Haru slapped his hands together as he looked around with a sense of accomplishment. All around us were ninja, knocked out cold, or dead.

"Well look at us. And with time to spare. We should probably go see what Mr. Mood and Brood is up to huh?" He asked, turning to me with a devious smile.

I rolled my eyes, but the corner of my lip twitched up in amusement. I wrapped my arm around him, Flash Stepping us next to Sasuke. "Whoa!" Haru and I ducked under a fire attack.

I shot a nasty glare at three ninja's who stood about. But these weren't like the others. They didn't sport the mark the others did. No. These are ninja.

Based on their flak jackets they're Jonin. My eyes narrowed on the one who took a step back after he fired that attack. "Rude. You're a rude person." I stated, crossing my arms over my chest in annoyance.

"Did you get the documents Sasuke?" Haru asked, his eyes not leaving the ninja in front of us. Sasuke briefly shook his head. Hm. How annoying.

"Go on ahead. We'll take care of them." I glanced at Sasuke. He looked at me questioningly. I smiled and gave him a slight nod. Returning it, he quickly ran around. "I don't think so." A ninja ran at him.

He's fast. I threw a kunai in front of him. As it was in front of him, I Flash Stepped over, slamming my fist in his face and flinging him back.

He hit the ground roughly, causing it to break. I placed a hand on my hip, smirking. Sasuke successfully left us. "If you're going to interfere, you best not turn your back on me." I warned.

He glared murderously at me. I tilted my head slightly, examining him carefully. "So, what are ninja like you doing all the way out here?" I asked.

He didn't answer. I studied him some more, spotting red soil on his pants. "Returning from a mission on the outskirts of the land." I examined.

His eyes only narrowed further. "How would you know that?" I kept my smirk, not answering. That type of clay is only found there now a days." He ran at me, almost suddenly appearing in front of me. His kunai swung.

I moved my body with ease, flipping over his arm in one swift motion before slamming my palm to his chest, placing my seal on him.

Then I brought my leg up, slamming my knee under his chin and knocking him up and away.

I flipped back over to Haru and stared at them. "So, what should we do?" He asked.

Hm. Staring at them a little longer, I turned. "They're not that strong. Use Armor 3 and we'll use some wind."

He smirked and weaved his hands rapidly. "Ninja Art: Phoenix Samurai!" Fire raged around him and formed burning armor on him. He opened a scroll and said an incantation. After he did, he reached in and pulled out a red blade that glinted as if fire was inside of it.

Which, in this case, it is.

The three ninja backed away and watched him closely. They probably aren't used to this type of jutsu.

The only person I've seen who knows this type of jutsu is Haru himself.

He doesn't talk much of it; but he came from a clan, no, a small village of samurai's. Apparently one of his ancestors mixed Ninjutsu with the art of the Samurai, creating these Jutsu's.

It's only in his family, or so Orochimaru says.

That's why he's an ideal underling. That's why he uses everything he can to keep Haru by his side.

Haru readied his sword, glaring at the ninja. "Surround him!" The one in the middle ran head on while the other two went around.

I smirked. Idiots. You can't beat him that way.

They quickly surrounded him and ran in. Haru grabbed his sword tightly and pivoted his foot. They all lunged and he turned quickly in a circle.

His blade emitted flames that cut them deeply as if the flames themselves were a blade. The ninja were all forced back, but their chest bled and their clothes are a bit scorched.

Haru lunged forward and swiped. As expected, the ninja he attacked evaded his attack, making Haru leave the tight circle and land next to me.

Now. I quickly weaved my own hand signs. "Wind Style: Twin Dragon Prison!" I called. The dragons emitted from me and quickly created a twister. However this was different from an ordinary one.

It is a trap of sorts, leaving the middle untouched and keeping them inside until I command my dragons to close.

I looked over to Haru, keeping my hands in the sign. He smirked and widened his stance, lowering himself more to the ground. "Haaa!" Flames exited his armor and wrapped around his blade. The fire danced and weaved around it, only growing more and more.

"HA!" He swung the fire, striking the tornado and lighting it ablaze. The shouts of surprise sounded from inside the twister prison.

I clapped my hands together and space left for the prisoners closed in. Their screams of pain and agony started, but I let the twister continue, watching the flames engulf them. "Secret Technique." I stated.

Haru grinned, his armor leaving him as he dispelled the jutsu. "Inferno Tornado." He finished.

He quickly put his blade back in the scroll since all those swords aren't able to be held so long without the armor.

"That was easy." I stated, hand on my hip. Haru merely smirked in turn. "Of course. There's hardly anybody who can stand against us. I mean c'mon. We're badasses." He grinned.

I rolled my eyes at his words. "That great confidence of yours will be your downfall." I warned, making him laugh.

The flames went out and the wind ceased. I couldn't help but glance at the charred bodies left in its place.

I turned away from them. What's done is done. Our mission is simple. Retrieve the documents at any cost. There's no sense on dwelling on the casualties in the process.

It comes with the territory of the mission.

Haru glanced around before turning to me, looking serious. Uh-oh. That can't be good. "What is it?" I asked.

He looked around once more. "Orochimaru has a mission for you. You are to infiltrate the Leaf and retrieve some files." Eh?

My eyes widened slightly. What? Why me? He never allows Sasuke or me to approach the Leaf.

"He knows you'll come back. Besides, he likes you. You've never failed a mission. You even take ones that are ridiculous. He's allowing you two weeks to do this considering you'll need to cross quite a few lands in order to do so. He told me to tell you when we're alone. If Sasuke knew he'd insist on going with you for support. But we can't risk losing Sasuke back to the Leaf. But that's not the real mission you'll have."

I scrunched my eyebrows together in confusion. "You will be with Sasori for a week. He's agreed to allow you to help."

What? I shook my head. "Wait, what are you-" Haru placed his hands on my shoulders, looking straight into my eyes.

"If you help him, you'll manage to gain some trust. He'll allow you to help out whenever. And then he'll trust you enough that you'll be able to get closer to the Akatsuki. The plan has finally been moved forward." I see. This is better then risking my life and Flash Stepping there.

But I estimated another year before he'd even considered it. So then I need to retrieve the files immediately in order to be able to meet up with Sasori and assist him in his own mission.

It shouldn't be too tricky. Sneaking into the Hokage office has always been my specialty, ever since I was a kid.

I'll need to disguise myself, but without using the Transformation Jutsu. It shouldn't be too hard.

Besides the Leaf is my playground.

I know every path and hidden crevice in that village. It'll be like taking candy from a baby.

"I see. Alright, I can do it." Haru looked at me carefully. "Are you sure you're mentally prepared to go back there?" He questioned me attentively.

Am I prepared? "I'll be fine. A mission is a mission. And I must gain his trust. At least enough for him to allow me to continue. No matter what I must infiltrate them." For Naruto. And for the village.

Everything I do is for them. Even if it is doing an unspeakable deed.

"What are the files?" I asked him. He handed me a piece of paper with Orochimaru's handwriting. I see. I know exactly where this is. I happened upon it on one of my ventures through the Hokage's things.

"So what are we supposed to tell Sasuke then?" Haru sighed, crossing his arms. "Orochimaru just told me to make something up. But it needs to be something that he won't insist on helping. We all know how protective he is of you." I couldn't help the small smile that graced my lips.

Sasuke, although understood that I need to fly solo every now and then, always fought to stay with me. He worries very easily.

Besides, leaving me with some of the sleazebags tends to invoke his wrath.

As we grew it came apparent that he is a jealous person. Which I don't see why. I can take care of myself.

And the main reason I don't have partners is because I tend to break their limbs. I'm a fighter, not a lover. I can't help it! They irritate me, I swing.

They're all just so fragile. It doesn't help that I've been doing intense training to enhance my strength even without chakra.

Hm? I sniffed the air and turned. Sasuke soon came into view as he walked over. "Did ya get it?" Haru asked, throwing his hands behind his head.

Sasuke nodded in turn. Always the talker this one. "Use your words Uchiha." I said, placing my hands firmly on my hips.

He rolled his eyes at me. "Yes, I got it." He said. I sighed, shaking my head. "Not a lot but I'll take it." I mulled. He shot me a blank look in turn. "Well since this mission is good, I need to go to my next. I'll see you in a couple weeks."

I turned to go but a hand shot out and grabbed my wrist. I looked over to the culprit. Sasuke stared at me intently.

"What mission?" He asked. I sighed. I kind of hoped that I'd be able to leave on those words. "Well, I need to go on reconnaissance in the Land of Wind. Nothing that involves fighting." I lied with ease.

He continued to stare at me. I kept my poker face, not revealing anything. "Okay. Be safe." He said.

I smiled lightly and stood in front of him. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I smiled up at him. "Of course. You too."

He nodded, keeping his gaze on me. I leaned up and kissed him softly. "GAG!" Haru hollered.

We broke apart at his dramatics. Sasuke shot him the meanest glare, making me snicker.

"Seriously though, get a room." Haru said, shaking his head in disgust. I scoffed at him. "You're just jealous you don't have a girl."

At this he shot me a look. "I do too have a girl!" He defended, crossing his arms. "Does she know she's your girl?" I asked.

He mimicked Sasuke's glare and turned, storming off while grumbling profanities.

Idiot.

I parted from Sasuke and smiled. "I'll see you in two weeks." I repeated. He nodded a ghost of a smile on his face. "Take care." Smiling, I Flash Stepped away.

~

"Now I have a headache." I grumbled, rubbing my head. Over the years I've left my mark all over the place in different lands. It's impossible for me to simply Flash Step all the way to the Leaf from the Land of Lightning.

I had to Flash Step to other areas I marked not too terribly far, or far but not days away.

And travelling great distances isn't something I like to do. Not saying I can't do it, it's just wiser for me not to.

I sighed and rummaged through the sack of items I purchased in a neighboring village.

I stripped my normal clothes and put on a white kimono with flowers decorating it. After securing the pink sash, I pulled out the black wig.

I took out my pigtails and pulled my long blonde hair up, putting on the wig and tying it on a side ponytail.

I could use the Transformation Jutsu. However many high ranked ninja wander the village regardless and they can sniff out that jutsu faster then Choji sniffing out chips.

I pulled out a hand mirror and adjusted some flowers in the band before setting to work with make-up. The whiskers kind of give me away. And I'm going for the civilian look here.

After finishing my disguise I stood and hid my bag in a tree trunk. This is going to be troublesome.

Well, over the years my scent has changed drastically, so even Kakashi couldn't possibly tell me apart. But this is still a bit unsettling.

I haven't returned to the Leaf at all in these past two years. Of course I'm just going to Flash Step into the vents of the Hokage office, but I still need to walk through the village.

I need to speak with Shikamaru about my time I'll spend with Sasori. And I doubt he's alone.

Focusing, I Flash Stepped to the Hokage office and sniffed. There are some guards out in the hall, but the office is empty.

Funny, I don't smell Grandma Tsunade at all in the building. Where the hell is she? Shouldn't she be working?

I bet the old hag is off gambling again.

Sighing, I Flash Stepped into the room and immediately rummaged through a filing cabinet.

Geez. Security here is lax as ever. Well, it is for me. For anyone else it'd be rather difficult. Oh well.

Shrugging, I found the file and placed it in my kimono. Easy. Orochimaru has little faith in me. Although he doesn't know that I've marked the office nor many places throughout the country.

If he did know, then the Leaf would be in trouble. Well, what he doesn't know won't hurt them.

Now. I Flash Stepped into town and immediately blended in with the villagers, walking down the street.

With my nose I locked onto Shikamaru's scent in no time. And of course he's with other people. Let's see; Choji and Kiba. Could be worse.

And my scents changed so there's no way Kiba can detect me. And my disguise is impressive. Even Choji shouldn't be able to tell.

I continued to walk and soon spotted Nara. Oh wow. Choji and Kiba really grew.

Smiling kindly, I walked over to them. "Shikamaru, I'm so glad I found you." I smiled, changing my voice to a higher, cuter, pitch. I internally cringed.

This is so not me.

Choji and Kiba looked at me curiously as I stared at Nara with wide eyes. "You weren't under the peach tree, really now, you should come on time." Recognition flashed through his eyes.

Long ago we made up a code word in case one of us were undercover or something's gone wrong. It needed to be something that could be put in everyday conversation.

Nara thought peach tree would be perfect since their really weren't much of those around.

Besides, I wore a purple flower in my hair, also Nara's idea in case I was undercover. He'd have to have a ginkgo leaf tucked behind his ear.

I placed my hands together under my chin and looked up at him with big doe eyes. "Ah, sorry Yuki."

Again, my name in situations like this. His is Ryuuji

"Sorry guys, I gotta go." Kiba smirked slyly, elbowing him. "Way to go Shikamaru, she's really cute." Nara rolled his eyes at his friend and held his arm out.

I looped mine through his and he led me away. I had to refrain from looking back at my once friends. "You're so forgetful. And I couldn't sleep at all thinking about today." I spoke, playing the part since they're still in earshot.

Shikamaru rubbed his head a bit. "I'm sorry. I'll be on time next time."

We continued walking throughout the village. However they began to follow us. I guess talking to him in secrecy isn't going to happen. Time to improvise.

"Ah. I forgot to tell you. My brother gave me a puppet. He's finally letting me help him with the show." I said.

Nara's finger twitched, realizing what I'm actually saying. "Really? I thought he wasn't getting you one until you were well enough to maintain it?" He said; speaking in code.

"Yes. He thinks I'm ready." I told him, keeping my tone on a higher pitch then my actual one. "When's the next show?" He asked me, as we continued walking.

I smiled kindly at the familiar faces of the passing villagers. "Tonight." He tensed slightly, but we kept on walking. "So soon?" He asked curiously, hiding his concern and surprise.

I nodded, still smiling. "Yes. We're going to be on tour for a few days, hitting a few villages since it's the festival." I informed him.

"I see. Is your friend going along with you?" He's insinuating Sasuke and Haru. I shook my head. "Nope. Just me and the puppeteer."

He sighed, rubbing his head again. "Jeez, sounds like a pain." I giggled at that, keeping my charade. Stopping, I turned and held his hands in mine. "I should get going. But I didn't want to without saying good-bye to you." I faked a blush, as if I were a girl in love.

Which is harder then it should be considering I am in love just not with Nara.

"When will you be back?" He asked. I kept my gentle smile. "On the night of the new moon, a week from now." I answered. He nodded, his eyes calculating.

Reaching into my kimono, I pulled out a pink letter. "Here you go. Whenever you're feeling down, open it. It contains my thoughts about you."

He smiled lightly and patted my head. "Okay. Be safe." Smiling brightly, I nodded and continued on my way.

As soon as I was sure no one was following, I Flash Stepped back to where I hid my clothes.

I changed back into normal clothes and wiped off all the makeup. I find that this disguise is best to use.

It makes me look like a weak, innocent, naïve, young girl. I can swindle information from even higher up ninja and powerful lords.

It's my best disguise for information gathering. I relayed the information to Shikamaru.

In a week or so I'll meet again to relay everything I learned with my time spent with Sasori.

Pulling the wig off, I put my hair into pig tails. This is it. I'm supposed to meet Sasori at the Inari Temple soon.

That's where he likes to meet most of the time. Without any hesitation, I Flash Stepped over there.

~

I landed on the roof of the temple. "It's about time." I blinked. His voice . . . Slowly turning, I see someone I've never seen before.

He looks young, with red hair and grayish brown eyes. He wore a black cloak with red clouds, and he smelled like trees.

This is Sasori.

But I've never seen him outside of his puppet. He never leaves it. However . . . he's a real looker. Very good looking.

"I'm sorry. I had to take care of some things." I apologized, keeping my eyes trained on him. He looked like he couldn't care less.

Pursing my lips, I held my chin high. "Sasori of the Red Sand. I'd like to assist you in any way I can." My voice is strong and steady.

I need him to approve of me. I need to gain his trust. This is Sasori, one of the greatest puppet masters known to mankind.

He's my only connection to the Akatsuki. I must gain his trust if I can ever infiltrate their organization.

He analyzed me for a bit. I didn't falter. Not one bit. I can do this. All I have to do is anything he wants. I must succeed. No matter what.

"Very well then. I need you to become my puppet."