A/N: Because of this site's changes I can't place up any links on my profile page. But the picture of the kitten is on the cover to this story, so look up there to see it. This would've been out sooner, but again, my health got in the way, you have my sincerest apologies for making you wait for this edit! Still, I hope you enjoy it regardless :)
WARNINGS: SLIGHT self-insert, SLIGHT crack-fic (so yes, some of the characters may seem a little OOC at times, just go with it), mild language, mild nudity and mild gore.
EDITED: 14/03/16 & 28/06/19
DISCLAIMER: If I owned it, Akatsuki would rule and everyone else would die.
2: A NEW HOME
Konan stands in the clearing having just come through the bushes and can't help but stare at the small kitten sat beneath the oak tree a few feet ahead of her.
At first, the blue-haired woman wonders whether she's delirious, perhaps seeing hallucinations of sorts, she has just returned from a two-month long mission and is about ready to collapse, though not without having a proper bath filled to the brim with bubbles and some well-deserved hearty food.
Konan is perfectly capable of surviving on her own, she's done it as a child, so it is no wonder she was the perfect candidate to hunt down a spy that'd once been employed by the Akatsuki; the same organization she is working in. Naturally, her leader won't risk information being spilt to the wrong people and so, for two long, tedious months, she's worked alongside Zetsu-a fellow Akatsuki member to track him down and kill him.
Her mission is as always, a success.
Yet as she walks back to the current base of operations that the Akatsuki is using instead of using her paper technique to travel (just to conserve chakra) she hears a strange noise from ahead of her. Something similar to a screechy yelp, it seems inhuman but one can never tell, so she saw no harm in checking out who the noise belongs to.
As she treks through the undergrowth, she distinctly remembers that poaching on Akatsuki territory will result in instant execution. This is their land, naturally they buy their food from shady sources on the black market, getting decent food for cheaper prices, in return, the Akatsuki offers support or protection to the suppliers should they need it. This pleases Kakuzu greatly with the cheaper prices; he is the one member of the organization that governs all finances and costs. Kakuzu is the only thing standing between them and debt.
So hunting in the forest is never a priority, they simply don't need to, the only one to kill animals here is Hidan, a religious sadomasochist that worships a cult God named; 'Jashin' who is also another member of Akatsuki. He rarely kills animals, he prefers to sacrifice humans to his God, animals are apparently not as worthy of a sacrifice. Konan really doesn't understand the concept of Hidan's God, nor does she wish to understand either.
But it stands to reason that no one should be touching their shit.
Konan is ready to kill any poachers in their forest; it isn't the first time!
Her arm slowly turns into a paper sword that is tough as steel, she won't regret snuffing someone out in the slightest; she's just following orders.
Or at least she was until she pounces from the bushes and finds not a human setting up a trap or retrieving it's recent kill, but instead a tiny kitten crouching before her, shivering in fright.
She pauses, staring down at the little creature, her mind trying to catch up. It unnerves Konan to see this tiny stray. Why is this small thing all the way out here alone in the wild? Is this perhaps a trap?
Looking over the cute thing, she instinctively knows that it is the right sort of bait, it's cuteness acting as a defence mechanism to lower her guard and believe it's harmless. Many a Ninja have fallen for that trick and Konan is experienced enough to know not to do the same.
The most logical thing to do is to leave it where it is, since it managed to get itself all the way out in the middle of nowhere, then it can certainly find it's way back to civilization, no doubt somewhere better suited to raising a kitten.
Konan sighs, being heartless isn't as easy as others would assume, especially to young animals. Of course she's toughened up over the years and has slaughtered many people, but she never enjoys hurting and killing others, especially innocent, vulnerable animals like this kitten.
She turns and lowers her arm, the sword falling away into paper sheets, revealing her right arm beneath; unharmed, intent on leaving nature to decide it's fate.
But when she hears a small noise come from it she can't help but send it another glance over her shoulder, uncertainty weighing heavily upon her and that's when all her previous conceptions go straight to Hell.
Everything seems to pale in comparison when her eyes lock with the kitten's own large, desperate grey orbs and all she can see and think of is the poor little creature in front of her and how much it needs her. There is also something distinctly...human about those eyes, as if there is a hidden intelligence buried away.
She turns to face it once more, internally fighting a battle with herself at which choice she should make. She knows leaving it will be cruel, but then so would taking it back to the base where unstable criminals dwell within a mountain.
She takes a large step towards it, almost expecting and wanting it to run away, yet it remains where it is, whether it is due to shock or not, the poor thing doesn't run away as it should do, instead, it seems to have relaxed in her company. It looks...relieved.
Shaking her head, she realises she must be going crazy, cats are animals and this one is no exception. They're noisy, smelly and need constant supervision-especially when they're young.
Still, it can't hurt to take it with her and keep it?
For the last five years, Konan has been brooding, longing to have a home and create her own nest; she wants a family and marriage, yet not having the stability or the relationship to do so. Although she never outwardly complains about her position or work in the Akatsuki, she can't help but wonder on the 'what ifs' and that is dangerous waters to tread.
Yet here she has the perfect opportunity to fill that aching gap in her heart, this kitten can be the "child" she's always wanted, well, clearly not physically, but mentally...it will be nice to have a companion. The entire Akatsuki is full of men aside from herself of course, being the only woman doesn't usually bother her, but with her brooding instincts kicking in, she soon became despondent and rather lonely.
In fact, she knows some of the men are picking up on her wistfulness and are becoming concerned for her, in a way she is like a sister to them all and they respect her position and that she's the only woman in the entire criminal organization.
It certainly can't hurt to have a companion with whom she can openly talk to and look after as if it really is her child. It'll be like killing two birds with one stone, hopefully she'll kill off these nesting instincts of hers, for they've been starting to irritate her lately.
She is startled out of her thoughts when she feels rather than sees the kitten rubbing itself against her ankles, it looks happy and content; almost pleased to see her.
Konan can't help the small smile cross her lips as she slowly bends down to pick it up, praying not to startle it. The kitten squirms in her grip, clearly not used to being held, but once it is safe in her arms it relaxes and snuggled against her chest; purring.
She feels her once-cold heart melt at the sight as she murmurs quietly to it "Don't worry, small one, you'll be coming home with me," she can't resist petting it's head when it meows in response.
Konan turns and strolls back towards the base, having felt no trace of chakra near or on the cat but it's own, she realises that it truly is abandoned and lost out in the wilderness; all alone. She can't help but wonder where it's mother is, she doesn't ponder on the thought too long, feeling slight jealously of the kitten's mother is irrational. The kitten is hers now; no one else's.
Smiling contently at this thought, she sends the now settled kitten a tender look "I'll look after you, I'll be your new mother."
She receives no reply as the kitten has fallen asleep.
And for once in a very long time, Konan finds herself humming softly.
/*\*/*\
Konan keeps herself vigilant, constantly checking for any traces of chakra within half a mile radius, though finds none. She isn't paranoid by nature, but to now suddenly have a purpose, to have something-or rather someone to live for removes all sources of recklessness.
The wall of stone moves itself to reveal a hidden entrance upon activation, the light from the outside world shines brightly inside, revealing a stone hallway. She doesn't hesitate as she steps inside, the entrance sealing itself shut after her, closing off the light.
She continues walking through the cave in a straight line, ignoring all other hallways, merely passing them by without a second glance, only the dimly lit torches along the walls being her guide and the knowledge of walking through here countless times in the past.
Eventually, the tunnel opens up into a large dome of rock surrounding the entire area, sectioning the very heart of Akatsuki off from the rest of the world in the heart of the mountain.
She gives a sigh of relief at the familiar large mansion situated in the middle of the mountainside, all around it there is grass, trees and bamboo, even a small river trickles through. It is a hidden paradise away from the cruelties of the outside world, the only difference here is that there was no view of the sky.
It is the one thing Konan strongly wishes had been incorporated into the building plans when they first claimed this spot as Akatsuki territory. Although the sky is beautiful, it is a risk, being easily spotted from above is not what the leader of the Akatsuki had been willing to indulge.
Instead, they rely heavily upon lights and torches; Kakuzu is not best pleased with the costs but stated himself that it is necessary for their safety and for obscurity.
Konan makes her way across the cobble stone pathway, feeling the chakra of the barrier surrounding the mansion wash over her, having identified her; it allows her to pass through with no issue. However, anyone who is not entered into the barrier jutsu would find themselves burning alive with inextinguishable black flames, curtesy of another comrade; Itachi Uchiha.
She glances down and finds with great satisfaction that the kitten is unharmed, which means she isn't a spy or a summoning, if she had any chakra of a master or summoner, then she would be burning up in flames upon touching the invisible chakra barrier. But because such a thing hasn't happened, clearly means she is without a master and actually an innocent animal.
Great relief washes over her at the thought, feeling a little regret at having put the animal in such a dire situation without checking herself first, but she figures, the jutsu would take care of it should there be a problem and with her chakra reserves low, she can't afford to waste anymore.
Konan lets herself into the mansion which is always kept unlocked; there isn't a need to keep it locked with other precautions already available.
The inside of the building is decorated simplistically, yet with an air of elegance. Nothing of real value is kept out on display since a few of the rowdier members are well-known for causing mayhem and destroying things.
There doesn't seem to be anyone about, so she continues through the mansion and stops outside of her leader's office, knocking twice, she hears his call to enter. She does so.
Pein, the leader of the Akatsuki is arguably the strongest man in the entire organization; his face adorns many piercings and his hair is a bright shade of orange, contrasting vastly to his lilac-grey ringed eyes, an inherited special ability, otherwise known as a Kekkei Genkai. His is the Rinnegan.
He is sat behind his large desk, reading through a file, looking intensely at the words written upon the paper, neither giving a hint as to whether it is good news or bad news that he is reading. However his face swiftly lights up as Konan enters the room like a beacon to brighten up his dark office. They are after all, childhood friends; naturally, she has a special place in his heart.
His lips twitch and he gives a barely-there smile as he greets her "Welcome home, Konan. Zetsu informed me that your mission was a success, well done. I knew I'd chosen wisely."
There is pride in his voice along with a hint of fondness; Konan enjoys hearing the praise, especially from the most critical and hard-to-please member of the organization, this is what makes sticking with the Akatsuki worth it.
She gives a bow of her head as she replies warmly "Thank you, Pein."
However, the cheerful mood dampens somewhat as his gaze travels from her face down to the small furball in her arms in front of her chest. He hesitates for a moment, hardly believing his eyes.
"Konan...why do you have a rat in your arms?"
The blue-haired woman blinks at the assumption "It's not a rat, it's a kitten, I found it outside in the forest all alone," she smiles softly down at the kitten as it stirs from it's sleep, using a free hand she strokes its back gently.
"I've decided to keep it."
Pein's eyes widen a little, though Konan takes no notice as she gushes at the little kitten in her arms without any regard to his presence, this is a side of her he hasn't seen in years. Weary from missions and killing, her enthusiasm has been trampled all over, she once was so full of life and hope, her kindness the one trait that stuck with most who met her. So to see her this way again brings warmth to his chest.
He schools his features into a calm, stoic mask, placing his elbows on the table, his hands connect together before his mouth, hiding any hint of expression from her line of sight.
"The Akatsuki is no place for a kitten, Konan; you know that better than anyone else here."
"Perhaps, but then leaving it alone outside to starve to death is crueller," Konan replies, lifting her gaze to meet Pein's from across the room; subtly challenging him that this is something she will not back down from.
"Do you realise that this kitten might easily be killed by the others? What are you going to feed it?"
Konan snorts quietly "You know as well as I that they wouldn't dream of hurting this small one even when I'm not around while it's under my protection and I'm sure I can find something, I know cats like milk and perhaps some chicken or fish might prove successful once it's weaned off the milk."
Pein stares at the kitten and is startled when the little creature actually turns round to stare right at him in the eye. All animals-even most humans rarely look him in the eye, being too frightened after sensing his incredible chakra. Yet, this kitten merely stares at him in what looks to be naive curiosity.
It is a refreshing concept, but as he stares longer at the kitten, he finds himself understanding that this cat is no ordinary cat. It's eyes hold an intelligence far beyond that of a beast, yet it exudes very little chakra.
How odd, Pein frowns; such a small amount of chakra in an animal is unnatural.
But Pein can't falter the creature...yet...it seems harmless enough...it also passes through the barrier with no trouble whatsoever, so he can only assume that it at least has no ill-intentions or allegiances to anyone else. Also, being honest with himself, he and a few of the other males have noticed how down Konan has been recently, often sighing wistfully, perhaps this kitten might cheer her up?
"Hmm, what about when you leave on missions? Who will feed and look after it?" He sincerely hopes it wouldn't be left to him. He is far too busy to cat-sit for Konan.
She shrugs "I'll talk to the others and see about taking turns, I'm sure someone else will look after it."
He isn't entirely convinced that this is a good idea. He genuinely worries for her well-being, already he can see her becoming attached to the kitten, he will be hurt if she grows too fond of it and something terrible happens to the kitten, he knows she'll be incredibly heartbroken.
Still, she can use a distraction, she often takes work way too seriously and he noticed her brooding. She longs for a family of her own, something which the Akatsuki isn't going to give her, so this will be the next best thing to a child.
"Very well, you make keep it, but you will inform Kakuzu of the extra mouth we have to feed."
He doesn't like this idea, the poor creature deserves to be outside, playing with children or some of it's own kind away from this dangerous place. However, his mind swiftly changes when Konan gives him such a heart-warming smile that it takes his breath away, he notices the fond look she gives the kitten and exclaims "Thank you, Pein! Oh, I'm so glad you'll let me keep it!"
He can't help but smile more openly "don't thank me just yet, you still have the others to convince," he places a bag of coins on the desk "this is your earnings for the mission; treat yourself to something nice; you deserve it."
Konan gives him a soft smile as she goes ahead and collects the money from the desk, feeling pleasantly satisfied when she feels its weight in her palm, she's certainly done herself a huge favour by earning this much.
And it is not the first time she notices Pein looking so at ease in her presence, he will only ever relax and lower his guard around her, they've been friends for many, many years and have also been through a lot together so naturally he's calmer around her. However, in recent years as the Akatsuki has grown more notorious, he rarely shows much of his emotions now, preferring to lock them away and keep his mind active.
He is always troubled by something.
The kitten looks interested in him, it begins to squirm a little, wanting to get a little closer to Pein, but Konan knows it is best that it stays with her for a little while, her leader is hard at work as usual, besides, she needs to clean and feed herself before getting some well-deserved rest, though not before feeding the little one.
"I'll see you later then," she gives him another smile and a quick bow of her head before leaving the room and closing the door gently behind herself, she feels her smile fall when she notices the kitten reaching with one of its paws to hit at the sack of money she's earned on her recent mission.
Placing her bag of money in her pocket underneath her cloak, she holds the kitten up in both hands and states teasingly "Nah-ah, that's not for you to play with, my dear, if I'm going to keep you, I need the money to do so-" her voice falters as she looks underneath its belly and lower, only now registering that she needs to know what sex it is.
She turns the kitten on its back-which it isn't fond of and gives a squeak of protest, looking between it's legs she is delighted to notice it's a female.
Beaming happily, she hugs the kitten close to her as gently as she can without crushing it, thanking her lucky stars that she finally has some female company!
"Now...all I need to do is give you a name."
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