Again, I'm sorry I was gone so long. Here's chapter 9 on the same day of chapter 8 because you guys really deserve it right now.
Itachi stood behind Kakuzu pulling his hair into a ponytail.
"And this will make me fit in more?"
"You'll fit in with those of us with long hair, at least," said Itachi. He helped Kakuzu to his feet. "I'll take Kisame away somewhere and Hidan's probably going to shoo Sasori and Deidara away so he can question you. Let's go."
When Itachi and Kakuzu arrived outside of the city hall fountain, Kakuzu felt out of place. In front of him were the "Barbie" and "Ken" who'd visited Hidan, along with the white-haired man himself and the blue-skinned Kisame. Itachi, however, didn't seem to be feeling the same unease when he approached Kisame and smiled.
"Itachi!" said Kisame. "You finally have some time, I'm glad. I was getting impatient."
"That's all right," said Itachi. "I was waiting for you too."
Kakuzu looked down at Hidan and cleared his throat.
"Hidan," he said.
"Miser," Hidan said back.
Itachi linked arms with Kisame. "Hey, me and Kisame are going to the aquarium. We'll meet up later."
When Itachi was dragging Kisame away, Hidan turned towards the doll duo. "So, anyone going to explain this?"
"He's Itachi's boss, un," said Deidara. "He thought he'd bring him along."
"Great, so I'm the only one who didn't know about this." He looked at Kakuzu. "This your idea or his?"
"It was his idea," answered Kakuzu. "I wouldn't have asked something like this."
"Yo, Sasori, Deidara," said Hidan. "Hit the museum. I want a word with Mr Miracle Detective here."
"Hidan, what are you thinking?" asked Sasori. "The police are meant to interrogate you, not the other way around."
"Get out of my business and fuck off for a bit," Hidan told them.
Sasori and Deidara looked at each other before sharing a sigh and starting to walk away.
"You want to go eat some beautiful cakes?" asked Deidara.
"Such a waste. I'd rather see some ancient statues in the museum."
"Things lose their beauty after a while..."
Once Deidara and Sasori were out of ear shot, Hidan looked into Kakuzu's eyes. "Look. You might not have asked him to do this, but he sure as hell did it for you or I would've been told something. What is it you want from me? You have your money."
"I have the money." Kakuzu looked away, doubted what he was about to say, and looked back down. "In fact, I have the money to buy you a meal. Barbecue ribs, right? I can get you that from the Toad's Grillhouse-"
"How do you know my favourite food?" asked Hidan.
"Itachi," said Kakuzu. "Well, do you want ribs, or not?"
Hidan laughed. "Well, if you're still that fucking hung up over me then I might as well take whatever shit you'll give. Go ahead, but remember, you 'have the money to buy' me a meal. That means it's your treat, right?"
Kakuzu groaned. He set himself up for that. "Fine."
"Let's hit the grillhouse then. I'm starved."
When Kakuzu nonchalantly followed the smirking criminal to the Toad's Grillhouse, he sighed. What was he doing and why was he doing it? He sat beside him at the outside bar.
"Yo, Jiraiya!" Hidan said. A man with red eyeliner and long white hair came to the bar. "One portion of barbecue ribs," he said. He looked left at Kakuzu. "You hungry too?"
"Yeah," said Kakuzu. "A portion of liver, please."
"That'll be two thousand five hundred yen," said the man at the bar.
"He's paying," Hidan told him.
Kakuzu groaned as he took out the money and handed it to the man.
"Thanks. Your meals will be served soon."
"Man, I love this place," said Hidan. "You know, you're a bit loopy, but you might not be a bad guy after all. Damn, I can't see anyone who'll get me a delicious meal as a bad guy." Hidan laughed. "Come on. You get Itachi to ask me out for you and you don't even crack a smile?"
"Hidan," said Kakuzu. "Where do you want to go next?"
"Hmm..." The corners of Hidan's mouth moved all the way up to his cheeks with a mischievous grin. "You know that men's clothing store, Snakestyle?"
"Are you joking?" asked Kakuzu.
"No, in fact. I've seen a pretty nice coat in there, flares at the back and all. Black leather, lined with white inside. Has crimson hems. Looks pretty badass."
"I... Where is this going?"
"Well, you see, I haven't been able to afford it," said Hidan. "Nine thousand seven hundred and sixteen yen... And I was just wondering if-"
"Just take me to the shop when we're done with our meal." Kakuzu grunted. "I'll get you it."
"Great! I knew you weren't a bad guy, miser. I just didn't know you were such a brilliant fucker."
"I didn't know you were such a persuasive guy."
"I'm not: you're just an easily persuaded guy."
"Maybe."
"Excuse me, sirs," said Jiraiya. He placed down a place of ribs and liver. "Here's your meal. Dig in."
