The Heart's Battlefield

Chapter 11

The next few weeks were nice and went well for the Akatsuki. Sakura and Hidan, having fun doing something other than missions, started to make meals for everyone together most days. Hidan found he loved learning how to prepare dishes and cooking was fun for him.

The day was just like any other.

The smell of food wafted through the building lazily, waking even the deepest sleepers of the group. Sakura and Hidan awaited all of their arrivals at the table where a larger breakfast than normal was laid out. Nagato was the first to notice Sakura was giddier than normal and he then noticed there were two extra spaces at the table.

"Take a seat and start eating everyone!" she smiled and motioned to the food.

It was then a bell noise went off and the Akatsuki all looked at each other in surprise. It was then the rest of the Akatsuki noticed the extra plates and most were confused. The only ones that weren't were Konan and Yahiko. It was only a moment later that Sakura came back pulling two people behind her.

"Surprise!" she yelled as Orochimaru and Sai came into view from the hallway. "We invited Orochimaru and Sai since they were traveling around!"

The Akatsuki were a little awkward as they sat around the table, Orochimaru across from Sakura as Nagato and Sai took the seats beside her. It was definitely odd sitting down with Orochimaru again, but the Akatsuki adapted to the situation quickly, and it was a pleasant meal filled with laughter and conversation.

Sai was happily conversing with the different members when an idea popped into his head. A grand plan started working through his brain and he turned quiet for a moment too long. Sakura elbowed him lightly and Sai smiled brightly at her, causing her to look at him in confusion. He grasped her hand then looked to the three heads of the Akatsuki, Nagato and Yahiko and Konan.

"I've got a proposition for you guys!" Sai said excitedly.

Sakura laughed at his enthusiasm and grabbed his hand. He was practically vibrating with excitement.

"What do you have in mind?" Yahiko asked, laughing along with Sakura.

"Why don't you guys make an alliance with Konoha?"

All conversation stopped as the entire group looked at Sai in surprise. It was then a frown erupted on Sakura's face as some of the members immediately disagreed and others shrugged in indifference.

"That's not a bad idea, Sai," Nagato commented.

Sakura turned to Nagato and gave him a doubtful look.

"Maybe to you," Sakura commented. "I don't see what the benefit will be."

Sai laughed at Sakura's take at the situation.

"It could be a good thing," Konan commented.

Sakura gave her the same doubtful expression.

"Konoha wants you back, right?" Sai asked Sakura.

Sakura sighed and nodded as she looked at the noirette. "And?" she asked.

"Well, think about it!" he exclaimed. "You guys make an alliance to where you can visit and they can visit within reason, and no more fights over you!"

Sakura thought it over for a bit and a smile started spreading over her face.

"That's actually genius," she said with a laugh.

Sai blushed lightly at the praise and the rest of the group slowly accepted the idea.

"So, who's going and when?" Hidan asked.