AT THE AKATSUKI LAIR:
All the members of Akatsuki were gathered together in a large dark room. We all sat around the large table. This was a vital meeting. At the head sat Pein, the leader of Akatsuki. I was on his right and on his left was Konan. Then there was Tobi, Zetsu, Hidan, Kakuzu, Sasori, Kisame, and Deidara all spread out. Everything was silent.
"I called you all here to discuss the treaty." Pein started. "As you know we are making a peace treaty with Konoha. And as you also know everyone is very unsure about the treaty because nothing so far binds us to it. We came up with a way to bind the treaty."
Everyone sat waiting.
"There is going to be a marriage between two of the most important people."
Almost everyone gaped at him and there was dead silence.
"So who is getting married?" Kisame finally choked out.
"Well I'm the most important person here but I'm already married to Konan. So the second most important person will be married. That would be Itachi."
Everyone looked at me for my reaction. My eye widened and I sat completely still.
"Who is he marrying?" Sasori asked
"Well the Hokage is the most important member but she can't marry Itachi for a number of reasons, so they picked her apprentice, Haruno Sakura."
Everyone saw me tense even more.
"There a problem Itachi?" Pein asked.
"Number one, I don't want to marry, and second Haruno Sakura had a relationship with my brother." I said.
"I know. But no one else was available or important enough, or would even agree to stay near you." Pein sighed.
"You mean she agreed to marry Itachi?" Kisame asked.
"Well, her Hokage… 'persuaded' her to do it." Pein said with a small grin.
"So they get married, then what?" Kakuzu asked.
"Well they'll stay here, but they will visit Konoha often. We need this treaty so you aren't going to do anything to ruin it." He said commandingly.
"So I'm forced into marriage." I said calmly.
Everyone, except Konan and Pein, flinched. My eyes showed anger.
"Yes you are forced into marriage. And you will not kill your bride. If she dies it will start a war with Konoha." Pein said.
"Is she weak?" Hidan asked.
"No. She has inhuman strength like Tsunade, medic abilities that surpass Tsunade's, the best genjutsu in Konoha, and she is one of the best at taijutsu." Zetsu's white side said.
He was Akatsuki's spy so no one was surprised he knew about certain information. Everyone just sat in silence.
"When is the wedding?" Tobi asked cheerfully.
Everyone looked at him like he was an idiot, which he certainly acted like.
"Two days. And it's not really a wedding. You say the vows and sign some papers." Pein said. "We will meet Itachi's wife near Konoha."
Everyone was silent. I had an angry aurora around me but smartly nobody said anything. Pein sighed and dismissed everyone. They all quickly got scarce. I was annoyed. 'A wife will not be too bad. You don't have to talk to her, watch her, or love her. You may be required to share a room with her but you can easily avoid the room. As long as she isn't snobby, stuck up, arrogant or pampered it will be fine.' The reasonable part of my mind said. I thought taking deep breathes. 'If she is any of that I can ignore her or put her in her place.'
"And Itachi, you will not torture her with your Mangekyou. The bond between Konoha and us is still fragile. If you hurt the girl, Konoha will not be hesitant to break the treaty." Pein said as I walked for the door.
--
Pein could swear he heard a small sigh come from the mass murderer before he left the room.
TWO DAYS LATER
Pein, Kisame, Konan, Sasori, and I were all waiting in a small clearing. The others were waiting back at the base. The Konoha ninja and the bride would be here in five minutes if they were on time. The five Akatsuki stood waiting. We all wore their cloaks and looked bored. I was still a little annoyed but I had to do this or I would be kicked out of Akatsuki, which don't just kick people out. The kill them and kick their bodies out. I could probably take most people in the organization but I couldn't beat Pein and I was about equal with Konan. So I figured I might as well do this and stay alive and powerful. After exactly five minutes five people dropped into the clearing. It was Tsunade the Hokage, Kakashi the copy ninja, Naruto the nine tailed fox, Sai the artist, and Sakura the bride. They all looked blank. Pein and Tsunade stepped forwards. Tsunade had a stack of papers under her arm.
"So the marriage is a go?" She asked.
Pein nodded. Then Sakura and I stepped up. We looked at one another and sized each other up. Sakura probably saw a tall man who looked to be twenty two or so with long black hair, dark-eyes, wearing a large black and red cloak, and who looked irritated. I saw a beautiful girl who looked to be eighteen with long pink hair, deep emerald green eyes, and a resigned and tired look, but with calculating eyes. She was wearing black shorts with a red zip-up t-shirt.
Everyone watched to see what we would do. We just looked at each other then let small sighs escape. The two leaders also sighed and started to sign papers. Then they got the two of us to sign marriage papers and repeat some vows. Then finally it was sealed; the treaty and our forced marriage. Naruto gave Sakura a hug. Then Sai and Kakashi gave her small ones. Then Tsunade picked her up and hugged her tightly. I heard a couple of pops.
"Tsunade, that hurts." Sakura whispered.
I saw Kisame and Pein try to hide grins. Konan and Sasori were blank and the Konoha ninja looked sad. Finally Tsunade dropped the girl.
"Stay strong." She whispered to Sakura.
I only faintly caught it and suspected no one else had heard. 'It won't mater if she stays strong. There is nothing to be strong for.' I thought, smirking inwardly. The Konoha sighed and with some last forced smiles took off. Sakura sighed as they disappeared and turned back to us. She had a small scowl on.
"Well Itachi's wife lets get going." Pein said with a small grin.
"I have a name." She grumbled.
Kisame grinned and Pein grinned even more.
"Okay then Sakura, let's get going. Stay close to your husband." He said.
I could tell he already liked her. Kisame seemed to like her too. I couldn't tell with the others. Pein and Konan jumped off first, followed by Sasori and Kisame. Sakura and I looked at one another once more before following.
BACK AT THE LAIR
We reached the lair after dinner. We walked in and were greeted by Hidan, Zetsu, Tobi, Deidara, and Kakuzu. Actually we weren't really greeted. They just want to meet 'Itachi's wife'. As soon as we were inside they all started to ask questions like 'how did it go' 'is this Itachi's wife' 'did the treaty work out' 'is the girl nice' and such. Sakura just looked at everyone with a blank face. They mostly ignored her except for when they first saw her. Then there were comments like 'wow, she's hot' 'Itachi you lucky bastard' 'she looks weak' and such. My irritation had vanished just before we had reached the base but now it came back. Finally when the questions were answered everyone wandered off, except Pein. He motioned us to follow him. The base was a large mansion and mostly empty because there weren't many members but it was nice having a practically empty mansion. He stopped in an empty hall and opened the largest door. Sakura and I looked in. There was one large king sized bed, two nightstands, two dressers, a door leading to a bathroom, a desk, a couch, and a couple book shelves. I noticed all my stuff was already inside. I sighed.
"This is your guy's new room." Pein said with a grin. "I took the liberty of putting in one bed. I know you two will have so much fun sharing it."
I saw Sakura pale slightly.
"Now Sakura, you are welcome to go where you want but don't leave the area unless one of our members is with you because it's dangerous, and we can't have you getting killed. You will be Itachi and Kisame's partner. You will go on missions. You may refuse any mission that interferes with any friends or such in other villages. Okay?"
Sakura nodded. Then suddenly Pein pushed the two of us in our room.
"Now get to know each other. We don't want you two hating each other forever now."
Then he slammed the door and walked off. I flicked the light on. I looked to Sakura who was looking around. She glanced at me once then threw her bag on the couch. She stood a little distance away from me and didn't seem to be the one who would speak or move first. I looked at her closely. She was quite lovely. She had silky pink hair down to her lower back, sparkling emerald eyes, and a beautiful figure. I wondered what her personality was like. I just ignored her, though, and walked over to the bookshelf. I pulled a book I was half way through off the shelf and sat on the couch. Sakura looked around. Then she grabbed her bag. She reached into it and pulled a book free. She sat on the couch as far as she could get from me. We sat, reading in silence. After about half an hour a knock rang out. We both looked up, then at one another. We met one another's eyes and Sakura stood, walking to the door. She slowly opened it and was greeted by Tobi.
"Hello Sakura! My name is Tobi! Tobi is a good boy!"
Sakura looked a bit startled at his sudden burst of energy.
"Uh…hello Tobi." She said quietly.
"Leader told Tobi to tell Itachi that he said Itachi should show his new bride around!" Tobi sang.
I sighed. I stood up quickly and glided the door. I walked out. Once I was out a few feet I looked back at Sakura. My eyes told her to follow. She scurried after me as I set a quick pace. I showed her the main living room, the meeting room, the kitchen, and the front door. I didn't say anything but she knew what I was showing her. Finally I walked back to the kitchen. Deidara, Pein, and Sasori were there. Deidara was playing with some clay, Sasori was just sitting there, and Pein was looking at some papers. They looked up as we walked in. I grabbed some food and Sakura just sat down. The others watched her for a moment.
"So how are you to hitting it off?" Pein asked suddenly.
"Just smashingly." Sakura said with sarcasm.
Pein grinned.
"Good to see you have a sense of humour." Pein said.
I rolled my eyes and sat down. After a minute Sakura stood and also grabbed some food. I had finished by then. When Sakura finished I stood and headed back to my room. Pein pushed Sakura after me and she quickly caught up. I noticed she always stayed out of arms reach from me. I smirked slightly. This might be fun. When I walked into our room I waited until Sakura was in before shutting the door. It was about nine o'clock now. I decided to go to sleep since there was nothing better to do. I pulled my cloak off and threw it on the back of the desk chair. Then I pulled my shirt, boots, and socks off, I left my pants on though. I noticed Sakura wasn't looking. She was unpacking with her back to me. I sat on the edge of the bed and waited. When she was finished she turned to me. She wasn't looking directly at me.
"I'll sleep on the couch." She said quietly.
I smirked. She was nervous and skittish right now. I smirked even more when I wondered if Sasuke knew about this. I had seen him around the girl before and knew he had feeling for her but kept them hidden. I wished I could see his face if he saw this and found out about it. If he hadn't joined Sound and Orochimaru he would have had a good chance with Sakura. Sakura started to walk for the couch and I got a plan. I couldn't torture her with my Mangekyou or physically but there were other ways to torture someone. I quietly stood and glided over to her. I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her back into my chest. She squeaked but didn't fight. I was her 'husband', and she had certain duties since she was my 'wife'. Also she couldn't fight or the treaty would end. That would mean she had failed her 'mission' and was dishonoured along with the fact that as soon as the treaty ended she would be surrounded by enemies. I felt her breathing quicken. She was panicking slightly. I smirked even more. She was very nervous around me.
"Not going to sleep in the bed with your 'husband'?" I asked
"Uh…"
She seemed to be trying to find an excuse. She started to shiver a bit. I grinned. It was fun to make people nervous. If they were nervous they were weaker. And it was just fun to see how nervous you could make people with the smallest things. I let her go and went back to the bed. I looked back at her. She was still standing there. Her breathing had gone back to normal and she looked more relaxed.
"Coming to bed?" I asked.
She ever so slowly walked over. I flopped down on the one side and slid the covers on. I felt the bed sink a bit as she climbed on. She slipped under the covers. I glanced at her. She was on the far side and right on the edge, not even facing me. I smirked and flicked the switch above my bed, turning the lights off.
--
When I woke in the morning Sakura was gone. I wasn't worried though. I hoped that maybe she had changed her mind and got the divorce papers. I sighed. That was one fantasy that most likely wouldn't happen. I stood up. Then I heard running water. I looked over to the bathroom door shut. 'Having a shower.' I summarized. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stayed sitting in bed. I needed a shower too. After a minute the water turned off. Five minutes later Sakura walked out. Her long hair was damp and pulled in a tight bun. Her long bangs were plastered to her face. She looked refreshed and a little more relaxed. She was wearing an out fit similar to her yesterday one. I smirked at her. She cast her eyes down to the floor and avoided me as I walked into the bathroom.
When I had finished my shower I found Sakura still in the room. She was reading on the couch. I walked over and sat right beside her. I looped and arm around her shoulder and looked down at her. She had tensed as soon as I had sat.
"Do you not like me Sakura? You seemed very hesitant to sleep with me last night." I said with a smirk.
"I…well…I just…ah…" She seemed to be racking her brain for an answer.
"So you don't like me?" I asked.
"Not really." She said bluntly.
I chuckled slightly at her response. She seemed to have over come some of her nervousness.
"Well I think you are lovely." I purred.
She froze and her nervousness returned. She started to fidget. What I had said was true.
"Uh… thanks." She said sounding unsure.
I smirked again and put my face close to her neck. She froze as I let my breath roll of her skin.
"We should get to know each other better. I want to know everything about you...Everything." I said dragging the word out.
I placed a kiss on her neck. She tensed even more. When I stood up she let out a long, silent breath. I smirked even more. She had been holding her breath the whole time. I walked out of the room towards the kitchen where I grabbed some breakfast. After a few minutes Sakura also walked in. She grabbed some food and sat as far from me as she could. When that was finished I headed out to train. I noticed the others were already out training. Sakura followed but stayed near the others not near me. Some of the others glanced at us looking at the distance between us.
"So not getting along with Itachi?" Kisame asked grinning.
Sakura didn't answer. She just sighed slightly. Then Kisame grinned even more.
"Train with me." He said.
Sakura tilted her head looking at him a moment. Then she nodded. I saw the others start to watch. Pein grinned at Kisame.
"Be careful. She might surprise you." He said.
"How do you know, yeah?" Deidara asked.
"Tsunade told me about her. She's stronger then she looks, she's bursting with energy, she's talkative, and she's kind. She doesn't seem that energetic or talkative though." He said.
Kisame grunted. Sakura looked perfectly calm as she stepped forwards. Both Kisame and she took fighting positions and waited.
"Begin." Pein said.
Kisame moved first, lunging at the girl. She waited till he was almost on top of him, then shot forwards to meet him. His eyes widened as she poked him in each arm and once on each thigh. He flew back and she shot forwards again. She poked him ten more times all over. Then she jumped back and smiled. Kisame who had been knocked back onto his back slowly stood up. He was frowning.
"What did you do?" He asked.
"Chakara points." Was all Sakura said.
"I thought only the Hyuga clan could see them." Sasori said.
"True, they just taught me a couple of the main points. Kisame's chakara will still flow and be of use, but it will be harder to grasp." Sakura said.
That was the most I had heard her speak so far. Kisame scowled and shot forwards again, spinning into a kick. Sakura disappeared in a flash. My eyes widened slightly. Her speed matched mine at least. She appeared behind Kisame. Then Sakura spun nailing Kisame in the back with her foot. He flew forwards. Deidara scrambled to get out of the way as he almost hit him. Kisame hit a tree hard but was back up in an instant. He pulled his sword free. He was serious now. He lunged forwards swiping with his blade. Sakura jumped up. Kisame jumped back as she came down in a kick. We all gaped as the ground her foot had hit cracked open creating a fissure. Kisame wasn't distracted for long though. He swept his blade again. He missed as Sakura avoided the blade and shot forwards. Kisame had time to stare at her for a second before her fist connected with his gut. He flew back, unconscious. We all stayed back. Kisame didn't stand up. Sakura glided over to him and put a hand on his chest. Her hand started to glow green with her chakara. Suddenly Kisame blinked and sat up. 'Seems she is a medic.' I thought. Kisame growled and pulled himself up grabbing his sword.
"Me next, yeah." Deidara said stepping forwards.
Kisame walked over to us. Sakura looked at the young blonde bomb master once. Then she nodded. They both got ready. Deidara looked excited while Sakura looked blank. When Pein said begin Deidara started by throwing a bomb. It headed straight for Sakura. Sakura pulled a kuni free from her pouch and threw it at the small incoming bird/bomb. It hit it dead center and the bomb exploded. Sakura pulled out six shuriken and launched them. Deidara dodged pulling out more clay. He seemed more focused now. He ran closer and threw the bombs at a closer range. Sakura cut two in half with a kuni but a third hit her. She had time to gasp before it exploded on her leg. Deidara grinned. Suddenly Sakura turned into a shadow clone. I scowled slightly. I hadn't even seen her make it. Suddenly Sakura was behind Deidara. I heard her whisperer.
"Close. Next time try to make the bombs more discreet. If I can see them I can dodge or defend."
He spun quickly lashing out with his foot. But Sakura was gone by the time he had spun fully around. He looked around. I smirked as I saw her in the air. Deidara noticed her just before she hit him. He dived out of the way. This time Sakura twisted and landed with out kicking the ground. She looked at Deidara as if planning. Deidara already had more clay out. Sakura started to throw kuni at Deidara. She effectively hit every bomb he launched at her. She also threw some directly at him. He dodged knife after knife. I had started to smirk. I realized what she was doing and had done.
Suddenly Deidara stopped as if frozen. I had wondered when Sakura had missed him with all her knives. I knew she had good aim. If she could hit a tiny bomb then she should easily have been able to hit Deidara. But instead she had missed every single time. Now I saw what she had done. Kuni were embedded in the trees behind and beside Deidara. Connected to each kuni was a chakara string. Deidara was trapped in a net of chakara strings. And each string was attached to Sakura's fingers. The others saw now and smiled. She moved a finger and Deidara's arm was pulled down by a string that had wrapped around his arm. He scowled.
Sasori seemed entertained now. Sakura did some more movements and Deidara seemed to dance. Tobi and Kisame were laughing now, while the others grinned. Sakura flicked her fingers up and down and Deidara twisted and continued his dance. Finally she flicked a couple more times and he did a bow. Everyone was grinning largely now. Even I wore a small grin. Deidara looked very annoyed. Sakura cut the strings and Deidara lunged. She crouched and sprang up, kicking Deidara in the gut. The wind was knocked out of him and he flew ten feet back, where he landed on his back unconscious. Sakura gathered all her knives. Then she walked over to Deidara and healed him. He seemed annoyed. Sasori looked at Sakura closely.
"You know the art of puppetry?" he asked.
"Yes. Kankuro of the sand taught me."
He nodded. Then Deidara walked back to us.