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Not much is known about the River Country besides it is the base for the organization Akatsuki. It lies between the Fire Country and the Wind Country. It does not have any hidden villages nor are any shinobi known to come from River.

(Uchiha, Hoshigaki, Deidara, Zetsu, Kangouchou)

Walking through the darkness of the Akatsuki's base, Itachi and the others approached a shadowy figure standing on the opposite side of the room. The only detailed feature that could be clearly seen was his red eyes peering at the four.

"Who's that?" Eugene quietly questioned as he eyed the man before them. Everything about the stranger felt somewhat threatening and mysterious.

"Our leader." Hoshigaki replied quickly. He stood in front of Eugene, partially shielding him from the newly introduced Akatsuki with his Samehada. "Just do us all a favor keep quiet."

Kangouchou nodded, ogling at the sight of the mystifying stranger. Just standing in the presence of such beings as Kisame, Zetsu and the other Akatsuki made him feel inferior. We all have skills in different categories... I doubt any of these guys are medics. He told himself confidently, remembering that Hoshigaki had come to him all the way from Konoha to recieve help. That must mean something... right?

(Akatsuki Leader)

He stared at the three Akatsuki without emotion, noting their less energetic presence than usual. He also observed the minor injuries inflicted upon Hoshigaki and the Uchiha. "Might I ask what happened to you three?"

"You might." Itachi stated boldly, standing before the others.

The leader eyed the young Akatsuki up and down, noticing his unusual appearance. The Uchiha was not wearing his cloak like the other three, wasn't wearing any sandals of any sort, and barely had a little over half his shirt in tact. He almost scoffed at Itachi's appearance. "I'm not certain if you have noticed, but I believe you have forgotten to dress this morning."

The Uchiha looked at himself, also taking notice of his lack of appearance. His gaze lifted back to his leader, both of their crimson eyes locked onto each other's. "There were some... difficulties in Konoha. Unfortunately, I haven't had enough time to bother with my own image before coming into your presence."

"Nonetheless," the Akatsuki boss began after a short silence, "you happen to be the one I need to speak with. The other four of you may leave now, I shall converse with you later."

Obediantly, Kisame, Zetsu, and Deidara walked out. Eugene took a final glance at Itachi and the shaded figure before he left.

"Itachi-san... how long has it been since you first recieved the Cursed Seal?"

(Hoshigaki, Kangouchou, Deidara, Zetsu)

Outside, the three Akatsuki members and Eugene relaxed on a grassy hill-top, watching the orange light of the sun disappear across the horizon. A few scattered stars dimly shone through the evening light as the luminosity began to weaken throughtout the entire eastern sky.

Kangouchou rested lazily one his back, his arms behind his head. He wearily watched pink and orange clouds drift across the small orb of light still shining in the west. "If a war does start... what will the Akatsuki do...?"

"Who knows?" Kisame replied, standing behind the group. "Our leader is smart enough to know we can't fight a three way war. Especially since we had every intention of thwarting Orochimaru's plans to begin one. I'm sure we'll either be forced to pick a side or we'll just stay out of it."

"I doubt the latter will be our option." Deidara scoffed and sat down next to Eugene. "I'm certain he'll think of something, nonetheless."

Zetsu turned away and started to stride back towards their concealed base. "When the war begins, which I'm certain it will, we will fight. I know it. Who we fight for or why is a decision we ourselves must make. Not our leader." With that, he disappeared, leaving the three to themselves.

That's a decision we ourselves must make. Not our leader. The words echoed in Deidara's mind as she thought about the idea of a war between Konoha and Sound. "If Zetsu is right, and there is a war, I'll fight on whoever's side you two choose to fight for."

Kisame grinned, revealing his abnormally sharp teeth. "I'm going wherever Itachi goes. He may be just a kid, but he knows what he's doing."

"I'm sure my medic skills will be needed..." Eugene continued to gaze up into the sky. "And Konoha has always been my ally. If there is a village to fight for, Konoha is the one."

(Uchiha, Akatsuki Leader)

In the depth of another poorly lit room, Itachi sat in the center of a large ring of characters written across the floor. Lines of more letters were written in lines that crossed each other in the center, which was where Itachi was seated. Parts of the seal were written on the Uchiha as well.

The Akatsuki leader finished writing the last letter on the Uchiha's back. Rather than using ink, everything was written in blood from the leader's hand. "If you have ever studied seals, I'm certain you know what this does." He made a series of hand signals and placed his hand on the curse seal. The characters across the floor and on Itachi's body retracted, forming a ring around the Cursed Seal.

Feeling a pain similar to the ache the curse itself gave him, Itachi cringed and groaned. He clenched his fists tightly and squeezed his eyes shut.

With the final portions of the seal completeing the circle around the curse, the jutsu was completed. The Akatsuki boss removed his hand from the Uchiha's neck. "I'm certain you know how this seal works."

Itachi nodded, breathing heavily. "It's strengthened... by my will... right?"

"Yes. If you falter, the seal will break and the curse will take control. Fortunately, you haven't been threatened on your journey here, thus you haven't witnessed the power of the curse. Never let it take control. The moment you do so is the instant Orochimaru has you under his control. Also," he turned away and strode towards the only door in the room. He opened it and was about to walk out but stopped. "Never encounter Orochimaru alone intentionally again." The Akatsuki leader walked out and left.

The Uchiha remained on the ground, still respirating heavily. He stared at the ground in front of him, not moving at all. Orochima-san, you don't want these eyes...

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