger was overflowing and right now all she needed was to let it go. Free herself from all the anger and exasperation she had been feeling ever since the Akatsuki had started feeling something towards her that wasn't deadly intent. She had bottled up all the affection towards the men who captured her long enough. And now it was finally time to let everyone know how she felt about the stolen kisses, heated confessions and declarations of love.

"I am sick and tired of this. Not to sound melodramatic but this is has got to stop."

The entire forest seemed to silent itself in preparation for her speech.

"All of Akatsuki-wait...I mean, former Akatsuki have to leave."

All eyes were on Sakura, focusing on the words she spoke and the emotions that were flashing across her face.

"Since you guys are no longer under Pein's leadership then you have no reason to stay and keep me your prisoner."

Out of nowhere, Deidara appeared, anger evident in his lone blue eye.

"I understand you're frustrated Sakura-chan. But you're not listening yeah. We left Akatsuki to be with you."

"Yeah! Who the fuck gives a shit about what that bastard wants!" Hidan's voice echoed within the woods, his crude words leaving a startled expression on Sakura's face.

"…That was real? I thought I was imagining the whole thing."

The blonde before her sighed before stepping closer to her form. But of course, she moved back, making sure that there was distance between the former members of Akatsuki and herself.

There was no way that she'd let herself get caught up in the moment like before, which all ended….with touching and kisses.

"If that's true, then you must have a creative imagination."

Sasori muttered, slightly amused at his doll's reaction. He was perched on a tree not so far from the pink haired medic but not close enough to have her fear his presence.

"Oh Kami…this isn't working. Don't you see?"

It was clear that Sakura was addressing the missing-nin so they all disappeared from their spots in the trees, only to materialize a few yards away from her. Obviously being close to her was not the smartest thing to do, Itachi and Deidara were proof of that.

As Kisame, Hidan, Sasori, Dediara and Itachi all waited for her with sad but hopeful eyes, She felt the words getting caught in her throat. But…it had to be said. There was absolutely no way that the Hokage would allow missing-nin to walk and live in the village or for her prized apprentice to turn into a missin-nin. Either way, no one would win.

"I can't be with any of you. Not when you are all missing-nin and besides….I have a family, a life waiting for me when I get home."

Each word stuck a dagger through her already torn heart, brining emotional pain so intense she was surprised her actual heart wasn't bleeding.

The rejected males knew that Sakura was much too compassionate to leave her relatives and friends behind, even for their sakes. Although she healed them in the past, there never was a guarantee that she'd be there in the future.

Just when defeat was about to show on their faces, a thought, a wild and crazy idea hit Hidan.

And it showed on his pale face, for he was grinning like the mad man he known to be.

"I have a fan-fucking-tastic idea!"

"Shut up-"

"No you shut it fish face! Listen cause I got the fucking solution to this shitty mess."

Sakura was already walking towards Naruto and the gang when Hidan's loud voice stopped her.

"Hey bitch!"

Pink brows furrowed then twitched a bit at the name he lovingly called her.

"I, Hidan the sexiest beast in the fucking universe, swear my allegiance to the sexiest bitch in the fucking universe, Sakura Haruno."

"Hidan, what the hell are you doing? Get up!" Sakura glared at the man bowing before her, a solemn expression on his handsome features.

"As you can see with your own fucking eyes, I am not longer I a missing-nin. I am now under your command Sa-ku-ra."

His voice was teasing, especially as he muttered the syllables of her name.

Sakura's jaw almost dropped after hearing the inconceivable words that left Hidan's lips.

Naruto's jaw literally dropped at the sight of the silver haired nin kneeling down at Sakura's feet and laying his triple bladed scythe before him. As if he were worshipping her and this was his sacrifice.

"This…this isn't real. Is this actually happening right now Kiba?" The kyuubi container shook his head slowly, in denial of the truth laid out before him.

Kiba was speechless, his eyes wide and unbelieving.

"I'm afraid it is Naruto." Neji supplied, his lavender eyes as calculating as ever.

Shikamaru sighed before crossing his arms behind his head. True, he was still angry and will never forgive what the jashin worshipper had done to his mentor. But clearly, his plans for revenge will have to wait.

It's not like Hidan was being hostile and despite the overwhelming desire to shove a kunai down the man's throat, he couldn't hurt him. Not when he was acting like a puppy in love.

Even he wasn't that heartless.

A loud sound brought the Nara heir back into reality, which was currently focused on a Mist-nin lowering his gigantic sword next to the scythe on the ground. An apprehensive look was evident on his blue features but nonetheless, he bowed low and spoke.

"I, Kisame Hoshigaki, swear my allegiance and my sword to Sakura Haruno."

One by one, they all bowed before the pink haired medic, their voices strong and choices clear.

Which unsurprisingly, scared the leaf shinobi shitless.

"I, Sasori of the red sand, swear my immortal life and allegiance to Sakura Haruno, my doll."

The red head had no weapon at the ready to deposit on the pile so he decided to place his hand over his left chest. As a reminder that his heart, really was hers and hers alone.

Sakura was embarrassed to admit, and most likely never will, that the males bowing before her brought tears of disbelief and…joy to her eyes.

She'd never admit this to anyone but watching them…was as unbelievable as it was amazing.

"I, Deidara, swear my allegiance and dedicate all my art to Sakura Haruno."

Obviously the blonde couldn't lay bombs at her feet so he decided to stay put, choosing to display all his affections through his voice and words.

Lastly, Itachi spoke, bowing low.

Although his words were soft, the gravity and depth of it made it seem louder than Hidan's yells.

"I, Itachi Uchiha, not only swear my undying allegiance."

He lifted his head slightly so that he could lock onto her expressive green eyes.

Eyes that were shining with unshed tears.

A pleased smirk appeared on his lips at the sight.

"But to also swear my life, my love and my name."

Several men desperately wanted to pummel the Uchiha for always being so damn flamboyant. It made their confessions so….dull in comparison.

"Your name?"

Sakura repeated, confusion present in her face.

Inwardly, she was very, very irritated at how this all turned out. She was supposed to push them away with her words not pull them in closer. However it seemed like whatever she did, they always followed.

And as much as she wanted to run away from them and her desire to be with them, she simply couldn't.

"Yes, seeing that I plan to make you my wife, I swear my name to you."

Her jaw did drop this time.

"Hn…now that I think about it, I said something wrong. Allow me to correct myself."

Almost everyone let out a sigh of relief….

"I, Itachi Uchiha, swear my undying allegiance, my life and my love to Sakura Uchiha."

…only to choke on the breath they were releasing.

"Tch…I was right."

Shikamaru spoke, his voice loud and clear in the once again silent forest.

"The Hokage is going to kill us."

Hope you guys all enjoyed it. As usual, lot's of love for those who read and reviewed my story.

On the side note, I do miss my old reviewers. Not that reading the reviews you guys leave me isn't great :) It's just that they were my first readers and it seems like since I update less and less, they seem to have disappeared :( That's why I'm going to update as much as possible! So that I can finish this story and give you guys will have lots of chappies to enjoy!

Till next time - VZ