Some Things That Are Meant To Happen.

Sakura stared blankly ahead as Naruto and she jumped from tree to tree. How were they going to find the Akatsuki? It isn't like we can just walk up to the Akatsuki and say "Hi we are from the Hidden Leaf village and we want to join!" They would probably suspect that we are there to kill them all.Sakura thought. Sakura looked and Naruto and flicked her head towards the small clearing next to the river. Naruto just nodded.

"So what are we going to do from now?" Naruto asked once they had stopped on the ground.

"Well there is a village coming up hopefully we will be able to get supplies and maybe some information on where the Akatsuki have last been seen." Sakura said attending to her bed roll.

"I'll…" Sakura began to say and turned to Naruto. He was already fast asleep not even fully in his blankets. "Take first watch." She finished. Sakura darted up to the tall trees to scan the area.

As she looked around she felt a dark chakra quickly reveal itself and a strong one at that but as quickly as it came it disappeared. Sakura stopped instantly crouching down on the tree branch, she quickly pulled out her Kunai and darted her eyes around in all directions. Then she felt it again but this time right behind her.

Sakura spun her head around and looked over her shoulder; a dark figure was standing on the branch behind her she stood up and turned her body to fully face the figure, she looked into his eyes, she stiffened but kept the eye contact, her fingers tightened around her Kunai. She could see he was studying her carefully.

"You." Sakura gritted out.

SAKURA!

"SHIT!" Sakura gritted out as she reached forward to grab the person before they left, but they were to fast.

SAKURA! Her name was called again. Sakura had one last glance at where the figure had stood and then hopped down landing in front of Naruto.

"Sakura, I thought you been taken or something I woke up and you…wait what's wrong?" Naruto asked suddenly concerned.

"I think I just saw..." Sakura still couldn't believe it "Itachi."

"WHAT!" Naruto screamed. Sakura cringed at Naruto's scream. "When? Where? Are you sure it was him and not Sasuke?" he asked

"Just then and yes I am sure it wasn't Sasuke I couldn't get those two mixed up in a million years." Sakura said.

"Well then did you talk? Ask him if we could join and stuff like that?" Naruto said quickly.

"Not really considering you decided to choose the perfect moment to have a scream!" Sakura said annoyed.

"Oh, sorry." Naruto said looking down.

"Eh, don't worry I am sure we will see him again." Sakura said. "Let's get back to camp you go back to sleep I will finish my watch."

"Are you sure?" Naruto asked

"Yeah, I'm not tired anyway."

"Alright then." Naruto said and turned to head back to camp. Sakura had one last look around and once again caught his red eyes, but chose to ignore his presence.

Itachi walked casually through the forest, Kisame behind him swinging his sword around.

"Will you be a little careful, you'll take someone's head off the way you are going." Itachi said irritated.

"Sorry, I am just so bored, when will we be at the next village?" Kisame asked uninterestedly.

"Soon, maybe a day." Itachi answered. "But for now let's just camp here tonight."

"Sounds good to me, mind if I have a nap? I will take second watch?" Kisame asked setting himself down next to a log.

"Whatever, I am going to have a look around." Itachi said.

Itachi lazily jumped from tree to tree. Then in the corner of his eye he saw a flash of pink. He fully turned his head.

Her? What is she doing out here?He thought. He made his way over behind her. Gliding slowly he got closer, she suddenly stopped and crouched. Itachi decided to stop hiding and placed himself on the branch behind her activating his Sharingan he didn't want to underestimate her. He had heard many things from villagers about the Hokages apprentice. He stood so he was in the shadows, her emerald eyes stared into his red, he watched as she slowly turned her body to face him fully. She had changed since the last time he had seen her she had grown out her hair very long which now hung loosely in two pony tails, she had also matured in many ways, but the one thing that hadn't changed was her emerald eyes they were still the same as he had seen them 2 years ago stubborn, determined and not scared at all. He stared at her for a moment taking in everything he was seeing at the moment. He heard he grit out a "You" soon after her name was called. She reached for him but he moved away from her and disappeared into the shadows fully. He moved around to the ground and placed himself behind them covered by the trees. Itachi listened to them as they spoke. Then he heard something he didn't expect to hear.

"Well then did you talk? Ask him if we could join and stuff like that?" Naruto said.

"They want to join the Akatsuki?"Itachi wondered.

They finally stopped talking and went back to their camp but not before he saw Sakura have one last look around.

"Now she is one observant Kunoichi." Itachi smirked as he and Sakura once again made eye contact. He turned and went back to his own camp.

Tsunade looked at the letter once again.

Tsunade,

You have taught me so much I don't think I would of got anywhere without your help and for that I thank you.

I am sorry for the sudden disappearance but I must do what I am going to do for I think I will go crazy waiting for answers. I have decided to join the Akatsuki and find out who murdered my entire clan .

Most likely if Naruto is not with you since I left he is either with me or looking for me.

I am so sorry for this but I feel I must do it if not for me for my clan .

I love you like a mother and thank you for everything.

Sakura

"She was my best student"Tsunade thought "and I loved her like a daughter."

A tear slide down Tsunade's cheek. She had sent out a team of ANBU to bring Sakura and Naruto home. She knew Naruto was with her, he would rather die than loose another team mate. She still remembered the night she got this letter.

TSUNADE!!

She looked up the gate watch was running towards her waving something white in his hand above his head.

"What is it?" she asked

"I got this from Sakura." He replied

"WHAT!" she took it from his hands and read it. She slowly sank down into her chair her face grim. She could feel her eyes welling.

"Get them in here, NOW." she shouted.

"Hai."

Ino, Hinata, Neji, Shikamaru and Ten-Ten walked into her office.

"You wanted us Tsunade-sama?" Shikamaru asked.

"Yes, I am not sure whether you guys know yet but Sakura has left the village to find out who killed her parents and she happens to be going to the Akatsuki with…… Naruto." Tsunade informed.

"WHAT!" they all said in unison.

"What I want you to do is to bring them back." Tsunade said.

"Hai." The all said and left her office to prepare.

"I just hope they can reach them before they reach the Akatsuki and find out what really occurred." Tsunade mumbled. "The Akatsuki will not hold back information that could turn two strong ninja against us.

Sakura splashed some of the river water onto her face. She looked at her reflection. Her long pink hair hanging loosely over her shoulders. She got two bands and split her hair in half and tied each bunch of hair loosely back so it was out of the way. She still had hair that hung around her face though, but she decided to leave it. She got up and walked over to Naruto's half conscious form.

"Alright Naruto, let's get moving." Sakura said.

"Hmm, too tired, go away." He said shooing her away with a wave of his hand.

Sakura sighed and put her stuff down.

"Fine, if you're going to be like that." Sakura said and ripped Naruto's blanket off of him.

He immediately jumped up.

"ARGH! COLD, COLD!" he screamed. "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?"

Sakura shrugged her shoulders. "You were being difficult so I took it to the next step."

She stood there hands on her hips.

Naruto looked at her and gave a cheeky grin. Sakura's grin stopped as she looked at Naruto.

"Don't you think about it." Sakura put up her hands showing that she surrendered but Naruto didn't listen to that, he ran and picked her up. He ran over to the water and stood in it, holding Sakura just over it. Sakura looked up at him he smiled widely.

"Don't you dare." Sakura warned. Naruto laughed and threw her in. Sakura's scream was muffled as soon as she hit the water. She resurfaced breathing heavily; she made her way out of the water soaking. She gave Naruto as greasy look. He just shrugged.

"Whoops, sorry but you were being difficult so I took the next step." Naruto laughed loudly.

"Ha-Ha hilarious Naruto." Sakura said ringing out her hair.

"You should see what you look like." Naruto laughed even louder.

Sakura was about to hit him when she felt the presence of 5 chakra's heading their way.

"We have to go now." Sakura said. They jumped up to the trees and made their way to the village as fast as they could.

"At least when we are in the village we will be able to take cover a little easier." Sakura stated.

"I see the village up ahead!" Naruto called.

They stopped on the top of the cliff and looked down into the crater where the village was sheltered. They were in the Sound.

"Now we have to be careful, we are in Sound now." Sakura said.

"Yep, I wonder if they have Ramen around." Naruto said.

"Naruto, can't you stop thinking about food for just a second?" Sakura said.

"Sorry." Naruto apologized.

"Come on let's go get a room at the hotel and then we can see if they have ramen ok?" Sakura instructed.

"Oh Yeah." Naruto said.

Tayuya watched as the pink haired girl and blonde boy walked into town she looked over at Sakon and smirked.

"Looks like I will be able to play my flute after all." Tayuya smirked. Sakon just looked at her and nodded.

Sakura and Naruto entered the hotel and asked for a room.

"Thanks." Sakura said.

"Now can we go eat something?" Naruto asked.

"Yep, let's go." Sakura said.

They entered the street and walked down to the Ramen Bar. Sakura went and sat at a table whilst Naruto went and ordered.

"I haven't seen any Sound Ninja, where…?"Sakura's thoughts were interrupted by the bar's door being slammed open. She peered over her shoulder; there they stood, looking around quickly. Naruto had just entered the kitchen; Sakura could already hear him arguing with the chef.

"Great well it looks like I will have to deal with them myself for the moment."

"Do you have to be so fucking loud?" Sakura yelled at them. Tayuya looked over at the pink haired girl that had just yelled at her.

"Well, well if it isn't Sakura my have you grown up since we last saw each other." Tayuya responded.

"Tayuya, I can't really say it is a surprise to see you here." Sakura said. "And I see you brought Sakon this time, what are you scared I will kick your ass a second time?"

Tayuya smiled graciously at Sakura.

"Whoa Sakura, you have become a little comedian since I last saw you too, well that doesn't mean you have developed anymore skill."

"Oh will you just shut up, do you plan on fighting me or what? Because if you don't plan on having a fight I would really like to get back to having dinner." Sakura said annoyed.

"I never liked smart-asses." Tayuya said.

"Yeah well I never really liked you." Sakura retorted. Tayuya scowled, Sakura kept eye contact with her. Tayuya kicked her foot out and connected with Sakura's chest sending her flying back. Sakura skid across the floor breaking tables as she went across the floor. She finally stopped and got up.

"Well I guess I got my answer, I am looking forward to kicking your ass a second time Tayuya, NARUTO GET YOUR ASS IN HERE RIGHT NOW!" Sakura yelled.

"I'm here." Naruto ran in and froze once he saw who was there, he then smiled. "Finally some action." Naruto got into a fighting stance. Sakura got her gloves out and slid them onto her hands.

"Tayuya I am one very pissed off ninja at the moment so you better watch your back because I will not hesitate to kill you." Sakura warned.

Tayuya flung out her flute and summoned her 3 Doki (Angry Spirits).

Sakura raced towards Tayuya concentrating chakra to her feet, she slide past the first Doki and then the second she was just about the pass the third when it grabbed her arm and spun her back throwing her towards the wall. Sakura spun in the air just in time to land on the wall. She flicked her head up and looked straight into Tayuya's eyes. Tayuya smiled and continued to play, her first two Doki came towards Sakura, she powered her feet with chakra again and waited till they were close enough.

"There!"Sakura pushed herself from the wall indenting it. She transferred the chakra from her feet to her fists and hit at the two Doki. They flew back and hit the opposite wall; they slowly disappeared, now that only left the last Doki. Sakura powered her fist again. She began to run at the last Doki she punched at him but he caught her fist she swung her other fist and he caught that one too. Sakura was left only to use her legs; she swung her left leg vertically up and hit him right in the chin the impact sent his head flying back she then used her other leg and kicked his feet from under him, he landed flat on his back and didn't move anymore. Sakura looked at Tayuya then. Tayuya was shocked; no one had ever defeated her Doki so fast. She slowly lowered her hand with the flute in it, her eyes widened as she saw Sakura's fist coming towards her face. The impact from Sakura's punch forced Tayuya's head right back and sent her whole body flying out of the bar. Sakura could see her lying on the ground outside, not moving. Sakon flinched and looked at Sakura. Sakura raised an eyebrow.

"Please don't tell me you want to fight too." Sakura said.

"Whatever, I am out of here." Sakon said and casually walked outside to pick Tayuya up.

"We should leave." Sakura said "We have already drawn too much attention."

"That was so unfair, I didn't even get to fight him, he just kept going on about how stupid it was that you guys were fighting and crap." Naruto said disappointed.

"Trust me Naruto; you will get to fight sooner or later." Sakura said. "But for now we have to get out of here before any ANBU arrive."

"Fine." Naruto whined.

Sakura and Naruto had made it out of the village and into the forest, it was dark.

Snap!Sakura spun around and was greeted with the face of Shikamaru, she froze. All was silent then Hinata, Ino Neji and Ten-Ten appeared.

"Hinata!" Naruto cried and ran over to hug her.

"What the fuck do you think you are doing Sakura?" Shikamaru scolded.

"What do you think I am doing Shikamaru, my entire family was killed and you expect me to just sit around and wait for answers that will probably never come?" Sakura yelled at Shikamaru.

"I expect you to stay loyal to Konoha, that's what!" he yelled back.

"Ha loyal to Konoha, well I am sorry I can't be perfect like you Shikamaru." Sakura said annoyed. "I don't think you get how it feels to be the last person in your entire family, no mother no father NO ONE!" Sakura cried.

Shikamaru didn't reply.

"You know what? You are sounding more and more like him." Shikamaru said quieter.

Sakura froze.

"Excuse me?" she astonished he would even bring him up.

"This whole revenge for your family, you being the only one alive and you have to do something about that, even if it means throwing away everything."

"See this is where you should shut up Shikamaru because you don't get what it is like to have your parents murdered let alone you entire fucking family its not like my parents died of old age they were only 30 and they were murdered!" Sakura said she was angry now.

"No, I won't shut up. You are hurting everyone I don't think you even thought of how this would affect Tsunade-sama or your friends did you?" Shikamaru said.

Sakura looked at Shikamaru and then turned to leave.

"Come on Naruto we have to go." Sakura said blankly. Naruto looked at Hinata and kissed her.

"I love you, and I will be back I promise."

"I love you too Naruto." She replied. Naruto made his way to Sakura's side.

"No!" Shikamaru said and grabbed Sakura's upper arm. "You're not going anywhere; the only place you are going is back to Konoha."

"You no what you can go shove Konoha up your ass Shikamaru now let go of me!" Sakura said and tugged her arm but Shikamaru's grip was too strong.

"Shikamaru. Just let her go!" Naruto said and moved towards Shikamaru.

"Not until she says she will come back with us." Shikamaru said to Naruto.

"I am not coming back to Konoha until I finish what I have to do!" Sakura said "SO LET ME GO!" Sakura yelled.

"I think she said to let go, Shikamaru." A cold husky voice said from the shadows. Shikamaru released Sakura's arm and stepped back shocked. Sakura took a few quick steps back and turned around and flung her hands up which landed on a stone hard chest. She looked up and was met with onyx eyes.

"Sakura huh?" He said

"Sasuke?" Sakura whispered.

He smirked.

Next Chapter: Paths Eventually Cross