All Naruto characters belong to Massashi Kishimoto. Cassandra and all the things not in the Naruto world belong to me. This story is written in play form, and is from Cassandra's point of view. Everything in italics is the characters thought or action.

Chapter 3. Rivals / Friends

It only took me a few weeks to get into a daily routine at the Akatsuki. Every morning, I would begin by cooking breakfast, doing various chores, and take a break after lunch. Then I would resume working, and do odd jobs for those who needed my assistance. In the evenings, I would prepare dinner, and on occasion make dessert, or treats as well. Tobi was my constant companion, which was lucky for me, because everyone else was so busy all the time. I saw Deidara and Sasori often enough, and remained very attached to them. In my eyes, they could fix all things, explain all things, protect me from all things, and be there for me in all things. They were my loving parents, and even though they didn't expressly get along all the time, I knew they loved me.

I also began to develop a sort of relationship with the other members, and saw them as my extended family. While Sasori and Deidara were my parents, and Tobi my best friend, Konan was like an older sister. She guided me, and taught me different things that girls were expected to know. I got along with her very well.

Pein was the boss, but on the inside, he was really just a bored teenager. I treated him with respect when others were around, but when it was just the two of us, we dropped the tittles and were just ourselves. Pein was like my older brother. He was also Konan's boyfriend, and whenever they fought, I would help them get back together. I don't think they ever truly got mad at each other, just annoyed. It was most always Pein's fault, but that was to be expected. He was a boy after all.

Kukazu became an uncle of sorts, and he taught me all about medicine. Sasori usually followed up on these medical lesions with one that was poison related, so I would have an understanding of the balance between life and death.

Hidan...well, he continued to regard me with as much respect as a turd. I just ignored Hidan.

Itachi was always very fun to hang out with. He had an interesting view on everything, and when he had time, he would help me train with my weapons. My average aim became deadly under Itachi's skilled guidance. He was a cousin to me, because he wasn't around often enough to be another brother.

Kisame was another uncle. He taught me how to swim and love the water. Having grown up in a desert for most of my life, swimming wasn't a necessary thing, but it was useful knowledge and I enjoyed it.

Last but not least was Zetsu. He was Tobi's caretaker. I considered Zetsu an odd, distant cousin. He was rarely around, and he frightened me. Zetsu talked and argued with himself and was a cannibal. On top of that, he was half venus flytrap. Still, on the rare occasions that I did talk to him, I liked it. He was a nice being, and made me laugh.

My family wasn't always easy to get along with, but I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world, because I knew that they all were there for me when I needed it. I trained desperately so I could be there for them one day too. Tobi and I would spend hours together, trying to grasp some move, or jutsu. I can remember many good times I spent with my family. I remember the first time I was allowed near weapons, and allowed to train. It was one afternoon that Tobi and I didn't have any chores, so he suggested we fight to see who was stronger.

Tobi: Tobi thinks that his Genjutsu is stronger than your Taijutsu.

Cass: Really? Would you like to test that theory Tobi?

Tobi: Yes, Tobi would. he grinned at me. I had spent enough time with him to recognize his facial expressions, even with the mask

Cass: Alright then, Mr. Big shot, to the training hall.

Along the way we picked Konan to be our referee.

Tobi: Who ever is on the ground for more than ten seconds loses. Ok?

Cass: Bring it Tobi.

Konan: Alright guys, begin!

Tobi started doing a hand sign, but I didn't let him finish. I charged him and landed a roundhouse kick to hit head. All too late, I realized it was an illusion and suddenly found myself surrounded by at least 50 Tobi's. It was his favorite trick.

Tobi: Well, which one is the real Tobi? Can you find me Cass?

Cass: It doesn't matter, I'll just beat you all up!

I released seven shadow clones and began pummeling away at the army of Tobi's, all the while searching for the real one. Noticing one who seemed to be hanging back more than the rest, I leaped on it and punched it in the gut. Instead of a puff of smoke, I heard a grunt of pain.

Cass: Gotcha!

Tobi: His eye watering, the other Tobi's disappeared. Still, he wasn't out yet, as he aimed a well placed kick to my groin Ha! In your face!

Cass: ugh...I won't be able to have kids if he does that again, I thought. Then I jumped on his back and we both fell down. He was squirming like crazy Konan, start counting!

Konan: One...two...three...five...nine...oh, there he goes.

Tobi had managed to break free and was now pinning me to the ground. His grin grew even wider under his mask as he saw that I couldn't manage to get him off. I had to do something... struggling, I managed to reach my hand to his head and pulled hard on his shock of black hair. He grunted, but didn't let up. I knew I had lost.

Konan: ...Ten. And Tobi is the winner! Now get off of her before I report you for sexual harassment!

Tobi: looking shocked Konan san, Tobi is only twelve years old! Tobi is a minor, and minors can't do that!

Konan: You're not really a minor and you know it Tobi. Now get off.

Tobi jumped off of me like greased lightning. Technically, Tobi was in his late twenties, because he had been found as a young boy years ago, but Sasori gave him an improved body that was only twelve years or so old. So even though Tobi had lived around twenty nine years, he was still only twelve, just two years my senior. It was confusing the first time he explained it to me, but I soon learned not to question certain things in the Akatsuki.

Tobi: See? Tobi's Genjutsu is better than your Taijutsu!

Cass: sigh Yes, and Tobi is easily twenty pounds heavier than me, and better muscled. That helps. Good fight though!

Tobi: Yes yes yes. Tobi is a good boy and won, but Tobi's gut hurts!

Cass: And my groin doesn't? I can barely stand Tobi!

Tobi: Tobi is sorry! Tobi will carry you places!

Cass: No thank you Tobi, I have my honor.

Tobi: What's that?

We both laughed. Living in a criminal organization doesn't let you see a lot of honor at all. Still, I didn't want him to carry me. That would be humiliating. I was sore for the next few days, but as soon as I could, I challenged Tobi to another fight.

Tobi: Are you sure?

Cass: Yes! I want to fight you again.

Tobi: Ok!

We got Konan to be our ref again and began our fight. This time, I didn't hold back at all and soon had Tobi pinned again. Konan's count reached 8...and Tobi squirmed free. Sighing, I got up and stood in the middle of the room. Tobi cautiously approached me. As soon as he got within my striking range, I leaped up into the air and came crashing down on his head. Not exactly ninja skills, but hey, whatever works, right? We struggled on the ground for a good few minutes, but I gained the advantage and Konan finished the count.

Tobidizzy Ow! What did you do Cass?

Cass: I jumped on your head.

Tobi: Not very ninja like...

Cass: It worked didn't it?

Tobi: Tobi guesses so...Now Tobi's head hurts a lot!

Cass: I'm sorry Tobi.

Tobi: Tobi thinks you will now be his rival in battle!

Cass: Ok. So our score is one: one.

Tobi: Yes. Tobi thinks if we both do our best, we can join the Akatsuki as partners!

Cass: Ok Tobi. Let's do that.

Konan: Oh boy...