Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, and I'm too tired to make a witty remark about it.

Chapter 11

Crimson Clouds and Cherry Blossoms

Sakura awoke the next morning in considerably higher spirits as she remembered the night before. She touched her lips, closing her eyes. Yes, she was definitely happy with last night's events.

She grinned to herself as she sat up, slipping out of bed. My, my, I'm in deep, aren't I? It was a joke, and she didn't take it seriously, even if in the back of her mind it rang true. Deep in love with Itachi Uchiha?

She slipped on her yukata and slacks, yawning. She didn't do anything at all with her hair, too lazy to think about anything else. She trudged down the hallway, closing her door behind her.

She was met in the kitchen by a chorus of 'good mornings' by the collective Akatsuki. Everyone was present except Itachi. She smiled as she sat down next to Sasori. "Sorry if I slept in." She stretched languidly. "Did I miss anything?"

Kisame grinned. "Nah. Nothing good happens until you come in, kitten."

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Sure. You all look awake. Seriously, what did I miss?"
Deidara merely smiled at her, a reassuring smile. But it was a little nervous and worried. He busied himself with his tea.

Kisame grunted, before downing his morning glass of sake.

Sasori was the one who answered her, lacing his fingers together and gazing back at her seriously. There was no comfort in his stare, however, like in Deidara's and Kisame's. It unnerved her slightly.

"Leader has requested to meet with you."

If a pin had dropped at that moment, it would have echoed forever.

Tsunade gave a small sigh as she shuffled through her papers. She ran a hand through her hair as she took a drink of her sake. She placed the cup back down, looking once more at the files in front of her.

Orochimaru was dead.

Sound had a new leader.

The question was: Who?

Tsunade gave a louder, more agitated sigh as she took another drink. She didn't have time to deal with this. An envoy from Sound had come, saying his Kage wanted to sign a peace treaty with Konoha, since their new leader wanted to make amends.

Oi.

"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune walked inside, her voice cheerful. "We have news from Neji and his group. They met Sasuke Uchiha, but he was aided by someone and escaped." She frowned. "It seems as if Sasuke Uchiha still has ties somewhere, with someone who still wants to help him."

"It isn't Sakura, if that's what you're thinking." Tsunade muttered. She doubted Sakura would even look at the Uchiha anymore. No one, not even someone as forgiving as Sakura, could excuse Sasuke for what he had done. He had tried to kill her. He had sworn to do so.

"Well, oh…" Shizune sighed. "I guess that makes sense. But Sakura-chan was in love with him for a very long time, wasn't she? Perhaps she still has feelings for him."

"Sakura would not have helped Sasuke Uchiha out of that situation." Tsunade answered back. "For one, she would not have been alone, she would have been with the Akatsuki. Two: Sakura is strong, but I don't know anyone who can mask their chakra as well as Neji said they did. Even he and Hinata's Byakugan couldn't trace them. Someone with that speed is not Sakura."

"Hai." Shizune nodded. "Tsunade…what if Sakura is really a missing-nin now?"

"She isn't." Tsunade answered curtly.

"I'm not implying that Sakura would intentionally harm Konoha but…" Shizune sighed, before her tone became serious. "The Akatsuki Leader could most likely torture the information out of her if she didn't comply with his questions. Sakura was your student and assistant. She has been in the Hokage's—your—inner circle and knows the workings of the entire village."

Tsunade frowned, "You think I don't know that? Shizune, I have faith in Sakura. She's not like Sasuke Uchiha. She did not run away for power, or strength, or vengeance. She ran away because that was the only thing she could do at that time. She couldn't stay near him, so she left. It has nothing to do with the loyalty she holds to her village. If she was really a traitor, than we would probably all be dead right now."

"What…what if the Akatsuki are using her to lead Naruto to them?"

Tsunade stopped. Like she had said earlier, she had faith in Sakura…but what if she was being used? It would make sense. Sakura was a smart girl, a wonderful shinobi. But sometimes, Tsunade believed she had always been a little too trusting.

"Then I am sure Sakura will fight to protect Naruto."

"You seem certain."

"Sakura will protect the people she loves."

Shizune looked back at Tsunade as she made her way to the door. She knew a dismissal when she heard one. "Tsunade-sama…"

"Hm?"

"I'm sorry." Then the door closed behind her.

Sorry for what? For the fact that Tsunade never seemed to get any peace? For the fact that everyone she ever became attached to disappeared forever? For the fact that she was supposed to be one of the strongest shinobi in the world and yet she could do nothing but sit back and watch?

Tsunade merely downed the rest of her sake.

Sakura settled the butterflies in her stomach as they whipped through the trees. She was wearing her old Akatsuki cloak, the one she had been given. Sasori had explained that it would be best for her if she wore it.

Deidara had reassured her that when they were finished talking with Leader, they would head back to Cloud as soon as possible.

Sakura merely nodded numbly at him. Would she be heading back with them? That was the question she kept asking herself. Was Leader angry that she wouldn't join? Had…had Itachi said something about the scroll and now Leader wanted her to give it to him?

That thought made her slightly sick. After all, the scroll was destroyed. The only one who knew the jutsu was Sakura herself. She played with the hem of her sleeve, which she always seemed to do when she was nervous. She bit her lip as well.

"Don't worry about it, kitten. We'll be home in time for me to kick you ass in practice." Kisame joked.

No one laughed. No one even smiled.

Deidara seemed worried. He wouldn't even talk to Sakura. Sasori was as calm and emotionless as ever, although he did seem a bit disturbed at the news.

And Itachi…well, he wasn't there. Deidara told her that he had been sent on a mission earlier that morning. She wondered if he even knew that Leader had called for her.

"Kakuzu and Hidan will probably be there." Kisame grunted. "Che. They can be annoying sometimes. I don't know about anyone else. Zetsu, most likely. But the other one may not—"

"Are you finished yet, yeah?" Deidara snapped out. "I'm sure Sakura-chan doesn't want to hear about it." I don't.

Sakura watched him worriedly. He was cranky, annoyed…and a little scared. She could tell. He kept fidgeting, putting his hand in his pocket then taking them out again. He would look back at Sakura when he thought she wasn't looking.

And if he was afraid, then Sakura was petrified.

She'd heard stories about the Akatsuki leader. He was strong, intelligent, ruthless…and a mystery. No one outside of the Akatsuki knew who he was. It was impossible to guess. No one knew how old he was. But to demand the respect—or fear—of all of the Akatsuki members—of Itachi, was intimidating, to say the least.

She was dreading every step she took because they led her further away from the security of the home she had just found, and closer and closer to one of her greatest fears: the unknown.

Sasori turned to Sakura, almost seeing her thoughts above her head, as if they were visible. She was scared. She was worried that Leader might be angry with her for not joining the Akatsuki.

Sasori rubbed the sore spot he had gained along his chest. It was true; Leader had definitely not been pleased when Sasori had told him. But surely he had gotten over it by now? Sasori sighed. He was getting tired of all of this. And in truth, he was a little worried for Sakura.

That in itself was strange. He had always prided himself on not really caring at all about anyone. He supposed, however, after watching her change everyone else, it was only natural that she should affect him as well. Besides, she was pleasant to talk with. And she actually liked talking. Not only that, she actually had intelligent answers to his questions.

But Sasori didn't believe that Leader would kill her. He also didn't believe that Deidara—or even Kisame—would let him. They cared too much for Sakura for their own good. And Kakuzu and Hidan seemed to like her a little bit as well. They might support her.

It is rather ironic, that the greatest weakness of the Akatsuki is a pink-haired kunoichi who wouldn't harm a fly if she didn't have to.

However, if Leader did decide to get physical…well…Sasori was merely glad that Itachi had been sent away on a mission. Otherwise, things could have gotten messy. Itachi didn't usually let it show, but Sasori had glimpsed inside of his mind once or twice, and he knew that Itachi would kill anyone who touched his blossom.

He wasn't as good at hiding his emotions as he thought.

"Alright kitten, this is it." Kisame grinned as they landed in front of a large cave. "Just smile politely and nod whenever you feel like it."

"Funny." Sakura bit back as she looked up at the mouth of the cave. She swallowed, trying to wet her dry throat. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see Sasori. He nodded with a small smile, and it reassured Sakura somewhat.

She breathed in deeply as they headed inside.

Neji continued running through the trees. Kiba and Akamaru dashed and raced across tree limbs just behind him. It irked Neji slightly, but he decided to ignore it.

"Let us race, Tenten! I need a challenge." Lee pleaded. "Please? You, Choji, and Hinata can race against me. I promise I will keep my weights on."

Neji frowned. Why were they acting so immature? This was a serious mission.

"Oi. Neji-san, this is a serious mission. We need to pay attention. Not question each other about their personal lives!" Sakura bit out, her cheeks stained a bright red.

Neji smirked. "You still haven't answered my question."

"And I'm not going to." Sakura finished smoothly, pulling a kunai out of her pack. She and Neji were sitting outside of a small mountain village. The snow fell slowly, but it was picking up speed.

Sakura breathed out, her breath turning into steam. Neji continued to watch her. She was so beautiful, in her black ANBU outfit, her face serious and calm. Her cat mask was placed on her back. Both of them had taken their masks off to eat.

Shikamaru was in the town a few miles away.

It was one of their first ANBU missions. Especially as a group. They had all been surprised with the fact, since all three of them were rookie ANBU. But Neji supposed the rest of the ANBU were busy.

"It's freezing." Sakura's voice shook. "How long have we been out here?"

"A few days."

"What's taking Shikamaru so long? Surely the assassination can't be so difficult."

"Shikamaru is lazy. No doubt he's sleeping right now."

"In a bed…" Sakura sighed.

"With hot food."

"And a bath…"

Neji smirked, "Not to mention beautiful women to wait on him hand and foot."

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Oh yes, that must be a letdown for you. Want me to call Shikamaru back so you can go bask in female affection, Neji-san?"

"I don't need it."

"Hm?"

"I'm with you."

Sakura blushed again, but she ignored it as she took a bite of her rations. "If Shikamaru doesn't come back by tomorrow, we're going in."

Suddenly Neji was behind her, grabbing her around the waist and pulling her close to him. She stiffened, letting out a small yelp.

"N-Neji-san! I demand you let go this instant! What on earth are you doing?"

Neji smirked, "If you have not noticed, Haruno-san, we are both freezing. The best way to retain heat is to share body warmth." He breathed in her scent, memorizing the feel of her against him.

"Oh." She sounded embarrassed. She looked back over her shoulder at him, still blushing slightly. "I suppose you're right." There was a long moment of silence as they both sat there.

"Are you going to answer my question yet, Haruno-san?"

"Not in a million years." Sakura answered acerbically. "That's my answer."

Neji chuckled. "I'll take that as a challenge."

"You do that." Sakura's voice was teasing.

"I'm quite the charmer, Haruno-san. I am sure I can get the information out of you sooner or later."

"Good luck. You're going to need it." She commented.

Neji's hold around her waist tightened as he whispered in her ear. "I'm not worried. I seem to be very lucky as of late."

Neji supposed his luck was finally wearing off.

Sakura stared at the people in front of her. The semi-darkness made it hard to make out any of the figures. She recognized the outlines of Zetsu, Kakuzu, and Hidan. There was also someone whose hair glinted blue in the fading candlelight, and another figure standing beside Zetsu.

And then there was the leader.

Sakura supposed it was normal that she could barely see him. Most likely he wanted to continue to shroud himself in mystery, even to his own men. She tried to find something that she could identify him with, but the darkness consumed him completely.

Kisame grunted as he shifted Samehada on his back. It was the only sound in the entire cave, and it echoed off of the high stone ceiling. The sound reverberated so loudly, that Sakura almost had the urge to put her hands to her ears.

Deidara was silent beside her. The only thing she saw of him in the darkness was one bright blue eye.

Sasori was a calm, steady reminder that she wasn't alone. Kisame seemed actually nervous, no matter how hard he tried to hide it. Deidara wasn't even trying to hide his nervousness.

Sakura fleetingly wished that Itachi were there.

"Sakura Haruno." The one who greeted her was the Leader. She tried to pick out something significant about his voice, but even it was impossible to really memorize. It was a complex mixture of many voices, yet it was completely clear. She wondered if he did that to keep people like herself from recognizing him later in the world.

Sakura didn't really know how to greet him back, so she merely bowed deeply. She supposed that was all she could really do at the moment.

The blue-haired Akatsuki snorted. Sakura ignored it. Zetsu finally spoke, as if he were the mouthpiece of the Leader.

"Leader-sama has asked that Sakura Haruno be brought to this meeting for one reason and one reason only." This was his calm, cool voice.

Sakura breathed in deeply as she looked Zetsu square in the eye.

"She would not join the Akatsuki when welcomed to do so earlier this year." He began, in his icy cold voice that always seemed angry.

Sakura flinched. So, this was it. They were going to kill her for not taking up their offer. She felt Deidara stiffen beside her, and she wondered if he was going to jump to her rescue. She heard a soft rumble and realized that it was Kisame growling, trying to control himself.

Sasori remained completely calm and aloof to the tension in the air.

Well, at least she had two people she could count on. Three, if Sasori was merely acting calm and indifferent as an act.

"However," Zetsu began, going back to the calm voice. "After recent events, including the death of Orochimaru and the betrayal of Tomokazu, the Akatsuki have decided to introduce two new members. One, Tobi, was decided upon earlier this month. He has taken Tomokazu's old place."

Sakura looked up at the member beside of Zetsu. All she could see was one eye, and what looked like a mask with two different colors swirled together.

That was one member. Did that mean…?

"Sakura Haruno has been promoted for Orochimaru's old position."

Sakura blinked. They still wanted her as Akatsuki?

Sakura…don't you dare do this! Her mind screamed. If you do, you will never be allowed inside of Konoha. You will be a traitor to them forever. There will be no forgiveness.

Sakura breathed in a steady breath.

"If she does not consent, she will be killed, of course."

Sakura had known that was coming.

The Akatsuki kill innocents, Sakura! Don't turn into a merciless killer!
…so have I…

Don't give in! What will Itachi say? He said you aren't strong enough to become Akatsuki!

But his opinion doesn't matter at the moment, does it? Don't I want to show him that I'm strong? I'm sick and tired of him thinking that I am weak.

Sakura…any hope that you clung to of ever getting Sasuke back will disappear the moment you become Akatsuki.

…I know…

"Do you accept this position, Sakura Haruno?" Cold, angry Zetsu this time. He was getting impatient. The others shifted. Deidara was clenching his hands. Kisame's hand was on the hilt of Samehada. Sasori looked slightly concerned.

I've always said it…I've told myself this over and over again…

…if I could turn back time…

…I wouldn't…

"I accept."

Sakura headed back silently with Kisame, Sasori, and Deidara. None of the spoke. Sakura wondered if perhaps they were angry with her for her choice. Did they want her to decline so that they could have defended her against the others?

Sakura felt slightly uncomfortable. Her first mission as Akatsuki had been made clear, even if it was unspoken:

Get her ring from Orochimaru's corpse.

That, of course, consisted of getting it from Tomokazu. She and Tobi were both in for one hell of a fight, if it came to that. After all, he had to get Tomokazu's ring.

Sakura swallowed. No one spoke. They'd been traveling like this for at least twenty or so minutes.

Finally Kisame stopped, jumping onto the ground. Sakura, Deidara, and Sasori landed as well.

Sakura breathed in deeply, getting ready for one of the outbursts she was used to from Kisame.

Instead, she felt herself enveloped in a large hug. Sakura blinked, eyes wide. Kisame was hugging her.

"Way to go, kitten. You're Akatsuki now."

Sakura continued to stand there, completely baffled and confused. Kisame was hugging her and complimenting her? What kind of a strange, alternate universe had she gotten herself thrown into?

Kisame ruined the tender moment by pinching her ass.

Sakura slapped him across the face, frowning. "Cut it out, Kisame." She gave a small huff as she placed her hands on her hips. She supposed the look wasn't as intimidating as it should have been, since she was wearing her Akatsuki cloak that hid most of the action inside of its dark folds.

"Did you just grope my kitten, yeah?" Deidara accused. "You're a dead man, Kisame!"

Sasori gave a small sigh as Deidara and Kisame began arguing about who's right it was to call Sakura 'kitten' and whose right it was to pinch her butt.

"Congratulations, Haruno-san. I knew you would make the right decision."

"Why didn't you tell Itachi?"

Sasori sighed. "We both know what he would have said."

Sakura nodded numbly. "That I'm too weak to be Akatsuki."

"Itachi's opinion isn't the one that truly matters, at the moment. After hearing accounts from myself, Deidara, Kisame, Kakuzu, Hidan, and even Zetsu, Leader was the one who said he wanted to offer you the job a second time." Sasori saw her shocked expression. "Perhaps he sees in you something that Itachi does not."

"Now that I am in Akatsuki…will I have to try and get a demon? Like Naruto's Kyuubi?" I'll never hunt down anyone like that, just to get a demon. Especially not Naruto.

Sasori shrugged. "Leader will decide that."

Sakura nodded. "Hai." She turned to listen to the heated conversation that Kisame and Deidara were still having.

"I made the name up, so I get to call her kitten anytime I want to. And I've trained her before, so I get to pinch her ass anytime I want to."

"That doesn't make any sense, yeah!" Deidara countered. "That means that since I've trained her, I get to um…touch her too."

"It's a bonding experience, Deidara."

"Bonding!?" Deidara sputtered. "You touched Sakura-chan's butt!"

Sakura couldn't help but get in on the conversation, giving a teasing smile as she slung an arm around Deidara's shoulders, and then one around Kisame's as she answered back.

"Well, you have him beat, Deidara. You got to see a lot more of me than he did."

Deidara blushed a deep red.

Kisame grunted. "Well, I saw you naked in the bath, so that doesn't count."

"You're just jealous." Sakura snickered. "But I'm flattered that both of you want to fight about who gets to pinch my ass. So, here's your answer:

"BOTH OF YOU CAN JUST KEEP THE HELL AWAY FROM MY BUTT!"

Sasori gave a small smile as he shook his head. Sakura looked back at him from where Deidara and Kisame were still arguing now about who had the right to call her kitten, since the butt topic was now taboo. She grinned, winking as she pulled her Akatsuki hat further down, hiding her eyes from view as they all once again headed back to Cloud.

Home.

Sakura gratefully fell into bed. She was tired, and her nerves were shot. So much nervous tension had almost caused her to snap. She needed to sleep. Sasori was still awake in the main temple room, working on something. Kisame was getting drunk in the kitchen, and Deidara was most likely asleep in his room.

After a few congratulatory drinks that Kisame had insisted on, Sakura, Deidara, and Kisame were all feeling a small buzz. That was another thing that Sakura needed to sleep off.

She swore she would never wake up to a hangover like Kisame, but she was too tired to soothe it at the moment. She supposed she deserved it. Challenging Kisame to another drinking contest wasn't a good idea. She should have realized that just because she was in Akatsuki now didn't mean she was going to win.

Luckily, she'd stopped herself before she became drunk. She remembered what happened last time. She would never lose control of herself like that again. Sakura closed her eyes with a small sigh, snuggling into the blankets.

Sleep…that's all she needed. Then in the morning she would begin her training with Deidara, followed by a late breakfast, before finishing clay training before lunch. Afterwards, would be sword training with Kisame. Then dinner and a shower, before puppet practice with Sasori.

Then…well, she'd work on her jutsu.

The Sharingan was only the beginning after all. A little experimenting wouldn't hurt.

She was almost asleep when her door opened. It was as loud as a slam, as the door clicked behind the intruder with a loud snap. Sakura's eyebrows furrowed as she sat up, before recognizing the person.

"Itachi?" She resisted the urge to yawn. "What is it?"

His eyes were a brighter red than she had seen in a long time.

For a second she wondered what seemed so different about him. Then she recognized it. He was actually glaring at her.

"What did you do?"

It was a simple question. But Sakura flinched at the pronunciation of every word. She sat up straighter, readying herself for a fight. "Oi, Itachi, calm down."

"You joined."

Sakura frowned. "Hai."

"May I ask why?" He was trying to keep his emotions in check, she could tell.

That made her even angrier. She stood, glaring straight back at him. It was probably the drinks that were making her so bold. "I don't have to explain every single one of my decisions to you, Itachi. What are you, my owner now? Can I not do anything without your consent?"

She felt herself pushed up against the wall, his bright red eyes boring into her. His voice was silky smooth, with an iciness to it that told her he was holding back his anger. That surprised her most of all. Itachi never had to hold himself back.

"I do own you. You belong to me. Not to Konoha. Not to the Akatsuki and Leader. Not to your precious Sasuke-kun. To me, Sakura."

Sakura blinked, feeling his hot breath against her neck. If she didn't know better, she'd guess he'd been drinking. But Itachi Uchiha never indulged in such things. What could have made him worry so much that he'd actually get semi-drunk?

Nothing Sakura could think of.

His lips trailed up her neck. Sakura tried to ignore her body's reaction. She didn't need this right now! She needed answers.

"I-Itachi, you're drunk." Sakura accused breathlessly.

There was a dark chuckle from Itachi, which made her heart skip a beat. She didn't know if it frightened her…or aroused her.

His hand rode up her thigh.

"Itachi. Stop it." She tried to keep her voice steady as she pressed against his chest. "You're drunk. I won't let—" She was stopped as his mouth claimed her's roughly.

What are you doing? Her mind screamed at him. Or was it screaming at herself? Because at that moment she decided that she wouldn't mind kissing him back.

Her back was pressed harder against the wall as Sakura wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down closer. His lips sought her's hungrily.

Sakura didn't believe it was possible, but Itachi Uchiha seemed to be losing control.

And Sakura was enjoying every minute of it.

She threw her head back as he showered her neck with kisses. She felt as if the temperature in the room had shot up at least ten degrees. His hand was trailing up her sleeping yukata.

His cold fingers felt nice against her hot skin.

He nipped her ear. "Do you see, Sakura? You're mine."

Something in Sakura's mind clicked, and she felt herself stiffening against him. "Itachi, get off." It was a cool, calm order. "Now."

But no one ordered Itachi Uchiha to do anything.

"I'm no one's plaything, Itachi. I am not some item you can own."

"I'm not your whore. And I won't be treated or dressed like one." Her words from so long ago echoed around the two of them. Unsaid yet understood.

Itachi looked down at her, his hand still underneath her yukata. It drifted across her stomach. "Oh?"

It gave Sakura goose bumps, but she ignored them. "Until you realize that you can't own me, then you will leave this room."

Itachi gave another dark chuckle, eyes glinting in challenge. "You seem to forget that I can make you do anything, Sakura. I am stronger than you."

Sakura looked up at him, jade eyes hard.

"If you rape me, Itachi Uchiha, then I will never forgive you."

Itachi blinked, realization dawning at her words. Suddenly, his drunkenness seemed to fade for a moment. What the hell was he doing? He was acting selfish. Childish. Like his idiotic little brother. Making idle threats that he would never go through with.

He continued to stare down into her eyes as he thought. Why had he gotten drunk in the first place?

Because you returned from your mission and Sakura was gone. And the note Sasori left you said that they were heading to the Akatsuki headquarters.

Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly. He had not known why Leader would want to speak with Sakura. Then he had thought perhaps it was the scroll. Surely Leader would want to be in control of such a jutsu. But the thought had faded.

Then it occurred to him that perhaps the offer to become a member of Akatsuki was still open. Itachi knew Sakura would never join. She wasn't strong enough. She thought too much of her friends. She would never join.

And he knew what Leader did to those who declined the offer.

That was when Itachi had walked into the bar and drank quite a few more drinks than he should have.

Itachi pushed himself off of the wall, turning his back on Sakura as he began walking towards the door.

She could have died.

And that had frightened him beyond reasoning. He hated himself for it. He had spent hours berating and cursing himself for his weakness.

Itachi walked outside of her room without a look back, closing the door behind him as he began walking to his room. It hit him then.

Sakura was back. That meant she had become Akatsuki. She had given up her inane objection to killing the demon containers.

Perhaps she was stronger than he had thought.

She was becoming stronger…

…and she was making him weak.

Sasuke was slowly tucking his kunai back into his pouch. He counted them, checking their sharpness. Three days. That's how far away he was from Cloud.

"Sakura Haruno and your brother are at a temple in Cloud."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed as his hand tightened on one kunai. The action broke the skin, as he pressed too hard upon the blade. He released it immediately, cursing himself underneath his breath. He stood shakily. He'd been sitting for hours and his legs had fallen asleep.

He was sitting inside of a small hotel room that he had gotten for the night. Tomorrow, he would head back out to Cloud. To fulfill his mission…He'd been working for years, training incessantly, to kill Itachi. Nothing would stop him from doing so. Not even Sakura Haruno.

"When you arrive at the Temple, you may kill Itachi and Sakura Haruno if you wish. But in turn, you must acquire an item for me."

He rubbed his arms. The cold was getting to him. He was getting further up into the mountains, and in Stone, the weather was becoming increasingly colder. He hated the cold. It reminded him of his, Naruto, and Sakura's mission to Snow. Nothing good had come out of that. It had only shown Sasuke how weak he was then.

…How much he had needed to leave and go with Orochimaru if he were to succeed in his mission to kill Itachi.

"A…scroll…"

Sasuke snorted. What could Tomokazu need with a scroll, anyway? It couldn't be that important. Sasuke was, however, wondering just what Tomokazu's motive was. True, he probably disliked Itachi, but wouldn't he get in trouble with Leader? Or was that why he had told Sasuke to do it, so that he wouldn't get in trouble?

Sasuke didn't mind being used just this once, as long as he was able to kill Itachi.

Nothing and no one would keep him from fulfilling his promise to his parents.

"Sasuke-kun! Sasuke-kun!"

Sasuke gave a small, irritated sigh. He seemed to do that a lot when it involved the pink-haired kunoichi running up to him. She was smiling excitedly, although she seemed to notice Sasuke's annoyed gaze. Her smile faded slightly.

"What is it, Sakura?"

Sakura gave a small giggle. "Well…I wanted to know if you wanted to come to the New Years celebration with me. You see, I was going to go in a group with Ino and the others, but—"

"No."

He saw Sakura's smile fade completely, replaced by a hurt, confused frown. "Oh." She looked down at her feet, and Sasuke saw a few tears fall.

Why was Sakura being so annoying? Sasuke didn't want to go to a New Years celebration. He needed to train. Besides…he never went out on New Years. After…after that night, he decided that such celebrations were stupid and a waste of time.

"Don't you have anyone else to bother, Sakura? I said no." He didn't want to be mean, but his mind began replaying scenes from the night before, and he wanted to be alone as soon as possible.

"R-right." He heard Sakura whisper. She turned around, back stiff. "Well, uh, Happy New Years Sasuke." Then she walked off hurriedly. He saw her turn the corner, before he heard her break into a run.

Sasuke grunted, retying his sandal as he realized that it was slightly loose.

Sasuke walked out into the heavily lit street, littered with paper lanterns. He didn't know why he had decided to come. Maybe it was being stuck inside of his room for so long, listening to the laughter and music that drifted through the streets.

Or maybe it was because he remembered the stifled sob he'd heard as Sakura walked away.

Sasuke scanned the crowd. He saw Shikamaru and Choji standing in front of a food stall, as Choji bought out half of it. Shikamaru was shaking his head and sighing.

Hinata was walking with Neji, talking with him animatedly about something, her smile alight with happiness. Sasuke supposed it was because Neji was finally being kind to her again after so many years of anger and misplaced hatred.

Kiba and Shino were walking down the street, Akamaru yapping at their heels.

The Jônin senseis were at the moment walking into a bar with Tsunade and Jiraiya, who seemed to be drunk already.

Ino was walking with someone Sasuke didn't recognize. It seemed to be her date. She shot a glance at Sasuke, then stuck up her nose and hooked her arm in the boy's, steering him towards Sasuke and walking right passed him.

Sasuke shook his head with a frown. She was trying to make him jealous and it wasn't working.

Lee was cheering on Tenten as she began a dart-throwing contest. Of course, she seemed to be winning.

"Sakura-chan, come on! We're going to be late!"

Sasuke turned to see Sakura in a pretty mint green kimono, walking with Naruto. She seemed to be enjoying herself as she laughed, letting him drag her across the street towards a 'haunted house'.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed and his hands clenched slightly. What was Sakura doing? She shouldn't be hanging around with Naruto. She should have gone with—Sasuke stopped himself with a frown. With who, him

Suddenly Naruto spotted Hinata, who was blushing madly and waving at him. Neji had left the group to talk with Lee and Tenten. Naruto bent down and whispered something to Sakura, who nodded and shooed him off. Naruto was grinning as he walked towards Hinata, and then headed inside the haunted house with her, Kiba, and Shino.

Sakura stood there for a moment, as if she didn't know what to do. Then she gave a small sigh and began walking down the street, heading toward her home.

Sasuke watched her go, feeling a little guilty. Sakura probably wouldn't have come to the festival at all, except that Naruto had probably asked her if she wanted to come. Sasuke knew that Naruto was one of her best friends. She wouldn't have refused.

It irked Sasuke. After all, Naruto had just abandoned her!

Like you did.

Sasuke snorted, before stuffing his hands into his pockets as he began walking away, back to his own house.

Che. See, these festivals are just stupid.

His only comfort was that he wasn't the only person spending New Years alone at home, counting down the hours by himself.

It wasn't much of a comfort.

(A/N: Did you like it? Itachi drunk? Oh. My. God. Heh. Go Sakura! Don't give into the drink! I think she's learned her lesson about alcoholic beverages…

Sorry if this chapter took so long to get to all of you. I know I promised it by the end of the weekend, but I've been so busy it isn't even funny. School's been hectic. I don't know when the next chapter will be coming in. –sigh-

I'm turning into one of those authors that never updates. I'm so sorry. I always promised myself I would never become like that. Sorry.

I hope you all liked it. Once again, thanks for all your reviews.

Stupid Sasuke.

(Sorry, had to do it) anyway, next chapter…hm…well, I think Sakura and Itachi just need to have a nice, long talk. Things were going so well and yet one of them always seems to ruin it. Geeze.

I think I'm going to do the next chapter a little differently, just because I want some fun. But it will probably be a one time thing. Just want to experiment.

Well, hopefully the others will somehow catch up with Sakura and the Akatsuki? It would probably be best if they did before Sasuke did, but that wouldn't be as exciting. And since it's my story, I actually get to decide these things. Yay! (I can feel the power…)

So, um, sayonara until the next chapter!

Sincerely, Lady Hanaka

Question: Do you need a silencer if you are going to shoot a mime?

Heh, I just had to put a mime thing in here somewhere)