Complications

PerkyGirl23

Author's Note: Hey there guys! I'm back for another chapter of Complications… hope you liked the first two chapters. Anyway, thanks again for those who reviewed my fanfic… I hope you'll put in review for these chapter, as well as the next ones… sorry for the late update though, it seems I'm kinda running out of ideas, because I like my fanfic to be a unique and special one.. well, it's time to read the third chapter of Complications, and fortunately, it's quite long.. I hope you'll like it… review please! JA NE!

CHAPTER 3 - ACQUIANTANCE

The branches of the trees continuously creaked as Sakura hopped from tree to tree in the Kirigakure woods. She was hoping that she would reach the Hidden country of Rain before darkness falls. She couldn't just imagine herself getting lost from a strange and unfamiliar country in which there would be no one to help her. From the Mist country, she was able to get some useful information on the villagers in where would be the Akatsuki found. Fortunately, she came across with a strange man dressed in cloak who lived once in the Rain country. According to him, it was the Rain country where the rumoured Akatsuki takes place, particularly in a sacred cave at the foot of the mountains. When Sakura asked the man about its member, he scampered away immediately, as if there was a devil on Sakura's heels.

Nevertheless, Sakura managed to reach the Rain country before dark. Although it's still quite early, the sky remained dark because of the endless rain pouring in. the name suits the country well, Sakura thought darkly as she began to stroll around the village. A lot of villagers stared at her as she passed by, as if she were carrying something deadly. She decided to ignore them, although she feels uncomfortable under their scrutinizing stares. When she couldn't take the cold atmosphere anymore, she decided that she would stop by at a local teashop to warm herself a bit. Just as she was sipping her pomegranate tea, the teashop keeper gasped, pointing behind her back.

" T – the Angel of God is here! I - I wonder what she wants? " she gasped hysterically.

Puzzled, Sakura turned around. Behind her is a woman with a cerulean blue hair. She has a single flower tucked behind her right ear. She also had large wings protruding from her back, and Sakura assumed it was made of paper. An origami, Sakura thought, impressed. She really looked like an angel that had fallen from the heavens, except Sakura realized that she was wearing an Akatsuki cloak.

Sakura's eyes narrowed into slits. " Where is Naruto? "

The angel smiled. " You are Haruno Sakura, am I right? "

" You're not answering my question, " Sakura said fiercely.

She smiled again. " I think you're already aware on why we captured your kyuubi friend, seeing why you're here in the first place. "

" What do you want from me? "

" It is up to our leader to speak to you over that matters. Meanwhile, let me introduce myself to you properly. I'm Konan. "

Sakura continued to stare at her cautiously. " I want to know whether Naruto's alright, "

" Your friend is not in danger. We would free him as soon as you join our organization, " Konan replied smoothly.

Silence followed. After several more minutes of thinking, Sakura managed to decide. " Take me to him, " she replied. Konan smiled, and Sakura wondered whether she could trust that smile or not.

oOo

" The hokage will not be happy to hear this, " Shizune said worriedly.

Kakashi scowled, shaking his head fretfully. " I can't believe Sakura would do something like that. She didn't even asked for our opinion, "

Shizune sighed. " It's Naruto who's in danger. You can't blame her for running away, "

Kakashi nodded. " The moment Konohamaru told me that he saw Sakura crying in front of the Godaime's office yesterday, I knew then that she heard everything inside, "

They stopped in front of the Godaime's office. Shizune looked at Kakashi, who just shrugged his shoulders. Shizune sighed deeply before knocking at the door.

" Who is it? " came the Godaime's reply.

" I – It's Shizune, and Kakashi, Lady Tsunade, " Shizune stammered weakly.

" Come in, "

They entered the office. Tsunade beamed at the two of them. She looked pale, and she had dark circles under her eyes.

" I'm so tired at these paper works, and I'm glad you came in here to help, Shizune. " Tsunade said as she arranged some files. " I'm having headaches over what happened to Shikamaru's group yesterday, " she frowned deeply.

Shizune and Kakashi exchanged dark glances. " Well, Lady Tsunade, I think I've got some good and bad news for you. What do you want to hear first? " Kakashi asked.

Tsunade's brows knitted together. " What do you mean, Hatake? "

" Just take a pick, "

Tsunade sighed heavily. " Alright. The good one, I guess, "

" Naruto's coming back, "

Tsunade's eyes widened in surprise. " WHAT? What do you mean, he's coming back? How did you know? " she asked frantically, standing from her seat.

" You want to hear the good news? " Kakashi asked.

" What? "

" Sakura left Konoha, she went to join the Akatsuki in exchange of Naruto's freedom. "

Tsunade couldn't speak. She just slumped weakly back at her seat. " No… I can't believe this.. first Naruto, and then Sakura…"

Shizune shook her head sadly and patted Tsunade's back consolingly. " We can't believe it either, "

Tsunade slammed her hands on her desk. It almost split the table in half. She was shaking in anger. " But how on earth did she found out about the note? "

" She eavesdropped. Konohamaru saw her yesterday, he told me, " Kakashi answered.

Tsunade pinched the bridge of her nose and shut her eyes warily. " We've got to do something, "

" We shall, " Kakashi said. Shizune nodded.

" We shall await first for Naruto's return. And then, we would do our best to get Sakura back, " Tsunade stated firmly.

oOo

Sakura walked across the eerie and silent cave, along with Konan. True enough, what the strange man in cloak had said was true. The Akatsuki hideout apparently resides inside the cave. The sound of their footsteps echoed throughout the cave, and Sakura continued to stare at Konan cautiously and suspiciously as they were walking. She couldn't trust this woman-nor everybody else, she reminded herself firmly. Konan may look like an innocent angel, but she may never know what her true intentions are. The only person she can put her trust with now is herself.

" We're here, " Konan said suddenly, interrupting Sakura's inner thoughts.

Sakura looked around. They managed to get through the hearth of the cave. It was very spacious, which was very different from outlook outside, because the cave outside looks small compared to what she's seeing now. There was also a staircase made of rock leading upstairs. It looked completely like a granite house, except that there was a pair of hand sculpture in the middle of the room, and a large cylindrical container behind it. Sakura supposed that this was the chamber they use to extract the bijuus.

" Welcome, Haruno Sakura, "

Sakura jumped at the sound of the voice. She looked around to see who it is, and to her immense shock, it was a man who looked like Naruto, except the eyes were completely different. The eyes have spirals in them, and it looked so terrifying and dangerous that Sakura focused on the piercing on his nose and ears instead. He has a lot of them, and he looked quite cool with it.

" He is the leader of our organization. He is Pein, " Konan introduced.

" A pleasant meeting you, Haruno – san. " Pein greeted smoothly.

" You said you'll take me to Naruto, " Sakura accused Konan, completely ignoring Pein.

" I will, but first you need to make a formal bond with our leader that you'll join Akatsuki, " Konan replied.

" We need to make sure that you'll be truly joining our organization, Haruno – san. Once you've joined this organization, there is no coming back, " Pein stated.

Sakura glared at him angrily. " I am not joining this wretched organization if not only for Naruto! I am just forced to do this, "

Pein smirked. " I know, and whether you like it or not, you would be a member of our organization, "

" Damn you- "

" But do not worry. If you cooperate with us further, I may grant you a gift you would never be able to resist, " Pein said.

" What do you mean? " Sakura asked.

Pein smirked again. " If you stayed with us without a trace of betrayal and mistrust, then I would assure you that you can see once again your beloved Sasuke, "

Sakura's emerald eyes widened in shock. " What do you mean? Y – You have him in here? Along with Naruto? "

" No, " Pein replied. " We don't have Sasuke here, "

Sakura stomped her foot angrily. " But what do you mean about seeing Sasuke? "

" A couple of days ago, he came in here and begged to join Akatsuki, "

Sakura's jaw dropped jerkily. " No… he wouldn't do that… never.. "

Pein paced back and forth, his hands clasped together at his back. " The outcome of his fight with Itachi a few months ago made him realize the real truth-that Itachi was only ordered by the elders of Konoha to murder his whole clan. "

Sakura's mouth opened wider, in utmost shock. " It was all from the elders? Wait, why did he followed the elders in the first place? "

" Itachi did a double agent role. He became a spy for his family on Konoha, and in the same time, became a spy for Konoha too. He did it so that the war between Konoha and the Uchiha clan would not occur again, "

" You mean to say that Itachi only did that so he could protect Konoha? From his own family? " Sakura interrogated.

" Yes, and he even talked with the Third Hokage to spare Sasuke from the massacre. He really cared for his brother very much, "

" But why did Itachi joined here? "

" He no longer has a place to go. You can't expect him to stay in nearby countries where he was marked as an S – class criminal. At the same time, he uses this organization to let the people in Konoha be aware that he's still alive, for them not to break their promise, " Pein replied.

" B – but… what about Sasuke? What happened to his fight with Itachi? "

" The fight was stopped abruptly by Zetsu, who knocked Sasuke out of his consciousness. The next day, Sasuke awoke with Tobi on his side, telling him all he needed to know about Itachi's true colors. Itachi was brought here by Zetsu, heavily injured and almost blind. Good thing I was able to heal most of Itachi's injuries, although his eyes were not. He was nearing blindness, that man, and that's why the organization needs you, "

" You needed me just for that reason? Then you could just called me and heal him! There's no need for me to stay here! "

" No, that was only one of the reasons. You have more uses to us than the jinchuuriki, "

Sakura couldn't believe what she's hearing. Nevertheless, there are still some information lacking. " And what happened to Sasuke after learning the truth? "

" Sasuke went to join our organization, to revenge on Konoha with his brother, but Itachi did not want Sasuke to be in more trouble, so he fought him. He almost killed Sasuke on the process, but that eased his mind that Sasuke would no longer be in trouble. "

Itachi? Not a madman like everyone thinks? I can't believe it, Sakura thought. It seems too impossible to believe. After all these years of false presumptions, Uchiha Itachi was not an entirely evil person. She couldn't believe her ears that Itachi had a caring spot for Sasuke. Sakura stayed rooted on the spot, unable to grasp everything. " How am I supposed to believe that everything you've just said to me were true? " she said finally.

Pein stopped pacing. He looked directly at Sakura. Sakura winced at his stare. " I have nothing to prove to you except my word. If you do not want to believe me, then do. But I can promise you that you can be able to see Sasuke if you kept your obligations as a fully – pledged member of Akatsuki, "

Sakura stared at him intently. And then she sighed. " I am not saying that I truly believe you, but I promise I'm joining the Akatsuki for Naruto's freedom, that's all. " she said.

" Good. Welcome to the Akatsuki, Haruno Sakura, " Pein greeted.

oOo

" There he is, "

Sakura followed Konan's gaze. Her eyes immediately began to water as she saw Naruto lying on the cold ground, looking both pale and weak. His form appeared to be sleeping. There were chains wrapped around his ankles. Sakura couldn't help feeling sorry for her dear friend.

" We would immediately send him back to Konoha after an hour or so. I can wake him up for you to say goodbye, " Konan stated, expressionless.

Sakura wiped her eyes with her sleeve and sniffed loudly. " No, don't. it's better this way, for him not knowing, "

" I understand. Let's go and go back to speak to Pein about the rules and regulations to be followed in Akatsuki, " Konan said.

" Alright, "

And, with last one look to her friend, she sped out of the cell, wishing she would not regret her recent actions.

oOo

"You're back. And now for the rules and regulations, " Pein began as he took a seat behind his desk.

Sakura looked around. " Where are the other members? "

" It is not necessary for them to be here. Meanwhile, here is the organization ring you need to wear at all times. It is considered as the mean of bond among us as well as for communication purposes, " he explained.

Sakura took the ring gingerly. It is quite heavy, and the gem inside is color yellow. It had a word 'hebi' printed on it.

" It once belonged to Orochimaru, before he left Akatsuki, " Pein said, guessing what's on her mind.

Sakura nodded, although feeling quite disgusted by the fact that it was once worn by the person who's one of the reasons why Sasuke left Konoha.

" The main rule to be followed here in our organization is whatever happens, whether you die or not, the mission has to be completed. " he continued.

Sakura gulped, then regained her posture. " Okay, "

" You are to follow my rules without further questions and complaints. "

" Right, "

" And you must control your emotions at all times. There is no need for sentimental feelings here, "

Sakura paused for a moment, and then nodded firmly. " I will, "

" You are certain you would fulfill your obligations in Akatsuki? "

" I will, " Sakura answered.

" That's it. You are now a fully-pledged member of Akatsuki from now on. " Pein nodded at Sakura.

" I have one more question, " Sakura said rather hurriedly.

" What is it? "

Sakura hesitated, but had a go. " Why do you want me here in Akatsuki? What about the objective of acquiring all the jinchuuriki? "

Pein stared at her for a moment. Sakura bit her bottom lip. She felt so small under his intimidating and powerful gaze.

" Acquiring all the jinchuuriki does not matter to me no more. As for you, we have special uses for your abilities which are both beneficial to me and the organization, "

" Like what? "

Pein smirked. " I believe you only asked for one question to be answered, and I believe I've already done that. Good day to you, Sakura, "

And with that, he went out of the room, leaving Sakura in confusion.

oOo

Sakura walked across the serene hall of the Akatsuki headquarters with caution. Apparently, her talk with Pein had already been adjourned. Konan told her that her room would be at the left side of the end of the hall. She spent a whole day of travelling from one place to another, and she was so exhausted that she can hardly wait to take a refreshing, hot bath. She opened the door on the last room of the right side of the hall and crept inside. She looked around the room and sighed as she began to arrange her things on her b She needed to get used to the life of an S – class criminal from now on. It was all for Naruto's sake.

She entered the dimly lit bathroom and began taking off her clothes. She stepped inside the shower and turned on the switch. The warm water flowed her porcelain-like skin and enjoyed the refreshing feeling of it. The steam coming from the warm water surrounded the whole bathroom. She lathered her jasmine-scented soap on every pore of her body. When she was about to rinse the soap suds from her body, imagine her shock when the door of the bathroom suddenly opened.

It revealed a man standing in the doorway. He had a long black hair tied in a sleek, low ponytail and a pair of stress lines across his face. His Sharingan-activated eyes were widened in surprise, but his face remained stoic as ever. The man from her dreams, or rather, from her nightmares, Uchiha Itachi.

Sakura shrieked loudly, for the whole world to hear.

Author's Note: Hello there! It seems that Sakura and Itachi have already been acquainted with one another, although the turn of events seems rather, interesting… anyway I hope you liked this chapter.. it became longer than I thought, compared to my other chapters.. It's my Christmas vacation recently and I'll be writing up the story with a pace, so don't you worry guys…stay tuned for the next chapter, and reviews please! Have a very merry Christmas! JA NE!