Well, the worst of the bug is gone, but it's left me with some fatigue so I'm tiring out at 7pm. It makes things a little difficult, but it's no big deal. Anyway, here's the next chapter. It's cut shorter than I'd like, but I didn't wanna put more in and it met the minimum limit anyway. I think it's been a while since I put anything of interest in here, so I'll say that I've been working with some people who've got promising ideas, and who probably won't disappear like DemonKingSamael did. Sorry to anyone who read his fic, but it looks like he's abandoned it. To anyone who needs some help with a character or plot, drop me a message and i'll see if I can help you out.

Disclaimer: Anyone else suddenly enjoying the manga a whole lot more now? It's, as I believe a certain Bill S. Preston and Theodore Logan would say "EXCELLENT! Dananawow!"


Yoinokuchi

"Nagato?" called the blue haired woman, peeking into the small empty room that was usually inhabited by the person she sought. At first she thought there was no one there, the stone floor and walls suggested as much. But outside, just past the alcove shaped within the face of an ugly daimyo, someone responded to her call. The red haired man she had been with before peered in, his brow raised in surprise.

"Konan." he replied, stepping in. He kept his eyes on the woman now named Konan, seeing something which gave him the slightest of frowns, "What is it?"

"I just received a report from Zetsu." Konan said, closing the door behind her, "Apparently Kakuzu wishes to be separated from Hidan. It wasn't so much a formal request though."

Nagato sighed loudly, he had already grown tired of the squabbles those two caused. Worse than that, they seemed to do more harm than good. It was hardly a bright side that there were never any survivors to tell of what those two had been up to, "What happened?"

"They took on a mission to assassinate the heir to the Daimyo of Kiba no Kuni." Konan explained, leaning against the wall by the door as she recalled Zetsu's words, "Though they succeeded, they also managed to take out most of the palace guard, most of the palace, and also the Daimyo's brother, who happened to be their employer."

"They killed their employer?" Nagato repeated, raising his arm to his head as he groaned in exasperation, "And they took on a mission involving governmental issues. Those two are a pain."

"Kakuzu managed to coerce their employer's wife into paying anyway, and the Daimyo was meeting with the Daimyo of Tsume no Kuni at the time, so the situation was kept fairly low key for them." Konan added, hoping this would ease things up even if only a little. Nagato's arm fell back to his side; he seemed to relax a little but his mood in no way lightened.

"If they're bringing money in and avoiding international crisis then it isn't too bad." he muttered, looking outside to the clear sky. He placed his hand on the alcove and looked out again, viewing the many tall buildings of Amegakure in a wistful manner. Konan watched him for a moment, her eyes flitting up and down slightly as she thought something to herself. She then straightened up, walking towards him quietly.

"Sasori accepted a mission, he and Deidara are on their way to Yuki no Kuni." she said, coming to a stop beside Nagato. The red haired man looked at her with a surprised expression.

"You're not serious?" he asked, causing Konan to smile, "Deidara fell for it again?!"

Konan started laughing, resulting in Nagato doing the same. He leant on the wall while she leant on him, both quite amused by the cunning of their fellow Akatsuki member. Though it had been a long time, neither had expected that Deidara would willingly return to a place he couldn't use his so called "art". Now they were left to wonder just how Sasori had succeeded in this task.

It took them several moments to calm back down, and when they did both were still smiling at the thought. They looked outside to the village, but neither was really paying attention to the scene. It was commonplace for them to lose their concentration here, even as the place they used to meet other Akatsuki members.

"Looks like they're here." Nagato muttered, straightening up and turning away. Konan straightened up too, looking at him in confusion as he stepped past her. As far as she knew they weren't expecting anybody. Then again, this wouldn't be the first time Nagato thought he'd mentioned something to her when he hadn't.

"Who's here?" she asked, following him. He looked over his shoulder, with an expression that told Konan she was right, Nagato had indeed thought he'd informed her.

"Kisame's bringing them here." he said, searching her face with a raised brow. From the look Konan gave him in return, he realised he hadn't told her a thing. He turned back to face her properly, deciding it was best to get it over with then, "Naruto and Gaara are finishing their training with Kisame to take on some missions of their own."

"Are they ready for that?" Konan asked with an expression of disbelief.

"Kisame certainly thinks so." Nagato replied, with a nod. He crossed his arms, his expression falling as he reached that which he didn't really want to mention, "They're already here so… well…"

Konan's lips parted and her eyes widened as she realised what he was going to say. He was about to do something that he hadn't done in nearly half a year, something that she had almost convinced him to leave as a last resort. The mere fact that he had been about to do that very thing so casually shook her, made her feel upset and troubled. Nagato saw this and lowered his eyes. Though he didn't want to leave her like that, this was one thing he couldn't let himself be deterred by.

"You are the only one who I'll allow to see this face." he said, as he turned and opened the door. He cast one more look at Konan, but she remained silent. With a discontented sigh, he left for that which she had worked so hard to rid him of.

* * * * *

Naruto stood at the end of the long, metal bridge leading into the village of Amegakure. It had been a long time since he saw the towering buildings of that metal metropolis, his few memories of that place told him almost nothing of any beauty or hope those grey granite streets held within. Up ahead, Kisame and the others were already making their way over, with only Gaara casting his eyes back to look at his partner.

Shinmaru took a few steps forward, nuzzling Naruto's face as he sensed his master's glum attitude. Daisuke did the same on Naruto's other side, the blond raised his arms and pet the two dogs' faces with a small smile. But then Akira stepped in and nudged Naruto in the back, forcing the boy to stumble forward. He laughed; Akira was the impatient one after all.

"All right you guys, stay out of sight will ya?" he said, as he began to move forward. The dogs all barked on agreement before taking off, running across the surface of the expanse of water surrounding Ame. Naruto watched as they passed Kisame and the others in seconds, and took off onto the wall surrounding the village before disappearing over the other side. He shook his head, but then he too ran across the bridge, heading to catch up with the group. He slowed down when he reached Gaara, who glanced at him with a raised brow.

"I take it you're not glad to be back then." he said, as his arms folded together and he looked up to the village before them. The clouds were as grey as they remembered, but some sunlight broke through. The chill in the air wasn't favourable either, travelling through the Land of Fire had got them used to the warmth that came with it, "This isn't exactly a place for fond memories."

"Heh, you said it." Naruto agreed, grabbing his head as he let out a small laugh. He saw the iron gate up ahead, remembering the time he'd walked through it to leave. In a way, he wished he could go back to that moment, rather than this one, "I don't really know why, but I kinda don't wanna be here."

"This is the place where you were at your lowest; it's natural that you would feel like you're regressing just by being here." Gaara replied, in a surprisingly wise tone, "People tend to associate places with events that have nothing to do with the place itself. It's stupid, but then so are people."

"What about you?" Naruto asked, with a sideward smirk as he slipped his hands behind his head, "You don't think you're changing too?"

"I didn't think I changed in the first place."

Naruto leant forward as he let out a quiet burst of laughter. One of the things that really got him about Gaara was how he said everything in a serious tone, and never considered others' opinions of him. That often led to him saying something unintentionally funny, though Naruto was one of the few to see it this way.

They reached the tall structure that stood in their way of entering the grim village of Ame, where they came to a stop. Kisame raised his fist and banged heavily on the door. In an instant several slots on the towers to either side opened up to reveal threatening looking crossbows wielded by several masked Shinobi. They all scanned the group with cold scrutiny, their wooden faces revealing nothing.

"State your name and business." stated another Shinobi, one who opened a thin slat in the iron gate. Kisame sighed as he raised his hand, showing the ring he wore to the guard impatiently. The guard focused closely on the ring, before nodding quickly, "Understood, please come in."

As quickly as they came, the guards disappeared and the slots closed. Moments later a loud creaking sound filled the air as the entrance split apart, slowly exposing the village within as the guards posted pulled it open. Kisame led the others inside, and was the only one not to wear a look of surprise. Even Naruto and Gaara were caught off guard by the sight before them.

Inside the streets were bustling as people made their way around. Chatter filled the air as conversation rang out, meshing together into incoherent babble. Many eyes flitted over to the newcomers, but they were soon forgotten as the group became blocked by the heads and bodies of others. It was strange, Naruto certainly remembered the villagers being busy, and hastily heading along as they were. But never, not in any of his memories did he recall them looking so alive.

They joined in the vast crowd, wheedling their way through as they made their way towards their destination; the mortuary tower of Pein. It could already be seen from here, being the tallest building in the village of course it could be. Naruto could already make out the ugly faces adorned on it, the masks of disgruntled people and beasts each bearing the eyes of the one known as Pein.

"Long time no see I guess." Naruto thought, letting out a quiet sigh. It seemed like their time training with Kisame was over, which probably meant he and his sensei would be parting ways.

"Hey Gaara-san."

Naruto and Gaara dropped their gaze To Yagura, who was looking to the red haired Shinobi questioningly. They both watched as the purple eyed boy pointed to one of the shops they were passing, specifically to what looked like a paper angel hanging from a string in the doorway, "There's been a few of those, any idea what they are?"

Gaara studied the angel closely, looking around to see others like it. They were hung in every shop, stall and restaurant in the street, like a fad that had swept through and caught everyone, "No, I can't say."

Naruto however, smiled at the angels. He had a very good idea what they meant, and he also now had an idea as to why the villagers seemed so much more content than he remembered.

"Looks like he did it." he thought, looking up at the tower once more. He could almost see that person, Pein, looking down upon them. But then he realised Gaara, Yagura and Utakata were all looking at him, and he grinned with a little embarrassment. He then looked at Gaara, deciding just to clue him in, "It's Konan."

Gaara's head rose as he same to understand, nodding lightly as he now recognised the connection. Of course, that left both Yagura and Utakata even more curious, but it was probably better that the explanations be left to the professionals. Realising they weren't going to learn anything, they turned their heads to the front again, neither trying to hide their slight annoyance.

* * * * *

It took them about ten minutes of walking to finally reach their destination. Kisame pushed open the window and climbed into the hallway of the second highest floor to the tower, with the others close behind. He didn't waste any time in heading towards the double doors, even as Naruto was still making his way in. He knocked just a couple of times, glancing over as Naruto slid the window shut. The blond looked over to his sensei, who seemed to have heard his reply. He opened the door and walked in, leaving it open as his group followed him.

"So you've arrived then, Kisame-san."

Naruto looked back once he'd closed the door, immediately recognising the person called Pein. He was a man with spiked orange hair, held in place with a slashed Ame forehead protector. He possessed the eyes that only now no longer creeped Naruto out, and many heavy black piercings on his face and ears. Like the woman standing not too far from him, Konan, and also like Kisame, he wore the large black cloak adorned with the red clouds that all Akatsuki members wore. He looked over the people on either side of Kisame, his blank expression telling nothing.

"So you believe their training is complete then?" he asked, his eyes hovering over Naruto and Gaara.

"I wouldn't say they're perfect Shinobi, but they can certainly be useful." Kisame replied, with a shrug. Pein looked at him as he spoke, giving a small nod in understanding, "Right now I think the best thing for them would be some real mission experience."

"Hm, I see." Pein said, turning away. He looked over to Konan, who met his eyes before stepping towards the door. She passed Yagura and said a quiet word to Kisame before the two of them disappeared into the hallway. Now all that was left was Pein and the four Jinchuriki behind him. The eldest Shinobi stepped out through the alcove and onto the long tongue, he almost seemed like he was leaving. But then he came to a stop and looked over his shoulder, fixing his eyes on the boys he already knew, "This may be a bit repetitive for you both, but bear with me while I explain to the other two."

Naruto and Gaara both nodded in understanding while Yagura and Utakata's attention increased. Pein took a moment to view the village outside, collecting his thoughts before he finally spoke.

"As you may or may not know, as of now you are all involved with the group known as Akatsuki." he said, speaking loud and very clearly as he looked up to the sky. From the looks on Yagura and Utakata's faces, they certainly didn't know much about their situation at all. Nonetheless, Pein continued, "At the moment our goal is to attain a high amount of money so to support our future goals. Though one of our primary objectives is to gather the Jinchuriki together, we in no way intended to do so this early."

Pein looked at Naruto for this last part, knowing full well that it was the blond that most likely instigated the circumstances they were currently in. Naruto responded with a nervous laugh as he rubbed the back of his head, he certainly hadn't thought of his actions as jumping the gun more than proving he was ready.

"We do this by capturing bounties and accepting missions that would not be brought to the attention of hidden villages." Pein continued, turning his gaze away again, "This is our primary objective; gain as much income as possible. We have already acquired an exorbitant sum, but we will by no means move on until we have attained as much as possible in the given time."

He turned his back on the village and faced the four boys, sure they had understood this much at least. He stepped back inside, the sunlight casting his face in shadow as it hit his back.

"Until the designated time has passed, the four of you shall be divided and placed with individual members of Akatsuki. You shall assist them on their missions, providing backup where necessary. Is this all agreeable?"

"One question." Yagura said, stepping forward. Pein nodded for him to continue, a gesture that the boy didn't really need, "What is our ultimate role in this plan of yours?"

Naruto gave Yagura a sideward look; he'd been naively hoping to skip by this point. Though he was confident Pein would avoid saying unnecessary things, he couldn't be sure of how agreeable Yagura would be with the answer. Pein however seemed to have no such worry, as he spoke without hesitation.

"Akatsuki's ideals go against those of the five nations." he answered, standing directly before Yagura and looking down at him. He could see Yagura's lack of concern at this point, and so pressed further, "Most likely in the future Kiri and the other countries will take action against us. However, they will know that we possess the greatest power on this planet, and they shall fear that. What you will do is use the fear they feel towards you, and give them a reason to feel it."

Naruto couldn't help but smile at this; it was the first time Pein's words had actually invigorated him instead of making him nervous and afraid. A part of him was actually looking forward to that end, it sounded like things could get really crazy.

"However that is still quite far away, all you need to focus on now are the missions you will be receiving." Pein continued, reaching into his cloak. He pulled out several small things, holding them out so that the others could see, "From now on, you shall all be known by this."

Naruto and the others regarded the pendants Pein held in his hand. Attached to lengths of black string where four medallions in the shape of grey moons. Each of them bore the same black swirls across the surface, they were all identical. Pein proceeded to hand out one of each of the boys in front of him, to which none were declined. Each of them regarded the pendants curiously, Gaara and Naruto being the first to look at Pein. Neither had forgotten the last gift he'd given them after all.

"They are nothing more than what they appear to be." he said, sensing their uncertainty, "They are merely symbols of who you are, illustrations of the organisation you represent. From now on, you four will be known as Yoinokuchi."

Naruto and Gaara, both of whom were still wavering, continued to study the pendants. Though they doubted that Pein was being dishonest, he hadn't been about the previous gift either, they had become naturally wary from their solitude. To that end, they were more than a little surprised when it was Yagura who was first to slip his pendant on. They, Pein and Utakata each looked at him; clearly no one had expected him to be the first one to accept such a thing.

"I already agreed to your terms." he said, with a blank expression, "I've got no problem with the dangers either."

Pein nodded in thanks, glad of the cooperation. Utakata then smiled, before doing the same as his friend did. Being the only ones left, Naruto and Gaara decided to go with the flow and put theirs on too; if the most suspicious natured person here would accept it, there was no sense in them worrying. None the less, Naruto asked a quick question to Eko once the pendant was in place.

"Nah, I'm not picking anything up from it."

"So now what?" Naruto asked, looking at Pein blankly. He felt a little antsy; the situation was unusual to say the least. Pein took a moment to look over the four boys, and specifically the pendants, before replying.

"By luck, there are two members of Akatsuki currently on standby and two who have just completed their mission." he said, as Konan stepped back in. She passed Naruto and muttered something in Pein's ear, before resuming her position against the wall, "Gaara-san, Yagura-san, you two shall rejoin Kisame-san and you will join him as he meets up with Itachi-san. Their mission is a complicated one, so you shall assist both of them in their task. As for you two, Naruto-san and Utakata-san, you shall meet up with two other members when they arrive. They shall take you to assist them on their individual missions. Understood?"

He was met with words of confirmation and nods, to which he gave his own nod of thanks. Just as he signalled them to leave, Konan stepped forward and looked to the faces that were familiar to her, "Could you show these two their rooms?"

"Sure." Naruto replied, waving as he and the others left the chamber. The other three boys followed him closely, and soon the door was closed once more. Once their footsteps had faded away, Pein looked at Konan.

"I'll have to continue to use this body while they're here." he said, noting the fact she had trouble looking at him, "If you aren't comfortable with that, I understand."

"No, it's fine." Konan replied, though her voice was small.

* * * * *

Naruto lay down on the stone slab concrete, slipping his hands behind his head as he looked up at the evening sky. There wasn't a soul nearby him; he was far from the skyscrapers in the centre of the village. Where he was was a more rural district, atop someone's roof to be precise.

All was fairly silent, with Eko left at a specialist to be cleaned Naruto felt alone for the first time in years. It was a strange sort of feeling, to be completely by oneself when that wasn't a normal situation. He was left kind of unnerved by it, yet at the same time the solitude was strangely relaxing. For one thing, though he had grown used to it, not having the weight on his back made him feel about a half tonne lighter.

He took in a deep breath, the ever damp air cool and refreshing. It wasn't as clean as out in the woods, nor was his place of resting as soft, but at the same time he couldn't help feeling relaxed, "Man, been a long time since I had a moment like this."

Ironically enough these thoughts were soon disturbed. Almost a moment after they were formed he heard the sound of a door sliding open, and some light padding as someone stepped out onto the balcony not far to his left. He listened to the light sigh of what seemed like a girl, it sounded like someone was either very content, or very bored. A faint mewing caused his brow to rise; he hadn't been expecting to here something like that. It forced him to wonder if maybe he'd made a mistake.

"Keiko?" the girl's voice called, with a faint tone of surprise. Naruto turned his head, noticing an adult tabby cat suddenly sitting not far from him. The cat looked at him with a cocked head, tail swishing as it mewed once more. Naruto suppressed a grin, trying not to imagine what would happen if Hotei were to turn up. But then he saw several small fingers appear not far from the cat, gripping the roof tight. It looked like the girl was going to investigate.

Sure enough, moments later a head popped up from below, one that was hidden behind long, lilac hair. All thoughts of uncertainty faded away, Naruto was certain he had the right place now. The girl pushed herself up as far as her arms would take her, only noticing Naruto when she looked up. Though her hair veiled her face, Naruto could just make out someone he vaguely recognised. Of course, that didn't lead him to make any assumptions. At the moment, calling out a name would only have a fifty percent chance of success. Nonetheless, he raised one of his hands and gave a two fingered salute.

"Hey." he said, with a full hearted smile, "It's been a while."