The wanted poster flapped uncontrollably in the wind as Kakuzu examined it forensically. The tattered picture of a child, no older than 6 or 7 years of life. His bounty was higher then all the other's that Kakuzu had caught in a long time. This was his Jackpot. Now he just had to find him and snuff out his life to get his profit.
Kakuzu looked up from the poster. There in the distance was a small town, bustling with people and animals. His bounty was last seen wandering the streets, maybe he was still around for the picking.
Kakuzu wandered the streets for a wile. Green eyes scanning the area thoroughly, taking in every face with great detail.
After a good three hours of no luck, Kakuzu caught something in his peripheral vision. A small silver head, swimming in a muster of people. Kakuzu locked onto it, moving fast. Like a lion zoning in on its prey, Kakuzu stood a few feet away from the Bounty.
The boy; small and innocent. Silver hair slicked back, a few stray strands dangled over his dirty face. His eyes shimmered pink or maybe it was violate, but they seemed dull and sad. He also had no shirt, only tattered blue pants that where shredded at the bottoms. Kakuzu saw something thing that made him wonder, was that blood…spattered on the bottom of his pants? Was he injured already? Plus, was that a headband around his neck?
Kakuzu made his move when the boy took the mistake of wandering into an ally way. He knew better than to rush in, so he followed a few steps behind just in case something might happen. But the boy just walked along slowly, wandering and looking around.
Once Kakuzu knew that it was safe to make his move, so he did.
"Uwa!" The boy's mouth gaped as he was slammed against the bricked wall. A Hand tightened around his throat as it pushed him harder into the bricks.
"Your comin' with me weather you like it or not you little shrimp." Kakuzu pulled the boy up so he was eye level with him.
"Let go!! Let me go you bastard!!" They boy bit Kakuzu's hand hard. Blood seeped from the bite mark as the boy thrashed. Kakuzu howled in pain as he released the boy. He hit the ground, taking off out of the ally.
"Damn bitch." Kakuzu mumbled as he ran after him.
Franticly sprinting through crowds of people, the boy stopped to rest. He leaned against a wall, bending over and placing his hands on his knees to catch his breath. He stole glances over his shoulder to make shore his follower wasn't coming. To his relief there was no sigh of the man.
The boy stood up straight. He dashed around a corner to slam into something hard. His small body hit the ground hard. Looking up to See Kakuzu staring down at him.
"Gotcha…" Was the last thing the boy herd before he passed out.
Kakuzu shook his head as he lifted the dirty child up. Throwing him over his shoulder, noticing the bump on his head which was probably why he passed out. Clumsy little wretch.
Hours seemed to pass before the boy opened his eyes again. A soft moan of pain escaped his mouth as his eyes flickered half way open. He tried to realize where he was, only to find out he was on top of Kakuzu's shoulder.
"Finally awake?" Kakuzu leaned a bit, dumping the boy off his shoulder.
"Uwa!" The boy cried out as he hit the ground. Then there was a tug at his neck. Kakuzu had tied a rope around him like a leash.
"Either you walk, or I'll drag you." Kakuzu pulled on the rope again, but this time the boy got up, Staggering a bit before he finally walked behind Kakuzu. His little hands where holding the rope, trying to loosen it so he could breathe a little easier. Kakuzu just kept walking, he glanced back at the boy now and then. The only thing he saw was a small child fussing.
"Got a name?" Kakuzu spoke up after a very long time. Glancing back at the boy he noticed him cock his head to the right.
"Hidan." The silver haired child softly said.
"What the hell kind of a name his that."
"What's your name?"
"Kakuzu…Now shut up" Not to impressed with the conversation, Kakuzu yanked on the rope. Hidan stumbled, almost falling.
"Hey, you seem lonely. Are you lonely? I'm never lonely, I have Jashin." Hidan smiled as he pulled a pendant out of his tattered pocket. A Triangle in a circle. "You see, as long as I have this I'm happy. He'll always be here. But you seem lonely…are you lonely?" Hidan blabbed on and on and on. Kakuzu's eye twitched severely.
"Shut up!" Snapped Kakuzu. Hidan was started at first, then just went back to blabbing.
"But you're all rawer and not mellow! Convert to Jashinist and you won't be so lonely!! I mean, he's awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome, awes-" Kakuzu back handed Hidan across the face. Hidan's head jarred back violently. Falling backwards, landing hard on his backside. His pendant clattered to the ground and rolled a few feet before coming to a stop.
A trembling hand reached up to his swelling cheek. At first nothing happened. Kakuzu just stared at him on the ground till something happened. Hidan busted into tears. Flailing his small child arms around as he tilted his head back and screamed. Blood seeped from one corner of his mouth.
Kakuzu, agitated, grabbed Hidan and haled him to his feet.
"Stop fucking crying! Before I rip out your tongue!" His eyes flashed with threat as he shoved Hidan forwards.
"Jerk…" Mumbled the Jashinist as he picked up his pendant. He rubbed the tears away with his forearm.
Hours past, and there was no resting. Kakuzu was practically dragging the child now. Hidan was tired, hungry, and cold. His tiny arms wrapped around his body as it shivered. Dragging his feet as he stared at the ground. His neck was raw from the rope, and he wanted to rest. His cheek still throbbed, it had swelled up terribly.
Kakuzu hadn't said anything to him, he kept to himself until they came to a fork in the road. Kakuzu pulled out a map to see which way they needed to go, and Hidan decided to sit against a tree. After a good five minutes of looking at the map, Kakuzu folded it back up and stuffed it back into his cloak.
"We need to go right. That will lead us to a village a few miles away. Probably a 2 day's walk from where we are now. So let's get mo-" Kakuzu stopped when he saw Hidan against the tree.
Hidan's head rested against the tree's trunk. His eyes shut, completely out cold. Sighing, Kakuzu bent down to collect the child in his arms. He pulled Hidan close to him as he started to walk. The child's body was freezing.
"Better make camp for the night." Kakuzu sighed as he wandered into the woods.
The next morning came, Kakuzu was back to walking. Hidan followed sleepily behind. Trudging along slowly as he yawned. Kakuzu glanced back at him.
"Walk faster." Kakuzu ordered. Hidan glared up at him and slowed his pace.
"You're not the boss of me…" The Jashinist hissed bitterly.
"Walk faster or I'll make you." Kakuzu's temper started to rise.
"No."
"You're pushing your luck you brat."
"So."
"That's." Kakuzu turned around and raised his hand to slap the child. Hidan's eyes widened as he threw his arms up over his face in defense. Kakuzu stopped, realizing what he was about to do. He could see tears already welling up in the child's eyes as he shivered.
"Put your arms down, you look pathetic." Kakuzu yanked the rope, causing Hidan's body to jar forwards and hit the ground.
Thunder crackled in the sky, and rain started too poured down on Hidan and Kakuzu. Hidan, still on the ground was becoming covered in mud as he whimpered and sniffled.
"Get up." Kakuzu barked, yanking the rope again. The rope tightened, Hidan wheezed, grabbing at his neck, desperately trying to breath. Hidan made hacking and gasping sounds as he fell completely down on his side onto the ground.
Kakuzu waited for Hidan to stop struggling. Once Hidan was worn out from thrashing, he laid there panting. Kakuzu kneeled down and loosened the rope around the child's neck.
Kakuzu lifted Hidan up into his arms.
"Know your place." Kakuzu growled to the child.
"Leave me alone" Hidan's voice was shaken horribly. "I hate you." Hidan had to swallow his sob as he clamped his eyes shut. His body flinched as the thunder boomed.
Kakuzu pulled Hidan close and ran down the path, wanting to get to the town for shelter.
Once Kakuzu had entered the Motel, he was drenched from head to toe, and Hidan was also as wet as Kakuzu. His little body shivered from the chilling rain.
Kakuzu opened the door to his room. He set Hidan down on the bed and went to the bathroom to change.
Hidan pulled off his wet close and put on some dry ones. His body convulsed from the cold, he snuggled under the covers to gain warmth. Sniffling softly as he rubbed his raw neck.
Kakuzu exited the bathroom, dressed in what looked like pajamas. The bankers walked over to his bed and lay down, propping up a pillow so he could read his map.
Hidan sat up in his bed, the thunder crackling in the distance, making him jump. Soft whimpers escaped his mouth as he tiny body shivered. Glancing over at Kakuzu, Hidan slithered out of his bed and over to Kakuzu's, climbing on with him and snuggling close to him for protection. Kakuzu, completely revolted by the child in his bed, kicked him out roughly.
"You have your own bed." Kakuzu shook his head and went back to reading his map.
Hidan whimpered on the floor, jumping from the thunder crackling angrily outside. The toddler tried again and again, but Kakuzu just kept shoving him out of the bed.
On the Brink of tears, Hidan just stayed on the floor, knowing better then to try again.
After a long wile, Kakuzu was wondering why Hidan hadn't tried to climb into the bed already. Leaning over the edge of the bed, Kakuzu looked down to see Hidan sleeping on the floor. The banker just sighed and flicked his light off, lying completely down to get some well needed rest.
Hidan opened his eyes a few minutes after Kakuzu turned the light out.
The next morning, Kakuzu awoke. Blinking his eyes half open, feeling irregularly warm. Glancing over his shoulder, he noticed a small bump under the covers. Sliver hair peeked out and so did a hand. Kakuzu, sitting up, slowly pulled the covers down halfway. There, Hidan was snuggled up against Kakuzu, sucking on his thumb as he slept soundly. Kakuzu scratched his head, wanting to kick Hidan out of bed, and wanting to leave him there at the same time.
Kakuzu sighed, pulling Hidan's thumb out of his mouth then tucking him in. Feeling more then generous this morning, Kakuzu also cut the rope from around Hidan's neck.
Kakuzu went to take a shower, then pack for there journey.
Hidan stirred, opening his eyes and yawning. He realized that his neck didn't hurt as much. Tiny hands reached up and he rubbed his neck, he let out a soft grunt, happy the rope was gone. Yawning again, he closed his eyes to return to his sleeping. But He was disturbed when he herd Kakuzu.
"C'mon Hidan, lets get moving." Kakuzu pulled Hidan out of bed, but the toddler protested by whining.
"Noo…I want to sleep."
"To bad, we have to get a move on." Kakuzu yanked Hidan away, outside and out of the village.
Hours and hours passed, Kakuzu watched as Hidan followed behind him obediently. Yet he noticed something wrong, Hidan was slowing down after just a short wile. He was coughing and sniffling. He was getting sick. No doubt from walking in the rain with no shirt.
Kakuzu stopped, turned, and kneeled down.
"Come here Hidan." Kakuzu held his arms out for Hidan to come to him. The little Jashinist tottered over into Kakuzu's arms, loving the warmth.
Kakuzu lifted Hidan up, he could feel how cold Hidan was though the sleeves of his cloak.
"Hidan, why didn't you tell me you where cold?" Kakuzu asked pulling Hidan very close.
"I thought you would get mad at me." Hidan shivered and tried to get into Kakuzu's cloak.
"I wouldn't have gotten mad." The Banker didn't let Hidan in his cloak, but he did hold him close to help generate some heat.
"Im sorry."
"Its okay. Lets find a place to stay to make you better." Kakuzu started to walk again.
It was night fall before he had reached another town. A small motel at the end was where they had to crash for the night.
Kakuzu had pulled off all Hidan's clothes and set him down in the bathtub.
Warm water enveloping Hidan from all corners, making him sigh happily.
"That should make you feel a bit better." Kakuzu kneeled down next to the tub and gently ran a hand through Hidan's hair. The child almost purred, but his coughing got him the way. Kakuzu just sighed and went to washing Hidan's hair.
Days and Days of dirt and grime washed off Hidan's body, revealing his true albino skin tone.
After a wile, Kakuzu pulled Hidan from the tub, setting him down on the floor. Kakuzu took a towel to the boy's body, drying him off. Kakuzu was surprised that Hidan wasn't making a fuss about being naked in front of him. Guess Hidan really didn't mind, or he just wasn't in the mood to fuss.
After Dressing Hidan in nice pajamas, Kakuzu set him down on a bed. He went to the Kitchen to get some medicine from his bag. When he turned around, Hidan was already laying down under the covers. Kakuzu frowned, usually Hidan would be jumping around and making a mess, but for him to be like this he must really not feel good.
Kakuzu sat on the edge of the bed, gently stroking Hidan's head, listening to the tinny Jashinist whine.
"Here, some medicine to help you get better." Kakuzu helped the child sit up. He even pressed the small cup to Hidan's lips and tilted it. Hidan made a sour face and tried to spit it out. Kakuzu pressed his hand over Hidan's mouth, then tilted Hidan's head for him to swallow. The child struggled, but swallowed when he became tired.
"There, that should help." Kakuzu pulled Hidan close to him. Rocking him a bit and cooing. Hidan coughed and looked up at Kakuzu.
"That was gross."
"All Medicine is gross." Kakuzu managed to smile. Hidan saw the man smile, he even gave Kakuzu a small smile of his own.
After a wile, Hidan had fallen asleep against Kakuzu, again sucking on his thumb. Kakuzu couldn't help but rock Hidan in his arms. This child seemed so innocent, yet, he wasn't.
Kakuzu left the next morning, Hidan on his back, sleeping soundly sucking on his thumb. Kakuzu was on his way to the collection office, this was the last day he would ever see Hidan. He thought it was no big deal, he was just a stupid annoying child. The banker sighed with frustration.
In the midst of walking, Hidan woke, he yawned, keeping his head down on Kakuzu's back as he watched the world go by. He stayed like that for a wile till Kakuzu was passing a carnival.
"K-Kakuzu! Look!" Hidan weakly said, still trying to get over his illness as he pointed to the carnival.
"What? The Carnival?" Kakuzu stopped and looked.
"Can we go!?" Hidan begged. Kakuzu thought for a wile, the collection off ice was just a mile away. He sighed, might as well give Hidan what he wanted before he was shipped off to wherever.
"Alright." Kakuzu shifted ways towards the Carnival. Hidan smiled happily.
Kakuzu paid for the tickets, not pleased about the price. He kneeled down and set Hidan on the ground so he could run around, but Hidan just reached up and grabbed Kakuzu's hand, holding tight. Kakuzu smiled down at the boy.
"Lets go." Kakuzu walked to the fist game station he saw and played with Hidan. They played games from all over, rode rides and ate. Hidan was jumping up and down when Kakuzu won him a teddy bear. Kakuzu handed it to him and patted him on the head. Even though the bear was missing an eye and was losing its stuffing out of one arm, Hidan still loved it.
But the fun had to end when the sun was setting in the distance. Kakuzu had Hidan on his back again, he was passed out from all the excitement. So Kakuzu left and worked his way out of the carnival and back down the path to the collections office.
Kakuzu stopped when he came to a fork in the rode. Left was to the Collections office, Right was to another place, to have another journey.
Kakuzu glanced back at Hidan on his back. The toddler was sucking on his thumb, holding the teddy close with his free arm. His face so innocent and calm. Kakuzu fought his inner conflict with money and Hidan. He looked at the sign to the rode then back at Hidan. All of his hearts raised as he looked back to them over and over. He looked back at The sign and nodded.
Kakuzu went right.