The stone wall pressed uncomfortably in Kakashi's back as he propped against it. Shifting his weight, he leaned around the corner of the building to peer across the street, scanning for any onlookers who may have noticed the pair in the alleyway. The evening was late, and few people would be occupying the streets at that time. Their timing worked to the mission's favor, even if not intentionally planned by either of the lurking rogues. Satisfied that no one was aware of their presence, he dipped back into the shadows.

"If I counted the windows right," Akane started as she pointed to a second story balcony across from them, "then that room there should be our target's."

Following her direction, Kakashi glanced to the dark window with the curtains drawn. Like many of the others on the block, the room looked empty of any occupants. It was possible that the man they were after was asleep, which would make their job that much easier.

Glancing at his watch, he took note that it was after 11pm. With no inference on the journey, they made it to their destination quickly after leaving the small Iron village earlier that day.

True to Akane's warnings, her contact didn't have any high-level missions, meaning a B-rank was their best option. Being short on choices, and exhausted from the never-ending travel, the pair accepted it.

"Wow, I can't believe Hatake Kakashi is taking one of my missions," the man had gushed, much to Akane's annoyance.

"Yeah? Are you going to pay more for it?"

The man's smile then shifted to a nervous grimace, "I would if I could, but the job is low risk and came from the country's government. I'm sure you understand the limitations I have."

Akane scoffed but didn't press further, likely knowing it was a wasted attempt to gain more funds. Especially for such a straightforward mission.

Their current target was a businessman within the capitol who was rumored to be in the underground business of transporting contraband. A member of Iron's government had extended the job of investigating the man's indiscretions to the rogues that sought refuge in the small outlier villages. All they needed to do was interrogate him to find who else were involved so the country officials could eliminate the problem. Apparently, whoever hired Kakashi and Akane suspected that the target was only the small fish in the operation.

"I find it odd that the government of Iron would hire missing-nin for a simple job," Kakashi commented as he turned his attention to his companion in the alleyway. "You'd think they'd use their own police force or shinobi."

Akane shifted to look at him, her mask firmly in place. The navy porcelain blended well with the night shadows, causing her eyes to stand out more through the slits. It was an adjustment seeing her face covered once again and with it, her expressions. He couldn't say he was fond of not being able to observe her reactions to their conversations. Specifically, when he had leaned on that trait to read her emotions when her words said otherwise.

"It's not that uncommon in some countries for us rogues to do the work. Usually, it's the cheaper, dirtier jobs that are offered in the smaller territories," Akane shrugged, glancing to the window and back to Kakashi. "It's smart if you think about it. Whether missing-nin are welcomed or not, there's an economic benefit to having rogues occupy low-income villages."

I never considered that, Kakashi mused, turning his gaze to the target's window.

In the past, he worked in smaller countries on missions that the government had extended to Fire Country. But those had been more diplomatic and significant. A mission interrogating one of their own citizens would never be taken seriously if it came across the Hokage's desk.

"Son of a bitch!"

Kakashi jumped from Akane's sudden outburst that shattered the silence. He spun around, expecting some enemy to be charging from the other end of the alley but only met shadows.

"What?! What is it?"

"Tsunade! She hired me and never paid up!"

Kakashi's face dropped. Seriously?

Akane wasn't deterred by his lack of sympathy as her rant continued. "I'm doing this mission and helping you without being paid! How could I forget that?! I'm such an idiot!"

Far off, in another country miles and miles away, Lady Tusnade slouched over her desk as she tipped back another shot of sake. Cheeks flushed and eyes growing heavy, she lazily poured another glass as she propped her chin in her palm. A heavy sigh escaped as she lifted the fresh cup to her lips before pausing.

Blinking slowly, her gaze drifted to the window where the village slept peacefully.

"I feel like I'm forgetting something…."

Frowning, she tried to recall if she locked her door or left the stove on before shrugging.

"Oh well."

Then tossed back another gulp of warm liquid.

"Now I feel ripped off!"

"Eh, Akane," Kakashi offered tentatively, a strained effort to soothe the wronged woman. "What are you talking about? We only have this current mission, remember?"

Akane tensed as she realized what she was ranting about out loud. Eyes widening behind the mask, both hands clamped over the muzzle of the wolf in an attempt to keep quiet. A muffled apology escaped followed by more curses that he could barely make out.

Despite her nearly announcing their true objectives to the world, he found the mild panic at her actions amusing.

"It's fine. We'll make more money on the next mission," he added reassuringly.

Akane composed herself, letting her hands fall back to her sides. "You're right… Sorry."

"So," Kakashi opened, ready to change the subject, "what's the plan here?"

Akane turned to face the window again, focus falling back into place. "Keep it simple and get the information from him quickly. But I have a feeling he's not going to give what we want so easily."

There was a foreign, cool draft that chilled the room. The man pulled the comforter over him, nearly covering his entire head in an attempt to keep warm. The feeble motion only helped block the icy air from his ears.

"Damnit," he grumbled, curling in on himself. "Why's it so cold?"

Realizing that ignoring the problem wouldn't let him sleep, he ripped the covers off and stepped out of his bed. Pulling on a robe, he grabbed his flashlight and started for the hallway to find where the draft was coming from.

The bedroom door opened as the light brushed over the dark home; across hanging artwork, a table with an expensive, yet ugly vase, and the cracked office door. His hand jerked back, landing on the open door where an apparent gust of wind entered through.

Growling, he pulled his robe tighter around his shoulders and stomped to the office, cursing that he forgot to close the window. Shoving the door open, he took two steps in before realizing that he wasn't alone. Eyes wide, mouth gaped in a silent yell, he froze as his brain teetered on fight or flight.

The stranger before him was leaning against the desk with arms crossed. Silver hair reflected from the outside lights and a startling crimson pierced his gaze above a fabric mask. As his mind started to make sense of the danger he was in, the homeowner dragged a foot back across the laminate floor, followed by the other before he whirled to run away.

A second presence appeared, a dark wolf mask meeting him instead of the hallway. The flashlight clambered to the ground and a scream started to rip through his throat before the stranger's gloved hand gripped his face and shoved him back. A chair appeared under him from the white-haired man and the homeowner grunted as he fell haphazardly into the seat. Before he could push away, his arms were yanked behind him where roped bound his wrists together.

In an effort to break free, the man swung his leg back, trying to catch the red-eyed stranger in the face. Instantly, his attack was stopped by the wolf-masked intruder who slammed their sandal over his barefoot.

"There's no need for kicking, Ohashi-san. We're only here to have a conversation."

The voice was feminine and laced with mocking; delivered with qualities that held both faux politeness and threat. In response, Ohashi glared at the woman behind the mask. The grey eyes reflecting back seemed unbothered by his spitefulness.

"Now, I'm going to remove my hand. Don't scream."

"What do you want from me? Money?!" he instantly demanded as the hand retreated from his face. "Just name a price and we can resolve this!"

"We don't want your dirty money, Ohashi," Kakashi retorted as he stood to his feet.

"Then why am I tied to a chair?!"

"We only want your cooperation in answering a few questions. Didn't want to risk you running out on us." Kakashi turned to walk toward the back of the office, nodding his head at Akane to follow.

Tipping her head to the side, she glanced once more at Ohashi before trailing behind her partner.

"What is it?" she asked quietly, wondering why he felt the need to pull her aside now, of all times.

Behind them, Ohashi spouted off his own questions of who they were and why they were there, all going unanswered. Being ignored didn't slow down the demands to know what was happening. Unbothered by the target's badgering, Kakashi crossed his arms as he stared into the woman's mask, distractedly wondering if she was put off by his lone crimson eye peering down at her. A question for another time.

"We don't need to make this messier than it needs to be," he responded, equal measure reminder and warning. "He's a civilian after all."

"Oh yeah? Just how do you plan on getting anything out of him then? Civilian or not, he's not going to just give the information willingly."

"That doesn't mean we need to act with violence without cause. This isn't going to be a grotesque interrogation."

"Tsh." Akane's face fell into a pout behind her mask. "Konoha-nin and their stupid moral code."

Kakashi's gaze turned dry at her remark, but he didn't comment further on it.

Turning to face Ohashi, Akane started with her inquiry, voice returning to normal volume.

"You're wondering why we're here? Well, Ohashi-san, we've taken an interest in your extracurriculars with some fellow missing-nin."

"What? I would never!"

Arms still crossed, Kakashi leaned against a bookshelf as he watched Akane make her way back to the target. "Forgery, illegal weapon trafficking—"

"I don't know what you're talking about!"

"Oh, come on," Akane drawled. "Like we haven't heard that excuse before."

"I'm a powerful man. The police force can't touch me. What makes you think you can, girl?"

"Girl?" The wolf mask tilted, and the grey gaze narrowed at the low insult.

A twisted smirk curled as Ohashi's fear gave way to the criminal underneath the façade. "Leave while you still have the chance. Maybe then I won't send my own missing-nin after you two."

"You think other rogues being sent after us is something we haven't dealt with? Try again. That's just another day in the week for us."

Ohashi grin fell slightly.

"So," Akane continued, "let's skip the empty threats. I already have enough of a headache with that one over there." She motioned with a thumb over her shoulder at Kakashi who felt his brow twitch.

"Is this a joke?"

"Do you hear me laughing? Now, I want you to tell me more about your current operation. Illegal trafficking. You're smuggling weapons into the village for what reason?"

Behind her, Akane could hear Kakashi starting to search the office for other information as she interrogated the target.

Ohashi's remaining smirk only tightened, a mix of discomposure and effort to keep appearance. "And if I told you I don't know what you're talking about, what will you do?"

"Well," Akane pulled out a kunai from her pouch, letting the faint light reflect on the blade. "How about every time you lie, I poke you with my sharp blade? See if you're ticklish anywhere. Whoever laughs first wins."

Kakashi pulled his attention from the papers in hand to glance over his shoulder at her. The benefit of a doubt told him that Akane was only bluffing, and the idle threats were just that. However, her cheery tone didn't make him feel eased with her charade and he vaguely wondered if she got some enjoyment from the fear she created. However, if it was fear she was expecting, she wasn't going to get it from Ohashi so easily.

"You think you can scare me with a knife? Do you know how many interrogations I've been through? Torture doesn't work on me."

"Your secret is already known in the government circles." Akane stepped closer into his personal space, her blade's edge brought up to graze the tender, soft skin beneath his chin. "We know you're involved in the movement of contraband, so there's no use denying it. We just want to know a few more details about it. Cooperate and perhaps we'll let you and the people you care about live a while longer."

"You have nothing on me, girl. I live alone and I have no children. There's nothing to blackmail me with. I only care about myself."

"Now you sound a little vain. Tell me, would you still have vanity if I took your eyes from your skull?" The tip of the kunai retreated from his jaw and entered his sight, inches away. "It would be a shame if I accidentally poked one out of its socket, wouldn't it?"

"Hey," a voice called from behind her.

Akane's eyes narrowed as she glanced over her shoulder. "Let me work."

Ohashi swallowed, but despite facing a blade with his hands bound, he held firm in his glare. "You're bluffing. You won't hurt me. Even if the government sent you, they wouldn't let you kill me."

"Only one way to find out if I'm bluffing or not. You've been working under the guidance of someone. Is it a missing-nin or government official?"

"I haven't done or worked with anyone to do what you're accusing me of."

The tip of the kunai dipped into the corner of Ohashi's eyes with a quick drag, effectively cutting a two-inch-long line parallel with his nose. A bead of blood traced the sliced skin and streaked down his cheek to the corner of his lip.

"Ah! Bitch!"

"Oops! My mistake… Now, are the weapons being used to attack a specific target? Perhaps to cause a riot?"

Ohashi clenched his eyes shut in a twisted grimace as another scarlet bead fell from the cut on his face. "I don't know!"

"Looks like someone wants the blade again. Should I do the other side to match?"

Behind her, Kakashi's brows furrowed. Why doesn't she listen?

Before she could inflict more harm on the homeowner, Kakashi pulled a fake plotted plant from the bookcase and tossed it at her hand holding the blade. Akane, not sensing the projectile, winced as the object hit her. The action knocked the kunai from her grasp, impaling the edge of the chair and nearly hitting Ohashi in the face. The man's head flipped to the side as a sharp yelp left him. Akane blinked as her gaze darted from the mere inches of the weapon and man's head before releasing a snicker. Glancing back at Kakashi, her suspicions were confirmed when she met his back turned to hide his embarrassment.

There was no way he was going to live down almost killing the target after trying to stop her from harming him!

"Damnit! Stop, I'll tell you," Ohashi snapped, clearly having enough of the abuse. The admission startled Akane in silence. "I only manage the transactions of items for the one in charge. But I don't know who that is."

Huh… I guess throwing that plant worked out, Kakashi released a thick sigh.

"How have you been getting the orders from the one calling the shots?" Akane prodded, returning to her role.

"I get letters which have to be burned after reading them."

Kakashi listened to them as he continued his search through the cabinets, finding transactions of unmarked cargo moving from a northern port to the country's borders. Another drawer revealed a calendar filled with schedules of future meetings, some so abstract that he knew it would serve some purpose once decoded. Slipping both items into a pocket, Kakashi moved to close the drawer when something caught his attention. Opening it once more, he realized that it had a false bottom as a corner of a paper peaked from the edge. Nimble fingers lifted the wood enough to pull the paper out, uncovering a photo of a child. Dark hair, sunken gaze. The boy of no more than eight was a strong resemblance of the man tied to the chair.

Seems he's been lying since the beginning, Kakashi mused as he tucked the photo with his other collected findings.

"And what are the weapons for?" Akane's voice reached him as he tuned back to their conversation.

"I have no idea. I'm only the merchant whose role is to make things look legal and deal with the paperwork. I don't know what it's for or who's pulling the strings on everything. I get paid when the shipment is delivered and that's it."

Sighing, Kakashi turned around and started toward the two. "Alright, the warmup round is done." Kakashi brought a hand to Akane's shoulder and guided her to the side. "It's my turn to work."

Ohashi flinched as the heavy crimson eye landed on him. "I don't have anything else to tell you. That's all I know."

"Don't insult me, Ohashi," Kakashi scowled. "We both know you've been feeding false information to my gullible partner—"

"Gullible?!" Akane balked.

"—but now you're going to answer my questions."

"I never gave false information!"

"Another lie. Let's start with some things I know are false before you continue to assume I'm pretending. First, you know who's been in charge. You've been in contact with them for a while now and have never received letters as communication. Anyone planning something big that requires so many illegal shipments wouldn't risk a paper trail. Therefore, he probably used a middleman to relay messages with you. Someone who you'll have to meet with sooner or later."

"Ho-how could you know that?"

Kakashi gazed down his nose at the man, the Sharigan reflecting eerily in the dark. "You can't hide anything from me. I know when you're lying."

No ghost of a smirk or taunting glare reflected on Ohashi's face. Only grim awareness that he was faced with an unmoving force which could see right through him. It left him feeling utterly vulnerable to the strangers in his house.

"You may think you're smart," Ohashi started, trying to hold fast to any bravado that remained, "but you won't get—"

"You lied earlier about your children," Kakashi interrupted. "You do care about someone, don't you?" Pulling out the photo, he held it up for the target to see. "There're no children under the roof, but you do have a son somewhere."

Ohashi swallowed audibly but otherwise remained silent.

"No need to confirm or deny. I don't care." Kakashi returned the photo back into his pocket. "Since we're on the same page, just answer the questions truthfully."

"I don't know who that kid is!"

"You're really determined to keep lying? Fine. Just know that we're going to find this kid if we don't get answers and then… well… You know what happens… Unless you tell us about who's in charge and where the weapons are going."

Ohashi gritted his teeth instead of offering a response. He played over the threat, trying to discern if the strangers were trying to deceive him or not. The odds of them finding his child were well in their favor. Shinobi were trained to find the target with little resources at their disposal. Right now, with first-hand experience as being the subject of said mission, he didn't doubt they would find his child with ease.

"… Alright… Alright. You're right. I usually will meet with a person who relays the messages about the upcoming event. That's where the weapons are going."

"Give me the names of the people involved and their responsibilities."

"I only know the two. Kimura is the one I meet with. I don't know what he does, just that he works with the boss somehow."

"And the boss?"

"… Itsuki-san. A village official. The mayor to be exact."

Kakashi's eye narrowed. "Why would a village official be involved in trafficking weapons?"

"The plan is to stage an attack within the village. It's supposed to look like an attack from foreign forces. That way, they can request financial aid from the Iron government."

"So," Akane interjected from the side, "not only is the plan to transporting contraband, but it's also with the intent of fraud."

"Yeah, well…" Ohashi shook his head. "It was a way to get money fast. A way for the mayor to pocket more funding when the village resources are getting low."

"And you benefitted by all of this by getting paid under the table," Kakashi concluded with a nod. "That's what we needed to know. See how easy honesty was?"

"Wait—What are you and your subordinate planning?"

"Subordinate?! Who's the subordinate? Me?!" Akane recoiled, not sure if she heard him right.

"Aww, did you hear that?" Kakashi smirked sweetly as he tilted his head. "I guess we have our roles now."

"Wha--I'm the one that got us the contact and mission, you ungrateful—"

"No need to get defensive. It just goes to show that I'm better at getting information than you are. Don't worry, we can work on that too."

"Tsh, if it wasn't for me, you'd still be running from Hunter-nin in Grass Country, crying about how I was right the whole time!"

"Crying? I wouldn't be crying—"

"You're so stubborn, you'd probably be running yourself into the ground; practically offering yourself up to get arrested."

"You'd still be right alongside of me. What's that say about you?"

"Bold of you to assume I'd still be with you if we went into Grass."

Between them, Ohashi grimaced as their teasing turned to bickering, neither paying him any mind as if he was just another piece of furniture in the office. Of all the shinobi who could have been sent after him, how was it these two? He couldn't decide if it was terrifying or insulting.

A flash.

Then the passing of seconds, filled with a quiet pause. Followed by the deep, guttural resonance of thunder overhead that shook the sky.

Storms like these carried with them a sense of calm melancholy. A cleansing of the land that could end in rejuvenation or destruction. Those caught in the trepidation cell would huddle in shelter, hoping it was only a thorough drenching and not a force wiping the slate clean. It was a storm that was out of anyone's control except a God.

That was how Pein viewed the turbidity of charcoal clouds overhead, coming alive with flashes of lightning that broke the sky. Such weather events were not common in Amegakure, which explained why he found himself watching the sky from the balcony of his office instead of pouring over the documents on his desk.

Below, along the streets of the dark cityscape, the tops of a few umbrellas and shinobi briskly promenaded from one destination to another. Amegakure was a village of stout and resilient members. The proof of the citizens' vigor was present even in the face of an unusual storm cell swirling above.

Behind him, the door to the office opened, just as another crack of thunder reverberated. Anyone else wouldn't have noticed the near silent entrance of the newcomer, but Pein was well aware of the man who took his place behind him.

Slate grey eyes reflected the clouds over the city, washing the world in shadows before he turned to face the presence waiting patiently. Silently.

"I wasn't expecting a meeting today," Pein offered curtly. A simple admittance that hinted to the unpredicted arrival and purpose yet clear. "Are you needing a conference on the progress with the Jinchuriki?"

The man in the center of the room made no immediate comment, comfortable in the dark room that held nothing more than faint candlelight flickering from the gale outside. Shadows shifted but only he remained unmoved. The air prickled with chill, both from the storm raging outside and the two powerful shinobi within the confined office.

"Do you have updates?" the man finally responded. The timbre of his voice resonated like the thunder overhead.

Stepping deeper into the room, Pein freely explained the recent events. "Just over two weeks ago, Deidara attempted to capture the one-tailed beast from Suna alone. Because of his rash actions, and lack of willingness to have Sasori with him, he predictably failed. I have already reprimanded him."

"Was that from vanity, or was there an opportunity to be had?"

"Knowing Deidara, it was pride. An argument between him and two other members resulted in a poor decision. I'm confident it won't be repeated."

"That's a shame," the man shifted, the silhouette breaking from the shadows briefly before stilling. "No doubt that Suna and their allies will be on high alert for the foreseeable future. I expected better from these members of yours."

Pein didn't show any offence to the underhanded comment, merely blinking slowly. "Is there something else I can assist with?"

"Indeed. With the failure to obtain the one-tail, I would suggest the members try for a different trophy. One that doesn't have ties to Suna or Konoha until they start to drop their guards again. We mustn't stray from the schedule."

The leader of Akatsuki predicted such a response from the mysterious man opposite him. "I've already explained to Hidan and Kakuzu their target is the two-tails and to prepare to capture it."

"Good... However, on that note, I've come with another task that should be addressed."

Pein's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. The implications behind the statement didn't hold promises of ease, nor did the man's sudden delighted tone. Though, assuming it was wholly enjoyment the man felt was a foolish errand. While there was a lighter tone, almost airy, it by no means meant the man was feeling pleased by the ensuing announcement. He was tricky to read like that.

The silhouette moved, a hand dipping into the long cloak. Pein's alert attention never wavered on the figure, even as a small manuscript was retrieved in place of a suspected weapon.

"New bingo books were just printed. Have you had a chance to look through them?"

Pein could feel a scowl settling in. Just what was the man playing at?

"No. We have yet to receive the updates."

"Well, that doesn't surprise me. I happened to be near Fire Country when I came across the news."

The book was tossed into the air without warning, which Pein caught effortlessly. Evidently, the space between them was something neither wished to breach.

"Page 46," the man explained.

Flipping through the pages, Pein was introduced to a new face that he had not expected. Startling questions popped into his mind at the revelation that stared back with a mismatched gaze.

How did that happen? What events transpired to create drastic changes to someone so loyal?

And why was this any of their concern?

Returning his attention to the man, he attempted a simple inquiry. "If you're hinting to Uzumaki having one less supporting team member to protect him, then I'd like to remind you: the one to watch is Jiraiya."

"All legends die at some point, Pein. Jiraiya is no exception. But no. The point of that is to show that there's a new factor to consider."

"I see Hatake being a missing-nin as one less factor. Perhaps you should explain," Pein pressed with a trace of impatience.

The man across from him remained satisfied, even if a little more so.

"Hatake Kakashi being a missing-nin raises many questions. It's curious that he would flee from his village which he pledged undying loyalty to, no? It can't be only myself that is perplexed by that. I think we can both benefit from finding out the reason behind his new status."

"And what benefit would that serve us? As long as he's out of the way of collecting the Jinchuriki, then he's irrelevant."

"Hatake Kakashi is far from irrelevant, whether he's in the village or not," the man countered firmly.

Pein felt his gaze narrow again but otherwise remained placid on the outside. Glancing down to the book, he skimmed the details through the dim candlelight before turning to the mentioned page 52, where a new woman was included.

"And what of Nori? Do you know of her?"

At the mention of the woman, the man shifted, bringing his arms across his chest.

"No." The frown was clear in his tone. Something finally dampened the arrogance in him. "Another curious factor to the story... That being said, I'd like for you to validate the status of Hatake. See if it's…. authentic. As for the woman, finding who she is, and her background can shine further light on the situation."

"I can put some attention on the two in order to gauge their status. But I don't have to tell you that it'll require time. If deception is at play with Hatake, it may take a while to verify."

"I'm in no rush. As long as it's done."

The man turned to leave, opting for the door. The act was silly in Pein's opinion. Once the man exited the room, they both knew he would transport away so no others saw him. A spot of normality, perhaps?

"And if deception is not a factor?" Pein asked before the man could fully exit. "What then do you plan to do?"

The man paused in the doorway with the hall light shining against his figure, outlining the shadow of the man without revealing the face that stared back.

"As I said, he's far from irrelevant."

(Two days later)

The underground floors were spacious beneath the kage tower of Amegakure. So much so that one would forget they were under a massive building, aside from the lack of windows and concrete walls that lined every inch of it. Each level stretched to 18 feet between the floor and ceiling with plenty of light and open space. Every room was furnished appropriately, whether it was a bedroom, entertainment area, or training section. The kitchen was no different.

In the center was a large island with a string of chairs tucked under the overhanging granite countertop. The atmosphere was broken up with the low sizzle of vegetables and chicken over a stove where a young man stood with a flat pan in hand. The man wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, knocking his blonde locks from a small, metal contraption before falling back into place over his eye. Across the kitchen, and occupying one of the four chairs, was his red-head partner with cloak slack and open. Dark eyes stared down at the newly printed book in hand with an amused twinkle in his eyes.

"What's that, un?" asked the blond over his shoulder.

"New Bingo Books," came the short reply.

"New?" The blonde turned the stove off and moved to scrape the food from the skillet onto the two empty plates. "Anything good in there, yeah?" Everyone knew how much Deidara liked to draw on the many faces and photographs.

Sasori said nothing and reread the description of the shinobi.

"Here," Deidara said as he hopped on top of the island next to the puppet master with his plate in his lap.

Sasori closed the book with a snap at the feeling of cerulean eyes peering over his shoulder, always hating how the younger man would hover. A pout played across the blonde's lips, though he didn't expect any different reaction from his grumpy teammate. Glancing at the plate beside him, Sasori offered his own impatient frown.

"Why is it that you insist on making me food?" he asked in a bored tone.

"The food isn't for you," his partner grinned at the chance to deny his partner once again. "You're just holding it for when Kisame comes in, yeah."

Deidara opened his mouth to take a bite when Sasori dumped the plate of food dispassionately into the younger man's lap.

"Ahhh! What the hell?!" he yelled and jumped off the counter while brushing the hot food onto the floor with a dark scowl. A wet, seasoned stain discolored the front of his pants and a few pieces of carrot slivers remained.

A smug smirk pulled at Sasori's lips just as Hidan walked by one of the two doorways into the kitchen. He was just in time to catch sight of the skipping and cursing bomber.

"Fuck Dei," he started happily. "He has you dancing around like his fucking puppet without his chakra! This is fucking great!"

The murderous glare Hidan received went unnoticed as the Jashinist's laughing reverberated down the hall. Once all the food was pushed to the floor and no longer burning his legs, Deidara stopped and turned angrily to the red head. Before his temper could be released, two more presences entered the kitchen.

"Hey," Kisame started. Looking towards the dumped plate on the floor, he frowned at the food at the puppet master's feet. "Dei, what the hell?"

"Don't start with me," he growled angrily in response.

Disregarding his childish partner, Sasori faced one of the few members he could tolerate and pulled out his book once again.

"Take a look on page 46," he said to Itachi and tossed the paperback his way which the Uchiha caught.

Deidara scoffed with a roll of his eyes as he turned back to make a new plate of food. Itachi ignored the grudge holding blond and opened to find the unexpected addition. He felt the miniscule narrow of his eyes as he scanned the page before glancing back at the photograph, then again back to the details.

Hatake Kakashi seen with Former Konoha kunoichi Nori, Akane, (Page 52)-

There he flipped to the page of Akane to realize that for the first time, she was present in the Bingo Book while pulling in an S-class record. All too suspicious. Here she was never heard of outside of those who knew of her nearly 10 years ago, and now presented to the hungry hunter ninja with lists of crimes she committed.

Why was that? It didn't make any sense. And Kakashi was now a missing-nin? What was this world coming to?

Kisame returned to his side after pouring a glass of sake. He used that time to glance at the book that Itachi held open, curious to see what the fuss was about.

"Eh? That's the gutsy kunoichi." Itachi said nothing but turned the page back to Kakashi before Kisame choked on his drink. "The Copy-cat?! How did that happen?"

"The justification of his crime says he harbored that criminal kunoichi in Konohagakure," Sasori explained in nearly a bored manner. He tilted his head to the side as he evaluated Itachi through a lazy gaze, letting his wooden cheek rest on his knuckles. "If it's true, it'll make everything smoother without the Copy ninja in the way of the nine-tailed."

"Your team is still selected to go after that demon?" Deidara questioned the duo.

"Hn," Itachi glanced back at the book, overlooking Deidara and the ensuing scowl.

"Itachi, Kisame," addressed a feminine voice behind them. All eyes looked to see the blue haired kunoichi in the doorway. "Leader wants to discuss a mission with you."

"A mission?" Kisame grunted testily. "We just got back from the last one."

Konan only stared at him bemused before the mischievous pull of her lips turned upward. "Very well. I'll tell him your thoughts on it-"

"No-no-no, we weren't complaining," Kisame panicked while playing ignorant to Itachi's raised brow at the mention of the word "we".

Instead of saying anything to Kisame, he handed the book to Sasori and walked out of the kitchen with his larger partner on his heels.

Alone with his teammate, Deidara sighed and took a chair further away from the puppet master's reach. Food now a safe distance away, he decided to voice his thoughts. "What's up with all these missions, yeah? Leader-sama has been working us to death."

Sasori shrugged but didn't say anything after a while. It was true. Leader was consistently filtering missions their way while still having everyone preparing to get the tailed beasts.

"I blame you."

Confused, Deidara spoke around the food in his mouth. "Huh?"

"It was, after all, you who went off on your own to retrieve the Kazekage. Especially, when you knew we had to wait a few more days. I believe Leader-sama explained all the flaws and stupidity in your plan? Or should I elaborate again?"

Deidara scowled. He remembered it all too well. "And you think that all these extra missions are a punishment?"

"You're catching on."

Down the hall, Itachi and Kisame made their way quietly to the underground office of their leader. Having a second area for business was necessary to limit the eyes of the citizens from learning of Akatsuki's presence within Amegakure. Though many were aware, it wasn't something that Leader wanted surplus attention from.

Arriving at the rather simple wooden door, Itachi knocked before a familiar voice welcomed them in. Once the door was shut behind the pair, Pein stood from his desk and walked to the front as both shinobi came to a stop in front of him.

"I suspect your mission went smoothly?"

"Yes," Itachi answered respectfully. "New contacts were created in Mist and Cloud villages, and proper updates will be sent in two-week intervals."

"I appraise your dependability. Your team has continued to be successful despite the various mission objectives given. Nevertheless, as you were told, I have another errand for you two. Depending on the information gathered, it may result in a retrieval mission."

"The fox?" Kisame asked.

"No." Ignoring the confused scowl of the Mist-nin, Pein pulled out a file from the top of his desk and handed it to Itachi. The Uchiha opened it, then snapped it closed immediately. The uncharacteristic action, followed by a confused crease of his browns, instantly drew Kisame's full attention. Not offering an explanation to his teammate, Itachi's gaze was aimed pointedly at his leader.

"Hatake?"

Kisame blinked while his eyes played ping-pong between Itachi and Pein. "We're going after the Copy-Cat?"

Pein ignored the gaping Mist-nin and continued. "The strangeness of these new circumstances has me intrigued. I'd like you to send word to your contacts to keep an eye on him for the time being. Him and the woman."

"Wait… That loudmouth kunoichi?" Kisame interrupted. "They're still together?"

"Still?" Pein's heavy gaze landed on the taller man. Despite the height difference being in Kisame's favor, the weight of the Leader's attention eliminated any confidence the Mist-nin felt. "Elaborate."

Kisame was not a man to cower. He was even less likely to falter when faced with a worthy opponent on the battlefield. But an underground office with the Leader of Akatsuki demanding an explanation was enough to cause him to hesitate. Even then, he found himself wondering if they made a mistake not telling Pein of their encounter in Suna weeks ago. Then again, how were they to know that those events would lead to their current questioning about what they knew now?

"When we were heading to Mist on the last mission, we came across the two in Wind Country."

"And?"

Kisame scowled, trying to pick through the best way to explain the situation. Thankfully, Itachi was already prepared.

"The woman and I fought briefly before Hatake showed up to confront us. It was clear from their interaction that they were in contact prior, and, recently at that."

"Did you engage in a fight with Hatake?"

"No. He only watched until the woman fell unconscious. Then we continued with our travels. I admit, I was curious to their relationship and even more so when he was noticeably concerned with her more than stopping us from leaving."

"And I'm only hearing of this now? Why is that?"

"We didn't think it was relevant," Kisame explained. "Weird, sure, but it was a spat at most and didn't interfere with our mission."

Pein inhaled deeply through his nose as he leaned against his desk, pondering over this information.

Hatake didn't fight with Akatsuki. Since when did that man allow any of his teams to simply walk away? Kakashi's loyalties were talked about through all the nations but what Itachi just described made him think otherwise. Perhaps he was loyal, but that didn't mean that he was a traitor for turning his back on Konoha. Itachi was enough proof of that. He sacrificed his own family, but still made it clear he wouldn't stand by if the organization openly attacked Konohagakure.

Even so, Itachi was one of Pein's favored members.

After gathering the information presented and neatly separating the new knowledge with the intentions of the mission, he refocused on the two shinobi in front of him. "Itachi, what are your thoughts on Hatake? Do you find the explanation of his new status to be trustworthy?"

There was the golden question.

Itachi blinked, looking thoughtful for a moment. There were variables to consider before he could answer his superior. Pulling from his own past, his experience with Kakashi, and the most recent interaction, Itachi couldn't say anything for certain. However, there was enough strong evidence in support of the details presented that he could offer his opinion to hold its place until more information came to light.

"Yes," he said finally. "I feel that at this time, it can be."

"Very well." Pein pushed from his desk and walked around to the back. "I want you to gather information on the pair. Let your contacts throughout other villages know to look for them and that we want updates."

An unexplainable flash of emotion crossed Itachi's eyes, barely detectable even to the Leader's attention.

"Both of them?" he asked.

"Is that a problem?" Pein asked with a raise of his brow.

"Not at all."

"Good." Pein picked up a stack of papers and shuffled them, so they were in a neat pile. "I want to ensure that there's no underhanded motives or ill placed deception regarding them. The sooner we can detect that, the sooner I can make a decision."

"Can I ask what decision that would be?" Kisame questioned as a scold settled in.

Pein met the larger man's gaze and brought his hands to fold in front of his chin. A cruel smirk formed. "No."

Realizing the meeting was at its end, Itachi nodded his head respectfully and turned, leaving the office with Kisame right behind. As the two walked down the hall, it was oddly quiet between them, both in thought over the implications of the mission.

"We can leave in the morning to meet with our more established contacts in the closer countries. The ones further away can have messages delivered," Itachi offered, breaching the strange silence of his partner.

"Yeah, that's fine. I'm going to get something to drink." He sighed as he walked past Itachi who stopped in the hallway. "What a shitty mission. Just what does Leader have in mind."

It was clear he wasn't looking for an answer from his shorter partner as he turned to the kitchen. Now alone, Itachi continued down the hall to his room, reflecting on how much he agreed with Kisame.

Under other circumstances, he would be intrigued. A chance to learn about the events of a former comrade to lead them down a similar path as him? Someone who Itachi respected and wouldn't mind reuniting with again? Certainly.

But that woman…

She knew his secret. She knew that someone ordered the assassination of his clan and Itachi was a spy. What else she knew was uncertain. He would almost argue it was irrelevant.

If she was put into a position that she felt was needed to reveal his motives, then it would likely lead to his death. And his death by someone other than his brother was not in the plan.

So, that left a few options left. He would complete the mission and learn the truth of both former Konoha-nin. Then, he would find out what her motives were. And if she needed to be silenced… he would find a way to do that before Leader had a chance to make his decision.

Sorry for the delay! I had to move and start a new job, so it's been a little hectic. But we're back on track and new chapter update.

Hope you enjoy it and thank you for the follows and fav's! Let me know what you think so far!