"Cool."

From experience, she knew that's sudden exploits of emotions irritated the hell out of the dark-haired boy. So inside, she was bursting with curiosity and excitement, while her face remained passive, not including the light smile on her face.

"To who?"

"Hanabi."

An eyebrow rose. "Hm? Doesn't it bother ya just a bit that there's a possibility the dobe may be your brother-in-law?"

"…He's getting married as well?"

There were times when the young prodigy of a well-known clan could be considered the stupidest person on the planet, hence now.

Sigh. "Just forget it. Congrats."

"Hn."

"Anyone else know?"

"No."

"Alright! Trust me better then blondie, huh?"

"There is no need to answer that."

Ah yes, said idiot was indeed as big as a blabbermouth as that horrible trash can of a girl Ino. Secrets were never kept just secrets with Naruto. When rumors came from Naruto's mouth, word traveled faster than the Kyushu Shinkansen further down in Yatsushiro.

"Kuso!" So what if the outburst scared her fellow friend, she was late. Real late. In fact, she almost forgot.

"Gotta go. Talk to ya later, kay?" Ignoring the slightly confused look on Sasuke's face she closed the door and scurried to the front of the apartment, slipping on her shoes.

"Leaving so soon?" Sarcasm was deep in his voice, she noticed as she looked at him upside down in between her legs.

"Wow. Still sittin' there like a loser? I thought your birthday gift from Kisame was a life. Hm. Guess he didn't like my suggestion."

Not waiting for any smart remark, she sped out the door and down hall to the shiny inviting elevator.

A leader was never to be late. They were supposed to be on time, not a second early or a minute late. Not following everything to the last bit made people view you with less power, if her gender wasn't enough.

.

.

.

These meetings always made her seem out of place.

The pink hair, for one. A gang leader with pink hair? Don't forget her lack in growth as well. 5'5" was quite short compared to 6'3" and on muscled men that were currently seated around the rectangular table. Surely those two factors would keep her gang from prospering.

No. her reputation was enough to help expand from her original size of 3. Kazuki had spread faster than a food famine, members joining without hesitance. Some for pride, some for fun, and even for vengeance.

But, as the last member arrived, her thoughts narrowed down to one firm conclusion.

I will never compare to Pein-san.

Newly arrived man sat quietly in the barren chair that resided next to the lone female member. As the most powerful, he guided the meeting to a start. "Let's begin. Updates, first, as always. Zabuza."

Eyes were swiftly directed to the left of the table, where the representative from the Kiri no Shinobigatana Nananin Shū was situated.

"Two new main members have been added our groups," His voice muffled but still gave the effect to deliver shivers. "Hozuki Mangetsu and Hozuki Suigetsu. No more updates."

"Hm. Saborou."

The meeting continued on in a dull pattern, a few things here and there but nothing major. Suspiciously, no problems arose among any of the other organizations, which was enough to raise an eyebrow at. Not a while before, a hidden attack on Akatsuki from inside Hatsuko was reported, which forced them out of the alliance of the current 11 organizations. Originally made up of 15, two followed Hatsuko after a deal was made that could not be turned down. More tension had been felt throughout the the past few meetings, wary about the upcoming attack on three powerful organizations.

"Sakura? Anything to add?"

"No."

"Well, then that;s the meeting comes to a close."

The major words triggered the men out of their seats, many swiftly walking out and away from their opponents, while others slightly lingered and whispered in low tones that was still heard among others.

"Pein-san."

He had stopped, hi s profile coming into view. "Hai, Sakura?"

Good. Although not noticed, she had his full attention. "There is a mater I'd like to speak with you about."

With a nod in understanding, he quickly ushered the last of the lingerers out and locked the door. "Yes?"

"Ichinose. I believe they're in contact with Hatsuko."

"Ah, you noticed as well?"

Her eyebrows furrowed in thought. "Yes. It seems Kasagi was leaving something out."

"Aa. We'll have to continue this discussion later; I have an engagement I must not miss."

A nod from the pink haired girl and he was gone, as she stayed behind to rest her mind.

Life was not an easy task, she figured out day by day. She loved it, but she hated it. She never wanted to be mixed up in this mess, but she was anyways. She wasn't always a free person, but having no limits had made her underestimate the circumstances that applied to what she got into.

She sighed. She wished she had one more chance, one more chance to start this life over an begin from scratch. She'd do everything correctly. No gangs, no violence.

No Kakashi.

No. Screw that. As much as she hated him, she loved him, and needed him although she tried to run away from his clutches.

Chikusho.

Kyushu Shikanshen- Japanese bullet train located in Kyushu.

Kuso- Fuck

Kiri no Shinobigatana Nananin Shū- Seven Swordsman of the Mist

Hai- Yes

Chikusho-Damn it

Aa- Yeah.