Chapter 9: Looking for New Chances and Solutions
Author's Note: Hey guys, I'm back with a new chapter of Team Akatsuki.
One of you guys in the reviews actually gave me a cool idea in the story, creating a subdivision of the Akatsuki. They will be made up of spies and informants, doing side missions for the organization. I already thought of a few member for it, but there will be a few more added.
Mercury will not be the Akatsuki's tenth and final member since he will be busy being Itachi's new apprentice (and adopted brother).
Since I already kept you guys waiting long enough, it's time to start the chapter.
"It's now time to start the meeting," Nagato announced. He and the rest of the Akatsuki and Mercury are sitting at a round table in the living room. They brought the table to the living room because Nagato believed it is perfect to conduct meetings at. No one argued because truthfully, they couldn't find any cons to it.
"As you all know, we have gained attention from the military from Atlas," Konan told the rest of the Akatsuki.
"Which was all started thanks to my idiot of a partner," Kakuzu interjected.
"Hey! I said I was fucking sorry!" Hidan yelled at the miser.
"Well sorry isn't good enough Hidan," Sasori told the immortal.
"Anyway, we have to find a way to deal with Atlas' military. We can't kill them because it would ruin our goals. To make it simple, they'll just be a pest to us," Nagato stated.
"How about we just avoid them?" Itachi suggested.
"Can it work though?" Mercury asked.
"I highly doubt it. The Atlas military is the most skilled military in all of Remnant. Do you think just avoiding them would work?" Raven asked.
"Yes it will because I know how!" Deidara exclaimed, immediately standing up. Nagato has a curious look on his face as Deidara isn't the kind of person to come up with ideas and plans.
"Is that so? Tell you why Deidara," the Akatsuki leader told the blonde bomber.
"It's because I met these two Hunters who I befriended. They come from Atlas, so maybe they can help us with our situation by being our informants," Deidara suggested.
"Oh yeah, you did mention earlier that he did make friends," Kisame told Sasori.
"Yes, but I don't know if they can truly be any help to us," the puppet master replied.
"Sure they will. They're cool guys," Deidara assured.
"Maybe avoiding Atlas' military can actually work. With the help of Deidara's new friends, then we can continue our goals with ease," Konan stated.
"Deidara, can you contact them?" Nagato asked.
"Sure. I have their contact information while they have mine," the blonde member answered.
"You gave them your contact number?" Raven asked him.
"It's the only way I can keep in touch with them," Deidara defended himself.
"So wait, we're actually having two complete strangers help us out?" Kakuzu asked.
"Yes," Nagato replied.
"Alright then," the miser said.
"As long as these two don't give me any shit, then I'll be cool with them," Hidan proclaimed.
"Now that's out of the way, the second thing in our agenda is Mercury Black, excuse me, Mercury Uchiha," Nagato announced.
"Ah yes. You apparently adopted a new brother. Mind explaining why?" Kakuzu asked.
"I believe that Mercury should better explain before I give my reasons," Itachi stated.
"If that is the case, then go ahead Mercury," Konan told the silver haired teen. He looked back at the members of the Akatsuki, who are now staring at him and waiting for him to tell them his story. He told a deep breath as he starts to tell his past.
"My father is an infamous assassin named Marcus Black. When I was a young boy, my mother died. My father was overwhelmed by grief, depression and a bit of anger, going as far as to become an alcoholic," Mercury explained. "However, he decided take all of his emotions out on me." He clenched his fists, making his fingernails dig into his palms.
"It's okay Mercury, you don't have to tell them if you don't want to," Itachi assured his brother.
"I thought he was supposed to?" Hidan whispered to Kakuzu. Raven slapped the immortal at the back of his head in response, causing him to yelp in pain.
"It's okay, I have to tell you guys," Mercury told his new brother. He continues his story. "My father would force me to go through rigorous training that most people would consider to be harsh and brutal, but he calls it the 'regime of becoming a true warrior.' Every time I fail one of the exercises, he would beat me until I'm a bloodied mess. It's worse if he's drunk." Mercury takes off his armored rerebraces and vambraces to reveal oddly-shaped scars on the outer sides and backs of both his arms, surprising a few of the Akatsuki members.
"It seems you're not the worst parent out there Raven," Sasori told the female swordswoman.
"Shut it," Raven growled. While she acknowledges being a terrible parent for abandoning her daughter at an infant age, she wouldn't go and stoop that low as Mercury's father. Child abuse is a whole different level than abandonment.
"Mercury, what your father did to you is unforgivable. If you want, we can go and end his existence," Nagato told the silver haired teen.
"Thank you for the offer, but I want him to stay alive so he can know he lost another family member," Mercury replied.
"After he told me his story, I knew that I couldn't leave him to continue suffering the abuse. I knew that Mercury needed a new family, a true family," Itachi stated. "That's why I adopted him as my new younger brother and my new apprentice."
"Such a noble cause. I'm proud of you," Konan told the Uchiha.
"While you can't be a member of the Akatsuki as of right now, you still have the benefits of one," Nagato told Mercury. "This will be your new home."
"Thank you. I am grateful," Mercury replied with a smile.
"Now that everything in our agenda has been settled, this meeting has been adjourned," the Akatsuki leader announced.
In Ozpin's tower at Beacon Academy, the headmaster is having another video chat with General Ironwood. The reason they're having another chat is because of Winter's report to him about 'mysterious teenagers in black cloaks with red clouds.' Glynda Goodwitch is in the room as well, taking part of the chat since she's a member of their Brotherhood.
Qrow isn't taking part of the chat since he just gotten out of the hospital and has to make up for the lost time at Signal Academy. The headmasters of Shade and Haven academies are not taking part of the chat due to them being too busy, but they are very well aware of the situation. Their opinion of the group are mixed. They feel like the group can be an asset to them, but they're also cautious because of the group's unrevealed abilities.
"I'm telling you now Ozpin! They are a threat!" Ironwood told Beacon's headmaster.
"James, please, we've been over this," Ozpin replied.
"First, Qrow was sent to the hospital. Now, Winter has her right arm broken and her sword gone," the general said.
"We've all read the report Ms. Schnee has written. She stabbed one of them due to being aggravated by insults," Glynda countered.
"However, she stabbed him right through the chest. The male teen survived and easily broke her arm. Winter even reported that he's the same teen who fought Qrow. If you recall, that teen was shot at the chest by a dust bullet and survived even though there was a gaping hole," Ironwood stated. "Explain that."
"There is the possibility that particular teenager has a powerful healing factor," Ozpin suggested.
"While it is unnerving hearing that, Ms. Schnee was still at fault for attack someone just for being aggravated," Goodwitch said.
"Look, I can send a small fleet of soldiers to apprehend them. All I need to do is find their location," General Ironwood stated.
"James, you cannot sends a fleet of soldiers after them," Ozpin replied.
"My soldiers are highly trained for battle. I'm pretty sure I can," the general said.
"James, we still don't know the abilities of the rest of that group. All we know is that one of them either has a powerful healing factor…or is immortal," Glynda said.
"Where did you get immortality from Glynda?" Ozpin asked his fellow professor.
"It suddenly occurred to me," the blonde female explained. "We are all aware about the existence of magic. Immortality is a form of magic. There could also be the possibility of the other teenagers in that group possessing magical abilities."
"Our knowledge of magic is limited to the Four Maidens, but you're suggesting that there could also be different users of magic? Has there been a fairy tale that involves a group of teenagers, or involving red clouds?" Ironwood asked.
"Not that I'm aware of. Although, there has been numerous fairy tales that has been lost in existence. Maybe there is one, but it would be difficult to know," Ozpin stated.
"Whatever the case it may be, we still need to know what to do about this group," Ironwood said.
"Well we can't create a conflict with them. We already have one enemy, we don't need another. Plus, sending a fleet of soldiers after them would lead them to team up," Glynda told the general.
"I guess you're right," Ironwood sighed. "What will be our next course of action then?"
"We find them, but we will not fight them. We'll simply talk to them," Ozpin answered.
"Will they agree talking to us though?" Glynda asked.
"They're not hostile. They didn't kill Qrow or Ms. Schnee. The injuries they caused to those two were variations of self-defense," the headmaster explained. "If given the chance to talk, they will talk. There's more than meets the eye."
"Alright, I'll have my men try to find them peacefully," Ironwood said. The general can find no other way to argue Ozpin about this. He didn't want another enemy as Glynda explained it. The Brotherhood already have one who's difficult at defeating.
"If you find them, make sure that I get to talk to them first," Ozpin stated.
"Why?" Glynda asked. The blonde professor is curious at why her headmaster wants to be the first person to meet that group personally.
"Like I said before, they're an interesting bunch. Despite their mystery, I would still like to meet the real them," the headmaster explained.
"Oh right, you explained about your definition of interesting yet I still never truly understood it," Glynda told him.
"If there's nothing else left to stay, I guess that's it for right now. I contact you if I received anything new," Ironwood stated.
"Thank you and tell Ms. Schnee that we wish her well," Ozpin replied.
"Will do," the general said. The chat turned off, ending the connection.
"Sometimes I don't know what to do with him. At least he doesn't always have to be difficult to deal with," Glynda sighed.
"James' soldiers won't be able to find them," Ozpin said.
"What do you mean?" the blonde professor asked.
"The group already knows Atlas' military is looking for them because of Winter's confrontation. Therefore, they'll be avoiding the soldiers," the headmaster explained.
"So what do you propose?" Glynda asked.
"We assign a team to go after them," Ozpin answered.
"Fourth or third year team?" the blonde professor asked.
"We'll assign a first year team. I already have one in mind," the headmaster stated. He took out four files, each on the members of the team. Ozpin laid them on his desk for Glynda to see.
"Ozpin, you don't mean them do you? They're not ready," the blonde professor said.
"Don't worry. They will be ready. I have a feeling they're the right ones for the job," the headmaster stated.
At the Akatsuki base, Deidara has already made contact with his new friends and invited them over. Sasori decided to make more puppets for his collection, since it's the only thing he enjoys in his pastime. Raven is in her room while Kakuzu is counting the money earned on all three missions. The reward for the mission Itachi, Raven, and Kisame went on was electronically transferred to their new account.
Hidan, Mercury, Kisame, and Deidara are watching Red vs Blue on TV. At the sparring room, Nagato and Itachi are sparring which Konan is looking over. While the two strongest Akatsuki members are having a light battle, the paper is polishing her new sword. The female Akatsuki leader believed that it needs at least some modifications.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" Itachi shouted, breathing a large fireball at his leader. Nagato held up his arms and easily absorbed the fireball. Itachi quickly dashed towards his leader with a kunai in his hand and his Sharingan activated. Nagato noticed him and quickly reacted, taking a kunai to block the Uchiha's attack.
"Almighty Push!" the Akatsuki leader launched Itachi back. The jutsu isn't using too much force as Nagato is holding back its power. The Uchiha landed on both of his feat, planning for a new way of attack.
"Remember, this is a light spar. I don't want you two destroying this base," Konan reminded them.
"That's why I'm holding back the power of my jutsus and Itachi's not using his Mangekyo Sharingan," Nagato stated.
"Well Kakuzu wouldn't be happy if we make any damage to the house because that would require paying," Konan added.
"Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!" Itachi shouted, breathing a small volley of fireballs at Nagato.
"Earth Style: Mud Wall!" the Akatsuki leader yelled, slamming his palms onto the ground. A wall of earth is spat out from the ground, defending Nagato from the fireballs. Itachi leaped into the air and threw a shuriken at the red head.
"Ninja Art: Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu!" the Uchiha shouted. The single shuriken multiplied into thousands of copies, each of them equally deadly. Nagato gave a smirk.
"Almighy Push!" the Akatsuki leader shouted once more, sending back the incoming shurikens. All of them dispersed into smoke except the original projectile. Itachi easily caught it with his hands. Nagato rushed forward, creating a black rod. The Uchiha's eyes widened as he knew what it can do.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Itachi shouted. He created a few physical copies of himself and ordered them to go after the Akatsuki leader. A bit of nostalgia hit Nagato as the clones came towards him. One clone threw a punch at him, but the Akatsuki leader quickly dodged it. He stabbed the clone, causing it to disperse into smoke.
"Despite that jutsu being useful, it's more of a pest to me," Nagato muttered. Another Itachi clone grabbed Nagato into a chokehold, but the Akatsuki flipped him over and pierced him with the rod. Two more Itachi clones attacked him at both sides, but Nagato dodged the attack to cause the clones into attacking each other.
"It has its advantages of being a pest. It keeps you distracted," the real Itachi said, as he suddenly appeared behind Nagato. The Uchiha slashed at him with a kunai, but the Akatsuki leader barely blocked it with another kunai of his own.
"Let me ask you this? How much chakra do you have left after splitting it among the clones?" Nagato asked. He pushed forward, knocking Itachi off balance for a short while. The Akatsuki leader slashed at the Uchiha, but Itachi is able to block every attack. The kunai fight eventually led to a taijutsu fight, with them exchanging punches and kicks.
"Boys will be boys," Konan sighed as she continued looking at the fight. The spar is escalating quite a bit. The paper angel knows that they're not going to take the fight too far. She did warn them, and the organization does need shelter to live in. If the fight does go far, Konan will personally step in to stop them. Right now, Nagato and Itachi are in a gridlock as they are pushing against each other. However, Nagato gave a smirk.
"Bazooka Arm," the Akatsuki leader said.
"Bazooka what?" Itachi asked. A metal arm formed out of Nagato's body. The hand portion of the extra limb shot off from the wrist and went straight for Itachi. Since they are really close, the metal fist already slammed onto Itachi's jaw. The blow of the hit knocked the Uchiha to the ground.
"Nice fight. It was a pretty good workout for my body. Haven't had one since we fought those Grimm," Nagato stated.
"You know, not a lot of people were a challenge to me. Back in the academy, I passed everything in flying colors. I would get so bored from it. I even skipped attending the academy just to find better training. Even if this was a light spar, it was still a challenge for me. I could see the reason why you're the leader of the Akatsuki," Itachi proclaimed.
"Thank you for the praise, but I have to say that you're the smartest out of all of us," Nagato replied. "You're a prodigy of course while I'm not. I'm a survivor. The world is made up of four different kinds of people, geniuses, hard workers, survivors, and bystanders."
"Where did you get such an idea?" Konan asked with a giggle.
"Experience," Nagato answered. "You and I are survivors." The statement is true as ever since they were little, Nagato and Konan were orphaned children living in a country torn apart by war, along with their friend Yahiko. Every day was a survival for them.
"I could see the bond that you two have with each other. It's pretty strong," Itachi said.
"Nagato and I have been friends since children. Every tragedy that we went through only made our bond stronger than before," Konan explained. Itachi doesn't know the tragedies that the two former Rain ninja went through, but he did experience his own. His biggest one was killing his entire clan, including his parents and the only girl he had ever loved.
"You seem to be right. Tragedies not only make bond strong, but also the people who experienced them," the Uchiha said.
"It is, but we can't always focus on our tragedies. We also have to focus on the present and look forward to the future. Besides, you have a new bond to form with your new brother," Nagato stated. Konan nodded in agreement.
"Yes Itachi. Go spend time with him before his apprenticeship starts. Besides, I need Nagato's help with something right now," the paper angel told Itachi. The Uchiha nodded, getting the hint Konan is giving him. He always wondered how far the relationship between Nagato and Konan goes.
"Right, I'll see you too later," Itachi told them. He left the sparring room to join up with his adoptive brother and the rest of the Akatsuki.
"What do you need help on?" Nagato asked his partner.
"Modifications for my sword," Konan answered. "I need your help on adding chakra metal in order to enhance it for chakra use. After all, you can create the black receivers into different shapes and sizes."
"You are right. Hand me the sword," the Akatsuki leader tells her. Konan handed him the sword, and Nagato started to apply the metal onto the sword and the hidden sword as well. He placed the black receivers at the right parts for Konan to enhance with her chakra. After he was done, Nagato presented the newly modified sword to his partner. "Here you go."
"Oh thank you Nagato," Konan tells the Akatsuki leader as she embraces him in a hug after taking the sword. The weapon now has a cool color mixture of black and silver.
"No problem Konan. Anything for you," Nagato replies as he hugged back. They soon brought their heads back as the two Akatsuki members now stared at each other. The shinobi stared into each other's eyes as they began to ignore their surroundings. The moment felt right for them, especially for Konan. Their faces began to move forward as their lips are getting close upon making contact.
"Hey guys, my friends are here!" Deidara shouted as he barged into the room. His sudden interruption surprised them into letting go of each other. The moment is gone, as Nagato began to focus his mind. Meanwhile, Konan grew a tick mark due to Deidara.
"They're here?" the Akatsuki leader asked the blonde.
"Right you are, hmm. They're in the living room," Deidara answered.
"Good. Let's go Konan," Nagato told his partner.
"Right," the paper angel sighed. She had her chance before it was taken away. Konan didn't worry though. The female Akatsuki member knows she's going to get that chance again. However, she has to make sure no one will be in the base next time.
Author's Note: Here you have it for this chapter. Leonidas and Elton will be coming back next chapter as they are going to be the first members of the Akatsuki's new subdivision. Konan has received new modifications for her new sword. She and Nagato were almost going to have their kiss together, but Deidara had to ruin it. Don't worry as those two will have their kiss. Plus, who is the team that Ozpin will send for the Akatsuki in the future? Read and Review.
