Man this took a while to write. I don't see why people call Kisame a Cannibal for eating fish. Do you know what sharks eat? Fish! Do you know what else they eat? Other sharks! So only if he eats another human can you call him a cannibal. Kapiche!? o

Ryuko sat on top of the roof, watching the dark sky fade into a smoky grey. It was so peaceful, so quiet; it was like nothing was wrong in the world. Lost in thought, she barely noticed when Hitori swung up beside her.

"Morning. Sleep well?" Ryuko blinked.

"Yes, and you?"

"Yes, first time in a while."

"Two years."

"Two years." She echoed. Hitori noticed that Ryuko was wearing arm-warmers that covered most of her arms.

"Is it that bad?" Ryuko winced. "Oh god."

See? Even she's afraid of you. Everyone else was afraid. Now look where they are. No! It's not like that. Don't deny it. You know it's true. Ever since that time…. Shut up! Stop playing with my mind! Both you and I know why I can't do that.

Hitori forehead creased. This was bad. In front of her, Ryuko was clutching her head, screaming. She shook her friend.

"Don't listen to him! It's your body! You have control!"

"Do I really?" The response came as barely a whisper.

"Yes, you do!" If you have so much control, then how did it happen?

"SHUT UP!" Ryuko jumped of the roof and ran into the forest.

"Ryuko!" Hitori resisted the urge to go after her. She could never catch up, and besides, she just needed some time alone. She can do it.

Hitori swung into her room, just as some one knocked. Leader walked in.

"Where's Ryuko?"

"She went out for a walk. She'll be back later."

"Oh, well I got your guy's senseis. Can you come and meet them at lunch?"

"Sure, I guess."

"Great. See you then." He left. I hope she's okay by then. Ryuko left to have breakfast.

Leader leaped onto a tree branch where Zetsu was waiting.

"Well?"

"Why did you let them in so easily?i"

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Just answer."

"I don't know. I just had a feeling."

"You let two un-identified shinobi into the Akatsuki, without any tests, cross references, or info, based on a feeling?"

"That's why I'm having you scout."

"But it might already be too late."

"Whatever. What did you find?"

"The blue girl looks as if she might have a psychotic breakdown. She's hearing voices in her head. And her friend knows it. She addresses it as if it was a real thing, it looks as if this has gone on for a long time."

"Do you think she's a Jinchuuriki?"

"…… I can't tell at the moment."

"Where is she now?"

"She ran of screaming in that direction." Pointing into the forest. Just as he said it Ryuko stepped out of the brush and calmly walked to the base. Her eyes were red, as if she had been crying recently. But now they were clear and sure. "Speak of the devil."

"Good job. Continue surveillance."

Hitori gave a sigh of relief when she saw her friend enter the building. She ran over and hugged Ryuko, like she had come back dead. Finally she drew away, holding her at arms length.

"Are you back?"

Ryuko smiled, "As back as I'll every be!" She laughed. It's good to see her laugh again.ii She's finally getting back to normal. Hitori looked down at her watch.

"Shoot! We have to go!" Ryuko gave her a questioning look. "Leader-sama wants us to meet our sensei's at lunch."

They walked down the hall together, talking like Hitori wanted to talk for two years.

Sigh. Deidara could see why Sasori hated to wait. But I guess that's what you get for being early. Kisame walked in and plunked himself on a chair.

"Do you know what we're having for lunch?"

"I dunno. Leader-sama in preparing it, un."

They waited a few more minutes, before Pein (Hee Hee.) walked in with a bowl of tortilla chips. He placed it on the table.

"The food's not done yet." He walked out. Kisame grabbed a chip and crunched it in his hand then ate the crumbs.

"Why'd you do that, un?"

"I don't like chewing. " Dedara was about to say something mean when the girls came in, chatting like gossiping teens. Is this really the girl I saw before? Kisame and Deidara continued to stare as they sat.

"Good afternoon Deidara-sensei and….?" Hitori started.

"Kisame." He finished automaticly.

"Kisame-sensei! You are our sensei's right?"

"Correct." Said Pein pushing the door open. He was carrying a plate of grilled cheese sandwiches and milk. "Food's done!"

iWhite side/Black side

ii Thought.

I'm sorry I didn't make this longer but It was a hard chapter and I needed to finish. I'll make the next one better. I don't know if I'll call Pein 'Leader' or 'Pein