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Shades of Crimson	By : Onileo Category: Naruto > Het - Male/Female Views: 2074 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto; that honor belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. My fanfiction is for entertainment only and is not intended for financial gain.

Chapter List
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Chapter 5
          Sakura regained awareness before she opened her eyes. The first thing she noticed was that she just felt...good. Her body was relaxed and her mind was unusually calm. She was still tired, so she knew she couldn't have been out long. Languidly, she opened her eyes, only to find herself staring up into the pierced face of Pein. He was frowning, and wore a concerned look on his face. Sakura smiled weakly at him and sat up, forcing him to retreat a little. They must have laid her on the bed, because she was no longer in the floor and her blanket slid down to her waist as she rose.
          "Sakura-san, are you okay?" he asked.
          "I think so. How long was I out?" she replied.
          "About five minutes. Do you know what happened to you? You were screaming."
          "I'm not sure. It felt like I was dying, but there wasn't any reason for it."
          "Tell me everything you remember." Pein commanded.
          She knew she shouldn't do it; exposing a weakness was a dangerous thing for someone in her situation. But, just maybe, he had some insight into what was going on that she didn't. Sakura described to him what had happened to her, right up to the time that Konan came in. Then she told him about the incident the night before, when it felt like her wrists had been cut, but she could find no cause. As she spoke, she watched Pein's expression go from thoughtful to one of understanding. Finishing, she gave him a curious look. "Do you know what is wrong with me, Pein-san?"
          "Not exactly, but I have a hunch."
          "And that is?" she asked a little forcefully. Pein shook his head.
          "I'm sorry, but until I know for sure, I can't tell you." he said with a frown. Sakura repeated the expression.
          "But I have some good news for you." he continued.
          "What's that?" she asked, half-hearted.
          "I was talking to Madara a few minutes ago, and we agreed that since you have shown no resistance so far, we're going to extend your confinement from your room to the entire lower floor of the building. But when you are in the common areas, you have to have one of us with you at all times. Konan is the only one not busy right now, so she will accompany you first. Any questions?"
          Sakura shook her head. She couldn't help the grateful smile that made its way to her lips. Finally, she would be able to go somewhere other than this damned room. And just maybe, she would be able to get them to trust her enough to lower their guard. Then she could either defeat at least one of them or escape, and if it was a really good day, both. Pein must have been able to read her thoughts, because he gave her a very stern look.
          "This privilege will be revoked with the slightest cause. How long it lasts hinges on your behavior. Don't disappoint me." he said.
          Sakura nodded her understanding. Turning, Pein left her room. Konan hovered in the doorway. She gave Sakura a small smile. "Would you like to help me with lunch, or do you want to rest some? That was quite an ordeal you went through."
          "I'll be fine, as long as I don't have to stay in here another minute."
          Sakura climbed out of bed and walked over to the blue haired kunoichi. Following her out, they made their way to the kitchen. Sakura was set to work chopping vegetables while Konan boiled shrimp on the stove. As she worked, Sakura kept glancing from her knife to Konan's back. At this distance, it would be easy to send the weapon sailing right into her vital areas. And she was a good aim too. But as casual as the scene looked, she was certain that Konan had all of her senses trained on her. And since she didn't even know her way to the front door yet, even if she managed to incapacitate her, the chances of escape were slim. So Sakura aborted her plan and continued her task. Soon the meal was prepared and Pein and Madara wandered in a few minutes later, lured by the tempting smell of stir fry. Madara grabbed his plate and headed upstairs while the rest ate in a comfortable silence. After everything was cleared away, Pein disappeared and Konan led Sakura to the common room.
          It was quite large, with a couch and television on one side, and a pool table at the other end. In the middle was a smaller table, with a shoji board set up on the top. It looked like someone had left a game in progress, the pieces placed haphazardly across the surface. Sakura was delighted to see bookshelves lining two walls, with various kinds of books and scrolls stacked neatly on them. Konan sat on the couch and flipped on the television. Sakura perused the books until she came across one on medical jutsu she hadn't seen before. Pulling it out, she sat at the other end of the couch and was soon absorbed in reading.
          It didn't last long, however. Five minutes into the first chapter, she found that she just didn't want to read anymore. She ought to be entranced, but she couldn't concentrate. Closing the book with a sigh, she set it beside her and glanced at the television. Konan was watching an older looking series about a samurai. Sakura watched it for a while, studying the moves of the main character as he fought to save the life of his sensei. But as soon as the battle ended, Sakura lost interest and with another sigh, tried to return to her book. Konan glanced over at her, noticing her restlessness, but said nothing. Another ten minutes went by and Sakura found herself staring at the ceiling. No matter how hard she tried, nothing could keep her interest. And worse than that was the despair that kept pushing its way into her brain. Not the normal sort of depression she would expect from being held against her will, it was like a black hole, eating away at her spirit. If only she knew what was causing it. With a third sigh, she turned back to her book, hoping it would at least distract her long enough to relieve her loneliness.

          It was nearing midday when Zetsu looked down to see the kunoichi begin to stir in his arms. He had already crossed the border into Fire Country, but he was still two days from Konoha and the drugs were beginning to wear off. Madara had released her from his genjutsu right before they left the base, and Zetsu had immediately given her a dose of tranquilizer. She had been conscious long enough for them to force some food and water down her, then she was out again. Now she was waking up, and he didn't have anything more to give her. The sedatives he used the first time had been the last of his supply. The plants he cultivated to create it wouldn't mature for another couple of months, so he had been forced to use a milder concoction. One that had a shorter duration and higher tolerance level. But he hadn't figured that she would start resisting it this soon.
          Luckily, there was an ANBU patrol station nearby. He would be there in just a few minutes and he could drop her off before she fully awakened. Pausing on a tree branch, he checked the area for chakra signatures. Good, there were only two shinobi at the station. That would make slipping in and out insanely easy. He nearly started forward again when he felt a cool hand slide down the surface of his mandibles. Glancing down, he frowned. The girl was half awake, but her eyelids drooped heavily and what he could see of her blue eyes were glazed and unfocused.
          "Poor thing..." he heard her mutter.”...Needs water...Too dry."
          Zetsu shifted uncomfortably as heat rose to his face. If he hadn't been carrying her, he would have pulled her hand away quickly. But he had one arm wrapped around her torso, and the other tucked under her thighs. His mandibles prevented him from carrying her over his shoulder the way he would have preferred. So he was stuck with her touching him. He sped on, praying he made it to the station quickly. The feelings her touch was invoking were unfamiliar and made his already divided mind that much more unstable.
          She was very still for a few minutes. Sneaking another peek at her delicately formed face, he saw a thoughtful frown cross her features. Then she began mumbling again. "...Excellent fertilizer...at the shop...I can fix you right up, little guy."
          Zetsu sighed in relief as the station came in sight. She would be lucid soon, and if that happened before he was safely away, he would have a real mess on his hands. Stopping right outside the door, he checked again to make sure that both shinobi were still inside. As her blue eyes gazed up at him, an impulsive idea popped into his head. He would have argued with himself about it, but there wasn't time. One of the ANBU inside was nearing the door. Reaching inside his cloak, he pulled something out of a hidden pouch as he set her on the ground. Tucking it inside her pajama pocket, he glanced at her one more time before knocking loudly on the door and stepping back, camouflaging himself to the closest tree.
          The door opened a moment later and an ANBU wearing a rabbit mask peered out. He shouted to his companion, who joined him to stare down at Ino who had managed to sit up on her own. She smiled up at them and tried to wave, but lost her balance and fell over on her side. "Isn't this Yamanaka?" the rabbit asked.
          "Yeah, and she seems to be in pretty bad shape. We need to get her back to Konoha, now." the other replied.
          "We can't both leave the station. The relief team is due back in an hour. I'll take her. You stay here and tell the others that we have found one of our missing ninja and to keep a sharp eye out on patrols for Haruno. She may be nearby." the rabbit said.
          "Hai. But hurry. She looks like she's been out of it for days."
          The rabbit masked ninja gently scooped Ino up and took off, leaving his companion watching from the doorway. From his hiding place in the tree, Zetsu smirked. Good. He had one hour. Not only had he completed his mission, he had scored a decent lunch as well. This was turning out to be a great day. Stepping away from the tree, he revealed himself and watched as the other shinobi froze in shock. Before he had time to react, Zetsu was on him, and a moment later a muffled scream startled a group of birds from their perch in the tree nearby.

          Several hours later, Hidan unsealed the door to the base and strolled in. The kitten, who he had started calling Demon, was still perched on his shoulder, purring contentedly. He had tried several more times to get the damn thing to get down, but each time the only result he got was bloodied fingers and a green eyed glare. With a sigh, he finally relented to leaving him there, and started talking to him. People would probably think he was crazy, but hey, it was company. Even if the little devil was as incorrigible as his old partner.
          Hearing the television on in the common room, Hidan wandered over to the doorway. Konan and Sakura were sitting on the couch. One was watching a movie, while the other seemed completely absorbed in a very large, very boring looking book. Noticing his presence, Konan turned to look at him. "Hidan-san. Pein-sama has an assignment for you. He wanted to see you as soon as you returned...is that a cat?"
          Pulling her attention from her book, Sakura sighed. She had just gotten into the chapter she was trying to read, and now she was disturbed again. She wanted to lay into Hidan for the interruption, but it wasn't his fault. Turning her head, she looked at him. Amethyst eyes met jade. An unusual feeling of calm swept over her, chasing away the dark loneliness she had been fighting all afternoon. Realizing she was staring, a blush crept up her face and she pulled her eyes away from his, turning her attention to the ball of orange fuzz sitting on his shoulder. Sure enough, a kitten of no more than six or seven weeks sat perched there. He had bright green eyes, which were currently focused on Konan. Glaring, the kitten let out a loud hiss and growled low in its throat.
          "No, he's a fuzzy little pain in my ass." Hidan replied sarcastically. Without another word, he turned and walked down the hallway, heading towards the stairs. Konan glanced at Sakura, shrugged, and returned to watching the movie blaring from the television screen. Shaking her head, Sakura glanced back down at her book. She read a few lines, and then stopped. Suddenly she had trouble concentrating again. She kept thinking about the look in Hidan's eyes. It was strange that she hadn't noticed it before, but there had been sadness etched deeply into his gaze. Trying again with the book, she managed to get past the first paragraph before a shout from upstairs interrupted her.
          "What? You can't be fucking serious!" she heard Hidan's loud voice echo through the building. She gave Konan a questioning look, which was returned with a small smile and another shrug.
          Ten minutes later, a very irritated Hidan reappeared. His cloak and scythe were gone, but the kitten trotted along behind him, batting at his sandal every time it stopped. Coming to a halt beside the couch, he glared at Konan. "Konan-san, I'm here to relieve you. Pein-sama needs you upstairs." he said formally, with more than a little sarcasm.
          Nodding, Konan rose from the couch. Giving Sakura a tight smile, she turned and left the room, leaving the other two shinobi alone. Hidan plopped on the couch in her place, the kitten climbing up his pants until he could jump onto the cushions between them. Wandering over to Sakura's side, he gazed up at her and gave a plaintive mew. Reaching down, she ran her hand along the kitten's back before scratching him under the chin. Setting her book aside, Sakura went to pick the kitten up and cuddle it. Evading her hand, the kitten batted at her fingers before scurrying over to Hidan's side and curling up on his lap.
          Hidan picked up the remote and began flipping through the channels, muttering curses under his breath. Glancing over at him, Sakura smiled sweetly. "Something wrong, Hidan-san?" she asked sarcastically. She already knew what the answer would be, but she just couldn't resist tormenting him. If she had to be stuck here, she wouldn't be the only one uncomfortable about it.
          He looked at her and glared. "Yeah, I'm fucking stuck babysitting your ass. If there's nothing else, Sakura-hime, leave me the hell alone, I'm trying to watch T.V."
          Sakura returned his glare, green eyes flashing fire. What an asshole. It wasn't her fault she was a hostage here. Ignoring him, she picked her book back up and returned to reading. They sat in silence for fifteen minutes before Sakura realized that she had been zoning out the whole time and hadn't read a thing. Her eyes started drooping downward and she had to catch her head as it started falling forward. She was suddenly more tired than she had ever been in her life. Her lack of sleep must be getting to her. Glancing over at Hidan, she saw that he had his eyes closed, head tilted back to rest on the back of the couch.
          She wanted to wake him and tell him she wanted to go back to her room and sleep, but she didn't want to listen to him bitch about it just now. It would serve him right to have to sit here the whole time she took a nap. She knew she shouldn't relax so much in such an exposed area, but if they had wanted to hurt her, they would have done it already. So she set her book down and curled up against the arm of the couch. Squirming around to get comfortable, she sighed and closed her eyes. That strange peaceful feeling was back, and Sakura let it wash over her as she slipped into unconsciousness.

          "We're here." Kisame said, turning to look at his companion.
          Gold eyes glared at him sulkily as the shark nin quickly went through the hand seals that opened the door to the base. Stepping inside, Kisame closed the door behind them. The building was deathly quiet, and he was instantly alert. Grasping Samehada's hilt, he motioned for the ninja behind him to follow quietly. Locating an unfamiliar chakra signature, he crept toward the source, in the common room. Peeking around the corner, he was surprised to see the back of Hidan's head leaning against the top of the couch.
          Relaxing, he stepped forward until he could see over the back of it. There, curled up with her head pillowed on his thigh, was Sakura. She was breathing steadily, and Kisame could tell that they were both sound asleep. He was about to swat Hidan on the back of the head and wake him up when a blur of orange landed on the back of the couch, emitting a loud hiss. It was a cat. A chuckle escaped the shark ninja as the kitten hissed again and tried to swat at him. Instantly, Hidan lifted his head and opened his eyes. Looking over his shoulder, he glared at Kisame. He had been sleeping so well, and it pissed him off to be awakened before he was ready.
          "Kisame." he half complained as he addressed the man behind him.
          "Damn it, Hidan. I'm gone for five days and already you're stealing all the women." Kisame said with a smirk.
          Hidan gave him a puzzled look before Kisame pointed down to the couch. Following his direction, he glanced down to find Sakura asleep beside him, her head resting on his leg. His eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't even noticed that she was there when he first woke up. The last thing he knew, they were mad at each other, and now she was cuddled up against him like they had been friends forever. Even stranger was the fact that he didn't mind it at all. Not one to waste an opportunity, Hidan smirked and looked back up at Kisame. "I guess I'm just that fucking good." he said.
          "You'd better take her back to her room if she's gonna sleep all day. You know how Konan-san is about falling asleep in here. She'll have Pein-sama after you in a heartbeat."
          Rolling his eyes, Hidan slid his leg out from under Sakura's head and stood up. She rolled back to rest on the cushion, but never stirred. Noticing the other shinobi standing quietly in the doorway, Hidan looked him over. He was young, no more than 21 or 22. His head of shaggy crimson hair reminded him of Sasori's, except longer and the ends darkened to black close to his shoulders. His sharp gold eyes watched him guardedly. He had a forehead protector from Iwagakure and he was wearing a black tank top over mesh and a pair of tan cargo pants with black shinobi sandals. His skin was tanned dark and his lean frame indicated that he was a ranged fighter, not built for close combat. "Who the hell is this?" he asked.
          "That's Kisho. Pein-sama sent me after him. If he turns out as expected, he'll be our newest member." Kisame replied. "Which reminds me, I have a report to make, so I'll catch you later, Hidan-san."
          Hidan grinned. "Coming from you, Fish-Boy, that just sounds strange."
          "Not as strange as hearing the sound of your voice after five years, Zombie-Bro." Kisame shot back. The two shinobi exchanged mock glares before Kisame left, Kisho trailing silently behind him.
          Leaning down, Hidan scooped Sakura up off the couch. Her eyelids fluttered and she mumbled something incoherent, but soon settled into a deep sleep again. Hidan headed out of the room and started down the hall when he stopped in his tracks. He had no idea where Sakura's room was and Pein forgot to mention it. He started to wake her up and ask, but suddenly decided against it. It wasn't his problem if she passed out and woke up in someone else's bedroom. It would serve her right for falling asleep in the first place.
          Walking to his room, he pushed the door open gently. Kicking it shut with his foot, he walked over to his bed and lay her down. Sakura rolled onto her stomach and snuggled her face against his pillow. Standing beside the bed, Hidan studied the woman responsible for his return. He had to admit, she had a beautiful body, lithe and well-toned. Her face was pretty, with full lips, a thin nose and cheekbones that accentuated her eyes perfectly. She wore a thoughtful expression as she slept. Absently, Hidan ran a strand of her pale pink hair through his fingers. It was soft, gliding across his skin like silk. She obviously took good care of it, despite its slightly choppy appearance. Suddenly, the image of his hands wrapped around that pink softness as Sakura sat over him naked popped into his mind. His body hardened with desire, and he turned away, fighting the urge to pull her into his arms and screw her senseless. She was asleep, after all. Looking for a good distraction, Hidan leaned over her, took her sandals off, then sat on the edge of the bed and removed his own.
          Walking around to the other side and climbing in beside her, Hidan lay on his back, hands behind his head, and stared at the ceiling. Mouth moving silently, he uttered a thankful prayer to Jashin for returning him to the world and allowing him to continue in his service. Finished, he glanced over to see that Sakura had wiggled closer, subconsciously seeking warmth as she slept beside him. Demon had curled up at the bottom of the bed and was purring, a soft counterpoint in the stillness of the room. His hard eyes softened slightly at the peaceful scene. He had never shared a bed with anyone he wasn't fucking, or had a pet before, if you could call that noisy pile of fur and claws a pet. It was actually kind of nice, to not be so alone. As he lay there thinking, his mind was lulled by the steady rhythm of Sakura's breathing. It wasn't long before he closed his eyes as well, sleep creeping back up on him.

          Pein and Madara stood in their office, studying Kisho carefully. Neither spoke for a long time. The crimson haired shinobi stood stiffly before them, head up, gold eyes gleaming in defiance. His captor stood beside him, frowning slightly. It was Kisame who finally broke the silence.
          "His chakra level seems fairly low, but with his ability to absorb it from other people, no matter how many jutsu he casts, he is easily replenished."
          "I see." Madara said. "And how do you estimate his skill level?"
          "He can easily keep up with a jounin." Kisame replied.
          Pein glanced at Madara, who nodded, before turning back to Kisho. "Very well. Kisho of Iwagakure, you've just been inducted into Akatsuki. You will be partnered with Kisame, whose chakra is large enough to easily sustain both of you. He will also oversee your training until you reach an acceptable skill level. And you are restricted to the building unless Kisame takes you to the outdoor training grounds to practice your jutsu. That is all, you are both dismissed."
          Bowing, Kisame turned and headed out the door. It was strange, having a partner again. After Itachi's death five years ago, he had become quite accustomed to working alone. Even though Itachi was hardly a bother, he found that he actually enjoyed the solitude. And the fact that he didn't have to worry about anyone becoming collateral damage while he was fighting. Like his chakra, his jutsu were generally large and he liked having quite a bit of space whenever he used them. He'd have to remind himself to take more care now that he had someone else to look after. Hopefully, Kisho would work well with him and give him few problems. Kisame smirked. If he did decide to defy him, he could always say he forgot to watch where those chakra sharks were going. They could be quite tricky to direct sometimes.
          Kisho glared at the two shinobi before turning and following his new partner. Slamming the door shut behind him, he earned a stern glance from Kisame. But he didn't care. He didn't like any of this. First he was abducted from his village, and now he was partnered with the very man that took everything from him. If they thought he would just follow along with their plans, they were sadly mistaken. His hands were tied for now, but at the first opportunity, he was out of here.
          Pein shook his head before turning to Madara. "He seems quite defiant. It may take some time before we can trust him." he said.
          "You have one month. In that time I want both Kisho and Sakura fully integrated into Akatsuki. Then I want you to begin your retrieval of the nine tails. I have waited long enough." Madara replied sternly.
          Pein nodded as Madara walked out the door. One month. Would that be enough time to convince two enemy ninja to fight for their cause? He would have to act carefully. One wrong move and everything would collapse on him. Especially since Sakura was from the same village as his next target. How close was she to the fox demon's container? His reports said that she was in the same cell he was. If they were just teammates, it would be fine, but if they had become close friends, or more, testing her loyalty would be necessary. Would she turn on them if she knew Uzumaki was in danger? Pein was still in deep thought when Konan walked in minutes later.
          Stepping up behind him, Konan wrapped her arms around his neck. Sighing, Pein closed his eyes and savored her warm touch. Oh, how he wished he could hold her with his real body. Unfortunately, it just wasn't possible anymore. Controlling his six paths made his physical body practically immobile. So he would have to make do with what he had. Leaning his head back into her chest, he opened his eyes and looked up into her face. She stared down at him, the corners of her mouth tugging upward in a small smile. His angel. He would do anything to erase the haunted look in her eyes, even conquer the world. Well, he was working on that. But for now, he would try to give her as much peace as he could. She released him as he leaned forward and stood up. Turning around, he gazed at her with desire shining in his eyes. Striding up to her, he scooped her up into his arms. Dropping a chaste kiss on her surprised face, he took off towards their room.
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Shades of Crimson