Hello, this is my 3rd Fan Fiction. Feel free to read the others and R/R! :)
I do not own Naruto or anything such associated.
This takes place before Tobi joins the Akatsuki, but when Naruto is 16.


Chapter 1: Untrusting Contact

Typical day at the Akatsuki: Hidan was complaining about Kakuzu's scrooge-like behavior while the latter was complaining about the time and henceforth money wasted on Hidan's religious side trips. Kisame was happily eating his breakfast while Itachi was quietly sipping tea. Sasori and Deidara were getting in a heated argument about the definition of art. Zetsu was carefully tending to the gardens, but came in once he saw Konan and Pain come through the door.

"I have a mission for you Sasori. Please come with me so we can discuss the terms." With that, Pain and Sasori left the room leaving the other Akatsuki members puzzled.

"Since when does Pain-sama not have defined mission specifications when he gives up an assignment?" Kisame pondered, "Of all people to ask, why Sasori?"

"Who knows, un? We'll just have to ask him when he gets back, un."


"Now Sasori, I am aware you know this contact?" Pain showed Sasori a picture of a woman in a red dress. The women had waist length hair and light brown eyes. Sasori nodded upon seeing her.

"Yes I know her. She talks to few and trusts even fewer. How you were able to convince her to help the Akatsuki is beyond me Pain-sama."

"Yes I am aware of her uh… mistrust… of others. Anyway, you need information from her to retrieve the Scroll of the Skies. You can take two other Akatsuki members with the exception of Konan and I. Who do you pick?"

"Itachi-san and Kisame-san. They work well together and will be polite enough to not annoy our contact. After all, she is very volatile and does not respond well to idiocy."

"I see. Inform them of their newest mission if you will. Dismissed."


Ten minutes later…

"I see. So we have to go to this ninja in the Wind Country to inquire about a scroll hidden in the Lightning Country?" Kisame inquired.

"Yes. Our contact is very knowledgeable about this sort of information and is already being generous by agreeing to meet us on the border between the Countries of Rain and Wing. You and Itachi-san were chosen to come as one of the other idiots here," motions towards Deidara and Hidan, "would annoy the contact into noncompliance which is something necessary for the Akatsuki."

Itachi nodded. "Let's head out then and meet this 'contact'."

Sasori nodded. "One last thing; she is extremely mistrusting so be careful when we get to the meeting place. She may not be so receptive."


"Hmm… so many outfits… so little time… do I want a traditional kimono or a dress? Hmm…" The speaker was a woman who looked like she was in her twenties. She had waist length red hair and light brown eyes. She was wearing a dress that was down to her mid-calf and had sleeves slightly longer than her arms. However, she still looked comfortable.

"Sumiko-sama, you always ask that, but you know you will always get the dress," muttered a small red fox following her. Sumiko smiled and picked up the fox and hugged it close.

"Oh Daisuke-kun, what would I be without you?"

"Be a hell lot less informed you know," the fox muttered. Smiling, Sumiko put Daisuke down and continued contemplating the outfit decision.

The sand began to pick up as a Sand Ninja ran down the street. This one was apparently a traitor as he had a slash through his headband and was running from Sand Anbu.

"Tadao! Get here now!" The Anbu shouted to no avail.

His name is Tadao huh? Ironic… (A/N: Tadao means loyal man) Sumiko raised her hands and near invisible chakra strings ran from her fingertips. They intertwined around the man's legs, binding him for the Anbu to reach him. Upon reaching him, the Anbu were busy subduing the traitor while the leader of the group walked up to Sumiko.

"Are you Sumiko of the Red Sand?" At this, Sumiko raised an eyebrow and Daisuke shuffled uncomfortably by her feet.

"My brother is of the Red Sand. I claim no such association however," Sumiko replied in a deadpan manner. Daisuke shook his head. These Anbu better watch it. Sumiko-sama has no patience for those who question her about her past.

"We have some questions to ask you and we are certain that the Kazekage Gaara would like to hear from you." The Anbu replied emotionlessly.

"No thanks, I have some people of import to meet. Tell the Kazekage that the meeting will have to wait. Come Daisuke!" With that, Sumiko vanished in a gust of wind. The Anbu shook his head at dealing with the mysterious ninja.


An Hour Later…

Sumiko appeared in a gust of wind at the predetermined meeting location. She went inside the house set aside for this purpose and did not flinch at the unfamiliar presences. She had to place a hand on Daisuke to calm him down as he was unused to multitude of strong chakra.

"Sumiko-san, it is about time you arrived." Sumiko looked up to see none other than Sasori glancing at her.

"Ah Sasori-san. Hiding in your puppet again? That one is much truer to your namesake you know. And do not tell me about this 'about time' stuff. I had ten minutes remaining. I just decided to grace you with my presence earlier, that is all. Tell me Sasori-san, who are your teammates?"

"The former Mist ninja is Kisame Hoshigaki and the former Leaf ninja is Itachi Uchiha."

"I see. So in my presence is a member of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist and the infamous killer of the Uchiha clan… Interesting company you surround yourself in Sasori-san."

Itachi raised his eyebrow. "What do you know of us?"

Sumiko smiled. "Enough to keep you guessing. Anyways, what is it you require Sasori-san? I'm guessing you aren't kind enough to bless me with a social visit."

"Your assumption is correct. We are in need of information about the Scroll of the Skies. We know you have that information."

Sumiko raised her eyebrow at this. "I do have that information. This information is not easy to pass on however…"

"What are you talking about? I know you are capable of breaking any codes and languages are no barrier to you."

Sumiko smiled. "This information is confidential to anyone not a Scroll Society Member. I can obtain the scroll for you and not tell you the information. This will cause extra cost to Pain-sama. Will you accept these conditions?"

After a brief meeting, the three Akatsuki came to an agreement. Itachi spoke up, "Sumiko-san, we take you up on your offer to obtain the Scroll of the Skies."

Sumiko nodded. "Let's take our leave. I sense some Sand shinobi outside and would rather not deal with the trouble. Daisuke-kun, a distraction if you will."

The fox bowed his head. "Yes Sumiko-sama." The fox headed outside while the Akatsuki and Sumiko left in the other direction towards Lightning Country.