Things are getting so intense I can't handle it : ) I want to know what you guys think about the last part of this chapter in particular : ) Please remember to REVIEW!

"Way to go Naruto." Neji sneezed.

"Yea some shortcut this is, you got us lost. What a drag…" Shikimaru gripped his cloak tighter trying to block out the cold air.

"Well no one said you had to listen to me! Don't blame me because you're all a bunch of followers." Naruto was certain that he had taken a wrong turn hours ago but was too prideful to admit it. Somehow they had ended up in walking through the frigid snow in the Land of Iron.

"Tsunade is going to kill us." Ino moaned.

"Oh all of you just shut up! I'll find us a way out of here and we'll reach the cloud village in no time!" Naruto flashed a cheesy smile.

Ino balled her fist up and whacked Naruto on top his head.

"ARE YOU STUPID OR SOMETHING?! I'M NOT FOLLOWING YOUR DIRECTIONS ANYMORE YOU'RE THE ONE THAT GOT US LOST YOU MORON!"

Naruto screamed, rubbing the sore spot on top of his head.

"Dammit Ino why do you have to be so mean!?"

She crossed her arms and stuck her nose up to him.

"Because you're annoying."

"Why do I agree to go on these missions?" Neji sighed, regretting that he volunteered to accompany Naruto on this mission to the Cloud Village.

"Whoever this Bee guy is, I don't see how he's going to agree to train you without killing you in the process. That is, if we ever make it to the Cloud to even see him. This is all such a drag." Shikimaru hung his head low.

"Would you stop your complaining you stupid—" Naruto sensed a familiar chakra.

"Naruto? What's wrong?" Ino stopped dead in her tracks.

Naruto felt this chakra before, back then before Sasuke left the village. In the forest of death, the final round of the chunin exams, and again when they found him.

"Orochimaru…"

"Wait, what? Naruto are you certain?" Neji pushed his way past Ino, laying a hand on Naruto's shoulder.

"I know that chakra. All the training I had with Grandpa Sage before the battle with Pein allows me to sense people's chakra easily. I know for certain it's him."

"Byakugan." Neji summoned his visual prowess, scanning miles after miles of forest. He came across a whit snake; trailing about a mile behind the snake he caught glimpse of two cloaks decorated with red clouds.

"It cant be…"

"What NeJI?! What do you see?" Ino tapped her foot impatiently.

"Akastkui, two of them. A blonde male and that puppet master from the ambush.

Naruto's heart began to pound in his chest. After all these months they had finally caught a break. There was a glimpse of hope literally running past him and he would waste no time catching up to it.

He took off full speed following the chakra signature.

"Naruto wait!" Shikimaru called after him. "Dammit! He's running head first into a situation again, this is how we got our asses kicked last time."

"That fool, he's letting his emotions rule his judgment, agin." Neji clenched his fists.

"It's too late now he's already taken off after them, we can't let that idiot get himself killed. We have to go help him."

They all nodded in agreement.

"Sakura…we're coming for you." Ino thought to herself as she took off running.

"Naruto stop!" Ino yelled after him.

Ignoring her screaming Naruto continued full speed towards the chakra signatures. Leaping from branch to branch through the forest. He knew he was close because the chakra signatures had intensified.

Ino braced herself against the bitter cold wind and she pushed herself to keep up, she couldn't afford to lose sight of Naruto.

Reaching a clearing in the woods, Naruto halted to a stop dropping down from the tress onto to a river bank.

Ino, Shikamaru and Neji followed closely behind, dropping down the trees beside him.

"Are you trying to get us all killed rushing in here like that?!" Ino shouted at him.

"My, my, she sounds just like the little cherry blossom. Are you two sisters?" Kisame teased.

"Don't you dare speak about Sakura!" Naruto growled.

"Still wasting your time looking for her, yeah? Man, you leaf Shinobi are relentless." Deidera laughed.

"Where is she?! Tell me where she is!" he demanded.

"Stop yelling you're giving me a head ache,?" Deidera frowned.

"The little kunoichi is recovering at home with Itachi. She tried to kill herself, our friend Sasori was gracious enough to save her life."

"Kill herself!?" Ino screamed.

"Why on earth would Sakura try and do something like that? I don't believe you, you liar!" Naruto was visibly trembling.

"Naruto, calm down. He's probably telling the truth. He has no reason to make something like that up." Neji laid a hand upon my shoulder. "Sakura is kind hearted and honorable, she was probably trying to kill herself to prevent them from using her for something."

"Smart little Hyuga child." Kisame said observing Neji's eyes.

"What have you done to her?" Neji questioned.

"We've done nothing but help her. She wasn't trying to kill herself to escape us, she was trying to kill herself to escape Orochimaru. Sakura-chan is one of us now." He smiled.

"Sakura? An akatskui?! There's no way!" Ino put covered her mouth trying to prevent herself from crying. Tears escaped her eyes.

Sakura….what have you done? What are you thinking?

"YOU'RE ALL LIARS!" Naruto roared with anger as a red glow illuminated his body.

Kisame smiled, eager for a fight. "The Nine Tailed Fox. Oh I am going to enjoy this" he reached back removing samehada from the holster.

"Don't." Deidera held an arm out. "We have a more important task we've been assigned to. Getting side tracked isnt an option right now. Thank about what you're doing, yeah?"

"Naruto get ahold of yourself!" Neji warned.

"Shut up! I'll do this on my own if none of you want to help." Lunging forward Naruto was stopped mid stride.

"What the-!?"

Shikamaru stood with he hands pressed together. "I can't let you make a rash decision that may get us all killed. We have information that Sakura is alive and well. Retreat back to the village, immediately."

Naruto's anger grew hotter and the Nine Tails chakra broke through Shikamaru's shadow jutsu.

Before anything serious could happen Neji quickly reached out and hit Naruto in the back of his neck shutting down his chakra network. Collapsing into his arms, Neji slung Naruto over his shoulder, he was surprisingly light.

"He's going to kill you when he wakes up." Ino warned.

Seizing the opportunity, Deidera and Kisame disappeared into the trees quietly.

"We have to hurry back to the village. Lady Tsunade must hear about this information immediately." Neji took off running with Naruto hanging unconsciously on is back.

I had been awake for a while now. Lying on m back, I quietly watched Itachi sleep, he looked so peaceful. So different.

He was on his side, one arm was buried under the pillow as the other draped over my waist. His long black strands of hair hung over his face and his face was relaxed and…..innocent. He looked so young and relaxed while he slept. Well, I suppose he was young he couldn't be a day over 23. His strong, cold personality made him seem so much older than he really was.

Last night, was it real? I closed my eyes remembering his touch.

"Can you forgive me?"

Last night, I had finally caught a glimpse of the Itachi in the family photo. I hadn't made a complete breakthrough but I knew that last night changed everything. Things we're different now.

My heart fluttered at the thought. I felt so happy, so alive, and for once I didn't feel guilty about Sasuke or any of it. My feelings for Itachi were real and I didn't want to lie to myself, or shame myself out of them by holding on to the hope that Sauske might love me back one day.

"I love you."

My cheeks grew hot and flushed red as I remembered the words I had said to him before I fell asleep.

I didn't expect Itachi to return my words, of course. That would be beyond wishful thinking.

Laying my hand upon my chest I let out a sigh of relief. I was really glad I didn't die.

I decided take advantage of the quiet down time, and summoned chakra to my fingertips. The stiches would dissolve on their own eventually but I wanted to seal the wound tighter just to make sure I wasn't risking infection. Finishing my task rather quickly I removed my hand from my chest and rested it upon my thigh.

Glancing back over at Itachi I seen he was wide awake and quietly observing me.

"Goodmorning." I smiled.

"Hn."

Typical response.

Scanning every inch of my body with his eyes made their way from bottom to top, stopping at my chest.

"Is it sill causing you pain?" he asked.

"Nope, I took care of that just now."

"Good. Get dressed." He ordered.

"Why?" I frowned. I'd much rather stay naked in bed with him all day.

"Our leader has requested your presence." He slid out of the bed, slipped his pants on and walked over towards the bathroom.

"What does he want with me?" I forced myself to pretend like I wasn't distracted by his muscular naked body.

Ignoring my question he walked into the bathroom. I heard the shower kick on.

Fine then, if he won't answer my question then I'll just have to convince him to do so.

I strode over towards the bathroom confident. As I approached the shower I took a deep breath and ripped the shower curtain back.

There was no one inside.

"It's rude to enter without knocking." I felt his breath brush past my ear.

I turned around and looked up at his tall stature towering over me, with an eyebrow raised.

Was Itachi flirting with me?

He took a step forward, closing the small gap of space in between us.

"Since when do you care about manners?" I gave a seductive smirk. "Well, if you aren't going to utilize this hot shower then I will." I turned around to step inside.

I tilted my head back under the stream of water and lathered shampoo in my hands, raising both arms behind my head so that they didn't block the view of my breasts. As I scrubbed my scalp clean I purposely poked my chest out.

Itachi was watching my every move, and I knew that he had caught on to the fact that I was teasing him.

I rinsed myself off and cut off the shower. Stepping out I purposely brushed my thigh against his part as I walked past him reaching a hand out to grab a towel.

My hand never made it.

Grabbing me by my hips, Itachi forced me backwards and picked me up setting me on top of the bathroom sink. Stepping in between my legs he wasted no time as he dropped his pants to his ankles and shoved himself inside of me.

I moaned out loud at the sudden sensation of him. We both impatiently dove in for a kiss. Forcing my mouth open our tongues chased each other around as I gripped on to the edge of the sink with both of my hands, holding on for dear life.

I moaned into Itachi's mouth causing his strokes to become longer and harder.

I could tell Itachi liked to be in control, and I didn't mind. It made me feel like I was wanted.

The feeling of Itachi moving around vigorously inside of me was exhilarating.

This was even better than last night!

I freed one hand from the sink and gripped his shoulder digging my nails into his skin.

An animalistic growl escaped his lips. The sound of it alone was enough to make me climax.

The steam filling the room from the shower caused sweat to drip vigorously from both of our bodies.

Itachi let out a groan as he bit down on my neck drawing blood. I felt his warm release inside of me.

I heard the bedroom door open.

"Sakura-Chan you in here, yeah?"

Oh dear God! Before either of us had time to react Deidera poked his head into the bathroom.

"Sakura-Chan the leader has—"His mouth literally dropped open.

Mortified I let go of the sink, dropping down to pick Itachi's pants up from around his ankles and pulled them above his waist. Leaning into his chest, I used Itachi as a shield to cover myself.

Itachi calmly turned his head and looked over his shoulder at Deidera.

"Get out."

I stood there frozen unsure of what to do. Itachi grabbed a towel from the counter and wrapped it around my body.

Deidera quickly dipped his head back out and I heard his hurried footsteps leave the room.

"Does anyone know how to knock before they come in!?" my face was bright red.

Itachi shrugged walking out of the bathroom and continued getting dressed like nothing ever happened.

"Does this not bother you at all?!" I asked.

"Hn."

That was translation for "I don't really care"

Rolling my eyes I grabbed my forehead with my hand.

"This is so embarrassing." I groaned.

"Tapping my foot nervously, I was wondering what was taking so long. I had been sitting out in this hallway for over an hour already."

Much to my delight the double doors finally opened and Itachi motioned for me to come in.

As I walked in I saw the masked man standing at the top of 6 large stairs.

"Sakura Haruno of the Leaf Village." He greeted me.

I gave him a slight nod.

"What do you want?" I blurted out.

He laughed aloud sounding truly amused.

"What a bold personality you have." He admired.

"Have you considered my offer to join the Akatsui?" he asked.

"Offer? It sounded more like a request to me." I rolled my eyes.

"Fair enough. What is your decision then?"

"Will you harm the leaf village?" I asked.

"I have no interest in them."

"But you have interest in Naruto." I corrected him.

"Yes, that is true." At least he was honest.

I thought long and hard about what I was to say next.

"I'll make you a deal." I had just hung my neck out with that statement, waiting to see if he would chop my head off or not.

"I suppose I'll humor you."

Wasn't expecting it to be that easy.

"I'll join the Akatskui, and help you take down Orochimaru and save Sauske's sharigan. If you promise to leave Naruto alone as long as I am a member."

"That is a double edged sword kunoichi."

"I'm not finished." I interrupted him. "To make things fair, I will leave the Akatskui whenever you feel fit for me to do so. However, when you come for Naruto, and I know you eventually will. You have to promise me you will not kill him. I know what you're thinking, that it's impossible, but it's not. The third Kazekage Gaara of the Sand survived it because of a special forbidden jutsu an elder from his village performed. The only other person who had possession or knowledge of that jutsu is Orochimaru. Before we kill him I want you to help me retrieve it so I can learn it. If I cant stop you from extracting the Nine Tails then I will at least make sure Naruto's life is spared. "

He stood silent, contemplating.

"Itachi." He addressed him. "What do you think of this?"

"My opinion does not matter." He responded.

"Oh but it does."

"I think that her proposition is fair."

I smiled on the inside. Thank you Itachi.

The masked man walked down from the top of the stairs and approached me.

"Welcome to the Akatskui, Sakura"

ITACHI

"Welcome to the Aktskui, Sakura."

I was brimming with anger inside.

"Now if you don't mind, I need to have a word with Itachi alone."

"Hai" Sakura nodded and exited the room.

Walking back up the stairs, Madara stopped to sit down as he reached the top step.

"Deidera and Kiame unsuccessfully tracked down Kabuto. Orochimaru is without a doubt anticipating our attack now. We will need the girl to distract him, he still wants her to heal his arms after all. Bringing Sakura will be a great advantage and distraction." He explained.

"Hn"

"I am impressed Itachi. You did everything I asked with ease."

I remained silent.

'Is there something bothering you Itachi?" he asked.

"No." I responded. My voice remained calm.

"Then why do you have your sharigan activated?"

Damn these eyes! And damn the Uchiha clan for being so easily emotionally ruled by love and hatred.

"The sharigan is activated by a rush of intense emotion. You can't fool a sharigaan with another sharigan. Have you fallen for the girl as well?" he asked.

"Of course not." I lied.

"That isn't what I observed during the fight against Kabuto and Aoi. I saw that look on your face, the look of fear." He was calling me out.

I remained silent.

"It's alright Itachi, I don't care about your relationship with the girl. As long as you remain loyal to me. She won't live long enough to make it back from the battle with Orochimaru anyway."

"What do you mean?" I couldn't have heard him correctly, just now.

"She will accompany us on the mission and then I will kill her myself. She has seen entirely too much, I can't let her leave and go back to her village with the knowledge she has about he akatskui."

"You will not harm her or I will kill you." Every nerve in my body was twitching, eager to kill him.

"Are you threatening me Itachi?"

"No, I'm making you a promise."

"If you can convince the girl to permanently stay I won't harm her. However as you heard, our deal consists of her protecting the nine tails child. If you can change her mind bout that then I will let her live. If she refuses, which she will, then she will die. It's quite simple."

I turned to walk out leaving before I did anything irrational.

"Two months and counting, Itachi." He taunted me as I left the room.

Six weeks Later

"Sakura-Chan are you sure you're alright?" Deidera rubbed my back.

"I'm…fine now thanks. I just trained a little too hard today that's all." I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.

"I've never seen you this sick before from training. Maybe you ate something bad, yeah? Come to think of it….Kisame is the one who made those rice balls this morning."

I laughed and I stood up straight. "If Kisame wanted to kill me I doubt he would use food poisoning as his tactic."

"Maybe we should rest, yeah?" he asked.

"No, no, I'm okay now. Let's finish our spar." I got into a defensive stance.

I knew I was pushing myself too far but I had to make myself stronger.

I ran at the speed of lighting as Deidera soared about on his pet bird dropping clay bomb after clay bomb.

Summoning chakra to my hands I picked up a boulder and flung it into the sky aiming right for Deidera.

Another wave of nausea hit and I couldn't hold it back. I bent over and vomited all over the ground.

"Ok seriously that's enough. You need to go rest Sakura-chan." He descended from the sky.

I was too sick to argue with him.

"Yea alright I'm going to go turn in early." I struggled to stand up straight.

"Here, I'll carry you to your room."

"No! Deidera you don't have to—"he picked me up bridal style walking me back into the building before I could finish protesting.

Walking up to my door I reached out and turned the knob pushing the door open. Itachi was inside reading my medical journals.

"Itachi, I thought you were at the Akarskui headquarters?"

He turned around taking in the image of Deidera holding me in his arms and his sharigan activated.

"Relax, she threw up I was just helping her to her room." Deidera scowled as he set me down feet first on the floor.

I started to see dots and swayed uneasily. Deidera reached out to help but Itachi was at my side in and instant standing in between us, steadying me with his hand as he glared Deidera intensely.

"Stop it Itachi" I scolded. "And thank you Deidera."

"Anytime Sakura-Chan." Deidera looked at Itachi and snorted before walking out.

"I just need to lie down for a bit. I must have a flu big or something." I said walking over to the bed.

"Can't you just heal yourself?" he asked.

"It doesn't work like that." I sighed.

"This is the third day in a row, you've been ill."

"I know I'll be better for the mission tomorrow." I reassured him as I slid underneath the covers.

"Hn." He shut off the lights and finished reading by candlelight as I drifted off to sleep.