After what just happened, I simply hadn't the energy or motivation to get up and defend myself, but instead of the masked man wanting to kill me, he wanted to talk to me first. He approached me calmly, allowing Ao's attacks to slip right through him, and said 'It's pointless to attack me. I can't be killed that easily. I simply wish to talk to your friend.'

I looked up, towards his mask. I was still in shock, so much so that I forgot what fear was. I listened to his words attentively.

'I believe this is the third time you have encountered Akatsuki, and with each fight your power has improved. I watched from a distance as you defeated Hidan, Kisame and now Deidara. As much as I hate to say this, you have become a threat to Akatsuki. Now, I have questions for you. What do you want to achieve exactly? You are indeed a strong warrior, and not a shinobi. But, are you fighting for the right cause. In the shinobi world, you are allied with somebody. Somebody who can help you achieve your goals. Otherwise you are worthless. So… use these last breaths wisely. Join the Akatsuki, and we will help you achieve your goals'.

'Never!' I was disgusted by his offer. 'You Akatsuki are terrorists! I'd rather join chakra-sama than be affiliated with the likes of you!'

'As you wish', he replied. I didn't think my reply through, and with hardly any energy left I couldn't fight back. His hand came for me, until I heard a familiar voice.

'Giant Rasengan!' It was Naruto, I was surprised that we was here, along with Kakashi-san, and Yamato-san. For that moment I was surprised, and my spirits were lifted.

'The Mizukage informed the Hokage of your mission. We came to help out, as the Akatsuki are our priority too. Oh, and Naruto, please try to be subtle with your attacks'. As it happened Naruto's Rasengan effectively attacked the water he stood on, creating great spiralling ripples, as the masked man teleported to a safe distance.

'So, we meet at last, leaf Shinobi', It was always hard to tell what his emotions were, when he was wearing a mask. I really hoped he was actually scared inside. His last words before leaving were, 'But I'm afraid you're too late. The Akatsuki are well ahead with their plans, and very soon we will head for your village. Masakhi Mishima, think about what I said to you. I hope you will give the correct answer, the next time we meet. So long'. And just like that, he teleported. I returned to my grieving state, thinking about chakra-sama's death. To a shinobi however, a comrade's death was common. I had to be strong.

We all returned to the mist village to pay our respects to chakra-sama. It was a simple occasion, after which the leaf shinobi left. I stayed a little longer in the mist village.

Eventually, I got over chakra-sama's death and I accepted that he was gone. The villagers helped me a lot through this difficult time, especially Setsuka. My time at the mist village was coming to an end…