It was a while before Ino spoke.

Finally she said- "You want me to join Akatsuki. The same group that not only killed Asuma-sensei, but destroyed Konohagakure. You've changed, Baraki. Too much for me to handle."

Bakiri lowered his head a bit. "I was expecting this sort of response from you." He replied. "But there is something important that we must do. Someone has been planning behind your backs longer than Madara or Pain."

"Who?"
"The Gyakusatsu. A time before the Third Great Shinobi World War, there was a powerful ninja from Hoshigakure. He was almost completely loyal to his homeland, and never failed a mission. He was also the one who assisted in preserving the comet that landed in the village 200 years ago. His name... was Sukeruton." Ino leaned in closer to hear the rest of Bakiri's story.

"Sukeruton was so involved with his village, that he was one of the three candidates to be elected Hoshikage. One other candidate was unknown, while the other was named Obake. Obake had a special power. He was able to come in contact with the dead. Knowing that he would be an obstacle, Sukeruton challenged Obake to a fight to the death. Obake had the advantage, and was able to cut off both of Sukeruton's arms. In anger, Sukeruton used a forbidden jutsu- one that would allow him to control the position of stars. He used smaller stars to repair his arms, while he forced the great stars to fall on Obake. Obake was in critical condition, and almost died. Sukeruton thought that he would become Hoshikage, but his fight was caught by a spy. Sukeruton was banished from Hoshigakure, while Obake was placed in a hospital. The third candidate became Hoshikage. During his banishment, Sukeruton traveled through each village, gathering more and more banished ninja. He then created the Clan of Massacre, or the Gyakusatsu. He has been plotting to rule the ninja world, and the Fourth Great Shinobi World War is the perfect time to do it."

"But, why is he after you?"
"It seems that I assassinated a weaker member of the Gyakusatsu. They must be coming back for revenge."
"That I understand. But what I don't get is why you need me. What can I do? I've been nothing of a burden. When Hidan and Kakuzu fought Kakashi-sensei, all I could do was sit back and watch."
"I need you because you have a power that no one else has. I can teach you. Just like Chiriku taught me... before he was killed."
"This... power I have... what is it?"
"I will teach it to you."
"But, six whole months? Will that be enough?"
"If I teach you, it will be. I promise you that."
Bakiri walked up to Ino and kissed her neck.
"I love you, Ino. I'll make sure that nothing happens to you. Ever."
"Ok." Ino held her hand out to Bakiri. "I'll go with you."

The sun began to set as Bakiri and Ino set out of the village.

Kyūketsuki walked along a dirt road, and came upon a dark shadow. He stared at it blankly, then rested on his right knee.

"Lord Sukeruton. Why have you called me?" He said.
"I have found the location of the one who killed Gobo." The shadow replied.
"Excellent! Now I can annihilate the brat!"
"NO. I do not want you fighting him. Not yet. You will wait for a total of seven months."
Kyūketsuki was dumbfounded. "Seven months? Why the hell would I wait that long?"
"ONE, BECAUSE I SAID SO. "Two, because we need patience. The child is probably expecting us right now. We need to hit him when he least expects it."
"Alright. Fine. I'll train for six months. Your little 'theory' better be correct."
"Good. Now, we wait. Inform Rikugun. I don't want to take anything from him right now, either."

In anger, Kyūketsuki flew off down the dirt road, toward Sunagakure. If he couldn't go after the Akatsuki, then there's one person that he could quench his thirst for blood.

-

Months had gone by as Bakiri trained Ino. The two fought valiantly, attacking bandit camps and disposing criminals. Bakiri taught Ino new techniques, techniques that Ino had never even heard off. After five months of training, Ino was able to take down an entire bandit camp within a quarter of an hour. Her new prowess allowed her to reach new heights; her challenges were completed perfectly. After the final month of training, Bakiri walked up to Ino.

"It's time." He said. "I have been waiting for this moment for so long." He handed Ino the Akatsuki Cloak. It's light red clouds glistened in the moonlight.
"Thank you, Baraki-kun." She slipped the cloak on. "It fits well. Where to next?"

Bakiri was fiddling with his communication device. Yuki's voice was heard from the device.

"Well, well. Looks like we have a Gyakusatsu on his way. You ready for this, Ino?"

Ino closed her eyes and stared up into the moonlight. She thought about leaving. She knew that tough battles would be ahead. She knew that she might not come back alive. Everything could be crushed by one, fatal blow.

Ino opened her eyes and lowered her head. She smirked.

"Let's jam."