Blindfolded

Blindfolded


! Author's Note: The genre of this chapter is general—there won't be any more general chapters in Part II I promise, but this one is really needed for the plot so please don't kill me.. In order to understand what is going on please check out my altered Naruto MAP for a second here (delete the spaces):
hajnalmadar . livejournal . com / tag / map

This chapter would have contained a little NejiHina episode, that I cut out and uploaded as a one-shot called 'The Gamble'.

To avoid confusion: In a flashback Kisame will mention that Zabuza died. However at the time when Kisame said that, Zabuza was still alive of course—only Kisame didn't know that.

One more little thing, one of my reviewers wrote that I used confusing words. Well here is another word that was not even recognized by the spell check, yet it's so beautiful that I couldn't resist the temptation to use: 'aurulent', which means 'shining like gold'.

Chapter 5
The Leader of the Akatsuki

Sakura woke up with a splitting headache, but then when she looked around her heart filled up with an endless joy and she heaved a sigh of relief. She knew this place; knew the white curtains that had to be mended by them if one of the patients had burned holes in it with a cigarette (which of course would be vigorously denied). She also knew every little crack on the floor, every annoying crack that practically grew dirt — yes, again they had to scrub them out every week when she had worked as a student medic-nin here. Luckily Konoha hospital only had a few rooms for bed-patients since most of them could go home a couple of hours after a chakra operation. Not really knowing why, Sakura felt her eyes welling up with tears. And in this sweet and sour moment someone pulled open the door and let herself in.

“Sakura-chan” Hinata greeted her warmly and stepped closer. They smiled at each other and Hinata leaned down to squeeze her friend's hand. “I'm so glad you can see again! You can cry.. at least the tears will wash your eyes a bit. But don't cry too much, your headache will become worse.”

“Yes Doctor!” Sakura laughed and Hinata smiled too while helping her friend up from the bed.

“I can't believe I’m back again. What happened? Where is the mailman?” Sakura asked after giving her medic-nin comrade a big hug.

Hinata looked confused. “Mailman? I'm sorry Sakura.. I haven't seen one for days.. We received a message from our spies in the Land of Rain.. they found you but... Kakashi-san immediately went there and brought you back.”

Sakura looked at her hands disappointedly then suddenly jerked her head up.

“But the report wasn’t lost was it?” Hinata shook her head, putting Sakura at ease.

“All right.. that's the most important thing. Did I have something else.. a message for example?” Her hope flared up but Hinata shook her head again. It was obvious she felt bad seeing Sakura look so disappointed.

“It can't be helped Hinata. I'll tell you everything later, but first I must speak to Tsunade. I want to get the formalities over” she said and was about the leave when Hinata grabbed her hand.

“Tsunade prohibited it. She said you needed to rest first.”

Sakura nodded reluctantly. As always the Hokage was right again. She needed to arrange her thoughts to give efficient answers and a collected report.

She sat back onto the bed while Hinata pulled out a stool, and they were about to start chatting when a loud banging disturbed the peace of the little room. It was coming from the outside the window, and when the girls turned towards the noise Naruto's face appeared on the other side of the glass. Sakura rolled her eyes. Naruto was still like a little monkey.

“Why not the door Naruto? Why always the window?” She asked in an annoyed tone, but Naruto knew she wasn’t really angry with him. He was right of course. Nobody could stay angry with Naruto for long.

“That would be too easy Sakura-chan!” a man's voice came from the other direction.

“Lee!” Sakura exclaimed happily. Naruto made an insulted face, but before he could say anything Hinata grabbed his hand and pulled him in, towards the bed where Sakura sat. When he understood the young Hyuuga's intentions he held out his arms.

“My dear friends. I thought I'd never see you again.” Sakura said softly, and took hold of Naruto’s hand while holding Lee's with the other, who grabbed Hinata's completing the circle. They stood like that for awhile, not saying a word just looking at each other with heartfelt smiles and happiness on their faces. That moment was so sacred and joyous that they wished it would last forever. Sakura sighed happily.

As if that sigh was a sign suddenly everybody started talking. Sakura watched merrily at how they all tried to tell as much as possible in the shortest amount of time. Finally she burst out laughing with a deep, carefree voice; one that she hadn’t used often recently. But she felt she had changed, being able to really let go of Sasuke in her heart, and now she was ready for a new life. Here with her friends, holding onto each other and grinning stupidly — here she was really happy. As she laughed the others pulled her closer and laughed along happily. This was Heaven itself.

After sharing all the gossip and news about the most important recent events in Konoha, she sleepily lay back onto the bed and her friends let her rest. Finally, now that she could hear her own thoughts the dark, clouded memory of the last days crawled out from her mind. Why did it have to end like that? When she said that aloud an odd, hectic feeling took hold of her. She tried to bury it but couldn't, because it demanded the truth.. Sakura anxiously licked her lips.

The truth is she'd never seen the man. But she remembered his touch..

..he had to hold your hand to lead you..

But his touch was so intimate!

Only a dubious silence was the answer. She desperately tried searching her memories.

When he touched my shoulder.. my palm.. when he passed his hand over my back, when he hugged me..

..but perhaps that didn't mean anything to him and they exist only to you..

He kissed me!

Sakura pouted. Yes he kissed her, then vanished like morning dew under the sun. Nicked off, stepping out of her life as if he never existed. Then where is the truth?!

She had never seen him true.. but she remembered his voice on that last day.. it was filled with passion..

..or pain. How do you know? What you believe in may only exist in your head. You heard that because you wanted to hear that. Maybe what you remember is not even reality.. just a dream.

That feeling suffocated her; one that she couldn't name but brought only doubt, and as the poisoned thorns of doubt bit into her heart she was seized by fear. Maybe everything happened differently, she just believed what she wanted to believe because things could seem like—

Suddenly she jerked her head up repeating the words, and something came to her mind. Something very important, but she didn't want to believe that it was possible. Like a madman she jumped up from the bed and raced out of the hospital room.

.oOo.

“Tsunade-sama!” yelled Sakura, breathing heavily as she reached the Hokage's study. Tsunade looked up in surprise and hastily hid the cards in her sleeves with a professional movement.

“Sakura! Didn't I tell you that—” the words froze on her lips as she looked at the young kunoichi. There was something in Sakura’s expression, something urgent that couldn't be ignored. The young kunoichi ran to her desk and started to splutter.

“Tsunade-sama! Where is my report? If that's true.. but no.. but what if it is?!” Tsunade looked at Sakura as if she had beamed down from Mars. She had never seen her so disheveled and.. erratic. But instead of delaying Tsunade picked up a package from the table and held it out for her. Her apprentice nearly tore the package from her hand and plopped down onto the nearest chair. As if possessed by a ghost, she was talking to herself continuously.

Tsunade was waiting while tapping the table with her fingers. She knew Sakura must have had a strong reason so she waited quietly, her fingers tapping a bit faster. Long minutes later, when a light of recognition glinted in Sakura's eyes, she was dying of curiosity. Taking a deep breath she switched to her authoritative voice.

“Sakura what's the meaning of this?”

The kunoichi nearly jumped from fright then swallowed and stood up, as if to emphasize what she was about to say. Tsunade pricked her ears. Even her fingers stopped in the air.

“Tsunade-sama! I believe that the Daimyo of the Land of Honey is none other than the leader of the Akatsuki!” Sakura said seriously. Tsunade stared at her with glassy eyes, her jaw fighting not to fall. An ominous silence fell between them. Sakura probably couldn't comprehend it yet; what this could mean. On the other hand Tsunade understood it very well, Part of her hoped that this was only a nightmare and that she would wake up soon.

“Unless you can prove it without any doubt, that is a very dangerous assumption, Sakura” she said quietly and the kunoichi nodded dismally. The Hokage motioned the young ninja to sit down.

“Although I'd have preferred this meeting to take place tomorrow, it seems we can't avoid fate” she sighed, and Sakura almost fell off the chair. “All right then, report!”

Taking a deep breath, the kunoichi grabbed her papers and turned towards the world map hanging from the wall.

“I traveled to the Land of Honey in order to investigate the disappearance of our spies, who were heading towards the Land of Earth but never arrived there. Presumably they died or were captured in one of Earth’s neighboring countries. Thus I was to travel to the Land of Honey, scope out the local situation and look for clues.”

“As soon as I arrived I was struck by the prosperity of the country. Honey is also produced by some other countries, but in nowhere near such quantities. The exports of the Land of Honey reach even the distant lands, which is very profitable. Citizens seem satisfied with their lives, their jobs and especially their Daimyo who has a good reputation.”

“Strangely not much is known about him. He doesn't appear in public, although many people claim to have met him. According to some he was tall and good-looking, while others swore that he had a small build and was plump. Some said he was young, others said he was old. Or bald. Sometimes he had a beard, sometimes he didn't” she read her notes with a monotone voice, then turned a page.

“Not even his full name is known. He's simply called Yamaji-sama, which is—what a coincidence—one of the most common family names. When I asked what his first name was, where was he born, what kind of family he was from, people simply shrugged telling me it was not important. At least we know that he came into power 12 years ago, before that he had been the Daimyo's advisor—I could find out that much. When the previous Daimyo died without an heir, Yamaji took the opportunity and appointed himself.

And since then there has been peace and an upswing in the economy. And security, since the Daimyo likes to hire ninjas from the Land of Waterfall. This on the one hand shows the strong bond between himself and Waterfall, and on the other indicates the country is booming since he can pay the high price.”

“Then we can't preclude the possibility that he's under the control of the Land of Waterfall” interjected Tsunade.

“True.” Sakura admitted reluctantly, then continued.

“So there has been peace and prosperity for a decade, apart from one notable incident, which happened eight years ago. The scandal broke when merchants and their bodyguard ninjas were attacked by Earth ninjas who poured the cargo of honey into the nearest lake. Yamaji demanded that the attackers and their families were handed over, which was declined by Earth, who denied having anything to do with the incident.”

Tsunade was listening intently. “Where did the incident happen?”

“In the Land of Earth. Earth and Wind have the only trading routes to reach the eastern lands, since there is a mountain between the Land of Honey and The Land of Rain” explained Sakura and shivered, remembering her days in that mountain…

“So what happened? War?” Tsunade asked going back to the report.

“No. Yamaji put an embargo on exports of honey to Earth, and sold the redundant goods to the Land of River instead, which bought up everything— at a much cheaper price, well below the market level. I suppose Yamaji was already in league with River at that time.”

“Explain.”

“This could be the first connection between Yamaji and the Akatsuki, since we found the first Akatsuki base in the Land of River!”

Tsunade clicked her tongue. “Don't let your prejudices cloud your judgement Sakura. What you say proves nothing. Continue!”

“One year after the incident the Land of Earth was in short supply of honey, which normally wouldn't have been a problem because they could have covered their requirements by using treacle. But suddenly the Land of Vegetables tripled the price of the sugar beet thus the price of treacle ran high. With that the Land of Vegetables obtained a huge income.”

“Desperate for honey Earth signed a contract with River, which then became its honey exporter, selling the goods that they got so cheaply from the Land of Honey previously. Above the market level of course.”

Tsunade's eyes widened. “Wait a minute...”

“What is even more interesting is that at that time great building projects had begun in Yamaji's land. But how? Just when they were supposed to have a deficit, money came out of nowhere. Never since had such large scale of building investment in the Land of Honey occurred as it did then. But where did they get the money from?”

A shocked silence followed her words. Tsunade was staring at the map; she didn't want to believe what Sakura indicated might be true. The kunoichi continued.

“It was almost impossible to learn anything from people. Everybody reiterated the same thing, like a well-learnt speech. Nobody was suspicious of anything everybody was satisfied and happy. It took me three weeks to piece together the facts from different sources. They didn't keep the events a secret, but somehow everything was represented in a different way. As if Yamaji's political power had created his own reality and would measure everything by it, then arrange the little pieces of truth in such a way that would create a different picture at the end.

After all we already knew that there was a problem with honey trading in the Land of Earth, but it is beyond belief the kind of interests that were manipulating the events in the background. We can't prove it, but from the events that occured it seems obvious that Honey committed the fraud with either River or Vegetables, or even both! In the end they shared the profit and everybody came off well—except for Earth, the victim of this whole plot.”

“I see, but this doesn't prove any kind of connection between Yamaji and the Akatsuki.” Tsunade interjected while shaking her head disbelievingly.

“If we believe the facts they feed us with. We didn't hear a single word about the Akatsuki for years since the Shukaku was taken from Gaara, as if they had vanished into the thin air. Is this the truth, or just part of the reality Yamaji wants us to believe? If we accept that it takes only power and money to create a new reality, then suddenly the last years appear in a quite different light than before.”

First Yamaji was the innocent victim of the Land of Earth. Then he became the great ally, who could squeeze money out of the situation. Later he became the generous landlord, who made his people happy. And then suddenly everybody forgot about the Akatsuki, as if they never existed. At least this is how it appears to us. After all what do we know about the world? Only what we are told.”

Tsunade stared into space for a long time after that, then finally quietly spoke.

“And our spies? Did you learn anything about them?”

“They left a hidden message in the Land of Honey informing us what had happened: although they had reached the border of Earth, they had to flee when two Akatsuki discovered them. Then they ran back to Honey and left this message. We don't know where they are at the moment. Most likely dead.”

“So they were in the Land of Earth.” Tsunade said apathetically. Sakura nodded.

“Earth has always been a problematic country. They hated the Akatsuki because of Deidara, but they hated us even more because of the war. But still, they always informed us when they noticed Akatsuki appearances. It seems they have chosen.”

Tsunade massaged her temple tiredly, as if that would help prevent the approaching headache.

“Not enough Sakura, this is still not enough. Everything you've told me about the connection between Yamaji and the Akatsuki is mere assumption. But we could just as well assume that it's not true.”

Sakura's jaw tensed.

“Lots of money is needed to establish an organization like the Akatsuki! Yamaji had the opportunity to gather the required amount when he did that little economic twist with the Land of Earth.

“That was when? Six years ago? The Akatsuki was established at least ten years ago.”

Sakura didn't know how to answer. That fact didn't refute her theory, but it did take an ace out of her sleeve.

“We don't know enough.” Tsunade summed it up. “I can't go to our Daimyo with mere assumptions. I need more persuasive evidence. I’m not saying your work was meaningless, on the contrary, but...”

Tsunade left the end of the sentence unsaid and watched as Sakura turned over the pages of her notes with tired eyes.

“Sit down Sakura. Have a glass of water.” She gestured towards the pitcher that Shizune had prepared that morning. Sakura gratefully accepted her offer and sat down, reaching for the water. For a time they just sat in silence, each absorbed in thought. Finally Tsunade stood up and gestured for Sakura to follow her.

“We have to consult with the Council,” she said as they walked down the corridor. “We need all the opinions we can find, this case brooks no delay.”

The Hokage looked back at her apprentice and smiled. On the other hand this would also be the perfect opportunity to introduce Sakura to the elders. As Kakashi's ex-student and Tsunade's apprentice she already had great recommendations and Tsunade wanted to pave the way for her onward.

Later on Tsunade was squirming in her seat uncomfortably, she didn’t know how long the hearing had been going on, but she felt that the elders had already asked every question five times already. Had they become senile in their old age? She didn't envy Sakura, who was starting to visibly wilt with every passing minute. When the torrent of questions ceased Tsunade stood up, finally stretching her numb legs.

“I understand that putting an equal mark between Yamaji and the Akatsuki is a mere assumption.” she said as she stepped in front of the elders. “But can we take the risk of rejecting the idea altogether when there is a possibility that it's true?” Tsunade summed up their problem. The elders exchanged glances, but didn't answer.

“They've been poisoning our life for ten years now and we still can’t destroy them. Unbelievable isn't it?” Tsunade contemplated. “Where was I ten years ago? Oh I remember now,” she said absent-mindedly. Those were good times.. hiding in the mountain villages, far away from the collectors...

“Ten years ago...” Utatane said, a strict-looking woman. “That was when Uchiha Itachi purged out his clan.”

“No that was twelve years ago Koharu.” Councillor Miitokado said to his ex-teammate, and from the man's grin Sakura was sure he only butted in to annoy the elder woman.

“Twelve years ago.. the same year when Yamaji became the Daimyo!” Sakura realized suddenly. “It sounds mad but.. Why not? Why couldn't Yamaji and Itachi have had some kind of connection before everything happened? That would explain a lot of things.”

“But how? All those years Itachi was living in Konoha.” Tsunade interjected, but Danzo the oldest council member corrected her.

“Uchiha Itachi became genin at the age of 7, chuunin at the age of 10, ANBU at the age of 13. During those years he accomplished dozens of A-class missions: He spent a significant amount of his years out of Konoha,” he said slowly and majestically.

“Shizune!” Tsunade cried out. Soon her assistant's head appeared by the door.

“Shizune go to the archives and bring back all of Uchiha Itachi's mission reports!”

“Yes Tsunade-sama! Don’t I need an official credentials?” she asked but Tsunade just waved.

“No! Just tell them I sent you and bring me the reports as soon as you can!”

As the minutes passed by slowly in suspense, Tsunade finally stood up and started pacing around the room.

“On second thought it would be logical if they had met only after Itachi deserted Konoha. But I must admit it would help a lot if we could find a connection between Itachi and Yamaji even before the tragedy occurred.” she said while walking in circles. Soon afterwards Shizune came back with the eagerly expected papers and Tsunade had to sit down again.
For Sakura time hung even heavier as she watched Tsunade turning the pages one by one. She started playing with her fingers till she realized that she was behaving just like Hinata and tried to compose herself. Finally, when she thought that her nerves couldn't take any more waiting, Tsunade's eyes sparkled and her lips curled up in surprise.

“Bingo! What a surprise!” she said and offered a paper to her apprentice. Sakura reached for it uncertainly and started reading Itachi's flowing handwriting.

“Our orders were to eliminate High Councillor Yamaji and his attendant while we were escorting them to the city of Utsuki in the Land of Rain as their bodyguards. We met the targets on September 10th and accompanied them till September 17th when our mission failed: the targets escaped. We found and followed their trace but could track down only the attendant whom we eliminated successfully.”

“According to the official writing, the Daimyo of the Land of Honey requested the mission personally.” Tsunade read and sighed. “Very interesting.”

Sakura nodded and handled the papers back to Tsunade.

“So Yamaji went back and took over Honey. Then founded the Akatsuki, where Itachi had his VIP seat waiting for him.” Sakura added.

“And what does the Council say?” Tsunade asked turning to the elders.

“We have to be careful with the Land of Honey. We have to send spies. But we do not have enough evidence to make an accusation about Yamaji to our Daimyo.” Utatane answered and Tsunade nodded looking at her apprentice again.

“Sakura you did a good job! Now go and take a rest. That is an order!”

After the kunoichi stepped out of the door Tsunade glanced at the elders just in time to catch their appreciative look. She smiled in satisfaction.

Sakura walked tiredly back to her flat, and just when she arrived at the door she realized that she'd given the keys to Hinata, so she went back to the hospital. And since she was already at the hospital, she thought she might just as well sleep there too.


.oOo.

By the time she woke up the sky was painted an aurulent crimson as the gate of Heaven opened to absorb the setting sun. The clouds, those giant, calmly floating whales of the sky slowly drifted towards the glowing red and soon they too crossed our world to continue their voyage towards the infinity. Sakura stared in astonishment at the ethereal sight; it reminded her just how long it had been since she had last seen the sunset; she completely forgot how beautiful evanescence could be.

Maybe our death is similar in nature. It's said that the total amount of mass and energy in the universe is constant; it cannot be created or destroyed but can only change its form.. maybe that's true for our soul as well, maybe we don't vanish after death, just.. cross a gate towards a different world. And so when we die maybe somewhere else we'll be born again in a different form, as a new life. As randomly as they came, these thoughts faded from Sakura's mind as she yawned sleepily, and the giant clouds winked at her before she closed her eyes and fell asleep again.

The clouds sailed away with a speed that was too slow for the eye, yet too fast for the mind. They drifted over vast forests and mountains never halting until they beheld a man's figure in black. He was standing still looking straight at them, so they bent down to whisper secrets in his ear in the rustling language of the wind. Then they flew back towards the high plains of the sky, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

Itachi just stood there unmoving. That day the ruthless aura of death surrounded him, and his eyes were filled with a fury that rose from the depth of his soul. He looked down at his hands as if he could see the invisible leash that fate dragged him with. Yes today he wanted to destroy! He wanted to smash the manacles that chained him to his fate. Today he hated! He hated his friend who betrayed him, and the clan that had forced him to. He hated his last words, he hated how his dead body had lain motionlessly on the ground.

“Itachi, Yamaji says it's time to go.” Kisame called out behind him but Itachi didn't move.

“Leave me” he answered coldly. Kisame shrugged and walked away. It was rare to find Itachi in such a bad mood, but when it happened it was better to leave him alone. He had been especially quiet in the last few days, which was never a good sign. Kisame shook his head as he went back to the camp. Arriving back at the clearing he stopped and let the tip of his sword plummet into the ground.

“He won’t come” he said briefly and looked his leader in the eye. Yamaji was probably in his sixties, a sharp-featured man with an intense, penetrating gaze. His hair was flecked with grey making him look more authoritative, and with his strict features and eyes that mirrored his inner intellect he appeared to be a dangerous man of whom one could never know what to expect. His stature wasn't tall, and he didn't look strong either; yet his whole nature radiated such power, that he could easily induce submission in those who weren't mindful about what they do.

“Then a minute please” Yamaji said and left for Itachi. As he approached his ninja's lonely shape he pursed his lips. It was rare that Itachi let himself be dragged down by the anguished tendrils of the past. And this was bad timing as well; just when they had so many things to do... gloomy thoughts were never good for working moral.

He finally reached the ninja, but Itachi ignored him. Yamaji grinned inside’ finding pleasure in the moment because he knew very well that Itachi detested not being able to control his life. Itachi hated him as well, because he needed him. And now Itachi must have known that he couldn't avoid this conversation.

“Soon we have to go for Orochimaru, after we finish in the Land of Grass. If we delay that matter for too long he might devour your little brother. I guess you don't want that,” he said cunningly. Itachi didn't answer, didn't even move. Yamaji's eyes flashed — the other's silence was just fuel to the fire, he thought he'd play more.

“You already know my opinion, but I'll tell you again: You should have killed Sasuke! Just one more unpredictable factor we'll have to calculate with.”

Something snapped in Itachi and he spun around to face the leader who looked back at him fearlessly. What Yamaji saw in Itachi's eyes then filled him with smug satisfaction; his emotions betrayed the ninja, finding out his weakness was so easy.

“Why do you want me to kill him so much?”

“As I said. He became stronger. He'll pose a danger to us.”

Itachi's lips turned into a bitter smile. “Maybe that's what I want. Only a Sharingan user can kill another Sharingan user.”

Yamaji shook his head disapprovingly. “You're still not convinced that you're the chosen one? I've told you already. Your little brother will never obtain the Mangekyou simply because only the one who has it can be the chosen one.”

“And it's only accidental that I gained the Mangekyou, right Yamaji?”

The Daimyo's gaze didn't waver. In fact he was amused that Itachi had found it out, his little secret. What an unexpectedly pleasant surprise! It was even more interesting now — to manipulate a man of such a high caliber as Itachi was always a pleasure, but the recognition that Itachi was actually capable of seeing through him just heightened the enjoyment aroused by the challenge.

“Oh, how long you have known?”

Itachi clenched his fists. His jaw tightened just by the thought of what he was about the say.

“I knew it all along. You arranged Shisui's poisoning. Weren't you afraid to take such a risk? He might have died before I could kill him.”

“Oh, are you angry at me Itachi? But unfortunately it wasn't me who betrayed you but him. That traitor had to die.”

“He didn't have a choice, neither did I. He was manipulated by the clan like me.”

“Of course. What did you expect? Your clan knew all along that you were a potential danger and could make the prophecy come true. That's why they kept you under surveillance so desperately, and that became their ruin. Had they not spied on you, you wouldn't have acquired the Mangekyou, and they wouldn't have had to die by your hand. Their fate is a perfect example how the prophecy comes true just because people know about it.”

Itachi looked up at the clouds with contemplating eyes. What would have happened if his clan had never obtained that fragment of the prophecy?

“I don't think they could have avoided their fate in the end,” he said finally. His words were heavy and tired.

“Unfortunately.” Yamaji nodded. “But had they not known about the prophecy it wouldn't have been you who had to undertake it all. Someone else would be involved in the prophecy then, another who would gain the Mangekyou. Probably your little brother. Then maybe you'd be dead by now along with your clan.”

Yamaji knew that his words were sharper than the sharpest blade and hit the mark without miss. But it was necessary, because Itachi had to become strong-minded and what cannot kill you will make you stronger. He had to understand, that looking from the present everything that had happened was unavoidable, and everything that will happen is a must.

“But now you're the chosen one; only you have the chance to succeed.” Yamaji continued, making Itachi frown.

“The prophecy doesn't tell who will win. If I fail only Sasuke will have the chance, as the last Uchiha.”

Yamaji's eyes flashed; oh he understood everything now. Itachi was full of surprises today. Suddenly his attachment to his little brother didn't look so sentimental.. It was quite logical, from Itachi's point of view, to spare Sasuke so that if he failed there would be still another potential Mangekyou user alive, one with a chance to succeed.. Yet Itachi's plan was fundamentally wrong since it was based on the assumption that he could possibly lose. But he couldn’t afford even the thought of losing! No.. Itachi's responsibility now was to believe in his success, and it was Yamaji's job to prepare for every possibility. That was one more reason why he didn't show Itachi all parts of the prophecy.. If Itachi knew what he knew...

“You'll win! I didn't work for thirty years to let you lose.”

Itachi wanted to laugh. “You only worked to gain more power.”

“And what is power for, if everything is destroyed that I could rule over?” Yamaji spread his arms. “No Itachi, you must win. Your clan had to be destroyed, there was no other choice. And you have to go on now, you were born to do this” he said, and with that he considered their conversation to be over and their travel to be resumed.

After joining Kisame in the Land of Rain, Itachi and his partner had met Yamaji and together they traveled toward the Land of Grass. The way wouldn't have taken so long, but since Yamaji wasn't a ninja they had to proceed slower. Kisame didn't really understand why Yamaji wanted to visit the other Daimyo personally... and why they had to be the ones to guard him on the way. He even asked these questions from the leader when they were told about the plans.

“You can always make a better impression personally, Kisame.” Yamaji explained in a good mood. “Sending a letter has it's disadvantages. Apart from losing it.”

“What is that?” Kisame asked curiously.

“Time. During a personal conversation your partner has to make decisions immediately which can make him feel pressured and thus easier to trap, but he can contemplate on a letter for weeks, he can consult dozen of advisers and he can still say he didn't receive anything.”

Kisame grinned, then shook his head. “Wouldn't it be better to travel with your household staff as other Daimyo do?”

“No, it would be a mistake to travel officially.. it's better to keep such conspiracies and alliances a secret as long as possible. Plus I'd endanger myself by travelling with people who cannot even protect themselves, let alone me. Only you, members of my Akatsuki can offer me complete protection.”

“What an honor.” Kisame said in satisfaction, with only a hint of cynicism. Yamaji grinned inside.

“The honor is mine. I guess you would rather be fighting somewhere, than guard an old man like me” he answered politely. Kisame's grin widened.

“I didn't know you can read minds.”

Yamaji laughed aloud. He felt a kind of respect towards the shark man, who in view of his appearance looked robust and coarse, but in the reality was a very good observer. He even had the sense of how to put the little details into one answer, as Yamaji found out years ago. Kisame didn't become Itachi's partner for nothing, even if Itachi had considered it a punishment in the beginning, later on he had come to realize that Kisame —unlike the other Akatsuki members— had the intuition to know when to talk and when to stay silent.

Long years ago when Yamaji recruited members for the Akatsuki, he had evaluated his new troops; some were aloof or too loud, some were gloomy, mildly or very crazy, bizarre and grotesque. Not the finest selection, but they were powerful ninjas and that was what mattered, apart from being loyal to the Akatsuki of course.

But why wouldn't they be loyal? After all they joined out of their own free will and wore their new symbols proudly. The Akatsuki gave them protection, money and power, and in a way, more freedom than they could ever have. Yamaji assured them that they could quit any time they wanted. But this strangely generated a kind of uncertainty in them, because to them this meant that they were replaceable: The Akatsuki was not about them as individuals, but about a bigger cause. An aim, that Yamaji didn't reveal completely of course; he explained only as much as he saw fit. Thus the members didn't know about most of the prophecy, nor about Itachi who seemed a regular member to them.

But it seemed there was someone who wasn't so full of himself. His rough manner and rasping snickers deceived even Yamaji, and that was why he respected the shark-man; there were so few things in this world that could still surprise him — and he would never forget the day when it happened.

It was years ago, when the Akatsuki was still a newly founded organization, and Yamaji was still getting familiar with its members. He had to know what to expect from them, so he visited them one by one, or watched them closely at the meetings. One day he took a walk to the clearing where Kisame was training, not far from their headquarters. When Yamaji saw how easily Kisame was swinging his huge sword he became thoughtful. It would be good to learn more about the arrant fighters of the Land of Mist.

“If I remember correctly you were one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist.” he began.

Kisame only grunted, but didn't suspend his training.

“Looking at you maybe I should seek them out and invite them to join the Akatsuki” Yamaji continued. Hearing that Kisame stopped and let the tip of his sword plunge into the ground. Unable to remain silent any longer, somehow he found it humorous how Yamaji trapped him because he grinned suddenly.

“I wouldn't recommend it. The only one who wasn't completely mad was Zabuza. We were good friends, long ago. But I hear he died with two more fighters. The rest are dangerous even to themselves, I wouldn't like to see them again.”

“That's why you quit?” Yamaji asked curiously. Kisame shrugged.

“I don't like to be ordered about.”

“Thus you joined the Akatsuki where I will order you about.”

Kisame grinned again and looked at Yamaji as a predator looks at it's prey. It was amusing to see how Yamaji's predator gaze looked back at him.

“But the prize will be different this time” he answered and Yamaji’s lips turned into a faint smile.

“Indeed. Unfortunately I've never seen you during a fight. I admit I'm curious of your abilities.”

Kisame broke into a laugh. ”If you want. Better still, I can show my abilities on Itachi” he offered liberally, and Yamaji couldn't help but smile. Could it be possible? Glancing at the shark-man he already knew; Kisame had found out their secret, that Itachi —unlike everyone else— was the only one who was irreplaceable. From then on it was set that Kisame would become Itachi's partner, so that he can keep an eye on the shark-man.

Returning to the present Yamaji suddenly stopped when they reached a crossroad, and glanced at Itachi with calculating eyes. His ninjas halted as well, looking at him questioningly.

“Itachi, I am changing the plans. I'll turn to the left towards Grass as I planned originally, and Kisame will come with me. You on the other hand go to Konoha and gather as much information about he jinchuuriki as you can; I want to know how much he has developed. We'll meet two weeks from now in the capital of Sound.”

Itachi nodded and turned to leave, when Kisame suddenly laughed. Yamaji looked at him with interest.

“Have fun Itachi darling!” Kisame yelled after him and laughed even louder. Itachi didn't react, didn't even turn and a few moments later he completely vanished into the thick forest.

“What was that?” Yamaji turned to Kisame, who grinned like a maniac.

“Itachi is the patron saint of women, don’t you know Yamaji?” he answered and pulled his large straw hat over his eyes, ready to leave.

After a while, as they were walking towards the Land of Grass Kisame turned to Yamaji, remembering his previous words.

“Then we go for Orochimaru? I can't wait to cut off his tails, that snake,” he said grinning more evilly than he usually did. Then he puckered his lips.

“But do we not need him? There is still nobody who could replace him since he left.”

Yamaji nodded.

“Yes, originally I planned to let him take over Itachi's little brother. Then I'd have offered him the chance to join us out of his free will again.”

“But as it turned out,” Kisame continued Yamaji's thoughts “..We cannot put little bro out of the way, 'cause that would break our beloved Itachi's heart, right?”

This time Yamaji let a sour expression appear on his face. ”Maybe someday I should interrogate you about Itachi’s feelings.. I'm glad you two are so close! Is there anything by the way, that I should know?”

Kisame only answered with a grin, and Yamaji sighed inside because he knew that it takes a lot more than a simple question to get anything out of Kisame. So instead he continued.

“According to my spies Sasuke is still alive, but since we're already on the road I thought we could just as well visit Orochimaru now.”

Kisame nodded, but something must have still been on his mind because he looked absorbed in his thoughts.

“And what about new members?” he asked after a while.

“If you know of any candidates let me know.”

Kisame laughed out. “Maybe Itachi will recruit one for us,” he said mysteriously. Yamaji was really curious now.

Both became silent after that, scanning the road and the naked trees around them. They quietly passed a merchant caravan, met some mailmen on the way, but nothing noteworthy happened. Finally it was already late afternoon when they reached the gate of the capital of Grass. Kisame looked at Yamaji.

“Now what?”

“First we visit the leader of my local spy network. It's too late to meet the Daimyo today.”

.oOo.

“Yamaji-sama.” The man bowed before them. At first glance he looked like a noble, but his fingers were too agile, his movements too dexterous to be one. Yamaji nodded and sat down, gesturing them to follow his example. Kisame took a position a bit further next to the door, while their host sat down across the table.

“Tell me, my dear friend, how are our plans progressing?” Yamaji asked. The man thought for a moment, what should he start with: the good news or the bad news. Finally he decided to tell the bad news first.

“We don't have an easy job. Here in Grass tradition has a great value therefore marrying our men into their noble clans is almost impossible. There was only one instance when our spy could seduce one of the Daimyo's distant relatives, but the elders sent her away rather than let an outsider into their clan.”

Yamaji's face didn't reveal his thoughts, but inside he was disappointed by this turn of events.

“What a pity. I really would have liked to solve our problems as easily as we did with the Land of Vegetables. Although that surpassed my expectations” he said with a nostalgic voice, and thought about Tachibanaki, who saved his life once, a long time ago. Then when Yamaji became more influential, he made Tachibanaki the leader of his local spy network in Vegetables, and his name became a legend when he married the Daimyo's only daughter. Yamaji nodded. Tachibanaki was a good man, he deserved better than those filthy docks where they had worked together once.

“Oh I almost forgot. Please deliver my congratulations to Tachibanaki, I heard his first son was born” the spy said and Yamaji nodded.

“Continue.”

“Although we couldn't insinuate ourselves into the noble clans, we were successful with the Daimyo's spy network. As you ordered we let them acquire the list of your allies.”

Yamaji's eyes kindled and he rested his elbow on the table with satisfaction.

“Wonderful! You did a great job, Hitsuji!”

“In a frank world there would be no need for us.” answered the man humbly with the everyday saying of the spies.

They didn't talk much after that, because it was already late and their host insisted that Yamaji retire early to be well rested before visiting the Daimyo tomorrow. Thus Yamaji went to sleep and soon only Kisame was awake, guarding his leader's dreams in front of the door.

.oOo.

“I didn't know we could just drop in for tea” grumbled Kisame with a drop of sarcasm in his voice. He thought Yamaji had an appointment with the Daimyo.

“I'm too old to wait months for someone, and too busy to adopt his schedule” Yamaji answered humbly while they were sitting in the antechamber of the palace, waiting for the Daimyo to decide whether he will grace them with his presence or not. Kisame of course had to change his shape, and now looked like an ordinary guard of an ordinary Daimyo. Unlike Kisame Yamaji wasn’t worried, he was sure of his success; now that the other Daimyo knew about his allies, he wouldn't miss the chance to get himself into a better position.

It happened as he expected, and soon the two elderly Daimyo were standing in the most luxurious chamber of the palace, looking at each other with their intense, piercing gaze.

“I was looking forward to this meeting” greeted the Daimyo of Grass after they elegantly bowed. Before Yamaji could answer the other continued.

“I even know the reason why the Daimyo of the Land of Honey has visited me.”

“Oh? Then the spies of the Land of Grass are better than I expected.” Yamaji answered lightly.

“Then I should believe their other report as well; that the influence of the Land of Honey is growing rapidly” the other Daimyo said in a flat voice, but Yamaji was sure that the man was very worried about this revelation.

“I'd rather call that 'influence' my alliances, as they are treaties of amity and peace between two equal partners” he answered politely. So far everything was going to his liking.

Hearing Yamaji's words, the other man's eyes flashed in anger, his lips pressed into a thin line disapprovingly.

“I don't believe in peace; what looks like peace is just an armistice between two wars. Thus I don't believe in alliances either. They are mere tools for one country to take advantage of another.” he answered in a disdainful voice.

“And I don't believe in war; that's just the cowards' way to obtain what they want. But with only peaceful tools it's so much more of a challenge to achieve one’s goals.” retorted Yamaji, almost whispering at the end of the sentence. He looked at the other Daimyo with piercing eyes, like a panther waiting for his prey to take just one more step forward.

“What else could a country which has already everything, wish for? What are allies for then, if not for preparing a war?” asked the other Daimyo with a forceful voice. Yamaji, on the other hand tried to remain emotionless. It's over! he thought in satisfaction.

“Indeed, I have everything. I have a wealthy country, where people think highly of me. I have an organization as well, which loyally serve me and follow my every order. However” he said cunningly, with a voice that was mellow like honey ”unfortunately they are not welcomed because of their past, and they need to hide themselves in many countries. In the Land of Grass they have never caused any problem, yet maybe it can be guessed whom I'm talking about.”

The other Daimyo suddenly went still. Yamaji watched as a thousand thoughts swirled in his eyes as he tried to estimate the situation.

“The Akatsuki” he finally said, horrified. Yamaji nodded.

“They may look detestable in some people's eyes. But since I took them in they don't work for their own interests anymore, therefore it disturbs me greatly that they have to hide like criminals if they for instance deliver messages for me” he explained. Then added “there are people who are innocent but are unjustly condemned — and there are people who once were criminals, but with hard work they can get themselves to be acknowledged.”

With that said, Yamaji decided not the beat around the bush anymore, and continued with a direct voice. “There are countries however, like the Land of Fire, who need to be under an international pressure in order to be convinced to accept my organization. But in the end I'm sure we can achieve a common agreement.”

The other Daimyo's eyes widened when he realized that he had been trapped. It was a mistake to inquire of the other so openly. As long as he had talked an in ambiguous way he had the chance to back out of any kind of agreement without making an enemy of Yamaji. But now that Yamaji had shown him his cards, he had to choose whether to be with him, or against him.. But he didn't want to yield to him, not yet! If there was a way that he could trap Yamaji, it would be the same way he was trapped by him. He tried to calm himself down and spoke up with a confident voice.

“I've heard what happened in the Land of Wind; how your Akatsuki hounds attacked the Kazekage of their hidden village.”

Yamaji let a faint smile appear on his lips. The taste of victory was sweet like honey.

“I don't deny it. But my ninjas didn't intrude into their territory without permission. Before they crossed the border I personally convinced the Daimyo of Wind that what we were about to do was absolutely necessary, and I compensated him plentifully” he said, and added “I have documentation to prove this.”

Hearing that, the other Daimyo turned deep red. Of course he wouldn't have believed a word of what Yamaji had told him, but to hear it from Yamaji was shameless insult. He almost asked what was so necessary in such an assault, but he let the words die in his throat. He knew that Yamaji would've charged a high price for such information.

“This alliance would have no drawbacks to it. My connection to the Akatsuki would cause no harm to the Land of Grass.” Yamaji assured.

“But no profit either.”

Yamaji grinned inside. Oh he knew that sentence very well. From now on, everything would happen smoothly.

.oOo.

It was already noon when a satisfied Yamaji and a bored Kisame stepped out of the ornamented gate of the main palace, and went back to Hitsuji. At that time Itachi had just crossed the border of Fire, and halted for a moment to check whether there were any ninjas about. No, he didn't feel any traces of chakra nearby and so he took to his heels with Kisame's words following behind. Damned shark breed.

His mission seemed so simple —too simple. Too tempting. Sakura was in the same team as Naruto, which meant he'd see her unintentionally if he wanted to keep a close watch on the jinchuuriki — which was not good, not good at all. It would have been better never to see her again, his enemy. Because it was doubtless, that one day he'd acquire the demon from Naruto, and it was also doubtless that Sakura would be there to try to prevent him from doing so.

Would she recognize him if they met? No, most likely not even while hearing his voice. Probably she would find it familiar but anger and hate would fog her mind. But probably that was exactly what he needed in order to recover his senses — her disdainful eyes looking down on him. Because his rational mind already knew that it was only a matter of time before they would clash, and he also knew that he had no chance of preventing her from coming up against him; there was no such possible world where Sakura would choose him over Naruto.

But he had accepted this long ago. His fate was the way of pain, for him happiness was only a ridiculous illusion. Sakura was wrong; so far he had done everything he had to do, choice was never his. And if —when Sakura turned against him he would triumph because he had to, because he would kill everyone who stood in his way to accomplishing his goal. Itachi hated his fate, his predestined life. He wished he could have just one decision that was truly his, just one that was heartfelt and free!

..Perhaps..

.oOo.

Sakura reached the entrance of her flat with a tired sigh. After a few moments of rummaging she found the key and let herself in, throwing the contents of the post box onto the coffee table she went straight to the kitchen to make a large, strong cup of coffee. Somehow this week had been so tiring since she came back home. During the day she worked, in the afternoon she met her friends and before long the day was over. She barely had time to sleep, much less gather her thoughts. But at least today she had a little more spare time to relax at home.

Later on she took a shower and went towards the bedroom, planning to read a bit before going to sleep. The coffee pepped her up; she was still tired, but not sleepy anymore. As she entered the room an unexpected sight met her gaze. To tell the truth she didn't really want to believe her eyes so she blinked and took a step forward. A big, black cat was sitting on her desk and reading a book. Her book! As if the tomcat had heard her thoughts, he turned to look at her.

“Sakura, you came just in time. Can you turn a page for me?”
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A.N.:Sorry about the cliffhanger, I don't like them either but this chapter is already ten thousand words.. Let me know about your opinion or questions, you can also read my answer to the reviews in my livejournal page.

Now here comes the fumoffu. I'm sorry that I confused many people with the last one, I guess not many authors write parody for their own fic. So again fumoffu is not part of the main story, sometimes a parody, sometimes just a humorous little writing. This time the latter one.

Fumoffu, which tells the true history of how the Akatsuki coat came to be

The seven ninjas watched intently as the curtain rose and a tall man stepped out and walked towards them with slow, measured steps. With hands in pockets he crossed the distance, then when he was sure that everybody was staring at him and only him, he suddenly stopped and opened his coat wide. He looked away proudly and turned around once, twice and one more time just to make sure to let everybody get a good view of him. Then he turned his back to them and strode back elegantly where he came from. Nobody spoke up after he vanished behind the curtain making Deidara to fidget nervously with his pointer.

“Why white?” somebody among those present asked. Deidara flung out his arms.

“Because it's elegant and fashionable, hmm. Since the Geta magazine choose it to be color of the year, everybody from the upper crust wants to wear white” he explained and looked at Yamaji with pleading eyes.

“I can confirm that” the leader agreed, and Deidara smiled gratefully at the others, who unfortunately didn't share his enthusiasm.

“Have you seen the color of the Bingo book?” Sasori asked quietly.

“Well.. not really.. ” Deidara answered uncertainly.

“It's black. It suits us bad guys more you know. The dark side of the force and such.” Zetsu said cynically.

“That's what you say when half of your face is white as a sheet and constantly argues with it's other half!?” bit back Deidara. Zetsu sprang up furiously, his Venus fly traps standing out menacingly from his coat.

“At least my hands never gobbled up the utensils before I could use them!”

“Because you *don't* use utensils. It's easy for you who lives on flies, hmm!”

Yamaji raised his hand to end the battle of words.

“Deidara, it's not Zetsu's fault that his head is two-toned with leaves on it -he was born that way. Earlier he just wanted to express his opinion. After all we gathered here to discuss what the Akatsuki coat should look like, right?”

Deidara nodded reluctantly. “So you want black because it's so bad-guy like, hmm?” he asked appeasingly. The others nodded.

“But after all we'll be heroes, right? Won't that make us become the good guys?” he asked again and looked at the leader.

“That's true as well.” Yamaji answered politely and raised a cookie to his mouth.

“Ridiculous! I only do this for myself, not because I wanna become some kid's hero.” Kakuzu said arrogantly, and approving voices came from all directions around him.

“Okay then it'll be black, hmm. But how did you like the motif on it?”

Suddenly everybody became silent. Finally Kisame spoke up. “Why is it red spotted?” he asked with real curiosity in his voice this time. Deidara’s hands almost swallowed his pointer.

“Those are not 'red spots' they’re moons! Crimson moons! You know aka-tsuki!” he answered irritably as if he were talking to a child. Then he added “and if the background remains white, then it'd look like we were covered by Japanese flags. Isn't it smart?”

“No” somebody spoke up, but when Deidara turned menacingly towards them, all seven ninjas blinked innocently.

“From afar, it actually may look like it's red spotted.” Yamaji said as the silence fell upon them. Deidara lowered his head in resignation, then started rummaging in his pockets for some slips of paper.


“I suspected it'd end up like this, hmm. Everybody pick a piece of paper and write down what kind of motif you want! Then we'll choose one, hmm” he said and handled the papers to Yamaji, who sat the closest. He turned back and gave them to the others.

“Does everybody have one? Orochimaru give one slip to Itachi too! Yeah he's here somewhere.. last time I saw him he was trying to imitate the coat-stand by the door. Or try behind the pillars...” Deidara said and waited a little bit, then gathered the papers with a satisfied grin. He was sure that nobody would have a better idea than his; and by the end he would convince them to accept the white background as well. He already had the coats prepared anyway. But that could wait..

“Let's see..” he said excitedly and opened the first paper.

“Snakes.”

Deidara made a sour face. Kisame broke into laugh. Orochimaru blushed.

“Khm, hmm.. then let's vote! Those who hate snakes raise your hand!” Deidara said hesitatingly and watched as everybody put up their hands except five.Hidan didn’t want to look like he was afraid of anything, and Yamaji wanted to remain politically correct. Zetsu didn't raise his hand for the sole reason that Deidara did, and Itachi couldn't be seen because he had melted into the shadows again.

“Then perhaps let's move on, hmm. It says... that paper is blank.. out of ideas already, hmm? All right let's see the next one: stars. Not bad, not bad.. hmm..”

“What are we, freakin wizards?!” yelled Kisame with an irritated voice.

“I like the stars.” Hidan answered firmly.

“Sure thing, I like them too! On the sky for example they look great! But on coats.. hmm.. stars, anyone?” Deidara asked from the other members, but nobody raised their hand so Deidara could go on.

“And this one... hearts?!” He stared at the piece of paper in his hand, but as soon as he heard Kisame's uproarious laughter he understood everything. “Okay Kisame, we'll wait till you’ve stopped grunting then we’ll go on.”

Finally Kisame quieted down and Deidara opened another paper.

“Please no... now palm trees?! I'm glad you're so humorous today, hmm!” Deidara said impatiently. Yamaji rested his elbow on the table.

“I knew we shouldn't have gone to the beach for vacation.” Yamaji muttered. Deidara opened another piece of paper.

“Skulls, hmm..”

He looked up at the others, it seemed they liked this idea, and all but three of them raised their hands—and in that three Deidara already calculated himself and Itachi, too.

“You can't be serious! Skulls fell out of fashion already!” Deidara said disapprovingly. “Just because it's so bad-guy like, huh?”

He began to sweat. Something had to be done fast, because there was no way that a genius like him would wear coat with skulls on it. He grabbed another slip of paper.

“Clouds.” He didn't like it at first, but on the second thought it wasn't that bad. At least better than skulls.

“What do you say, hmm? I like it! It's a very original idea.” he said in enthusiasm.

“It's quite a neutral motif as well. It can be worn inside built-up areas without looking strikingly evil.” agreed Yamaji. The others looked thoughtful. What the leader said was important indeed, but it was hard to resist the temptation of the skull.. Deidara desperately tried to look for some kind of argument that could convince them.

“If you choose that motif I'll nail polish the nails of every one of you! ..Even your toes, hmm!” he spoke up finally.

A shocked silence followed his announcement.

Nail polish? Ridiculous, Itachi knit his eyebrows.

I never understood why women bother with it, Yamaji thought.

It looks very troublesome, Kakuzu mused.

Painting your toes can be a pain, Zetsu thought.

Wait a minute.. Orochimaru became thoughtful.

Deidara will crawl at our feet, Hidan smiled evilly.

“I wanna see that!” Kisame yelled suddenly.

Later, when he was painting the one hundred and sixtieth nail Deidara regretted a bit that he gave in so fast. Although when he thought about the skulls, he decided it was worth it.