Writers Note: Here's the 4th chapter. I have to say, I'm getting excited with the story. It's been really fun. R&R please!

'...'= thoughts

( )= Make things clearer; descriptions, etc.

Chapter 4

As they left the small town, Ryu lifted Sakura onto his back and they went back to their search. Sakura was nervous, but shrugged it off desperately. She didn't want to show any signs of weakness meeting the Akatsuki. She was wondering how they accept new members. 'They probably have to show they're worthy and strong enough to be able to be in their organization,' Sakura thought, 'And that seems to be more likely.'

Ryu felt her uneasiness and decided to discuss this before they meet. Sakura was wondering why he stopped, "What's wrong?"

Ryu turned his head to look at her, "Let's discuss before we meet them."

Sakura nodded and jumped off, "I know they're going to accept you in an instant. You're from a believed extinct clan, and you have that ability," she pointed at him referring to his transformation and abilities, "But I think I'm going to have to fight them."

Ryu's eyes widened, "What? Why?"

Sakura gave him a strong look, "I probably have to fight my way in."

Ryu shook his head, "If you don't make it, I won't join. I'm saying that now."

"That's a pity."

Ryu leaped to Sakura's side, staying on guard. Sakura put her back against Ryu, looking around for the unfamiliar voice.

Another voice began to laugh, "Aw, look, you scared them."

The voices seemed like they came from all over. Sakura closed her eyes to fully focus on the voices and figure out where they were.

Suddenly, the voice was closer, "I hear there were two kids who wanted to join our organization. I never thought it was you two." Sakura opened her eyes, and saw a man that held a big sword and resembled a shark. Ryu changed back into his human form faster than Sakura thought was possible, and found him in front of her. Sakura was a little irritated, seeing as there's always somebody's back to stare at.

The man laughed, "Hey, I'm not going to hurt you. We're here for you two. Right, Itachi?"

Sakura's face went pale, "Itachi?"

She turned around and saw that he was behind her. She stared at him, noticing the similarities between him and Sasuke. Sakura's eyes slowly began to soften when she looked at him, which caught Itachi off guard, "What do you mean you're here for us?" Sakura replied.

Ryu was undoubtedly serious. His expression did not change at all since they showed up. He stood his ground, "You're part of Akatsuki now." Itachi's voice was low and quiet.

Ryu didn't buy it, "Just like that? No tests? I just know there's a catch."

The shark-like man chuckled, "Kid, you wouldn't be standing here now if we weren't here for you." Ryu didn't let his guard down, but made sure enough that they weren't lying. Sakura sighed, "I knew your name already. So, what's yours?" Sakura motioned over to the shark man.

He laughed, "My name's Kisame. What about you two? It's nice to be the first to greet our new members."

Ryu smirked, "Name's Shiroryu. This is Sakura." He pointed over at her. Sakura looked at Kisame, and then back at Itachi. Itachi didn't move his stare away from her since the moment he showed himself. Sakura didn't like being stared at, especially by him of all people. She unintentionally put her arm in Ryu's. Ryu looked at her, and noticed, "But why aren't we being tested?"

"Because," Itachi started, "Our leader wants you both." Sakura looked up at him. She didn't like being accepted so easily, but then again, why does their leader want them? Sakura had to get along with these guys. She has to, or else. Same goes for Ryu which he very well knows.

Sakura got annoyed of Itachi's staring and decided to speak to him, "I know this may be a sensitive subject, but I know your brother, Sasuke. He used to be in my team, but he also left." Ryu turned his head, realizing that this man must be the older brother of that kid in the photo album she found just recently.

Itachi closed his eyes, "He's none of my concern."

Sakura shook her head, "Whatever, but I'll help hide your emotions." Sakura was staring at him now. She can tell by just looking at him that he still had feelings about the past, and it shown. Well, Sakura noticed it, but not everyone else.

Itachi gave her somewhat of a glare, but she didn't take it as a warning and smiled. Kisame was enjoying this, 'Well, looks like I know why our leader wants her, to help Itachi come out of the closet.' He laughed to himself. Ryu looked back at him, "What's funny?" Kisame stopped, "Nothing, kid. C'mon, let's get going. Follow me."

They were on their way again, going from tree to tree. Kisame was in front leading the way with Ryu behind him and Sakura behind Ryu, and Itachi last. Sakura peeked over at Itachi, and saw that he was still looking at her.

She furrowed her brows, 'what's he looking at!' Inner Sakura thought. It took them until noon to finally be at their destination. They were now standing in front of a huge entrance to a cave, it seemed. Kisame began walking his way in, "C'mon. The others are waiting." They went in, walking slowly. It became darker every time they went deeper. Sakura held onto Ryu's arm to make sure she wouldn't get lost. After a few minutes, they saw a light ahead. Kisame was already swallowed by the light, and Ryu, Sakura and Itachi followed.

Sakura blinked, waiting for her eyes to get adjusted to the lighting. When she could see, they were in a hallway. Kisame was walking past two rooms (one on the left and to the right.), he turned into the third room on the left. When Sakura and Ryu walked in, a group of guys were there.

"Hey, what took you guys so long?" A blonde cried out and walked towards them, "So these are the new Akatsuki members? Finally a chick joins us."

Itachi came up beside Sakura, and Kisame beside Ryu, "This is Shiroryu and Sakura, and as of today they're with us." Kisame put an arm around Ryu with a grin. Sakura already released Ryu's arm before she could be pulled into the half embrace.

The blonde held out his hand to Sakura, "I'm Deidara, are you into Art?" Sakura shook his hand, "Yeah." Deidara's face brightened, "I think we're going to get along just nice." She felt something licking her hand, and was totally disgusted by it and pulled her hand away, only to see a mouth on Deidara's hand, "Eeww!" She wiped the slobber on Deidara's shirt. Deidara laughed.

Eventually everyone was introduced. 'Sasori is the boy with red shaggy hair, Hidan is the man with his hair slicked back and swears a lot, Kakuzu was the one with the money obsession,' Sakura was mesmerizing everyone she met, 'Deidara is the guy who has mouths on his palms, and Zetsu is the weird guy that looks like a freak plant.' She nodded, taking in the introductions. After that, everyone wanted to get acquainted. Ryu stayed with the guys, but Sakura wanted to talk to Kisame and Itachi.

"I want to ask you something," She told them.

Kisame looked over at Itachi, "What is it?"

Sakura looked at them both and said, "I want you to train me to be a lot better than I am now."

Kisame smiled, "I feel honored that you asked us." He was chuckling now. Itachi didn't turn away.

"You sure you want us to train you?" Itachi asked calmly.

Sakura nodded, "I just want to get stronger." Sakura was sort of nervous to what their reply would be. Itachi's eyes hardened, "I don't think me and Kisame should train you alone." Itachi glanced over at Kisame. He got the idea and smirked, "Yeah, I think it'd be better if everyone were to help, seeing as each of us has different abilities. Then you'd really be a toughie."

Sakura blinked, not expecting for them to suggest this, but she nodded, "So, you'll help me?"

Itachi nodded, "And your friend. We don't have a choice, seeing as you both would be useless in the near future if we were not to train you." Sakura shrugged it off, and smiled, "When do we start?"

Sakura was told they'd start tomorrow in the morning. She passed the information on to Ryu, who was chatting with everyone. The room they were in was probably the kitchen because Sakura saw that there were two refrigerators and sinks, and there were counters and cabinets and pantries. The guys were sitting at the dining table (which was huge). Everyone was sitting and talking.

Everyone wasn't wearing their cloaks except Kisame and Itachi. The guys were in their regular clothes, just relaxing.

"You're religion is a waste of time, I see no point." Kakuzu said counting his money. Hidan scowled, "Waste of time! Counting money and collecting bounties is a fucking waste of time." Kakuzu laughed, "But at least you benefit!" Deidara and Ryu and Zetsu were talking about random things while those two argued. And Kisame and Itachi were exchanging small talk while Sakura passed them.

"Hey, where are the rooms?" Sakura said, adjusting her pack. Kisame looked over at the table, "Hey, Sasori, could you show Sakura to her room? I know I have no place to ask you of this, but she's your neighbor." Sasori looked over at them with an apathetic expression, "Sure." Ryu shot a glance at Sakura, trying to assure her she'll be fine.

Sakura sighed, 'When will they accept me and trust my abilities?' Her question was towards everyone that protected her. Whenever it was like this, she'd go through a depressing phase. She shrugged it off this time though. She doesn't want anyone to know how to press her buttons.

Sasori was beside her now, and motioned her to follow. She was trotting behind him. There were only four doorways in the hallway, 'I'll check out the other rooms later,' She thought. They turned to the left, the last doorway, leading to bedrooms. There were about ten or less. The bedrooms were on the right side from when you enter. Sasori stopped on the third door, "This is your room," He opened it, "And the room next to you (the fourth) is Shiroryu's. And mine," He said pointing to the second door, "Is this room. If you ever need me, don't hesitate to speak with me, but make sure you knock." He said all this with the same expression. Sakura was curious about him. His face doesn't show any emotion, but she thought he was real nice. Only because he said to never hesitate if she ever needed to talk to him.

She walked inside, "Could you wait a minute? I'll come back with you." She told him. Sasori nodded, but was slightly regretting it. He didn't want to wait a long time. He heard girls take forever doing such things. Sakura just left her stuff on the bed and came out and joined Sasori. He was surprised it only took her a few seconds. Sasori nodded with a slight smile, and they walked back to the kitchen.