Make sure to read the side story: "The Cat's Meow", before reading this chapter. This is where the side story fits in. Please don't forget to visit my website at www. freewebs. com/ animemangafanatic or just go to my profile and click my website link. Naruto does not belong to me, only original characters and themes. Give thanks to my Beta frubaforever for betaing this chapter.

Sakura walked down the hall, towards the dining hall. She was utterly bored, and Itachi was away on a mission. Her body was at least less stiff. Remembering how it got that way, sent her blushing. Cursing Itachi and his ability to get her into bed continued making her way down, passing the Sakura grove on the way. Itachi was just too good in bed for someone who hadn't been interested in sex too much.

The sound of snickering caught her attention. Turning, she realized that she was by the kitchen. Sakura looked passively at the door. Obviously, those two still hadn't learned their lesson. Sakura leaned on the door jam as Deidara and Tsuki were bending over something, whispering and snickering.

'Idiots.'

"I see you two are up to no good again."

Both occupants quickly jumped. Turning around, Deidara tried to push the book out of view. Sakura raised an eyebrow. Walking over, she quickly swiped the book before either of them could react. She could have burned a hole in the book by the intense glare she was giving it.

"Don't even think about it."

"Aw, why not, yeah? Should be a lot of fun, yeah?"

"It will be adorable, Sakura-sama."

Sakura pinched Tsuki's cheek, and punched Deidara square in the face. Tsuki's cheek had still been red from yesterday's punishment. Deidara was still bruised all over. Both of them would have gone to the medic, if only Sakura hadn't threatened him.

"I'm serious."

The blood drained from Sakura's face.

"I don't want to relieve my childhood."

"But it's just for a day!"

Sakura pinched Tsuki's cheek harder.

"Even so, people used to cling to me too hard. I swear, I died once and came back from how hard I was choked. Don't do it."

Sakura left the kitchen and crossed the hall to the dining hall. Sliding the door open, her eyes connected with the other occupant's.

'The leader of the Akatsuki...'

"Pein..."

Yuu dried her hands on the towel. Looking outside the kitchen window, she took a moment to just take in the silence. The sun was out, and the weather was good. Temperatures had cooled off for fall. Tying the knot more neatly on the scarf, Yuu left with a bundle out the apartment door. A name plate by the door read Sakura's name, and beside hers in smaller letters was Yuu's and Shinrai's.

She slowly took her time going to her destination. Through the forest she walked, Yuu just watched the animals continue to go about their business, not minding her. After fifteen minutes, the young princess came to a large clearing. Shinrai sat cross-legged, and looked as if he were meditating. He smiled.

"Yuu..."

Shinrai opened his eyes and looked at his wife. Yuu smiled widely.

"Shin..."

Yuu sat across from him. She held up the scarf covered package.

"I brought you a bento."

"Enough for two?"

"Of course!"

His eyes grew warm and Yuu blushed. She couldn't believe how blessed she was.

"What are you doing out here anyways?"

"Training my mind. Byakko-sama said that my power is mind and control."

Yuu nodded her head in understanding.

"So which technique are you trying to perfect?"

"Orb calling."

Yuu smiled.

"Show me what you got."

Shinrai closed his eyes and opened his palm. Several seconds ticked by and sweat rolled down his face. Yuu saw a faint shape of the orb before it disappeared. He toppled over, panting heavily. She could see that it took a lot out of him.

"I still can't do it."

"Don't give up. It took Nasake onee-chan and my self two weeks to perfect. It took as a week to even get the shape down."

"Who taught you two?"

Yuu's expression became serious.

"Yuu...?"

"Saku-chan did."

Shinrai's eyes widened. Then they went back to normal.

"So she was even that knowledgeable back then."

Yuu nodded her head.

"How long did it take her to perfect the ability?"

"Five minutes."

Shinrai nearly choked on his own spit. He ran a hand through his hair.

"There's so much I don't know about her."

"Me too."

After a couple minutes, Yuu held up the bento.

"Let's eat, and then try again."

"Yeah, thank you."

Yuu smiled happily at him.

Sakura sat across from Akatsuki's leader. Neither one of them spoke as the other members came into the room. Everyone eyed them weirdly but made no move to question them. Tsuki eventually brought in the last of the food. Breakfast was eaten in silence. Once Sakura was done, she left with a thank you to Tsuki. Pein then turned his attention to the rest of the group.

"Why is she here?"

Everyone could here the casualty to his voice, but wondered if he was just keeping his anger in check.

"Her name is Haruno Sakura, yeah."

"I'm not asking for her name. I already know very well who she is. I asked what is she doing here?"

"So even Pein-sama has heard of this girl..."

He turned his eyes onto Shiro.

"Her reputation is not how I know her."

They all looked at him wide-eyed. Why else would he bother to know about her then?

"Someone answer my question now."

Anger had slipped into his voice.

"Uchiha-san brought her here under the pretense of using her for the Kyuubi."

Pein turned to Fujiwaru.

"You agreed?"

Fujiwaru scoffed.

"Of course not."

Everyone gulped as Pein's eyes narrowed. Fujiwaru, noticing his mistake, quickly apologized. Pein stood and quietly left the room.

"Do you think he wants to bang her too, yeah?"

They all looked incredulously at Deidara.

Naruto walked with Kakashi, Sasuke, Tsunade, and Shizune. They were all going to check up on Shinrai. Well, most of them were. The fox boy had no idea why Sasuke was tagging along. He was sure he wasn't going out of concern.

After fifteen minutes, they all arrived at their destination. In the middle of the field, Yuu and Shinrai sat cross-legged. Yuu was watching her husband intensely. Shinrai had his eyes closed, and both hands out in front of him. Beads of sweat rolled down his face. A light shape formed then immediately disappeared. It left Shinrai panting in exhaustion.

"I see you're working hard."

The married couple turned to Tsunade's voice. Naruto ran over and patted Shinrai across the back.

"You'll eventually get it."

Shinrai nodded his head in agreement.

"I just hope it's soon enough."

"Don't rush it."

They all eyed Yuu.

"There are serious consequences if you try to rush the process. Just continue to believe in yourself. I'm sure you'll get it down in time."

Shinrai felt warmth and reassurance wash over him. Yuu had an amazing ability. It controlled and inspired him.

"Right, here we go again."

He started to concentrate again. The others got comfortable. Shinrai opened his eyes, locking them with Yuu's puzzled ones.

"I was wondering if Tsuki-san was having just as much trouble."

Tsuki was by the pond in the garden, utterly frustrated. She was getting the general shape of the orb, but not much more. It really was such a strenuous and long job. The sound of light movement caught her ears. Peering up, Tsuki came face to face with Sakura. Leaving the wooden porch, Sakura joined Tsuki out in the garden. A realization came to Tsuki. Sakura had the ability to walk without being noticed. So, she must have deliberately made a noise to catch her attention. How long had she been watching?

"Sakura-sama!"

Sakura sat and leaned her back against one of the dead trees.

"You've made some progress."

Tsuki looked disappointed.

"I'm afraid not a lot."

Sakura used her finger to tell Tsuki to come to her. Tsuki did as she was told. Then once Tsuki was situated, Sakura flicked her forehead. The younger girl held her head in pain.

"Don't think you'll get it down right away. The important thing is not to give up."

Tsuki nodded her head.

"Yes, Sakura-sama!"

Sakura closed her eyes and leaned back to relax. Tsuki put her hands out in front of herself to get back to work. The afternoon continued like that. Konoha's pink hair ANBU slept, compound's cook continued trying to perfect her techniques, and Akatsuki's leader kept a close eye on Sakura.

Tsuki's name had definitely caught Sasuke's attention. Despite her age, she truly was a beauty. Sasuke had never been so captivated. It was the real reason why she had gotten away that one time. He had subconsciously stopped, and that pause gave her the chance to get away. However, someone like that probably already has someone.

Sasuke shook the thought off. There was no way that he was interested in that girl. Especially because, she had called him by his most hated brother's name. The girl was probably infatuated with him. It also didn't help that Itachi had his hands on Sakura. Sakura, his...

"Dobe!"

"Yeah, teme?"

Sasuke clenched his fist.

"Let's spar!"

"Why?"

"If you beat me, I'll pay."

"Alright, you're soon!"

Naruto whistled as he made so distance between them. Sasuke was boiling in anger. All that man ever does is take everything from him.

"I'm going to kill him..."

"Ready teme?"

Sasuke got into stance. Naruto smirked and performed his ever famous jutsu. Several fake Naruto's surrounded him. The prodigy tisked more in annoyance than anything. Taking copy of his earlier adventure, Naruto performed the new sexy jutsu. Everyone, including Sasuke, sweat dropped. Yuu, Tsunade, and Shizune were unaffected since they were girls. Shinrai took no interest, since he only had eyes for Yuu. Kakashi looked up from his pervert book, and got a nose bleed. Jiriaya appeared out of nowhere.

"Totally hot babes!"

The sannin flung his arm around one of the clones. There was no mistaking the blush or beginning of a nose bleed.

"Want to get together to do... 'things'?"

All of a sudden, there were several poofs. Naruto was left standing close to Sasuke, but far from Jiriaya.

"That was disturbing."

The Uchiha prodigy couldn't help but agree. Pushing the disturbance away, Sasuke came at Naruto fast. He was barely able to dodge the kick at the feet, elbow to the face, or the knee to his chin. However, as he was turning around another higher kick came at him.

Shiro, one of the Akatsuki reserves, sat in the library thinking. In case anything happened to any of the active members, the leader made sure that there was a replacement. Although they weren't as good as the actives, they held their own. He just happened to be his idol's replacement, Uchiha Itachi.

However, none of that mattered at the moment. All his brain power was focused on one person. It was the very person that absorbed most of Itachi's thoughts. Haruno Sakura is known as the top Anbu in the country, and her reputation put her out to be feared. Her being here disproved that though. Sakura was just some weak kuniochi that Itachi and Kisame had captured as bait. He admitted half-heartedly that she wasn't about to give her more than that.

What he couldn't figure out was why Itachi spent so much time on the girl. He saw the way that he would watch Sakura carefully, or the way his arm would linger longer when other males were around her. There was no logical reason why Itachi wouldn't show interest in the opposite sex. Shiro was very aware of his interest too; because before Itachi left, Shiro caught them.

In the darkened hallway, Shiro had set off to tell Itachi that he had a mission. Before turning a corner, he had heard deep panting and moaning. Shiro had first just thought it was servants, but spying from around the corner, he saw Itachi push Sakura up against the wall. The man's hand was on her breasts and he had a hand her skirt up with panties dangling around the ankle. Itachi bit her neck, drawing blood, and her hands gripped his hair tightly. Pushing harder into her, which earned a loud moan, he licked at the wound.

"You're tight today."

He pulled out before thrusting back in, sending Sakura arching back.

"Anyone would."

Sakura's breaths were ragged.

"You just pushed in without any warning."

Shiro saw Itachi smirk.

"I couldn't help it."

"Liar."

Again, Itachi thrust deep, making Sakura grip harder and moan. Soon the pace picked up and Sakura tried to muffle the scream. Itachi pulled her hands away.

"I like to hear you."

"No!"

Shiro couldn't believe that the man he admired was being enticed by a pink hair weakling.

"Sakura."

Itachi purred her name. Soon the fast movements stopped, as liquid rolled down and onto the floor. He watched at Itachi stayed inside but leaned in for a kiss. Shiro could see Sakura's deep blush.

"We should clean this up."

"Hn."

"It would be embarrassing if anyone saw it."

"I wouldn't mind."

"I would!"

"I know."

Itachi placed a hickey on her neck and right above her heart. His finger traced it.

"Why do you always put on there?"

"Hn."

Sakura hit his arm.

"It's my only way of branding you to me."

Sakura pointed to her mark.

"Then what do you call this?"

Itachi stood silent. He pointed to her hickey.

"I guess this is one is actually the bonus."

Sakura sighed.

"You need to get out now."

Itachi smirked.

"Not unless we do it again."

The girl blushed harder.

"No! I object."

Itachi kicked open the bedroom door.

"Your objections are meaningless."

He walked in with her and kicked it closed. Seconds later, Shiro heard moaning from both of them and the squeaking of the bed.

"Damn it!"

Shiro's fist met the desk.

"She's not even that beautiful."

"Who isn't?"

Shiro whirled around. He had left the door open. Sakura stood by the entrance looking in. Her hair was wet indicating she had just come from a shower. The man felt like scoffing in disgust, by just looking at her.

"It's none of your business Haruno-san."

Sakura just shrugged her shoulders.

"Whatever. Word of advice though, men who talk to themselves, women find weird and avoid."

As Sakura walked away, Shiro's blood boiled even more. He didn't witness Sakura childishly sticking her tongue out. She knew what he was thinking about. It didn't take a genius to figure it out. Anyone could tell that Shiro wasn't happy about hers and Itachi's attachment. Not like it mattered to her though. Once Itachi was attached to something, he wasn't bound to let go, since Itachi never allowed himself to become attached. Why he let himself this time was a complete mystery.

"Damn her!"

Shiro stood with a furry. He walked over to a select bookshelf. Using the ladder, Shiro climbed to the top. Grabbing onto a black box, he returned to one of the library's tables. Opening it by lifting the lid, Shiro took out a red scroll. The tab written on the side read: 'Haruno Sakura'. It was her background scroll. Akatsuki's leader, himself, had put it together. Ripping off the seal, he pulled it open. Instantly, it went up in flames.

"What the...?"

It was faint, but Shiro could feel it. Someone was preventing him from reading the scroll. Shiro decided it was high time he reported to the leader about her.

"Ow!"

Naruto fell on the ground, while holding and blowing on his arm. His arm had caught the blunt end of Sasuke's fire technique. He had underestimated the distance, and gotten burned for it. Sasuke stood across from him looking pleased. Trademark smirk in place.

"Teme, go die!"

"You first."

Naruto's body went rigid.

"We're not suicidal lovers. I don't float that way! I have Hinata-chan!"

"What kind of crap are you shouting about?"

Sasuke hit Naruto over the head.

"Now, that's enough you two. Naruto-kun, I'll treat your wound."

"Yay! Thanks Shizune!"

"Here, why don't I demonstrate?"

Shinrai nodded at Yuu. Yuu closed her eyes and held out her hand. Slowly, the form shaped. The green orb flickered back and then for several seconds until finally Yuu felt the weight of the orb. Everyone clapped.

"So that's how you do it."

"Actually, it's usually much smoother. However, I hadn't performed the technique in awhile."

Just then, there was a puff of smoke. An Anbu stepped out.

"Hokage-sama, the orb has disappeared! It was there, and then..."

The Anbu stopped seeing the orb in Yuu's hand.

"I'm dismissed?"

"Yes, Yuu hime-sama will return it on her own later."

He saluted and disappeared. Tsunade sighed.

"That was pointless."

Sakura had been standing in front of a door for the last five minutes. Taking a deep breath and sighing, she slid the door open. Pein sat at a low table, reading a scroll. He looked up and his eyes locked with hers. She sat across from him.

"You always take forever to enter my room."

"That's because you usually challenge me to a game of go. I'm always deciding if I want to risk a game with you or not."

Pein smirked as he rolled the scroll back up.

"You just never want to tarnish your winning streak."

"True, but you're aggressive."

"I have to be."

Silence ensued and Sakura looked around his room. It was very plain and it didn't seem like he lived here at all. A single crystal vase, however, sat by the bed. It held, most likely, a dozen petrified blue roses. Most likely, a decoration choice by his partner.

"I see your taste in decorum still sucks."

"I don't bother with it."

"Obviously."

She nodded her head at the vase.

"Where's your partner?"

"At a rally point in rice country, waiting for me."

Sakura nodded her head.

"I wouldn't keep her waiting too long."

"Not to worry, I leave tomorrow."

"I see. Why'd you come back if you're busy?"

"I heard a rumor that a certain flower fell into the sun. I wanted to confirm it myself."

"Oh..."

Once again, they were met by silence.

"Why are you here Sakura?"

"I had no choice. Your men jumped me on the way home from a mission."

"Another S-rank?"

"Yes."

Pein looked at Sakura with an unwavering gaze.

"Why haven't you left yet?"

Sakura gave him a peaceful smile.

"This chapter hasn't ended yet."

"You could have left at any time. I never would have ordered for your kill."

"I know."

"Then why? Sakura, we were in agreement. You were not to get involved. That's why I had you turn down Akatsuki's original offer to join."

Sakura nodded.

"Yes, I know Pein. Unfortunately, something unexpected happened, and it now binds me here."

Pein observed her carefully.

"You love him."

Pein had heard rumors as soon as he stepped inside the village. Itachi had gotten close to Sakura. She just smiled at him. He sighed and stood. Patting her on the head, Pein gently looked at her.

"Do as you please. All I want is your smile to return."

Sakura gave him a sad smile.

"Just don't do anything rash. Otherwise, I won't be able to protect you."

Then Sakura fainted. Pein picked her up and tucked her into his bed. Shiro, who had been spying, couldn't believe this. Beginning to crawl away, he was met with a swift kick to the abdomen. Pushed up against the wall, a kunai met his throat. The scared man met the menacing eyes of the Akatsuki leader. He gulped in nervousness.

"You will forget what you saw, Shiro-san."

"Pein-sama..."

"You will also mention this to no one."

"Why do you care about her so much?"

Pein threw him to the ground.

"Because she's my precious little cousin."