Chapter 35 New players enter

Sakura shuffled in her seat as she brought the text closer to her eyes that held deep interest, while holding a large grin.

'...This...is so full of so much emotion its breath taking!' She praised silently as she continued her reading, flicking to the next page like something major was about to happen.

'I don't believe he had it in him! Now what will Larisa say to Aalbert now that he finally confessed his love to her?! She knows her friend Dafne has feelings for him...but she has feelings for him too.' Sakura's hawk fixed eyes shifted to the next paragraph and let out a small squeal in delight.

'She's....oh my god, she is kissing him!'

Sakura was suddenly shot out of her deep reading when she looked up in alarm to hearing Naruto shifting in his bed.

'...if Naruto or anybody finds out that I am reading THIS and loving it...oh god, Ero-sennin will never let this go.' Sakura could practically see Jiraiya's large smirk burn into her eyes. Shaking away her image, she glanced once more to see Naruto had settled and shot straight back, her face changing back to its deep interest.

'She is confessing too.' Sakura broke into a large smile as the new couple kissed again.

'Ah...true love!' Sakura then narrowed her eyes while a blush formed at just how much detail the next kiss held, along with, other, interactions. Sakura shifted uneasily again in her seat as she gulped while bringing the book a little closer and glancing to her sides warily, feeling as if somebody would look over her shoulder to at any second to bust what she was reading.

'...Well this is...umm...quite sudden.' Sakura mused bluntly, as each line she read held a new detail as to just how full of rich passion and affection the kiss was unfolding to be.

Shaking her head, she tried to press on, 'If it wasn't for the way too over the top erotic romance in this book, I would honestly hold no shame to reading this. Heck I would even recommend it if it wasn't for that.'

Reading the next few lines, she felt her cheeks redden, 'Ok...there is NO WAY a real new couple moves this fast...right?'

Sakura then let out a gasp when she read the next line, forgetting her previous criticisms, 'What...why is Larisa suddenly crying? What?' Sakura put a hand over her pounding heart, feeling the same pain the character was being described to also be feeling.

Betrayal.

'Oh no, she feels she is betraying her best friend and shes-'

"Sakura-chan."

'NO! She is running away from him! Go ba-'

"Sakura-chan!"

Sakura looked up wide eyed at a partially awake Naruto, "You ok?" He asked in concern.

'Uh oh.'

"W-why yes I am fine Naruto, I am just reading my book." Naruto rubbed his tired eyes, allowing Sakura to take the chance to slam the book shut, and quickly disposing it in her weapon pouch.

"Neh? But it looked like you were in pain, were you practicing a new medical jutsu or something?" He asked once he could see clearly again.

Sakura's sweat dropped, but she tried to remain calm, "I wasn't reading my medical book, but something I picked up from a store...I just really get attached sometimes to stories that I can relate to or deeply enjoy, it's no big deal."

Naruto tilted his head to the side in puzzlement, "What's the book about?"

'...Crap.'

"Its umm, it's a love story." She told in a half truth.

Naruto scrunched up his nose at what he considered a 'lame' genre, "You like that lame stuff Sakura-chan?" Naruto suddenly felt wide awake when he received Sakura's cold glare, along with a close to snapping vein appearing on her forehead.

"What? Is it a problem that I am a girl, and I like reading stories about romance?!" she barked at her defence.

Naruto gulped while waving his hands wildly, "N-No! Not at all, I am sure everybody is the same!"

'Sakura-chan LIKES that sort of stuff? Reading mushy stories full of cheesy and corny lines that I bet don't even work...bleh! Bring on the awesome action adventure stories dattebayo!' Naruto did not voice his opinion though, knowing he might get hit.

Sakura sighed dismissively, with a small detection of relief present, 'Phew, that was a close call.'

Sakura then tried to suppress her groan now at her interruption, 'Damn it! I wanted to find out what was going to happen between Aalbert and Larisa!'

"You can continue reading if you want Sakura-chan, you looked like you were in the middle of a good bit."

Sakura had to hold back her wrist from ripping out the book, "No its fine!"

"You sure? It might kill you to not find ou-"

"YES!" Sakura realised what she did and waved her hands in apology.

"Yes, I am fine."

Naruto raised an eyebrow at her strange outburst, but chose to dismiss it with a shrug, "Did you get what you had to do done down at the market place Sakura-chan?"

Sakura grinned in memory, while reaching inside her weapon pouch and felt for the cold steel of the forehead protector, "I sure did, I hope you find it good as new."

Naruto raised a confused eyebrow, but before he could ask, Sakura held the folded material out in front of her.

"Here." She announced while holding it in both hands, but turned a confused expression when Naruto hadn't reacted, but instead appeared in shock.

'Did I get the wrong colour?'

"Is something wrong Naru-"

"No, No! There's nothing wrong, I, its, I..." Naruto stuttered out while smiled wide, his body fidgeting as if controlling himself from doing something.

"Thank you so much Sakura-chan." Naruto replied softly, still with his strange resisting itch. Sakura shook her head in puzzlement at his sudden gratefulness, but she soon caught on to what he was resisting doing.

"You baka, if you want to hug me to say thanks, then go ahea-" Sakura cut herself off, only to chuckle at Naruto obliging with a grateful embrace.

"Thank you so much." Sakura shook her head against his shoulder.

'I forgot how much his forehead protector means to him.'

"it was no problem Naruto." Sakura mumbled, as her mind drifted.

'How many times have we hugged each other these past few days?...I really didn't know Naruto could be this affectionate, I never knew he had such a soft side to him...it's almost like night and day to his normal self, yet he is still there.'

Sakura was pulled out of her thoughts when Naruto released her, and took the new forehead protector and felt the material.

"This is brand new?!" He said in surprise, looking at Sakura for her confirming nod.

"Yep, I got it from the shinobi equipment store that is down at the market."

Sakura then smiled at the memory, "This place really has changed hasn't it?" Naruto rested the forehead protector in his lap over his sheets, still feeling the new material.

"It without a doubt has." he exclaimed.

Sakura continued while looking out the window, "There is no similarity at all to what it was once like when we originally came here...It really is great to know you guys were ab-"

"WE were able to change it all." Naruto corrected her with his smile.

Sakura nodded in acceptance, "Yes, we, team 7 changed it to what it is now." She said conclusively.

"Now then, what would you like for me to get you for late breakfast?" She asked.

Naruto blinked in surprise and grinned, "You don't have to bring me breakfast Sakura-chan, I can walk fine"

Sakura shook her head, "You are my patient, you will do what I say." She said with no room left to argue. Naruto was about to protest, but she crossed her arms and shot him a look that basically said 'try and argue, I dare you'. The result was Naruto gulping and gave a nervous grin.

"I don't mind, bring me whatever you can find."

Sakura came back soon, with a tray with some milk, her steaming cup of hot chocolate, along with some fruits, and a small tower of pancakes she had made herself. Sakura almost dropped them though when she saw what could be described as a sea of blond hair by her point of view from the door.

"W-W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING NARUTO!?!" Sakura shouted in shock and surprise at the dozens of doppelgangers sitting around the room seemingly in concentration with a tiger seal formed. She almost felt like a preschool teacher though when all the Naruto's beamed in union, "Hey Sakura-chan!"

Sakura's eye twitched, "What...in blazes are you doing?" One of the 'class members' raised his hand enthusiastically, while another did the same.

"Pick me Sakura-chan!"

"No pick me!"

Sakura's sweat dropped heavy, 'Is he deliberately acting this stupid?'

"The REAL one..." Sakura said with a growl as she walked in. She had to use all her self control not to laugh when there was a chorus of "Sakura-chan!" whines.

The clones soon dispelled, leaving one who sat crossed legged on top of his bed. Naruto was still wearing his pyjamas.

He snickered, "It is just an exercise Ero-sennin showed me to mould chakra Sakura-chan."

Sakura sighed in annoyance, "What part of NO TRAINING didn't you understand?!" Sakura emphasised loudly, before returning to her annoyed tone.

Naruto scratched the back of his head, "Sorry Sakura-chan...but you weren't angry at me when I used kage bunshin before to get your-"

"Don't use that against me, I would have stopped you from doing it if I wasn't occupied...and you knew you went against my instructions...If you want to keep yourself occupied so bad, then read a book." Sakura paled at the mention of book, and quickly thought of something else.

"Or...play a board game, or do something!" Sakura growled in annoyance at her blank ideas. Naruto shrugged, although he didn't say anything.

Sakura reached for her mug and sat down in the chair, "Do nothing for all that I care, you are not training!" She said as though it was an order.

"Cant I practice rase-"

"No."

"What about toru-"

"Naruto!"

"I could just do my chakra e-"

"No."

Naruto sighed in defeat, and decided to ask something else instead, "Can we go for-"

"No."

Sakura then blinked in notice at his choice of words that hinted this wasn't another training request.

"Sorry...what did you want to ask me Naruto?"

"...I was wondering if we could go for a walk then."

Sakura was taken aback by the question and narrowed her eyes in suspicion, "Is this another date request?"

Naruto gave a pink hue while mumbling, "Not exactly..."

Sakura dropped her tease and asked more seriously, "Where did you have in mind?"

Naruto ran a hand through his hair as he now was surprisingly calm, "I was wondering if we could pay our respects to Zabuza and Haku, I forgot to visit them earlier."

Sakura went agape but gave a small smile, "Not today Naruto, but you have my word we will go before leaving Wave." Naruto nodded in acceptance as he casually leaned back against his bed head. Naruto then casted a glance at what Sakura had brought in.

"You didn't have to bring me pancakes Sakura-chan!"

Sakura shrugged, "I couldn't think of what else to bring up, so I made some."

"You made them?!" Naruto exclaimed, with Sakura giving a confirming nod.

"Try one." She stated simply while reaching for a plate and placing one from the pile and handing it over to Naruto, while helping herself to one.

Naruto grinned at the food, 'Sakura-chan made these for me, she must be a really good cook, I feel so special!' Naruto mused in joy while shedding a piece off with a knife and jamming it into his mouth.

Naruto suddenly froze as his taste buds went into overdrive to the food he had just placed in his mouth.

'This...

...by far...

..IS THE MOST HORRIBLE THING I HAVE EVER EATEN!'

Naruto choked, causing Sakura to look up from her plate in interest.

"Something the matter Naruto?" Naruto had to resist with all his might to not gag as he forcefully chewed on the thing in his mouth.

'This tastes like rotten eggs!'

"Nothings, wrong..." He slurred through a forced smile that Sakura could tell was fake.

"Is something wrong with my pancakes?" She asked, with slight traces of offense detected in her question.

'HELL YES!'

"No...they are good!" He reassured, but Sakura's narrowing eyes warned him it wasn't working. Naruto looked down at the remainder of the 'substance' and knew what he had to do to escape death.

"See!" He exclaimed, while he rolled the pancake up and forced the entire thing into his mouth. With each chew, Naruto could taste every foul ingredient that was in the pancake, before forcing his mouth to swallow the burning lump down.

"It's. good!" he spelled out, through a twitched smile that was trying to change to a large cringe.

'At least that's over!'

Sakura smiled wide at what he concluded was surprise, "Really?!"

Naruto suddenly felt a large ball of sweat roll down the side of his paling face at her matching surprised but happy tone.

'Oh no...that doesn't mean she wants me to-'

"It was a good idea for me to make so much then, that should fill up your seemingly endless appetite."

'My appetite suddenly disappeared.'

"Oh...........great." He mumbled in forced joy, while inwardly he was whimpering for the torture his taste buds were about to go through. Evaluating it further, it was either making Sakura happy, or voicing his taste buds cries of mercy...Sakura wins again.

Sakura cut a piece of her pancake and placed it in her mouth with a fork and froze after the first chew, "....Naruto.....you really are too kind to me." Sakura stated, while placing the plate back on the tray, and ducking into the bathroom.

'I followed the ingredients! What the hell did I do wrong?!' She groaned in annoyance as she spat out the horrid tasting food and came back out with a comical expression with her tongue trying to escape her mouth from the horrid taste through a strangled gag. Naruto couldn't resist laughing at Sakura's expression, who now was rubbing her forehead with a frown.

"I swear, I followed everything the instructions said! What did I do wrong?!" She repeated aloud.

Naruto shrugged while still laughing, "You didn't need to lie to make me feel better Naruto, I know I can't cook for crap. How I got your ramen right is beyond me." She admitted while grabbing her mug and hoping the liquid would wash the horrid feeling out of her mouth.

Naruto shrugged again, "Does this mean I don't have to eat them?"

Sakura chuckled, resisting the sadistic urge to say 'you still do'... but not even she had it in her to do that.

"If you suddenly lost all senses in your mouth from one, then be my guest."

Naruto inwardly cheered while he dismissively slid the plate away from the tray.

"...Sorry Naruto."

"Don't apologise Sakura-chan, thank you for trying to make me something to eat." Sakura grinned.

"Oh well, you have some fruits to get into then." Naruto nodded while grabbing an apple, but finally noticed something.

"You got an extra set of weights?" he announced, as he eyed her new additions clipped to her wrists with interest.

Sakura eyed her new weights and chuckled, "Well...they were sort of given to me, but more or less yes." She said half heartedly, while drinking another sip of her hot chocolate.

"How about you train then Sakura-chan? It's unfair that you have to stay here stuck with me doing nothing."

Sakura winced at his words, "Don't put it like that Naruto. I don't mind staying here with you, and you are my responsibility." She muttered in a strange softness.

Naruto was taken aback by the gesture, "I am just saying, it is still not fair to you. You are taking good care of me already, I will be more than fine by myself." He persisted.

"We are on a mission Naruto, it's not as if the mission will be put on hold just so I can train."

"You heard Kakashi-sensei, they have gone into hiding-"

Almost right on cue, there was a knock on the door as it was soon opened to reveal Lee in his normal spandex, "Naruto-kun, Sakura-san, how are both of you on this fine day?"

Sakura smiled at their guest, "Fine Lee-san, and you?"

Lee gave his nice guy pose, "Great! I was just coming to check on how Naruto-kun was doing before proceeding to the park for some training."

Naruto's eyes flickered, as an idea just appeared, "May Sakura-chan join you today then Fuzzy Brows?"

Sakura gasped at the sudden question, did he not hear a single word she said before?

"Naruto! I said I didn't mi-"

"Sakura-san wants to do some training?"

Naruto nodded, "She now has a full set of weights, and I am sure she wants to give them a work out."

"Is that so?!"

"Dattebayo!"

Sakura's sweat dropped, 'Did I just get alienated from the discussion?!'

"Yosh! That is excellent for your training to kick off to a whole new front in the spring time of your youth Sakura-san!" Lee shouted enthusiastically. Sakura brows furrowed as her brain worked furiously to translate what Lee had said to 'Your training can now progress much faster with your new additions'. Sakura did want to become stronger, but she didn't want to leave Naruto's side either.

"I don't know..." Sakura's gaze shifted to Naruto's smile.

"Go Sakura-chan, don't let me hold you back."

Sakura gave in and grinned, "If anything-"

"Hai, somebody will come and get you, now go." Naruto interrupted with a knowing smile.

Sakura nodded, "I will join you in a minute outside Lee-san." Lee nodded furiously, as he excused himself.

Naruto raised an eyebrow as Sakura's expression seemed to return to her strange softness from before when Lee left.

"Are you sure you will be alright?" She asked in concern.

"I really mean it, I truly don't mind staying here with you Naruto...we can continue our talk from before if you want? It's your turn too, remember?" Naruto didn't know why Sakura suddenly was acting this way, but he was almost reconsidering.

"It is fine Sakura-chan...I need to speak with Ero-sennin anyway about my training when I am better." He replied.

Sakura nodded while she remembered her encounter this morning with Kakashi, "You should speak to Kakashi-sensei too, since he knows about the kage bunshin's knowledge Naruto, and might be able give a few tips."

Naruto nodded, and grinned, "Sounds like a good idea Sakura-chan."

Sakura nodded and turned to leave but stopped, 'I still don't want to leave him unsupervised.' She then nodded her head in agreement to her thoughts and ran through seals after biting her thumb. She took a knee and planted her hand on the carpet.

"Kuchiyose no jutsu."

The same slug from the other day appeared between them, "Sorry to keep summoning you like this Katsuya-sama, but can you watch Naruto again for me please while I am gone."

The slug turned to its owner and stared blankly, although to Sakura it held more meaning, "I am always happy to be of aid any time Sakura-sama, and I would be more than happy to watch over Naruto-kun again."

Katsuya then slithered her way up Naruto's leg and rested across his shoulders as he giggled, "Hey Sebonegoro-chan!"

Katsuya gave a light chuckle, "It's great to see you again so soon Naruto-kun. I trust you took care of Sakura-sama like you said you would do?"

"You bet, she did feel a little sick later in the night. but after I got her another steaming mug of that hot chocolate stuff she likes so much, she felt better soon after and went back to sleep, then I gave her a blanket since she looked cold."

"That was very kind of you to take such good care of her Naruto-kun, I am sure Sakura-sama would have been very touched by that-"

"I AM STILL HERE!" Sakura announced loudly, while turning her flushed face away from view.

Both turned to Sakura and held a shared blank look and shrugged. Sakura shook her head at the exchange, then turned for the door while looking over her shoulder.

"I will be going then." She mumbled.

Naruto nodded as she left the apartment, "You don't mind following me around the hotel while I speak to Kakashi-sensei or Ero-sennin do you Sebonegoro-chan?" he asked cheerfully.

The slug held a blank look, which Naruto didn't know what it meant, but Katsuya replied, "Not at all, Naruto-kun."

Naruto nodded, as his face became more serious, "Yosha, Lets go find out what I will be learning then."

Lee leaned against the wall of the hotel entrance and looked up at the sky as he waited for Sakura to meet up with him.

'I wonder how Neji, Tenten, and Gai-sensei are going with their mission. I am sure theirs didn't unexpectedly turn out as eventful as this one has.' Lee shook his head as he recollected all the events of his first mission as a chuunin, he couldn't resist the smile.

'Gai-sensei would be proud!' Lee inwardly cheered as if Gai had complimented him for how he has done on this mission so far. Lee was too occupied going teary eyed at the suddenly blazing sun to hear the door bell of the hotel, or the sudden surprised gasp.

"Are you alright Lee-san?" Came the concerned voice of Sakura, as she approached Lee. Lee pulled a one eighty so fast Sakura had to jump back in fright.

"I am perfectly fine Sakura-san!" He beamed with that impossibly sparkling smile.

Sakura at first was at a loss then shook it off, "Ok...anyway, sorry Lee-san, I hope I didn't keep you waiting for long." Lee suddenly blinked at Sakura's appearance. she was wearing her white shirt underneath a partly torn vest, along with her usual attire. Sakura seemed to notice his questioning gaze and grinned sheepishly.

"Hehe, I sort of...am running out of spare outfits Lee-san...I kind of don't want my last vest I brought to get torn apart."

"Oh...anyway, that's alright Sakura-san, I wasn't waiting that long."

Sakura nodded and began walking with Lee to the park, "How are you holding out Lee-san?" Sakura asked in interest.

"More than fine, I just can't help but reflect on all that has happened on what was meant to be an ordinary mission."

Sakura grinned, "Not exactly the sort of mission you were expecting for when just getting promoted right?"

Lee gave a teeth baring grin, "Hai!...What about yourself Sakura-san?" Lee asked, with more traces of concern than interest.

'I guess I worried everybody when I acted that way when Naruto got hurt.' she concluded and gave an assuring smile.

"I am alright Lee-san" Sakura said in the best assuring tone she could muster.

"As always Sakura-san, you are not a very good liar." Sakura snapped her head at Lee in surprise, but soon relaxed.

"So I still haven't improved from back then?" She said more to herself.

"What is on your mind Sakura-san?"

Sakura let out a sigh, "This mission has been a bit of a roller coaster for me to be honest." She admitted as she remembered all the things that had happened in so little time.

"The ANBU, the information about Akatsuki, Sasuke-kun... Naruto..." Sakura's voice seemed to have softened before announcing Naruto.

Lee gave a light hearted chuckle, "I see."

"So much has happened....yet so little time has passed." Sakura said simply.

"I am sure it has been a rough ride for Naruto-kun as well."

Sakura nodded, 'It has...'

"However, we mustn't rest just yet, our opponents are still alive, and as long as they are...Naruto-kun won't be safe even in Konoha...then we all have to be ready to help Naruto-kun when the Akatsuki come after him."

Sakura's hand clenched, 'That's true, at least the Akatsuki can't attack him by surprise in Konoha...the ANBU can though, which means Naruto isn't safe back at home.'

Lee raised an eyebrow when he noticed Sakura had picked up pace, "Is something the matter Sakura-san?" Lee enquired, although his voice appeared more in interest than concern, since he caught Sakura's determined fixed gaze on the road ahead.

"...I am really eager now to begin training, Lee-san." She announced, her voice full of just how serious she was being.

'I must get stronger.' Sakura could have sworn she saw the images of both her teammate's backs walking away from her phase into existence. Sakura casted a glance between her two teammates, before looking at the Uchiha fan symbol of Sasuke's back.

'Together, me and Naruto will bring you back Sasuke-kun.'

She turned her head to Naruto's red whirlpool symbolled jacket, 'I will get stronger...to protect you, Naruto. That was the promise I made to you, and I am going to keep it.' Sakura broke into a sprint as she tried with all her effort to close the distance between the amazingly fast pair who only still appeared to be walking.

'I will not get left behind!'

Lee looked in complete confusion at Sakura, who was getting further and further away, 'Is this...a race?'

Lee's eyes sparked as he formed a tight fist, 'Yosh! I accept your unspoken challenge!'

Sakura was still oblivious to Lee as she saw her two teammates figures get closer and closer, 'It will be an uphill battle, but I will catch up!'

"Eager seems to be a severe understatement Sakura-san." Sakura yelped in surprise as she looked to her right to see Lee matching up to her pace with ease. Sakura held a sheepish grin in realisation to her actions.

"O-Oh sorry Lee-san...I guess I drifted."

"No need to apologise, it is normal for the world to blur around us when our hearts are focused on the everlasting road of our youth."

'That made no sense, but somehow I found that encouraging.' Sakura mused with a smirk, "Race you there Lee-sa-"

Before she could finish her challenge, Lee already shot away in a blur like a bullet.

'.......I guess I have to crawl before I can walk....and forget running.' She mused in annoyance at the miniature Gai's unbelievable agility. When Sakura finally arrived, Lee decided it was time to get to business, since Sakura seemed highly motivated.

"You purchased a second set of weights Sakura-san?" He said almost rhetorically.

Sakura shook her head, "I was...sort of given them, but yes Lee-san." She said while holding up her right hand to look at the gift she was given.

"That reminds me Lee-san, when I put on both sets, I found I couldn't walk around very well. I assume that is because I am meant to reduce them since I am carrying now double the amount?" Sakura asked for assurance.

Lee nodded, "That is correct Sakura-san, even though you aren't placing more strain on a certain set of muscles, the strain still adds up with the rest of your body that has to cope with the extra weight." he said, which Sakura nodded to in agreement since she already assumed so.

"Do not be surprised Sakura-san if you need to reduce them quite significantly." Lee said plainly, and Sakura nodded .

"I already reduced them to five, when I could hardly walk with ten."

Lee turned and blinked as he asked innocently, "How much do you weigh Sakura-san?"

Sakura blushed at the bluntness to Lee's question but knew he wasn't trying to insult her, "...Around ninety pounds Lee-san." She said trying to remain neutral.

Lee didn't seem fazed and responded, "You were trying to carry around half your weight Sakura-san, so that doesn't sound surprising at all."

Sakura chuckled while rubbing the back of her neck, "I suppose your right." Sakura's eyes flickered though in interest.

"...How much are your weights Lee-san?"

Lee didn't even change emotion as he stated it as if casual talk, "Twenty pounds per weight, a total of Eighty pounds."

Sakura almost fell over in shock, "W-w-what!?! You are telling me that you train and even do missions carrying around EIGHTY POUNDS!?!" Lee gave a sparkling toothy grin.

"Remember Sakura-san I have been using weights for over five years, I started off with only around three pounds each and built up slowly, and back then I only used leg weights. You are starting off much more fit than I was back then, which is why you can move around so freely with around twenty pounds in total. You must also remember as a woman, you are not naturally as physically strong as most trained men." Sakura nodded in understanding to his neutral explanation, but was still in shock.

Suddenly a question popped into her mind, causing her to pale at the thought, "....How much is Gai-sensei's weights?"

Lee laughed and did the nice guy pose, "Gai-sensei does not use weights anymore Sakura-san, but he did inform me that when he stopped using them, he was at forty five pounds per weight making it a total of one hundred and eighty pounds!"

Sakura literally fell over flat on her face, "W-WHAT THE HELL!?!?! HE WAS CARRYING TWO OF ME AROUND?!?!"

"Hai!"

Sakura stumbled up while muttering something along the lines of 'impossible' and 'not human'. Sakura finally tore out of her dumbstruck and gave something that passed over her mind thought, "Couldn't I use chakra to help balance the weights?"

Lee smiled as if expecting her to suggest it, "That is correct, but it is not the same Sakura-san." He said turning serious. Sakura remained quiet and gave Lee her full attention.

"Did you ever wonder how Sasuke-kun was able to gain my speed in two months for the chuunin exam?"

Sakura blinked but said automatically, "The sharingan?"

Lee nodded, "Hai, essentially the sharingan helped Sasuke-kun use chakra to enhance his body temporarily to match my speed, quite an amazing achievement which would only ever be possible for an Uchiha. The problem with his methods though is that every moment while moving at my speed, he would be using chakra and draining stamina quick because his body wasn't built to move at such speed. So yes Sakura-san you could use chakra to carry more weight, which you actually do use for lifting heavy objects when you fight. However your body will eventually get very severely injured since you're body is not adept to it." Lee said almost like an instructor.

Sakura blinked in recognition to her beginning spar with Naruto, 'That is true, my muscles do hurt when I do those sorts of excessive heavy lifting.'

"Wow...you really know your stuff Lee-san."

The miniature Gai shrugged, "Just repeating a lot what I learnt from Gai-sensei." Sakura grinned and nodded in understanding.

"So what your saying is Lee-san, it would be very beneficial for me if I don't take a shortcut and do this the hard work way?"

Lee gave his nice guy pose yet again to show his pride, "That is correct Sakura-san!" "I understand, thank you for the explanation Lee-san."

'Naruto was right...me and Lee-san are the same, we improve through hard work.' Both then looked to the clear park field in front of them. Sakura pulled down hard on her gloves to the point where arguably you could see the outlines of her finger nails at the ends.

"Ok Lee-san, let's get started."

The dining area was silent as its three inhabitants sat at a table. Naruto had changed his shirt to his standard black one, while still wearing his long brown pyjama pants. Katsuya was slithered around behind his shoulders, and on each side of Naruto, sat Jiraiya and Kakashi. Shikamaru had long turned in for the day.

Naruto raised an eyebrow at Kakashi remaining though, "Aren't you tired sensei?" Kakashi looked up from his book and shrugged.

"Unlike 'somebody else' I don't need to go and recover from a firm beating." Kakashi hinted towards a certain Nara.

Naruto brushed off his curiosity and got to the point, "Ero-sennin, what is it we are going to be doing once I can train again?"

"Well isn't it obvious gaki? Once we make it to Suna, you and I are going to be going back on the move to resume your training."

Naruto went wide eyed, "W-What?! But what about the ot-"

"They will remain in Suna, where the remaining ANBU hopefully will draw themselves out of hiding. Otherwise a tracking team that Tsunade is desperately trying to find from Konoha will deal with them. Speaking of them Tsunade wants to a-"

"Wait a second! Start again, tell me why we are leaving Sakura-chan, Shikamaru and Fuzzy Brows?!"

Jiraiya scratched his head but explained, "The ANBU will have a hard time following us just like the Akatsuki if we go back on the move without communicating with Konoha. We do not know if the information being exchanged between us and Konoha is being monitored from the inside. Shikamaru discussed this possibility last night with Kakashi."

Kakashi nodded, while putting away his book, "That's correct, we have to assume every message exchanged between Konoha, ourselves, and even Suna, could have been monitored or even altered..."

Kakashi quickly added, "We are going with the possibility though that altering our messages as the least likely though, since intercepting Jiraiya's summoning toad isn't as simple as it sounds."

Naruto looked back and forth between senseis shaking his head, "Why? It's not fair that everybody else has to act as bait, while I just run away!"

"You are not running aw-"

"NO!" Naruto barked out in a wet cough.

"Naruto-kun."

Katsuya spoke warningly, "I know ,I know." He mumbled while settling.

"...Change your plan Ero-sennin, because we are NOT doing that!"

'Stubborn gaki.'

"Fine, fine, and what do you propose then fearless leader?"

Naruto glared sharply at Jiraiya, "You and I are not going anywhere! That's for sure. If everybody is back in Konoha, I don't care what happens, but until that actually happens, I am not abandoning my comrades. Remember Kakashi-sensei?!"

Kakashi couldn't help but smile under his mask while nodding for Naruto to go on, "I will never become trash, even if the whole world was after me, I will never abandon anybody to save myself!" Naruto concluded crossing his arms firmly to prove he wasn't going to budge.

Jiraiya ran a hand through his hair and chuckled, 'I should have known better...'

"Fine, you win...now moving on, Tsunade is trying to put together a tracking team to help us locate Ronan and his accomplice. However Tsunade would like your permission first before whoever they are, is sent out." Naruto raised a confused eyebrow at Jiraiya's serious question. Naruto gave it a moment thought and sighed now understanding.

"This team is people I probably know...baa-Tsunade-sama, wants me to explain to them what is going on...doesn't she?" He said bluntly, only to receive Jiraiya's nod.

Naruto looked at the table with a frown, but then a small grin grew on his face while remembering Sakura's words from before, "...Well what is t-tsu-Tsunade-llama waiting for? Her retirement? Tell her to get them over here then the moment she groups up an awesome team dattebayo!" Jiraiya held complete surprise at how honest that sounded, while Kakashi snickered at Naruto's failed attempt and pronouncing 'Tsunade-sama'.

'Naruto....this is her doing.' Jiraiya smirked, once again grateful for Naruto's teammate's efforts so far.

"Kosuke!" Jiraiya exclaimed.

"Yes?" The toad called while hopping onto the table.

"Relay Naruto's exact words to Tsunade for me."

"But Tsun-"

"His EXACT words!"

"...Fine then....little Jiraiya!" Before Jiraiya could react, Kosuke was out of sight.

'Gamakichi you little son of a...when I summon you next time....' Jiraiya mumbled his death wishes on said toad, while Naruto turned to Kakashi.

"What will I be learning next sensei?"

Jiraiya felt rejected and waved a loose hand in front of the blond, "Hey! What about me?!"

Naruto smirked, 'Revenge time'

"Two years of you is more than enough to last a lifetime of therapy."

Naruto stated without emotion, causing Jiraiya to go agape, "Wha?!" Naruto laughed impishly but soon recovered crossing his arms with a smirk.

"What will I be learning next then...senseis?" Jiraiya and Kakashi both blinked in surprise at Naruto's unheard of grateful softness, but shook it off.

"Well what do you think Kakashi? What should this little gaki learn?"

Kakashi shrugged while holding up a hand, "Well you currently know-"

Naruto cringed and winced, as Kakashi announced while counting off each finger, "-Kage bunshin, rasengan, summoning....." Kakashi looked back and forth between both Naruto and Jiraiya as if to add suspense, then continued.

"...and that's about it...so we have a lot to do."

Naruto winced at just how casual Kakashi sounded, "He focused all this time on his training with handling the Kyuubi, now that he has had his 'epiphany' basically other than his intelligence rising A LITTLE, we are left with not anything new." Naruto sunk in his chair, while mumbling 'what's an epiphany'.

"We will have to find a way to modify your fighting style for ordinary more effective use as well."

Naruto looked sharply at Jiraiya, "Ero-sennin, I am not-"

"Not using the Kyuubi you knuckle head, but normally."

Naruto held a blank look as Jiraiya growled, "I did not spend two years teaching you a modified version of the Inuzuka clan's stance which I spent months on changing it just so you can toss it in the bin like its nothing gaki!"

Naruto gave in with a defeated sigh, "Fine then, but I don't see its use since I don't have claws normally."

Jiraiya grabbed one of Naruto's hands and looked closely at his roughly cut nails, "...Somebody get me a sharpener, I will fix that up don't you wo-"

"ERO-SENNIN!" Naruto cried in half panic, ripping has hand free and hiding them under the table. Kakashi shook his head at the laughing Jiraiya, and decided to move on.

"Well you and Sakura are together helping with improving your chakra control, so that at least will help with jutsu's."

Jiraiya nodded while resting a hand on his chin, "But what jutsu's can he learn? Even if he miraculously could form a rasengan twice its usual size with just his palm, he still is going to have issues with using small scale jutsu."

Naruto turned back and forth like he was lost, "Huh? But wouldn't my control be much better if I could do that, allowing me to do simple jutsu?"

"It's a sort of general rule Naruto-kun, the larger a person's chakra source is, the harder it is for that user to maintain control with small amounts of chakra usage, look at it as a tap Naruto-kun. For a normal person Naruto-kun, the tap is small, and when turned, a small stream of water is released. Your tap is very large in comparison to others, meaning that even a small turn, will result in more water being released. In order for you to pour out the correct amount of water, you need to be more careful when turning the tap." Katsuya explained, while Naruto scratched his head.

Jiraiya sighed, "Ice cream machines gaki. Your ice cream machine pours out more than others, meaning you have a larger ice cream, but you have near no control of making the little fine curves that you see done by professionals."

Naruto blinked several times before suddenly showing signs of understanding, "Whoa! I get it!!" Katsuya said nothing, but Kakashi could have sworn he saw a familiar sweat drop like his was doing right now.

"But where does that put Sakura-chan?"

Jiraiya was about to reply, but Kakashi cut in, "No offense Jiraiya-sama...but if I hear another ice cream analogy, you have lost a fan of your book. So I will explain." Kakashi then focused on Naruto, ignoring Jiraiya's mumble of 'only if hell freezes over'.

"You and Sakura are opposites, she has what you lack in, being chakra control, and vice versa. Sasuke is in between you both, with a balance of a decent chakra pool, along with above average control"

Naruto scratched his head, "So Sasuke can use more jutsu's than either me or Sakura-chan?"

Kakashi waved his hand, "That is sort of correct, while Sasuke has a larger range of different jutsu's across the board, it does not mean it's impossible for you to perform more control necessary jutsu's. The same applies with Sakura, but in relation to jutsu's that use more chakra. You and Sasuke will never be able to achieve the ability to use a jutsu that requires perfect control, such as Sakura's chakra enhanced strikes. Sasuke and Sakura however, will also never be able to achieve using very large chakra requiring jutsu's, like how you can create hundreds of kage bunshin with ease."

Naruto scratched his head while holding a puzzled expression, "You have sort of lost me, but I think I get it. Sasuke can do all sorts of jutsu, but he can't be awesome in the areas me or Sakura-chan are good at."

"Hai, that's right Naruto." Kakashi beamed giving the thumbs up.

"You should see what other jutsu's you and Sakura can create."

Naruto turned in surprise to Jiraiya, "But I thought toruko rasengan was just a training technique for me?"

Jiraiya held his index finger up, "True, but it is opening up the door for co-ordination jutsu's."

Naruto's ears perked in interest, while Jiraiya continued, "Like how I can combine my katon jutsu's with oil, and those two pesky ANBU's combined two different jutsu's. You two can go further than that, and since you both cover each other's weaknesses..."

Kakashi waved a hand up as if it was a flag, seeing the already going agape and wide eyed Naruto as if somebody had switched on a search light.

"Hold on Jiraiya-sama. While it is true that co-ordination jutsu's are generally very high, if not all classed as S ranked difficulty jutsu's, you are opening up a very large burden as well."

Naruto groaned, "Neh? But sensei, that sounded sweet!"

Kakashi continued unfazed, "You are forcing them to rely on each other. While teamwork is vital, and co-ordination jutsu's can allow for things only a kekkai genkai could achieve normally for a single person, what happens if they are separated? All that training would go to waste."

Jiraiya shrugged, "You have a point, but it still is something to consider."

"What do you mean by achieving what a kekkai genkai does sensei?"

"Remember how Haku could create ice?"

Naruto nodded while Kakashi continued, "That technique requires a mixture of wind and water to create ice. It is something that is only possible with a kekkai genkai...or through co-ordination jutsu."

Naruto widened his eyes in realisation, "No way..."

He whispered in awe, while growing a smirk, "So me and Sakura-chan could create some super jutsu?!"

Kakashi waved his flag like hand again, "How about I explain this to you first, before you jump around in joy." Naruto settled and gave Kakashi his undivided attention.

"Co-ordination jutsu's, or more commonly known as synchronised collaboration jutsu's, are not that uncommon between pairs, but it's completely unheard of between more than that. It is achieved through many different ways, but the most common being through one person performing the jutsu, while the other flows the chakra into the person performing it."

"It is achievable with summons as well, for example, I could combine water and earth to create crystal, by co-ordinating with a toad, but that requires great amounts of training."

Naruto nodded in amazement to Jiraiya's example, "Why haven't I heard of this before?"

"Co-ordination jutsu's usually are specialty jutsu's, you don't see them very often amongst shinobi, but Jiraiya-sama's example with summons are common, or one you can relate to more so, Kiba and Akamaru...also as Jiraiya-sama said, they require a lot of training and co-ordination between the pair, since one person has to effectively handle two different chakra sources at once...even if your control is ace, you cannot manipulate another chakra source like it's your own, hence why there is co-ordination involved...most shinobi give up after a couple of years of trying."

"Neh? But Sakura-chan said that medic-nin's can use another person's chakra to heal their injuries so they don't use up as much chakra?"

Kakashi nodded, "That's correct, but you forgot that healing jutsu's do not have an element, just like rasengan, which is why toruko rasengan was very possible. The real complexity behind co-ordination jutsu's is through elemental combinations, they are by far the most effective jutsu's in comparison to normal ones. However combining elements is where the real complication begins, and not all combinations are possible." Naruto held pure confusion on his face.

"Katon jutsu for example Naruto-kun, get defeated usually by an equivalent Suiton jutsu, since water element beats fire. Combining two elements that are destined to destroy each other is usually a disastrous outcome. Combining elements that complement one another, like wind and fire, can result in very powerful jutsu's."

Naruto nodded his head now in understanding, "It sounds that, there are heaps of conditions to this co-ordination jutsu...but you can really create something amazing out of it."

Kakashi chuckled, "You could say that."

"-And Toruko rasengan is considered one of these jutsu's?" Kakashi nodded, watching as the familiar fox like smile appeared on Naruto's face.

"So we already have completed one then!"

Kakashi shook his head while chuckling, "If by complete, you mean draining Sakura of all her chakra completely...then yes."

Naruto formed his mischievous smirk that Kakashi knew well, 'Uh oh...it's that look. The jutsu is nowhere near finished yet, but he already is looking down a long road ahead...sounds like something Naruto would do. Poor Sakura is going to get pestered to train every moment now.'

Naruto's smirk softened, "OK...so back to me. The reason I cannot effectively perform certain jutsu's is because I have too much chakra... is this yet another problem caused by the Kyuubi?" Naruto voiced in frustration.

Kakashi shook his head made him raise an eyebrow, "The Kyuubi has little to do with this Naruto."

Naruto went agape in surprise as Kakashi continued, "You normally have a larger chakra pool by yourself in comparison to others. Your chakra amount is at least two to three times mine."

Naruto went wide eyed, "R-Really!?!"

Jiraiya chuckled, "You have more than even me gaki, which is WITHOUT the Kyuubi. Put the Kyuubi in the mix and you have an entire villages worth of chakra."

"...I have...more chakra....THAN YOU?!" Naruto staggered out in shock.

"H-how can you tell that?!"

Jiraiya snickered, "Shinobi can sense chakra sources gaki, that's how we can detect the presence of an enemy close by...since your control sucks, you can't really determine that." Naruto gritted his teeth while mumbling incoherent curses.

"Now in saying that, this allows you to use jutsu's that require a large amount of chakra, I myself know quite a few, as I am sure Jiraiya does to."

"However...if you remember your disastrous attempt at a katon, we need to be careful with what sorts we try to teach you." Naruto paled at the memory of him almost burning his insides from trying the most basic katon jutsu Jiraiya knew, and nodded.

"So how will we know what I can do?"

Jiraiya and Kakashi shared a look, then smirked, "Why...we are going to find out what elemental affinity you have of course."

"...My elemental what?!"

Tsunade rubbed her temple, 'Why did Shizune take away my sake bottles again?' She mused while letting out a frustrated groan.

Kosuke soon appeared in front of her, "I have a message from Naruto in response to your team request."

Tsunade's ears perked as she rested her head on folded hands, "I am all ears." Kosuke cleared his hesitant throat.

'I hope to god she is in a good mood.'

"Well what is Tsunade-llama waiting for? Her retirement? Tell her to get them over here then the moment she groups up an awesome team dattebayo."

Tsunade's chin slid off her hands, "He-He said what?!"

'Tsunade-llama?! My retirement?!...oh when I get my hands on you, you bra-' Tsunade halted her curses when she heard the other part.

"Did he agree to me sending another team over...just like that?"

Kosuke cautiously nodded, causing Tsunade to go agape, 'Maybe what Jiraiya has been telling me is true, Sakura has really been helping him see through his fears.' Tsunade smirked while another thought came.

'Sakura...I wonder what's been happening to my apprentice. Jiraiya last told me about what she has been doing...I hope Naruto pulled her out of that stupid guilt.'

Tsunade shook her head clear and looked at the door, "Shizune!" Tsunade's eye bow rose for a second when Shizune came right in half way through her announcement.

'Does she wait out there or something?'

"Yes Tsunade-sama."

"Any progress on the tracking team yet?"

Shizune nodded, "We are expecting team 8 or team Gai to be returning from their missions in a couple of days time...did Naruto-kun give his approval?"

Tsunade grinned, "In his usual disrespectful way, yes."

Shizune smiled wide, "It's really great to see Naruto-kun isn't feeling so worried about telling his comrades about the Kyuubi."

"You have your would be little sister to thank for that Shizune."

"Was there any news on how Sakura is going?" Tsunade shook her head, while Shizune began to pale at the early signs of Tsunade's annoyed frown.

"I am sure she is fine, although I think I am going to have to discuss 'certain things' when she returns...regarding drug overdosing, and keeping things from somebody that began to consider her as a daughter!" Shizune gulped, and quickly ducked out to allow Tsunade to blow off steam with a shaken groan through gritted teeth.

Tsunade was about to say something to Kosuke, but a knock at the door spoke over her voice.

"Enter!" She announced, while recomposing her neutral stance.

'You may have discussed it with me before Sakura, but don't think you are getting out of not talking about it with me...you silly girl!'

The door opened to reveal Sarutobi Asuma, "Hokage-sama." He addressed while playing with his cigarette that left a trail behind him as he walked in.

"What do you have to report?"

"We have tried to the best of our abilities to keep our surveillance on Danzou, unfortunately the man doesn't exactly make it easy."

Tsunade sighed, "As I expected, has there been any suspicious actions?"

"No, from what we have been able to observe, he has done nothing that appears out of order."

"Do you know where he is at this moment?"

"Before switching rotations with Anko, he was sitting in his quarters reading something."

Tsunade ran a hand through her hair, "Do you think he knows we are watching him?" Asuma took several seconds to respond, before he blew out a smoke cloud along with a sigh.

"He probably does."

Tsunade gritted her teeth, "...As I would expect though from a person in his position."

'if he does know, then he would have already worked out a way to slip things by us. Curse that old war obsessed bastard.'

"Any reports on the ANBU?"

Asuma shook his head, "To be honest, I think it will be a needle in a haystack to find anything there."

Tsunade's brows furrowed, "There has to a be a way we can identify who is working with them!" She growled in frustration, slamming her hand on the desk, causing the desk to give a small crack.

Asuma gulped but continued mostly unfazed, "The person that usually handles any potential matters involving the ANBU is Danzou, but since he too is a suspect..."

Tsunade rubbed her forehead, "Yes I know, basically we just have to pray for a slip up on the leaks end, assuming there actually is one." Asuma nodded while biting down on his cigarette.

"Continue your surveillance, maybe we might just get lucky somewhere." Tsunade instructed in her official tone. Asuma nodded and exited.

"Kosuke, can you please tell Jiraiya that a possible tracking team is returning from a mission and will be able to assist them within a few days time...oh and while you're at it."

Tsunade grabbed a blank scroll and a brush, "I have something I want you to deliver to my apprentice."

The lightning countries border towns were no different from any other town, it had its population that went about doing their daily tasks, and the occasional passing by shinobi entering and leaving its borders. Exiting the town were three figures that stood out from the rest, one being the height of seven foot giant, the other being the height of a normal man, and the final one being a dwarf like hunchback. The thick identical straw hats each wore made their faces indeterminable, along with their identical attires. A thick and long black cloak, with red clouds that almost shone in opposing contrast. The tallest of the three had a long sword, enwrapped with thick bandages covering it from the hilt, while the medium had one of his black finger nailed hands casually leaning out of the cloak, revealing part of his netted shirt.

The trio continued walking down the path, as the taller of the three finally spoke in a inhuman voice, "Well, that candidate didn't seem suitable for you, Sasori-san."

The short one then spoke in a deep voice that seemed to speak as if in constant anger, "Zetsu got his information wrong on that one, and he didn't even stand a chance against Hiruko. I won't even bother using his corpse for an addition to my collection."

The taller one snickered, "I don't think Pein-san wanted you to test your new partners abilities against a poison that kills the victim within three days from even a scratch...what do you say about this Itachi-san?"

The silent Itachi tilted his head up to his partner, revealing a lone bored sharingan eye through the straw hat without responding.

"...Ah." Itachi replied void of emotions while looking back at the pathway in front of them.

Several moments past then Sasori said in the same angered tone, "You are not one to talk, Kisame, I remember the candidate before this one was personally dealt with by you."

Kisame chuckled, "He should have known better than to jest about my appearance then." He responded with a dark humourless tone. The trio all simultaneously stopped at the same time, neither showing any visible emotion, while each felt the same electricity like sensation from their Akatsuki rings.

Itachi spoke while shifting his slouched hand back into its long sleeve seamlessly, "Pein-san wants to speak with us." he said in his neutral quiet voice.

Kisame cringed under his hat, "I am not telling him about our failure with the new member." he said flatly.

Sasori responded, "Leave that responsibility to me, now let's hurry, Pein is like me, and hates people that make him wait."

The three then broke off from their path, while Itachi removed his straw hat, revealing his neutral, sharingan wielding face to the world. Kisame did the same, only instead of holding a neutral expression, his gilled, blue toned scaled face held a smirk, and he removed his Samehada. Sasori did no such action as he stood there blankly. Itachi and Kisame sat crossed legged on opposite sides of each other and formed a seal, as their Akatsuki rings began to glow, as Itachi closed his eyes.

Itachi then shot them open to see he no longer was in the sunny outdoors of the lightning country, but was in a dark cavern, with a lone figure standing before him. Itachi didn't react at all to the figure, as his sharingan eyes bored into the silverly, spiral like eyes of the Rinnegan. Itachi soon felt Kisame and Sasori's presence by his sides.

The leader's eyes narrowed, "Report." He said simply, and Sasori responded.

"My new proposed partner did not meet my expectations...and has been dealt with."

Pein's eyes shifted to the still covered head of Sasori, "I see. No matter then, there is no point even having a member in our ranks if they cannot fight another individual on equal grounds and survive. Zetsu has found another contact that he believes also is a suitable candidate for our organisation. You will receive information on their whereabouts soon, but first we have another issue that needs to be promptly addressed."

When Pein finished talking, two more figures came into view from Itachi's left side. Itachi recognised both as Hidan and Kakuzu.

"You called for us? This better be good." Hidan said in a huff.

Pein didn't seem to care about Hidan as he responded, "Yes, I have called you all here to discuss some important matters concerning our ambition." Silence was met in the cavern, and Pein continued.

"It appears that the Kyuubi jinkuriki has a group after his life."

Hidan shrugged, "So what?" he said simply.

Pein once again ignored Hidan's stupidity as he continued, "The group appears to be some former ANBU survivors from when the Kyuubi no Kitsune attacked Konoha. Their leader goes by the name of Uchiha Ronan." Itachi once again didn't react, but he could feel several pairs of expecting eyes looking at his hologram projection.

"You familiar with that person Itachi-san?" Kisame asked in his strange polite voice.

Itachi didn't speak for a small moment but responded once again with, "Ah."

Hidan groaned, "Care to elaborate for those that don't speak brute talk?" He said in annoyance at Itachi's little choice of words, but Sasori interrupted.

"It does not matter if Itachi knows the man or not, the point is that this could thwart our plans for extracting the jinkuriki, especially since the Kyuubi is required to be sealed last for stability in the chamber when it is finally operational."

Pein nodded in acceptance to Sasori's logic, "Precisely...which is why we are putting your new member on hold for now Sasori, and instead your group is rendezvousing with Kakuzu and Hidan at the valley of the end in the fire country. Once you have met up, Itachi is switching with Hidan, and then you're team along with Hidan will move to the next candidate, while Itachi and Kakuzu handle this matter."

Hidan raised an eyebrow, not seeming to care of changing with his partner, "So I get to see if our new candidate is acceptable eh? Good, I will see how well they respond to Jashin's blessing."

Kakuzu glared at Hidan, "Not this meaningless crap about your religion again Hidan. Nobody gives a shit about your 'god'." Kakuzu said neutrally.

Hidan glared daggers at his emotionless partners face, "WHO CARES WHAT THE F-"

"I assume we are to move into position the moment this meeting is over?" Kisame asked, trying to ignore Hidan's massive mouthful of loud curses directed at Kakuzu. Pein shared the same idea.

"That is correct, this is a top priority that needs to be settled promptly."

Itachi finally spoke, causing even Hidan to be silenced, "Why am I required for this task?" he asked neutrally.

Pein answered, "The opposition is an Uchiha, while I am sure Hidan and Kakuzu by themselves could handle this matter, you are the most efficient with dealing with such an enemy...as history recalls." He said dismissively, although Itachi could tell there was more to this, he chose to simply remain silent.

Pein then continued, "Now, about your next partner, Sasori..." Pein then explained that the next candidate was living on the border of grass country, along with their identity and record.

"Are we certain Zetsu has his information correct?"

"I will leave you to be the judge, but be warned Sasori, time is running out, we have one more candidate after this one, and you will be forced to cooperate with them. While knowing your partner is dependable is important, we cannot afford to waste any more times once the preparations are over."

"I understand." Pein then shifted his eyes back and forth between Itachi and Kakuzu.

"Everybody except Kakuzu and Itachi leave, there are important matters that need to be discussed now."

"Eh? But why not-"

"Shut up Hidan and do as your told!" Kakuzu growled at his partner, who disappeared while muttering curses.

When it was only Itachi, Kakuzu and Pein, Pein started, "Tell him Kakuzu."

Kakuzu looked to Itachi, "As you are well aware, I am the treasurer of Akatsuki. It is my duty to find missions that will bring funds to our organisation, which is used for expenses." Itachi didn't respond, causing Kakuzu to snicker but continued.

"I have located a bounty for a missing nin. The bounty on his head is more than enough to cover months worth of expenditure. The issue however is Zetsu believes to have discovered information pointing that our target is going to be working with the jinkuriki assassins."

"That is correct." Came a voice from Itachi's right, as he looked to see the hologram of Zetsu.

"I thought you killed everybody of your clan except your little brother Itachi?"

"Shut up!...While we only heard, Uchiha Ronan is working now in coordination with the Konoha elder Danzou. Danzou is offering the assistance of one called Hozuki Mangetsu."

"One of the seven swordsmen of the mist..." Itachi stated while his eyes seemed to harden to a glare, until he gave a 'Hmmph' and blinked back to neutral.

"So I understand why Kisame is to remain in the dark on this matter. I assume also since Hidan has complications with remaining silent, that this is the other reason why I was chosen for this task."

Pein narrowed his eyes and replied after several seconds, "Indeed that is the case, while Kisame's loyalties are quite transparent, it is best not to take any chances."

Pein's eyes hardened as both shinobi held an inconclusive staring match, "I will not pester into your matters with your clans past Itachi, I do hope that whatever personal reason you have for sparing this Uchiha does not affect you to perform this task. Remember, in the end when we have control of all the Bijuu, we the Akatsuki, will be able to bring this war ridden world to order and peace."

"I simply underestimated Ronan, it was a foolish mistake on my part." Itachi replied dismissively, sensing Pein's unspoken warning.

"Whatever the cause, see to it that this man does not cause any more complications for our organisation ever again."

"...Ah."