Summary: Naruto becomes engulfed in the music world when Sasuke insults his favorite band. Things are hard enough from trying to support a band and getting used to his new home, but what happens when he figures out that Sasuke has a closer relationship to his idols than he thinks?

Pairings: SasuNaru, slight ItaNaru, and a whole bunch of others, including straight ones.

Rating: For now, T. But it might change later.

Chapter 1 - Prelude

"This was it," he whispered.

The first lonely bass note silenced the unruly crowd. Faces, covered in thick layers of make-up, turned to see a solitary figure, hunched over his bass. The lights turned red, illuminating the fog that drowned the stage. The man let out another note, this one just a little bit louder. Someone in the distance let out a scream, and if on cue, the bassist picked up a steady rhythm. It went up and down, keeping perfect, calculated time.

By now most of the audience recognized the song. They screamed, stamped their feet, and waved their arms. The whole crowd was just a black mass of swarming energy and heat, even though the concert had just started. It swelled even more when the counting of the drums beat in, dancing up before becoming softer, making the sturdy base for the song.

Then the lights flashed bright.

They were all dressed in black cloaks, with intricate red clouds sewn on the surface. Just four of them, all positioned in a little semi-circle. But despite the calm expressions on the two who didn't play yet, the crowd was going more wild, if that was at all possible.

The blonde lifted up his hand dramatically, and then struck a note on his guitar, adding a wild tone to the song. The sound lifted and sank, speeding up here, and slowing down in another place. It was almost erratic, but to the steady, yet somewhat complicated rhythm the bass and drums gave, it fit perfectly. This was harmony in one of its best forms

The singer, standing in the middle of the group, tightened his grip on his microphone and opened his mouth to sing. But before he could even let one word out, screams sounded from everywhere in the arena. A grin on his face, he continued on, his strong voice drowning out the crowd.

The tallest was Kisame, the drummer. He was keeping up a steady rhythm. His arms moved wildly, striking harshly upon each instrument. The man was so tall that in photo shoots the others would sometimes have to stand on stools, just so everyone's outfit could be clearly seen. Even from the back, one could see the inhuman blue tone to his skin, but Kisame was no wild, uncoordinated monster. Rather, he was that calm beast, every strike and every blow perfected.

The guitarist Deidara kept on moving from side to side of the stage. He seemed to have to move continuously, even though his wrist was moving swiftly because of the fast pace of the song. One could easily tell music was this man's life. He often said in interviews that it had to leave the largest impression on people, because it would disappear soon after. The blonde, about to jump into his solo, spun in a complete circle and then pressed a heavy boot to one of the effect pedals near him.

Their red-haired bassist's notes mirrored Deidara's before he abruptly broke off. Some of the teenage girls in the audience screamed as they recognized that look on Sasori's face. Normally quiet, the bassist was indeed the "base" for the group, using his sensibility to get the group out of trouble, or to help them in a creativity slump. But during lives… well…

Sasori was known for being a possessive man, at least about Deidara. No one cared whether their relationship was real or not. All they cared about was that intensity when he moved up to Deidara, who had lowered his head as he came to the climax of his solo. Sasori rested his head on the other's shoulder and traced the rim of his band member's ear with his tongue. The guitarist looked shocked for a moment, but those hands never faltered in their playing.

Itachi, the singer, was a beauty, not doubt about it. However, he had been told by friends that if he were just to relax a little more, he could be even better. But he never cared. He could just stand there and woo people, and it even showed in the concert. The man had flashed a little grin to one of the girls closest to the stage, and just like that, she fainted on the sticky floor of the concert hall.

No one ever questioned if Itachi disliked what he did.

In fact, no one ever questioned if any of them disliked what they did. As far as the world was concerned, Akatsuki was the most inspirational and popular band in the world, at least at this moment. They had made their way through local venues and minor labels like everyone else, but now they were on top. Akatsuki's first major album reached one million sells in less than a week, and for a while, their promotional video for the song "Byakko" was the only thing music stations played for a while.

But never did the band succumb to the fads of the music industry. They, somehow, defined the fads through their passion and creativity.

It was what made them legends, even five years later after they mysteriously broke up, out like a bang. They inspired many.

The legends' music even touched Naruto Uzumaki, soon to be a hit himself.

A/N: Hopefully this will be my first multi-chaptered fanfiction. u.u But I feel a little guilty for describing Akatsuki so much, even when they're not going to be the main characters. Ah well. Enjoy, and review please? D Constructive criticism is welcomed with open arms.