I LIVE! Before I start the next chapter let me make one note: "A Dream of Days Long Since Passed" is the two shot side story that fits into Sakura's dream in chapter 8. Just to let you all know. I'll also let you know when "Cherry Blossom Christmas" takes place too. Also note that any reviews for any sidestory is actually in here. So enjoy now!
Manga: You take too long.
Leave me alone.
Manga: Baka.
Evil.
Also, many of you may know that there was, and I repeat was a situation with UchihaLovesMe and kitsune67. Everything has been cleared up. And to let you know who to look out for and a deep apology to all of you, UchihaLovesMe was kind to send me this email. UchihaLovesMe asked me to post it, which I agreed to mainly because I'm to lazy to retype it. So here it is and please carefully note the name of the author and story. Because for a second I thought it was me too! Haha!
Manga: Baka.
Shut up. Ok, here's the letter from UchihaLovesMe:
Here's the thing. You DID NOT steal my story. There has been a recent problem I've been getting. It's from this person who's story is called "Bloodied Cherry Blossom" and the author is NOT you. kitsune67 was mistaken by the title since both of these titles are similar. I'm sorry about the misunderstanding. I know that sometimes the stories seem familiar but they turn out to be different. Sorry for kitsune67 accusing you. They were mistaken. So please understand that Anime/Manga Fanatic DID NOT steal the story idea or anything. A note to Anime/Manga Fanatic: It's okay. you dont need to apologize about offending my reviewers. Your story is called "Blood of the Cherry Blossom" and the other person who stole it, they're title was "Bloodied Cherry Blossom". SO YOU DID NOT STEAL MY STORY. Just that when my reviewers found out that this person by the name of Spudd Chan stole my story, they got furious and decided to flame that person. I'm sorry if they thought that this was that story. There has been a terrible misunderstanding. So by all means continue your story and have fun doing it. Sorry again for the misunderstanding.
Please continue your story. I'm also looking forward to reading it. Thank you for your time.
-Uchihalovesme
Ok, so that's that. On with the story!

Sakura woke up groggy and very weak. She could feel her chakra going back to normal. Her stamina was way down though. Sakura could feel her chakra swirling. It was a sign that she was still on edge. The hairs on the back of her neck would not go down.

Sakura slowly began to move out of the bed. She instantly went down, a pain ripping at her abdomen. The door quickly slid open, and Itachi was at her side. She groaned in pain as Itachi lifted her body. Itachi basically thew her on the bed. Sakura groaned in pain again.

"Bastard."

Itachi smirked as he helped prop her up. He stepped aside to allow Tsuki to tend to Sakura's wound. Tsuki was pale and bags were under her eyes. The creases in her forehead showed stress, a lot of it.

"What happened?"

Tsuki looked up from undoing the bandage around Sakura's waist.

"You don't remember?"

Itachi's eyes narrowed as Sakura shook her head no.

"I remember the orb sending out a chakra ball that exploded immediately. After that, I have nothing."

"A ball?" Tsuki continued to look at her. "What ball?"

"It's hard to explain since it happens faster than the eye can catch it."

"Then how did you see it?" Itachi joined in. "More importantly, how did you know it would happen?"

Itachi moved Tsuki carefully out of the way. Sakura looked up at him confused. His hand circled around her neck dangerously. Images of her dream flashed through her mind. It froze her body.

"Itachi-san!"

"Leave."

"Hai..."

Tsuki slowly left. She was unsure of to leave Sakura's side. A nod from Sakura made it okay. Sakura who got movement back, glared at Itachi. His hold tightened a bit.

"What are you hiding?"

"No more than you, Uchiha."

Itachi pushed her up against the headboard harshly. His hand began to cut off the oxygen flow. Sakura made no move to stop him. Black dots began to slowly fill her vision. Itachi could see her eyes grow a dangerous dull. Sakura made no move to stop him still. He finally let go, but Sakura had already lost too much oxygen. Itachi tsked in annoyance before breathing in. Holding Sakura's nose, Itachi breathed into her mouth. Placing his palms right above her heart, he pumped her blood five times in time with his own heartbeats. After a minute, Sakura started coughing.Her lungs finally taking in air. Her eyes briefly flickered open, before she went back to sleep. Itachi hoisted her body up and put her into the bed. he left to attend to other matters.

Naruto sighed as he leaned back from finishing his third bowl of ramen. Sasuke looked angry at his side. Kakashi was leaving leaning against the wall reading his little book. Naruto turned to Kakashi and stated to complain.

"Why couldn't we have gone to Sand?" Naruto looked a bit agitated now. "I wanted to see Gaara!"

"What are you gay?" Sasuke questioned.

"What?!" Naruto slammed his hands against the counter. "Are you trying to pick a fight teme?" Naruto pointed an accusing finger at Sasuke.

"Hn." Sasuke just ignored him smirking.

"Now. Now, you two." Kakshi tried to stop them. "We're all on edge."

Both boys stopped now glaring at each other to look at their sensei, or at least used to be.

"Knowing Orochimaru could send a second wave, and it's no brain teaser to know that we may fall this time. Not to mention there's anxiety due to Sakura-chan's absence."

Naruto calmed down now sad. Sasuke just looked at the wall glaring. Kakashi looked up from reading to observe them. It's no wonder that Naruto was looking like a sad puppy, because he had that little crush on Sakura. Lately, Naruto started to take an interest in a certain Hyuuga. Speaking of which, Naruto's ears perked as Kurenai and her team entered. Naruto got up to greet Hinata and then to be freaked out by Shino. Kakashi then turned his attention to his stoic student. Sasuke looked more angry then anything, probably because Sakura was in the hands of the very man he loathed. It also seemed there was something also at work underneath too. It would be a challenge to get Sasuke to talk about it. Kakashi sighed. He wondered when Sakura was planning to come back.

Sakura saw it all in quick flashes. The orb slowly sent out the ball, watching it explode. She felt a tug and slowly she was pulled back by Itachi. In the corner of her eye, she saw Sasori protect Tsuki from the blast. Everyone else instantly were reacting. Deidara grabbed the dango shop owner. A sharp pain ripped right through her body. Looking down a light streak went straight through her body. Sakura turned her head to see it heading for Naomi, who was currently behind her. It sliced by her arm. Sakura looked back to see the orb now beginning its silent mode. Then everything went black. Sakura opened here eyes to stare at the ceiling. She turned her head to see Itachi sitting by the window. A towel was on top of his head waiting to be used. No shirt and his pants hung loosely around his waist, top button still undone. He held a cup of water in his hand and a long forgotten book in front of him. Sakura slowly got up and went over to Itachi. He turned his red eyes onto her. She stood there beside him before turning her gaze to the sunset. His gaze too soon found what she was watching.

"We have a problem."

"Hn."

A sharp knock came at the door. Sakura turned her head halfway to see who it was. Itachi instantly put a possessive arm around her. Fujiwaru entered looking cold but not as cold as the glare he was receiving from Itachi.

"What?" came Itachi's cold response. It was like a knife by it's sharpness. Fujiwaru lustfully looked Sakura over. Itachi's glare intensified if that was possible. Sakura looked down to see someone had put her in a silly nightgown. She held back a growl. Itachi used his cloak to cover Sakura from Fujiwaru's view. His arm pulled her tighter to his body.

"Are you here for a reason or not?"

Fujiwaru focused on Itachi and the hostility in the room rose. Sakura would have left if it wasn't for the death grip on her waist. It was several minutes before Fujiwaru answered Itachi. Each minute that passed in between was filled with intense glares. It reminded her of Naruto and Sasuke. The thought made her a little sad. Itachi must have sensed it because his glare had actually become much colder, if that was humanly possible.

"I was told to inform you that the orb had been placed into a sacred box, except none of us can handle it."

"I imagine Tsuki-san can."

"She can."

"Very well, leave then."

Fujiwaru took one last glance at Sakura before leaving. She was currently sticking her tongue out in disgust, not just about the leering bastard, but someone's choice for her sleep decor. Itachi looked over at her and smirked. Sakura looked over at Itachi, who in turn took her tongue into his mouth. Sakura immediately pulled back embarrasssed Itachi's smirk widened.

"What was that for?"

Itachi didn't answer her.

"Are you planning to let go any time soon?"

'Not any time soon."

Sakura sighed. She turned around in his arms. She gingerly sat herself in his lap. Itachi pulled her higher on his lap before she fell off. It didn't help that her perfectly shaped ass was on top of his groin though. Itachi brought his mouth to the nape of her neck, hoping to around her as well. Sakura gave a giggle when his tongue was right below her ear.

"Enough," Sakura pushed him back. "We have a serious problem."

Itachi gave her a look that literaly said no shit. Sakura became annoyed.

"I'm not taking about your erection or our sex life."

Itachi was now the one becoming annoyed.

"So what is it?" Itachi pushed Sakura up against the wall.

"His hand went to her bare shoulder pulling the thin silky strap down. His calloused hand began to massage her breast. A moan tried to escape the back of her throat. Itachi kissed her collarbone, sucking the skin. Sakura's bows nitted in anger.

"Hey! I'm seriously trying to talk to you."

"Not now."

"Uchiha! This is seriously bad."

"I know."

"Damn it, I'm not talking about that!"

Itachi stopped kissing her. He looked at her seriously.

"I understand."

Sakura sighed. Why didn't you just say so then? We're going to have to act fast."

"I undersatnd. Whenever you get angry you call me by my surname, Uchiha." Itachi traced her cheek. "Did I ever tell you how much I hate that?"

Sakura sighed. "Are you seriuos? What's the problem? It's just a name."

Itachi's eyes narrowed. "Maybe one day."

Sakura sighed again. "Speaking off topic since we're alrady off of it, why am I wearing this?"

Itachi smirked. "You don't like it?"

"No."

"Well then," Itachi took it off in a swift movemnt. "You're not wearing it."

Sakura just sighed as Itachi's smirk grew. Their lips locked, and his tongue began to play a dangerous dance with hers. He parted her legs, hands on her thighs. Itachi moved in before Sakura could protest. Sakura heard the ripping of her panties. She rolled her eyes thinking if he kept this up, Sakura would be pantie-less. Maybe that was his plan. Everything was soon forgotten as soon as he pulled her right up against him. A moan escaped her involutarily. That was the end of it, but unknown to them, Fujiwaru stood out in the dead grove watching Itachi and Sakura.

Sasuke was sitting up at the top of the city looking down. The breeze slowly blew though his unruly mindnight hair. He turned his head to the side to see Kakashi.

"That's a scary face Sasuke."

Sasuke looked at him confused. Kakashi pointed to his covered eye, indicating the sharingan. Sasuke reazlied he had subconsciously activated his sharingan. Just thinking about Itachi seemed to have this effect on him. Kakashi leaned against the railing beside Sasuke.

"You should stop worrying about it so much. Sakura is capable of talking care of herself."

Sasuke scoffed. "Not against my brother she isn't."

"Why do you know something?" Kakashi looked at him waiting for the answer.

Sasuke looked down, clenching his fist in anger. "That bastard must be up to something."
"What do you mean?"

"I think... I think Itachi is messing with dreams."

Kakashi looked at Sasuke surprised.

Itachi was currently nursing a red cheek. Sakura was walking ahead of him still angry. Once that man puts his hands on her body, all thoughts just fly out of the window. Then again, you would have to be dead not to feel that way when you're being that intimate with Uchiha Itachi.

"I still don't see how slapping me was necessary?"

"Well forgive me your majesty but you weren't paying attention to me. I said thatt this issue was very important."

"But did we need to worry about it now?"

Itachi pulled Sakura back. He followed by pushing her into the wall. His mouth on her neck, and hands on her thighs. Sakura tried to push him away, but he just pinnned her wrists. Itachi growled.

"You don't understand. I really need this, Cherry Blossom."

Sakura just rolled her eyes. "How did you survive that week you went away?"

"Painfully." Itachi was undoing the zipper and nipping at her collar bone.

"And the sixteen years before that?"

"Never crossed my mind." Itachi was pushing down her bra.

Sakura rolled here eyes again. "This is ridiculus."

"Probably."

Itachi took one of her nipples between his teeth. His tongue playing with it, earning a moan out of her. His other hand moved down, playing with her through her clothes. Itachi thought he was golden until he was violently pushed back.

"Bastard."

Itachi smirked, while watching Sakura adjust her clothes back. He leaned in to whisper into her ear before walking off into another hallway.

"I'll have my way later, and it will be slow."

"So then Itachi has been sending you erotic dreams of Sakura?"

"They're not dreams."

"How can you be sure?"

"The detail. The way it feels. Sometimes it's like I'm inside Itachi's body, making love to Sakura." Sasuke punched a tree. "How could she just allow herself to stoop so low as to sleep with a criminal. Itachi isn't just any reagular criminal either? Damn it!" Sasuke punched the tree again.

"Sasuke?" Kakashi looked at the angry boy. "Are you in love with Sakura?"

"What?" Sasuke looked offended. "Don't be ridculous. I wouldn't stoop so low."

Kakashi just sighed. "Perhaps Sasuke, your emotions towards Sakura and your brother, who currently has her, is messing with your mind. Stress can do that."
Sasuke stopped for a minute.

"It makes us think about something that isn't real and believe it."

Sasuke seemed to be contemplating Kakashi's words.

"You think so?" He slowly asked turning to the older man.

Kakashi nodded. "As soon as Sakura is home, they should stop."

Sasuke nodded his head and left. As his figure disappeared, any reaassurance in Kakashi's face disappeared.

"Sakura what have you done?"

Sakura stopped in her tracks and turned in confusion. She felt like she was being called. In the corner of her eye, she saw Itachi enter a tea shop. He stopped briefly giving her a look that said come. She quickly moved to his side. Itachi looked at her confused. Sakura just shrugged her shoulders as they entered the shop together. Sakura spotted Tsuki with a couple of Akatsuki members, all she recognized.

Tsuki looked up and smiled. The bags were still there that made Sakura feel a bit bad for her. She remembered what it was like, now she was just too used to it. They approached the group and Sakura put a reassuring hand on Tsuki's shoulder. The warmth of her hand shocked Tasuki. Her touch used to be so cold. Tsuki looked at her questioningly. However, the sacred box in the middle of the table had her full attention.

"What's going to be our next move, temporary leader-sans, yeah?"

Itachi and Fujiwaru looked at Deidara unsure. They were going to inform the leader, but they might not have much time. The orb was like a ticking time bomb. By the way Sakura was staring at the box, Itachi knew that time was short. Sakura was staring at it intensely. A grim frown on her beautiful face.

Everyone but Sakura quickly backed up when the box began to shake widly. Sakura pulled prayer beads out of her pocket. She laced them with little chakra, as the box jumped into the air and threatened to open. Quickly Skaura caught it and wrapped the beads around it, before it opened all the way. Everyone gave Sakura a questioning stare. Sakru asighed at their stupidity.

"Look people who know nothing but to kill, this here," Sakura held up the bos. "This is a God's orb. Orbs are the gaeway to a partial amount of a slective God's power. However the catch lies in the fact that any darkness will of set the orb, which will in turn make the power come after you instead." Sakura looked at Naomi. "You are at the intelligence level of a child."

Naomi snapped. She jumped at Sakura only to be held back by a struggling Kisame. Deidara was snickering in the background. Sakura just rolled her eyes and began to leave. They all watched her leave. She stopped and tossed the box at Tsuki who caught it effortlessly. They all seemled confused now.

"The orb needs purified, tkae it to a purifying lake."

"Are you ordering us?" Fujiwaru asked her angrily.

"A suggestion, if you don't, thisplae will be gone, and Seiryu-sama will have his blood. Think boom!"

"Seiryu-sama?" Sasori asked.

"The God."

"Where's the closest lake?" Itachi questioned.

Sakura sighed. "Konoha."

Everyone went dead still Konoha. Itachi's home village.

"Send Tsuki."

"Why?"

"She's the only one that can hold tha box. Also," Sakura tossed her some more beads. "If it startes acting up, toss some more on."

"How will the hlep?" Tsuki didn't understand.

"Just od it." Sakur walked out. As soon as she was a safe distance way, she grumbled. "Shit. He's stil here." Sakura saw a flash of blood evreywhere. She stopped midstep and turned to see itachi. "I see there's still some work yet to be done."

Itachi raised her eyebrow in question.

Tsuki sat in the living room staring at the bos. Her pack was already read to go. THEis would be her first mission ever, at least that would require her shinobi skills. Aslo her carting around this box was a bit...

"It's okay to be afraid."

Tsuki turned to see Sakura leaning against th door frame. Tasuki looked down at her hands to find them shakirg. She tried to make them stop. Sakrua's hand covered Tsuki's. the stediness made the shaking face.

"Living here with Akatsuki memebers doesn't scare you, but a S-rank mission does?" Sakura snickered, and Tsuki relazxed. "I remember my first S-rank." A cloud coverd her eyes.

"What happened?"

A evil smirk appeared. "It was just anothe boody mission. The first time I had to literally rip a person's heart out."

Tsuki looked at Sakura with a mix of horror, confusion, and sympathy. Sakura patted her head.

"Don't hesitate when you attack, and don't stop caring."

Sakur walked out of the room as Sasori and Kisame cam in with their packs.

"Have a safe journer."

The two men smirked athe sarcasicm in her voice. Tsuki knew better though.

Sakura opened the bedroom door to see Itachi by the window again reading. His cloak discarded onto the bed. The sun was beginning to set and a couple candles already lit. If Itachi wasn't a cold hearted killed, Sakura would have thought of him as romantic. The irony made her chuckle. It caught his attention, and look at her strangely. He knew she didn't laugh often, but who could blame her. She was in a very unpleasing situation.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing."

"Hn."

Sakura glared. His vocabulary was smaller than a toddler's sometimes. Itachi caught her glare and just smirked before going back to his book.

"What did you say to Tsuki-san?"

Sakura's face became impassive. "Just the usual speech one recieves when going on a shinobi mission. Don't worry about being afraid, and don't hesitate to kill."

"I never would have thought you would suggest that one."

"Why not?"

Itachi looked over at her. "You just seem like the type of hesitate."

Sakura understood. "I used to be."

"What changed?"

Sakura shrugged. "Lots of things, but mainly the fact that you realize, the enemy won't take one second to hesitate in killing you."

Itachi darkly chuckled. "How very true. I should have expected as much from Konoha though, such a weak village."

"Perhaps, but aren't we all?"

Itachi didn't answer back.

"What is true strength Itachi-san?"

Itachi just looked at her. "I heard you talking to Tsuki-san about your first S-rank. What really happened?"

"I wasn't lying. I just didn't explain in details to her."

"Well do it."

Sakura just stood there for minutes looking at him. "Why?"

"Just do it."

"He was only eight."

"A prodigy."

"Yeah..."

"I remember my first child kill. I don't know why I remember it though."

Sakura smirked. "Humans are weak."

Itachi looked confused. "Meaning?"

"We have this strange thing about children. They can do no wrong. Perhaps that's the reason why you never killed your brother."

Before she knew it, Itachi had her pinned to the wall, her neck being squeezed by Itachi's hand.

"Don't. You don't know anything."

Sakura's hair was in front of her eyes so Itachi couldn't see the emptiness.

"Why must we be damned to finish their wars?"

Itachi's grip loosened and he stepped back.

"We are only tools."

"Yeah..."

Three days, they had been at it for three days. Tsuki was glad when they finally reached the Konoha border. They sat to take a quick break. Looking at the map, it showed that they were currently about an hour from the lake and another hour from the village. It would be difficult to maneuver around, but maybe not due to the village's lack of shinobi. As they sat there, Tsuki excused herself and walked into nearby bushes. They heard a shuffling of cloth and Tsuki came out looking like a priestess. She wore a simple dark blue dress the reached just below her kness. The dress was wrapped around with a light blue silk. It made it flow and it made it more dazzling. Her hair was pinned up with a small plain ornament and her hands had gloves.

"I feel like a princess."

"Where did you get that Tsuki-san?" Sasori questioned.

"Ah, Sakura-sama said I had to. Something about tradition, and how Seiryu-sama is a stickler for it."

"This is what I don't get." Kisame interrupted after eating another sushi roll. "How does she know so much about Gods?"

Sasori shrugged his shoulders.

"I believe Sakura-sama has travelled so much and recieved so much information, it just comes out." Tsuki decided.

"I suppose, but there is something peculiar about that girl." Sasori stated.

"I agree." Kisame said after another sushi roll.

"Yo, fish leave some food for the rest of us. Tsuki-san is going to need strength if she has to perform the purifying ritual. By the way Tsuki-san are you sure you can do this?"

Tsuki nodded her head. "I had to learn it while growing up. They used to say Hime-sama was so beautiful when she performed any rituals. I went over it again with Sakura-sama before we left too just to make sure."

"That girl..." Sasori grumbled.

Unknown to them though, a Konoha Anbu left quietly to alert the Hokage of the Akatsuki prescence.

Sakura moved quickly throughout the compound until she collided with Itachi. She fell back onto her butt. She looked up angry at the Uchiha and Itachi just smirked. Just throwing the anger aside, she would deal with it later. Sakura quickly got up and dragged Itachi with her. He didn't understand what was going on so he dragged his feet. Sakura grunted in exasperation. She turned to him and hmphed and pulled harder. He fell over onto her and pinned her to the ground. She looked at him in anger and he just smirked. He was going to kiss her until he heard chuckling. They both looked to see Deidara snickering at them.

"You two are way to hot, yeah..." Deidara fell to the ground laughing.

Sakura and Itachi looked at him like he was an idiot. Sakura pushed Itachi off of her but he just put more weight on her.

"Itachi! Get the hell off before I turn blue."

Itachi sighed. "Cherry Blossom where is your sense of humor?"
"Where's yours?"

Itachi looked thoughtful for a moment before getting up and bringing Sakura with him. "Good point. Now what are you running around for?"

Sakura pointed at the coming clouds. "That. We need to move everyone into the shelters."

Deidara stopped laughing. "How will the shelters help, yeah?"

Sakura was getting tired to have to answer every single question. "They're protected even from a God's attack. The citizens will be protected in them if and when Seiryu-sama attacks."

Itachi's eyes narrowed. "How do you know about the shelters?"

"This isn't important right now! We need to move. We don't have much time."

Which was very much true, due to the fact that the clouds were coming in fast. It didn't help when the wind picked up speed. Sakura ground her teeth in anger.

"What's the fastest way to round everyone up at the shelter?"

Deidara looked at Itachi. Itachi turned to see Fujiwaru and Naomi making their way over. He turned back to Deidara and nodded. Deidara just smirked and brought out three tiny paper birds. He sent them off into the sky. They flew over to the center of the village and then blew up. Three colors were sent off; red, orange, and blue. The signal that told everyone to get to the shelters now. Sakura could hear from the compound, the hurrying of footsteps and the nervousness of the shouts. Itachi turned back to Sakura.

"Should we go as well then?"

Sakura nodded her head. "Unless you want to fight a God."

The four Akatsuki members looked at her like she was stupid.

"No one is a match for a God." Naomi said.

So the five set off towards the shelters as well as everyone else. Problem was the shelter was in the middle and it might not hold everyone. That's what worried Sakura.

Tsunade hit the desk in anger.

"What do you mean that Akatsuki are in the territory? This is not what we need. Shit. Alert Team Kakashi and Team Gai. I want them here now."

The Anbu saluted and disappeared. And just as fast, both teams appeared in smoke.

"What's up Hokage-sama?" Kakashi questioned.

"I've just been alerted by the Anbu watch that two Akatsuki members known as Hoshigake Kisame and Akasuna no Sasori. An unknown women seems to be in their company willingly. Right now, I don't care why they're here, I just need them taken care of."

"With all due respect Hokage-sama, shouldn't we find out why they're here?" Neji suggested.

"If you find out in the process, yes of course. However, right now, we can not afford to have them here. We are low on reinforcements and we need to be at the top of our game since Orochimaru can attack at any minute. Now go, they seem to be heading to the Lake of the Purifying Crystal."

"The Lake of Purifying Crystal?" Naruto asked.

"A purifying lake, dobe."

"What was that teme?"

"Stop. Leave now!"

"Hai."

They all disappeared in an instant. Tsunade stood up and turned to face the setting sun.

"Hokage-sama?"

"What is it Shizune?"

"They're up to something if they're going to a purifying lake. The water would shred any of them apart if they went into it. The girl must be a pure soul to enter it."

"I know, but those that can enter those waters is rare. The only other girl that I know of that could enter those waters safely is currently in the hands of the enemy."

Sakura sneezed loudly. Everyone going into the shelter looked at her. Itachi turned to her and smirked. Sakura groaned in pain. The pain in her abdomen was still hurting. Since she was low on her chakra, she didn't have much to heal herself. She could also feel it slowly draining. Tsuki must have been forced to put more laced beads on the box. As soon as the beads went onto the box, they should have activated, using Sakura's chakra to keep the box closed. She turned quicly when lightning streaked the sky and thunder rattled the glass in nearby buildings. The wind was blowing violently. She turned to see how many more people needed to get in.

"Itachi-san, we need to pick this up."

Itachi turned to her and then the sky. Nodding his head in understanding, he turned to Deidara and shouted something. Sakura couldn't hear it due to being drowned out by the wind. Deidara caught it though and shouted something to Naomi and Fujiwaru. Whatever it was the pace picked up and Sakura grunted again in pain. They really needed to hurry or else.

Tsuki slowed moved through the water as Sasori and Kisame stayed away from it remembering Sakura's warning. They must not enter or the water would tear them to shreds. Their blood would taint the water and a God would descend to take their souls to be tortured for all eternity. That option wasn't very appealing. Tsuki reached the small shrine that was in the waterfall. It parted by the top of the small stone shrine. The water was crystal clear. Around the shrine was large clear crystals. Tsuki had been amazed by the beauty when they had first arrived. The box in her hands began to shake again. Tsuki pulled another bead off of her arm and wrapped it around the box, now five of them keeping the thing shut. It stopped shaking as the chakra on the box seemed to calm it. Tsuki would as Sakura why later.

Just then seven shinobi jumped through the trees and landed a few feet behind the two Akatsuki members. They smirked. So they would get some fun out of this yet. Tsuki began to panic. Sakura's words came back. It's okay to be afraid. The words calmed her down surprisingly. Tsuki smirked and thanked Sakura. She slowly began to chant. The words were ancient and seemed to be in a different language.

"What the hell do you guys think you're doing?" Naruto asked. "Planning something against Konoha?"

Sasori tsked in annoyance as Kisame chuckled. "Just cleaning up."

"Whatever. You guys are liars." Neji replied.

The boys were about to launch themselves until Tenten, Gai, and Kakashi stopped them.

"What?" Sasuke snapped.

"You can't enter that." Tenten answered.

They looked confused.

"That's a purifying lake." Kakashi said simply.

"So?" Naruto said.

"Naruto-kun, do you know what a purifying lake does?" Gai asked.

"Not really."

"You need to understand boys, that if you enter those waters, it will tear you apart."

"Why?"

"You are not a pure soul." Kakashi answered bluntly.

"Are you coming or not?" Sasori asked completely bored.

Sasuke moved and threw a punch that was blocked by a doll. He moved back quickly. "Shit."

Kisame moved his weapon from his back and moved to the others. They all quickly moved into defensive modes. Tsuki began to place the box into the shrine's holder, while continuing to chant. She clapped her hands together and closed her eyes into prayer. Naruto moved forward and went after Kisame but he was pushed by Kisame's large weapon. He wielded his samehada effortlessly against them. Kakashi was taken by surprise as another doll tried to attack from behind. The group tried to quickly make work of these two to deal with the girl and what she was up to?

"That's everyone, yeah."

Sakura sighed. She bent over a bit and placed her hands on her knees. The pain was killing her. Itachi took notice and tossed her something she caught effortlessly.

"Take it now."

Sakura swallowed the pain killers without water. She grimaced at the bitter taste. They all turned to see a distraught mother calling out for her missing daughter. She made her way over to them.

"Deidara-sama, I can't find her!"

"Calm down, Misaki-san. Where did you last see Mitsuki-chan?"

"She was just here."

The poor woman was close to tears. Naomi just tsked.

"Let the girl die."

Sakura slapped Naomi across the cheek. Everyone turned to look at them.

"You need to shut up. This is your fault in the first place. If you didn't handle something sacred so carelessly, we wouldn't be here."
Naomi snapped. "Who the hell do you think you are bitch?"

Naomi threw a punch and Sakura surprisingly dodged. She sent her own punch straight into Naomi's gut. Naomi went down fast and grunted in pain. She spit up blood.

"Stay down there where you belong."

Deidara whistled in amazement. Itachi was surprised. He never seen this cold of Sakura before. This much hatred. The amound of hatred he had told Sasuke always to get. No, it was alot more. Sakura moved to the woman.

"Would she go back for anything?"

She gasped. "Her doll..."

Sakura was out of the barrier before anyone could stop her. Itachi went after too yelling back to Deidara to take his place in the mean time.

Sasuke caught Naruto's arm before he fell into the water. Neji grabbed Sasuke's as his other hand had grabbed a branch. The three boys sighed in thankfulness. Lee hit another doll away from them. All three boys quickly moved away from the water. They could hear Tsuki chanting still but her eyes had gone complete blue. She took the box and slowly started to take the beads off, letting them fall into the water. The chakra lit died away. Kisame hit Gai across the abdomen sending him into a tree. Lee quickly assisted his former teacher. Kakashi broke another doll's head just for it to move back into place.

"How you doing over there fish?"

"Better than you, doll freak."

Both men laughed which angered the Konoha shinobi's. Tenten clashed her katana against Kisame's samehada. It broke with ease. Neji pulled her back just in time. Sasuke chidoried a doll to shreds but it sent out two more dolls. Sasori was getting more tricky.

"Kuso! Why are these guys so strong?" Naruto yelled.

"Let's end this already." Neji replied as he smirked at Sasuke. "Up for it Uchiha."

"More than you."

But before any of them could react, Tsuki had submerged the orb into the water without the box. The orb in her gloved hands. The darkness slipped into the water and disappearing. A light in the orb began to swirl until it exploded.

Sakura found the girl under the table clutching the doll. Her tears were rolling down her face. She gently smiled and extended her hand to her. She slowly and unsurely took it. Sakura quickly lifted her and ran out. By the sounds of it, if Tsuki didn't hurry they wouldn't have too much more time. Sakura stopped as soon as Itachi stopped in front of her. He lifted the girl out of Sakura's arms and into his and moved towards the shelter again. Sakura stood confused for a second before moving to his side. They made it to the shelter and the girl leapt down with her doll and ran into it passed the barrier.

"How did you know?" He shouted over the wind.

"Her mother's uniform."

Itachi moved into the shelter passed the barrier and turned to see Sakura not following.

"Hey move it!"

Sakura turned from the sky and moved towards safety. Itachi saw it before her. Seiryu's head moved out of the clouds. Opening his mouth wide open and it gathered energy for an attack. He unleashed right onto Sakura.

Ok. I'm so tired. Please send your prayers to my family. I'm afraid my grandmother passed away just recently. Ok so on with the review response. There really is a point where I wish I never started this.
Manga: Then why did you?
I have no idea to tell you the truth.
Manga: Baka.
Hey. So on with the reviews. Where's Anime?
Manga: Sick.
Thank God. This will run more smoothly. (looks at Manga) If you're worried then go.
Manga: I'm not worried.
Then stop sulking.
Manga: I'm not!
Whatever...

AnimeMangaFanGirl: I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sorry. I placed this review in the wrong folder and I don't know if I reviewed to you or not. So to make up for this. Here it is. Late but here.
Manga: Baka.
Back off Manga!
Manga: Or else?
Or else I will destroy you! (fire background)
Manga: That's too strange.
(throws background away) Yeah I thought so too. Don't hold this against me please. Continue to read.

XUchihaSakuraX: I don't know what to do with you.
Manga: She's too weird.
I agree with that. You say you're tired and yet you're like that. I think you're on something.
Manga: You get like that after a good intake of sugar.
That's true. Shouldn't it be one by one, penquins steal my sanity? I also like that saying.
Manga: I don't get the box is almost empty.
... Manga... Anyways, Itachi will survive. It's not like this will be the end of his lemons. Just not right now. Ha!
Manga: Cruel.
Indeed.

Ur2tRoUbLeSoMe90: ...I have no idea who you are. Did you review before? Because what is this about praise?
Manga: Might have gotten a new screenname.
Ah I see. Ok. I feel kind of bad. I'm sort of making Sasuke the bad guy.
Manga: Yeah you are.
Leave me alone. (sticks out tongue)
Manga: Very mature.
Blah!

MistressBlossom: Are you trying to tell me something?
Manga: Like your stuff is crappy.
Is not?
Manga: She thinks so.
Ah! Really? (cries)
Manga: On with the next review already.

The Norwegian Dragon: I think they're talking to you?
Manga: I don't remember the last review.
That I know. But run anyways.
Manga: Why?
Humor me. Whose in black?
Manga: (sigh) Fine. (takes off running)
Nice.

narutofaves: Thank you.
Manga: These people are crazy.
Whatever.

Shinobi Darkbeak: Thank you.
Manga: Is that all you can say?
Right now yes.

Earwen Telrunya: Sorry it took some time. Don't worry about it. A lot of people are confused.
Manga: Maybe you're a bad author.
Excuse you.
Manga: I'm just saying.
Then you do the work.
Manga: I can't. I'm just the muse.
You suck being a muse.
Manga: Don't take your lack of imagination out on me.
Meanie...

im eternal bliss dont doubt me: Sorry. Did I seem like I was getting on to you?
Manga: You're harsh.
Am not. Sorry if it did. Thanks for the review.

BWOLFY: (sigh) I'm laying to many plots aren't I?
Manga: A bit yeah.
(sigh)

in luv with cold hearted guys: I did. Thank you.

mrs.Sora-sparrow: It's a good anime. Short and kind of sad. But not giving it away. You should check it out some time. Thanks for reviewing.

Natsu Yukili: I'm doing my best. Please continue to support the story.
Manga: You're sad.
Leave me alone. Some people do like my stories.
Manga: Those people are lying to you.

heartless soul: Haha! Excites you?
Manga: Weird.
Really?
Manga: Yeah...
Guess so.

Sakura0890: Who doesn't?
Manga: Too many plots.
Shut up. This is just the way it came to me so there. Blah.
Manga: Very mature.
Ah! Why me?

Riiiceballe: Is my story that bad?
Manga: Yes.
Huh? There isn't much I can do. Sorry.

Sekiryu: Haha! Chapter 7 was good? It seemed kind of boring to me.
Manga: That's because you never say anything nice about your own stuff.
Hehe! Really?
Manga: Yeah...

shi hime: Haha! Well did this satisfy you?
Manga: No.
I wasn't talking to you.
Manga: Oh well.
(sigh)

Siy: Haha! I love you too I guess.
Manga: Are you serious?
Sure. If I can love you and anime than yeah I must love anyone.
Manga: Rude.
Yeah yeah. Don't worry, Manga is a blusher too!
Manga: Rude.
Manga takes good care of Anime after all.
Manga: (blushes) Why are you talking about that?
Because you two exist one and one you see? You live for Anime, Anime lives for you. Blah. Blah. Blah.
Manga: Rude.
Haha! See you next chapter.

Heartless Ghost: Thanks for reviewing to all three chapters that I released. Two went to the side story but oh well.

Tofu-Master: Alot of people keep asking me if Sakura is the hime.
Manga: Why don't you answer them?
Why would I ruin plot lines?
Manga: You should just answer them.
Then they'll stop reading.
Manga: That's the point.
Argh! (attacks Manga)

iTACHI FAN: Really?
Manga: I don't.
Shut up. You're opinion doesn't matter.
Manga: Why not?
Because your musing job is not working. So since you're not doing your job, your opinion is thrown out the window.
Manga: Rude.
Whatever. Sticks and Stones.

Shadow Kunoichi: I wouldn't say talented.
Manga: Neither would I.
Excuse you!
Manga: Not my fault you're bad.
Gr! Shut up!

IsthatyoulilsluggerWHACKyup: You have a funny penname.
Manga: And yours isn't?
Point taken. But whoa you reviewed alot. Starting with the whole condom thing, haha!
Manga: How is that funny?
Don't know. Yeah, I sort of need him alive. And why do you want me to kill him? Sorry that I hit a nerve too?
Manga: Why are you asking questions? This is supposed to be a response baka.
Shut up Manga!
Manga: Whatever.

Princess: Thanks for reviewing Hime-sama.

Uchiha Sasume: Me too...
Manga: You don't know?!
Haha!

Confuzzled239: I was tempting to just leave everyone dead in that chapter but oh well I continued.
Manga: You're reviewers would have killed you.
I know. But oh well once again.

The Masquerade Moth: Pajama clad zombie? Well it's in time for Halloween I guess. I should write a Halloween special. Do you mind if I borrow that idea? Pajama clad zombie Itachi... (snickers)
Manga: Are you serious?
Very. (snickers) Thanks for the definition and review. Later!

shadow miko: Your wish is my command. Thanks for the review.

Tataiha: That's coming up later. Don't spoil my fun.
Manga: Then why tell them that you're doing that?
... good point. Thanks for reviewing.

SaRaH13WV: Haha! They said I'm awesome.
Manga: They're delusional.
You're mean.
Manga: So?
So, nevermind.

Sekiryu: Would it help if I told you I don't know yet? Hehe! (sweatdrops)
Manga: Baka.
Hey back off!
Manga: (sigh) Useless author.

kitsune67: Haha! I was going through the reviews to reply to and here you are. Haha! Seeing you ranting makes me laugh now actually.
Manga: (sigh) Such a faithful fan.
Indeed. I almost cried. Hehe! Well kitsune67 if you're reading we're glad to have you here. Right Manga?
Manga: Whatever...
... !!!!!! (seethes) MANGA!
Manga: Nice to see you.
(all happy) Yay! By the way, when you said, "this is your first fanfic." I was like..."HUH?" Mainly since I've been apart of this since 2003. I think?
Manga: Pathetic.
Well excuse me!

-XxThEaNgeLoFdArknEssxX-: I hope I did that right. Your penname is hard!!!!
Manga: You're just lazy.
(mocks) You're just lazy.
Manga: Glad you agree.
(seethes) What happened in five again?
Manga: (slaps forehead)

Chica De La Luna Fantasma: Haha! Aww. Did you know you were the first to review and support me on the issue. Thank you Chica, I could have cried.
Manga: She almost did.
So? I was moved.
Manga: Utterly pathetic.
(grumbles)

Earwen Telrunya: Haha! I'm glad I caught you in time. Yeah, I sort of wasn't going to change that part but I decided to add the note after I got it just in case someone had gotten it and was about to go off on them. Thank you though. It makes me happy that you would do that.
Manga: Delusional.
You know what? I'm tired of you. If you don't shut it you're going to go somewhere dark!
Manga:...
That's what I thought.

shadow miko: Sorry for the confusion. Thanks for reviewing anyways.

UchihaLovesMe: Haha! You know you didn't need to read my story. I so don't hold this against you or kitsune67. But thank you anyways, please support me.
Manga: Shouldn't you say...
(glares)
Manga: Right.
(sigh) The truth is nice by the way. Yay! I was mainly confused instead of angry. Weird huh?
Manga: Not for you.
It's a miracle that these things are long at all. I sort of feel from time to time that they're too short. I think these replies take up more room.
Manga: Probably.
Are you going to reply to every chapter? Because you're only getting one slot for a reply you know. It saves space. (smiles) Hehe! Would you have liked if Sakura turned into a cat? Hehe. Haha!
Manga: What's with you?
(snickers) You'll see...

lizzie: Thank you so much for all the support. These replies mean a lot to me.
Manga: Are you going to cry?
NO! Now shut it!

inuyashaHELP: I think I'm reading your works too. Hehe! So strange.
Manga: We already know you are.
Lame. Old.
Manga: But still works.
(mumbles)

queen of squrriels: No no. Give kitsune67 a break. They were just protecting their favorite author. Like some of my reviewers were about too.

heartless soul: Um... I don't remember. With all honesty, by the time I'm done with one chapter and have it posted it leaves my mind.
Manga: Talk about single minded.
Yeah, I actually can't argue with that.

XUchihaSakuraX: Haha! It's ok. I get bored alot too. (sigh) Oh! Bear!
Manga: Where are you going?
I need sleep. Cuddle. Bear.
Manga: Baka.

xXxLuna-the-ChosenxXx: I did! Took some time sorry.

Missing'Nin'Akiko: Well your wish is granted. Yay! A new chapter. Boo! I don't want to write anymore right now. Tired. Sleep. Need sleep.
Manga: Pathetic.

Siy: Yeah... Sorry... Did you blush? Haha! This isn't getting old.
Manga: That's because you won't let it.
Oh. Is that so?
Manga: Ah.
Oh. Sorry.

mrs.Sora-sparrow: Yeah. Doing my very best.

Heartless Ghost: Haha glad to know you were checking in too.

CloudyBlueEyes: Haha! Well I'm still here so please continue to support me.

mR.bRightside: ALOT OF PEOPLE SEEM TO! I need more reviewers. But then I might stop this reply thing.
Manga: Because it takes so long.
And space.
Manga: Ah. Yeah.

MizzLee: I'm sorry that it's disappointing?
Manga: Are you really?
...I guess? I don't know how to respond to this one.
Manga: Oh. Thanks for the review?
Guess that could work. Thanks for the review.

Sasuke-Sakura-14: You're on edge?
Manga: I know exactly what you're thinking?
You do? What am I thinking?
Manga: This person must be delusional.
I WAS NOT! USOTSUKI!
Manga: Psh. They should be thinking that. You're an insane writer.
...mean...

uchihaXharuno luv3r: I didn't get your p.s. note at all. Did you?
Manga: Don't ask me if you can't read.
...mean...pure mean...
Manga:Whatever.
Thank you for reviewing anyways.

SaRaH13WV: It came out now. Hehe...
Manga: You take too long.Manga:.. (shakes head) Devoted reader...
... What's wrong with that?
Manga:...
What?
Manga: Nothing.
(growls) Evil.

strawberry9212: Thanks for the review. And sorry again.
Manga: Huh?
Nothing. Just thank the nice reviewer.
Manga: (sigh) Thanks for reviewing to this piece of crap story.
(fumes) MANGA! URUSSEI!

sasukerocks: Um... well I think you're the first person to say that the main story was... well... fluffy...
Manga: (snickers) They've accused you of being fluffy.
(sigh) I don't think it's fluffy. Do you?
Manga: (laughs evilly)
Nevermind. I don't care. Thanks for the review

Okay, so I made a new side story last time, and to let you all know, I'm not continuing it. It's done as far as I'm concerned. The point of a side story is that it's just a side story. A short little piece that can either go in the main story or not. Cherry Blossom Christmas was a oneshot side story. A Dream of Days Long Since Passed is just a two shot that went into chapter 8. It was Sakura's dream, thus the title. If you want to know what happens, hey read the main story. Alright.
Manga: Why are you yelling at your reviewers?
I'm not yelling just explaining. Does it seem like I'm yelling?
Manga: You think.
Whoops. Oh well on with the response.

aznmelon: Yes it's connected, and I haven't decided yet actually. Haha. It did give the line of the main story though. So maybe?
Manga: You are a sad sad person.
Well excuse me. Baka.

Heartless Ghost: Haha. I think you're pretty well aware of the situation then.
Manga: Unlike you.
I wrote it.
Manga: Yes, but poorly though.
I admit it's not the best but oh well. At least it's done.
Manga: Where's your heart?
My muses decided not to work. (becomes silent angry)
Manga: (sweats nervously)
They said it was cute. Isn't that good enough? (silence is growing)
Manga: (nods head rapidly)
(too sudden smile) Okay then! Yay!
Manga: (falls out of chair) Baka.

sweetangel1823: I did in here. That side story is complete as far as it goes at least.

BWOLFY: Who isn't it seems?

XUchihaSakuraX: I always enjoy your reviews. (sits Indian style and raises hand) I want to learn how to make a barbeque with jutsus!
Manga: Baka.
You stay out of this. Now where were we?
Manga: She's being attacked by animals.
I know. Sorry that must be rough. People are always throwing things at me and missing. They have bad aim. Too bad for them huh?
Manga: Too bad for you. You could use a good knock.
Excuse you! Anyways, later.

honey I just wanna hear you: Um, about handing the story off. No. First off, it was just a side story. It wasn't supposed to be long. And the rest comes into play for the main story. (sigh) Just a "side" story.
Manga: And you're "Just" a baka.
Urussei!

uchihaXharuno luv3r: (sweatdrops) Ano...
Manga:... How should we respond to this?
(shrugs shoulders) I was sort of hoping you knew?
Manga: The usual way?
It will have to do. Thanks for the review.

Well here are the reviews for that last part. The second but the first posted side story, Cherry Blossom Christmas.
Manga: You have no sense.
Shut up.

queen of squrriels: Maybe it was you.
Manga: You always give that response.
I know. I enjoy it.

name: Well thank you. Keep looking forward to my stuff.
Manga: Why? They'll just be disappointed.
Manga?
Manga: Yeah?
(attacks Manga)

SaRaH13WV: It will be more after I actually get to that point in the main story of course. Can you hold on that long?
Manga: Baka. No one can. You take too long.
Whatever.

StringxDolly: Aw. What is?

Well good night to all you fans!
Manga: Good night!
See you next week with hopefully neither Anime or Manga, but my dog Hachi will be joining us.
Manga: Hey!
Hehe...