Title: Dark Secrets in Ink

Author: greenphoenix85, adopted by swiftstar85

Short Summary: Sakura discovers the deepest, darkest secrets of the elder, Danzo, that he has kept from Konoha and it's a secret that can either begin the biggest war in Shinobi history or stop it before it begins.

Pairings: Sakura/Sai/Akatsuki, Yugao Uzuki/Akatsuki, Naruto/Hinata, Sasuke/Karin,

Warning: Rated T, but might go up; for very strong language, violence, and adult themes.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, or any of its characters.

Chapter 4:

Sakura was so not looking forward to this at all. She knew it had been coming sooner or later, but she had hoped it would be later. Then again, her month was nearly up and it was time for her to get the one thing that she needed to make her an official ANBU.

The ANBU tattoo.

After the thing with Sai, Sakura had been trying out the new emotion seal. It really bothered her that she had to wear it most of the time. The whole emotionless thing was really starting to get to her. But she knew she needed to get used to it being on. She knew she needed to try and be as emotionless as she could, just so that she could fit in with the ANBU. She knew for a fact that it was starting to bother the others, because now and then she would have it on in front of Naruto and the others from her class. They had noticed right away and even tried to ask her about it. But she would just give them a blank stare and they immediately dropped it.

The training with Yugao was going just fine now. Working with her wasn't as hard as it used to be. Sakura even started getting used to getting up so early and would even sometimes meeting the violate haired ANBU on her roof top in the mornings. It made Yugao pout a little that she couldn't pick on her anymore in the early mornings while she was asleep. But other wise, she was really starting to like "Wolf."

And now, it was the day that Yugao decided that Sakura needed to get the ANBU tattoo. She hadn't really told the pinkette about it until they arrived right in front of a building that Sakura had never seen before, nor had she even been in this part of the Village before. It was the rough part of Konoha Village. Not many people, more or less ninja came to this part.

Sakura didn't even seem to notice at all of where they were going because she had been thinking so hard about the upcoming mission. She knew she was getting better with her Taijutsu. Even Rock Lee admitted, and he wasn't really the kind who lied or told stories. He told the plain truth in his own flowery way. Tenten was in a better mood with her too because she was getting better with target practice. She was impressed of how well Sakura was doing now. The pinkette wasn't as good as her, or Rock Lee, of course. But she was getting there. Neji was a little proud that she was doing pretty good into following her senses so well. She was getting better to blocking attacks.

Not as good as him, but good enough.

"Hey, Wolf." Yugao broke into her thoughts. "We're here."

Sakura blinked out of her thoughts and looked at Yugao for a moment before looking around. She frowned as she noted the neighborhood, looking at a few of the crummy looking shops. There was a pub not too far down the road. It wasn't the greatest part of the village at all. And before her and Yugao, there was a small shop with a large sign hanging from the front. It read; Body Art.

The pink haired kunoichi winced when she saw it. She hadn't been aware of where they were going that day. All she knew was that Yugao told her that they were doing something very special but she hadn't said what. "Oh no. No, no, no, no, no. You have got to be kidding me!" Sakura yelped.

Yugao smirked at her but shook her head as she folded her arms. "You knew that you had to get one sooner or later, Sakura. Better do it now than the day we get started on this mission. Because when that happens, you don't want to have that emotionless seal on and have an ache in your arm all day long while we're meeting with the old buzzard." She warned her before grabbing Sakura's arm and dragging her towards the tattoo shop. She had to laugh at the look on her partner's face as they entered the building.

There was no doubt in Sakura's mind, she was so not looking forward to this.

Yugao immediately spoke to one of the body artists in while Sakura was shivering in a chair and waiting for it to happen. She was nervous. She couldn't believe that Yugao had managed to talk her into doing this. She couldn't even believe that Tsunade was making her do this assignment. She didn't think she was ready. Not for getting a tattoo. She had heard from a few other people that tattoos hurt to get on. She remembered when Kiba mentioned that he got his markings on his face when he was just a very young pup, but he remembered how it had hurt. He had cried for days because his face ached a lot. It just made Sakura shudder. She had never wanted to get a tattoo.

Finally, Yugao smiled and turned around to face Sakura, almost laughing on how pale she had gotten within the five minutes they had been in the tattoo shop. She knew that the pink haired girl was extremely nervous. She didn't blame her. "Okay, Sakura. They're ready. Are you?" She asked as she stood over her younger partner.

Sakura shuddered and swallowed hard at the same time as she shakily got to her feet. She tried to manage a nod though, it looked more like her head was about to fall right off her shoulders. "Ye-yeah. I thi-think so." She murmured.

"Hey." The violet haired ANBU said as she reached over and placed a hand onto her shoulder. "Relax, Sakura. If you think it's going to hurt, it will. But I promise. It won't hurt. The least it would feel like is a bee sting." She tried to reassure her. But when Sakura didn't look reassured, she just rolled her eyes and gave her a dull look. "Look, Sakura. You are Tsunade's apprentice and you've been through a lot already. Don't let one little tattoo get to you. It's not going to kill you. You've been stabbed, crushed, poisoned and kami who knows what else. Getting a tattoo on your shoulder isn't going to hurt. Got that? Now, get in the chair and shut up. If you don't, you should remember that the old man might be plotting you-know-who's assassination and if you don't do this mission, she just might end up dead."

The pink haired girl was taken back by what Yugao said to her but with a frown, she figured she had a point. She had been through worst than getting a tattoo. And if she didn't do this mission right, Tsunade could be the target of an assassination.

So mustering a determined look on her face, Sakura nodded and she moved towards the chair the tattoo artist was standing at. "All right. Then, let's get this over with."

Yugao had to admit it, even if silently. But Sakura had a lot of spirit. She had been surprised at the pinkette's sudden change of mood. She hadn't expected her to be a terrified little girl one moment then change into a very determined person the next. She couldn't help but smirk and shake her head before she followed after her partner.

The tattoo process wasn't as bad as Sakura had thought it would be. She had sat down in the chair and tried everything to relax, though she was doing somewhat better than she had thought she would. She just kept a straight face as the tattoo artist rubbed her arm with very strong alcohol, to help the sting a little. Then he began working the tattoo. The sting of the needles did hurt for a second but then Sakura got used to it.

Eventually she got bored and just stared out the window while the artist was applying the red swirls on her shoulder.

By the time the artist was finished, Sakura was nearly asleep in the chair. She only woke up because Yugao whacked her on the head, smirking. "Well, I'm glad to see that you're taking it well. It's done." She then pointed at her arm. "Look." She told her.

Sakura blinked before sitting up straighter and looking down at her shoulder. She was surprised to see the red swirls on her arm, matching the very same one that Yugao wore on her arm. She blinked in surprise before looking up at Yugao, who smirked at her before holding out a hand to her.

"Welcome to the ANBU. Now let's go get the last thing you need to complete your new title." The ANBU told her.

The next place they went as straight to the ANBU headquarters, itself. They had stopped by Sakura's apartment, though and Yugao made the pink haired young woman change her close to all black, something she didn't wear often. It was near the Hokage's admin building, which came as a surprise to Sakura. She hadn't known it was that close. It was here that Yugao pulled out her ANBU mask, placing it over her face. She turned to Sakura as she pulled out a long strip of black fabric, holding it out to her. "Wrap this around your head, hide your hair and face. Use it as a mask." She told her now stoically. "It's here where you will test your true face of ANBU. No one here is to know your true face. There are only a few you can trust with your real identity." She told the pinkette.

Sakura nodded before doing as she was told. She took the long strip and began wrapping it around her head to hide her face and her plain identity.

Then they went inside.

Yugao led the way, pausing to make sure that Sakura didn't get side tracked. There were several pictures, statues and masks lined up along the main hall. Quite a few were aged and worn out though. And many were cracked, as if they had been in a terrible battle. Sakura could only guess that they had.

Neither one spoke as they walked down the hall, coming to a room where there was someone sitting in the middle of the floor. It was a young man, with a pure white mask sitting on his lap. He was biting his tongue as he applied icy blue paint to the ceramic piece. But as soon as the two women entered, he looked up. He just stared at Yugao for a moment before smiling and setting the mask down. Sakura couldn't help but stare at the mask though.

"Hey, Cat. Long time no see. I see you still haven't broken your mask. Good. It just means you're taking care of it." The man remarked cheerfully before looking at Sakura. "Well, who's your friend?"

Yugao just moved forward, before motioning to Sakura as she slowly followed. "This is Wolf, Artesian. We're here for her ANBU mask." She said simply. "Have you finished it, or have been you been goofing off again?"

The young man, Artesian just made a face at Yugao before nodding as he slowly pushed himself to his feet. He even managed to roll his eyes while waving at the violate haired ANBU. "Geez. Don't bite my head off. I don't always goof off. And either way, I always get the job done before the pick up. And I got it done." He said, sounding way too proud of himself. He went straight to one of the walls where there were several masks hanging up. It surprised Sakura on how many. So many animalistic faces peering at her. It was kind of creepy.

But the mask that Artesian was after was a dog's face mask. No, not a dog's face. A wolf's.

Yugao just tilted her head to the side as she and Sakura watched Artesian take down the tiger's mask and move towards them again. "So, that's the mask?" She asked.

Artesian just nodded as he held out the mask to Sakura, who slowly took it from him. "Yep! And I put a lot of care into that one, after all that you said about your new partner, Cat." He said sounding proud of his work.

In a way, Sakura had to agree with him. The mask in her hands was rather beautiful. The mask was glossy white like the others but in addition of a pair brilliant pink paint surrounding the eye holes with an additional strange cresent designs under the eyes. There was points on top of the mask, as if serving as wolf's ears. It really did look like a wolf's face.

In truth, Sakura couldn't help but admire it.

She was amazed by this mask. It was a work of art that she hadn't ever seen before. She knew very well that she might have to wear some kind of black bandanna though to hide her hair. If the ANBU really had to hide their identities from most, she would have to hide her hair too. There weren't a lot of pink haired ninja in the Leaf Village as it was.

But with a faint smile on her face, even though it was hidden from the mask maker, she gave him a nod of thanks. "Thank you, Artesian. It's beautiful."

Both Yugao and the Artesian looked over at her, somewhat surprised, though the artist was looking mightily pleased that he was actually being thanked for the mask. He never got thanked for one of his masks. Never. Not even from Yugao. But smiling brightly, he placed his hand onto his waist and grinned at her as he used his other hand to rub the back of his neck, sheepishly. "Why, thank you for thanking me, Wolf! You're so generous!" he said pleasantly.

Sakura just smiled before she turned her back to them and pulled off the cloth away from her face and placing the mask over her face. Once it was in place, she turned back, looking at the two pleasantly. "So, how do I look?" She asked, hopefully.

Yugao made a sound as if she was laughing softly and she even shook her head as she placed her hands onto her waist. She then nodded to Sakura, as if approving. "You look like a real ANBU agent. Not a bad job at all, Artesian. It's definitely one of your best." She told him.

"Wow, Cat. That coming from you, that's a real honor to even get. You never compliment me on anything." Artesian said smugly.

Yugao rolled her eyes under the mask and motioned to Sakura to follow her. She was obviously tired of being there now. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Don't let it go to your head, you numbskull. Just keep up the good work, will yah?" She went straight to the door with Sakura, pausing only once. "You'll get your payment soon enough. The Hokage, herself, might be the one paying for Tiger's mask, if she likes it." She told him. "Come on, Wolf. Let's get back to training. You need to get used to the mask and fighting."

To say the least, it wasn't easy moving around with the mask on her face, Sakura realized. She realized it was a little hard to see past the slits for eyes. But it was thankfully to Neji's training that helped her a lot. She now realized why Yugao suggested why she took a few evasive lessons from the Hyuga Prodigy. It was better to listen to the sounds around her than to try to see past the mask. Now that she was becoming ANBU, Sakura figured it was time to change her image a little. So instead of leaving her hair down, she pulled it up, which helped a lot. It kept the pink strands out of her face and it was easier to hide behind the cloth.

Finally, the month was up and the ANBU training was over.

The message from Tsunade came not too long after noon, when Sakura and Yugao were training with Team Gai again. Sakura was working on target practice with Tenten while the others watched as the two ladies hit nearly bulls eyes on each of the targets. Rock Lee had actually stood up and began to cheer for Sakura when she finally managed to land a bulls eye. It stunned Sakura nonetheless when she hit the target dead center. She couldn't believe she had finally done it. After weeks of practice with Tenten, she finally managed to get a bulls eye.

"I….I did it." She murmured before her face grew very bright and she threw a fist into the air. "Yes! I did it! I did it!"

Everyone laughed as they watched her celebrate. Tenten just shook her head and smiled as she watched her pink haired friend. "You're doing so much better! You are definitely improving." She remarked.

It was right at that moment, someone appeared right behind Sakura, making her grow tense before she whirled around and lashed out a fist. It really couldn't be helped. After training with Yugao, she had learned to never let her guard down. So she really couldn't stop herself. She seemed way too surprised that she nearly punched the person though. But even more surprised when he caught her fist from hitting him in the face.

"Good job, Sakura. You're definitely improving." Kakashi stated lightly, not worried at all that he nearly got his face punched in.

Sakura gasped sharply as she quickly withdrew her fist and covered her mouth with shock. "Oh! Kakashi-sensei! I am so sorry! I swear! I didn't mean to do that!" She said, though everyone was laughing.

Kakashi just smiled at her through his mask and waved her apology away. In truth, he was happy that she had done it. "Sakura, don't apologize and don't call me sensei anymore. We're the same rank now. I'm no longer your sensei." He then stuffed his hands into his pockets, turning slightly to look over at Yugao as well. "Actually, I've come here on the request of Tsunade. She's called for you. It seems to me….." he paused for a second. "That you will be beginning your mission today."

That made almost everyone stop laughing, looking surprised. Both Yugao and Sakura looked at him, the most surprised but then they grew very serious as they glanced at one another. So they would be starting the mission. This was something not to laugh about. Yugao then stood up and brushed off her pants. She looked directly at Kakashi and nodded. "Thank you, Kakashi-taichou. We will go see her right now." She looked to Sakura, giving her a nod. "Let's go, Sakura." She said.

Sakura nodded, looking as serious as she did before giving Team Gai a smile of gratitude. "Thank you, guys. I don't think I could do this mission without your help. I owe you guys a lot. You've done so much for me and I just don't know what I can do to repay you." She told them.

"Well, I know what Lee's going to ask for repayment." Tenten said giving her cheerful teammate a dry stare.

Sakura sweat dropped. She knew very well what Rock Lee would ask for too. It would mean she would have to accept a date with him. She just could only hope that this mission would keep her a little busy so that she didn't have to go on a date. But to save her the sudden trouble, Yugao was already moving away, motioning to her to follow. "Come on, Sakura. Let's not waste any time." She told her.

"Right!" Sakura said, somewhat grateful before Lee could even ask. She gave Team Gai a wave before hurrying after her ANBU partner. She ran along side her, giving her a thankful look, which the violate haired ANBU returned with a smirk.

The two kunoichi quickly arrived in Tsunade's office, fully dressed as ANBU. Sakura had wanted to get dressed in her new ANBU outfit she and Yugao had picked out. It was almost the same as her former outfit, only all black, with addition of dusty pink embroidery on the edges. Either way, when Sakura and Yugao walked in, fully dressed as ANBU, Tsunade looked surprised. She looked her apprentice over with astonishment as she stood before her, still as a board.

"Wow. Sakura….you definitely look different." The Fifth Hokage said as she looked her over then motioned for her to remove the mask. "As for the Emotion situation? Did you sort that out?"

Sakura pushed the mask up onto her head and gave her mentor a smile as she nodded. She then formed the right hand signs, like Sai had showed her before looking directly into Tsunade's eyes. "Seal Activate." She stated, and she felt the emotions immediately lock up inside of her and her face settle to being black.

Of course, much like Yugao had done before, Tsunade pulled a face as she watched the blank look settle onto Sakura's face. She wasn't really amused too much. "Geez, that look really doesn't suit you." She remarked.

"So I've heard." Sakura said, somewhat dryly.

Tsunade smiled again though, impressed with how much Sakura had changed during the last month. She knew very well that this mission was going better than she had hoped. Well, the preparations were anyway. She frowned again as she looked down at her desk thoughtfully. She knew very well that Sakura was not going to like the initiation to getting in Root though. "So, your mission starts tonight, you two." She looked right back at the two, giving them a serious look. "You already know the seriousness of this mission and it is a must succeed mission. You must find out what Danzo is hiding from us and find out what he is up to. But there is one minor problem about you getting into Root." She didn't blame the two for frowning so seriously after hearing that. "I have already submitted your ANBU names to joining Root, but I'm afraid that Danzo is being a little…..stubborn about the entire situation. He's requested a test for the both of you. He's skeptical that you have what it takes to become Root ANBU. So he has requested that you attend a mission tonight." Her eyes narrowed right at Sakura when she spoke this part. "An ANBU mission." She stated, now picking up a scroll.

Both Yugao and Sakura frowned at the sound of the mission. They didn't like this at all. Yugao, of course, knew that it must have been a serious mission, but Sakura wasn't even sure what kind of mission it might be. She knew that the ANBU took on the most elite missions and that was what made her somewhat nervous.

Yugao, however, grew more serious at each word the Fifth Hokage, her head dipping low. She knew very well what was coming. "So, he needs persuasion?" She sighed softly. "What is our target and where is it taking place?" She ignored Sakura when she gave her a curious look. Tsunade just sighed softly, her eyes closing but she shook her head and held out the scroll to the ANBU. She didn't open her eyes as the violate haired woman moved forward and took the scroll. And she didn't even open her eyes when she opened it, reading it. But she did open her eyes when Sakura breathed in sharply when she read over her partner's shoulder, seeing what they were to do.

Mission: Assassination
Rank: S
Target: Yukino Echi-The Baroness of the Land of Snow/Spring.

Mission Status:
The Baroness of the Land of Snow/Spring will be arriving in the Land of Waves, on an errand for the Snow Princess, Koyuki Kazahana. It is a fact that she is carrying a secret scroll to give to a rivaling village. The mission is to locate the baroness, assassinate her and steal the secret scroll for observation.

The Baroness will be guarded by Snow Ninja, whom have joined forces with Princess Koyuki.

Sakura slowly shook her head as she looked the information over, her hand over her mouth and her eyes wide with horror. She couldn't believe that Danzo was making her do this mission. Especially when the Land of Snow/Spring had such strong ties with the Leaf Village. She looked at Tsunade, horrified. "Tsu-Tsunade-shishou! We….we can't do that mission! To….to assassinate someone from Koyuki's faculty….!" She was saying.

"We will do as we are required to do, Wolf." Yugao said, now loss of emotion. "I understand why you are concerned with this mission. I have heard that you went on a mission with Team Seven to protect the Princess of Snow/Spring and you have a connection with her. But this is the mission that Danzo wants us to do."

Sakura felt tears filling her eyes as she looked at her partner with shock but then she looked over at Tsunade. "Shishou!" She cried out.

Tsunade sighed as she folded her hands together and closed her eyes. She knew very well how much this would hurt Sakura. But it must have been done. Her eyes opened again and she gave her apprentice a very sharp look. "Sakura, you will do this mission. This is the mission Danzo wants you to do. I've already tried to make him to change his mind but he won't be persuaded otherwise. You can't reason with this man. Besides, Yukino Echi is not close to Princess Koyuki. So you will go on this mission and you will do as you are told! If you can't complete the mission, god forbid it, there will be serious consequences! Remember what is at stake here, Sakura!"

Taking deep gulps of breath and trying not to start getting too emotional, Sakura lowered her head and nodded. "I'm sorry, Shishou. I….I just…." She paused looking at her again. "What if Koyuki finds out? Wouldn't this disrupt the peace between the Leaf and the Spring Villages?" She asked.

There was a pause as Tsunade closed her eyes again, sighing as if a little frustrated. But Yugao shook her head as she made a side glance to Sakura. "This is going to be a covert operation, Sakura. ANBU are to never make contact with anyone else but the target. So therefore, no one will know about this mission but the ANBU, the Hokage and the client." She told her in a grave tone.

Sakura shivered as she tried hard to maintain herself before she sighed and lift her head, keeping the tears back from falling. She gave Tsunade a nod, though she really did not like this at all. But she knew that she really didn't have much of a choice. So with a forlorn look, she accepted it. "Very well, Tsunade-shishou. I will accept this mission." She told her glumily.

The Fifth Hokage gave her a look of sympathy either way. She knew very well of how much pain her student was in by accepting this mission. "I'm sorry, Sakura. That I have to make you do this. But it is for the best. You have to make an impression on Danzo. You have to convince him that you belong in Root. In a way, you have to get close to him so that you can find out what he's hiding. If there was any other way, I would do it that way immediately. You know I would." She said softly before looking stern again. "But Danzo is not a soft person. He's as hard as a rock and cold as ice. No, not ice. A glacier at the bottom of the earth. No one knows why. I remember my former sensei, Saturobi told me that Danzo was not always the way he is. But something happened that caused him to be this way. And I want you to find out." She then looked away. "The information you need is in the scroll. You are to have it done by the end of the week. Good luck." She told them both.

There was a very long awkward pause between all three of them but then Yugao and Sakura bowed to Tsunade and then turned to leave. Sakura had to pause to look at Tsunade, who met her eyes. They both knew that the pinkette was not ready for a mission that dealt with assassinating another living being. But they really didn't have another choice. Sakura gave her mentor a pained look before following Yugao out of the room.

The Fifth Hokage only sighed and looked up the four pictures of the earlier Hokages, her eyes stopping on the Third. "The nightmare for Sakura has only began."