Hey, guys! No, I didn't leave you all. IBTGTM lives on!
Just for being a stupid jerk, I've made this chapter agonizingly long, in my standards (approximately seven thousand five hundred words)... It took quite a while to write, even though I'm a fast typer... -.-
But it's to make it up to you guys, so it's worth it!
On a brighter note, I've decided on what will happen further into this story. I'm trying to plan it all out while I'm having jolts of inspiration, and I think I've got enough to last me a little while, thankfully. Once school resumes, I probably won't get to sit down and write, seeing as how I'm changing schools. Atop that, I'm being forced to skip Geometry and plunge straight into Algebra II... Math is my worst subject, and it doesn't help that I never took Pre-Algebra, and now I'm taking Algebra II. Joy, eh?
The song in this chapter belongs to its rightful owner.
By the way, (SPOILER ALERT for those who aren't far in the manga) in this story Tobi's face isn't all icky/old lookin', haha.
On with the show!

Enjoy~!

What had Konan dragged me into...?

I sighed and growled under my breath. Hidan nearly copied me. I looked to him and watch as his lip twitched. Normally, I would laugh, but in my current state... no way in hell would I laugh.

"Mina-chan! You're on!" Konan yelled from the common room. I treaded the kitchen floor unhappily and walked in. Konan had tried to make me look like a popstar to the best of her abilities; she tied my hair up in two ponytails with pretty, silky, white bows on either side of my head. Then, she threw strings of big, fat pearls around my neck and attacked my face with layers and layers of makeup. Himeko helped her with the that. Afterward, they shoved a huge, gaudy ring on each of my fingers. I felt like a plastic doll with all this goop splattered on my face... As for Hidan, Himeko put a far from brisk amount of makeup on him, too. I felt very... very sorry for him. They degraded and belittled him as a man. Atop that, Konan said that he wasn't not allowed to cuss or wear his cloak (he obliged to that, and I was fine with that, too...) the whole time we were doing karaoke. Wait, I forgot to mention that till now...

We were doing karaoke. Yeah, fuck my life. They used their money to buy a damn karaoke set.

Turned out, Himeko and Konan came up with the idea themselves. They were so proud of each other, but as for every other Akatsuki member (except the assassins, they're the reason why we're doing this- to make a "good impression..."), we couldn't say the same. They were even forcing Leader! Leader! They had both assigned each of us a song to do, and they said if we got an encore, we had to do duets with another person... I walked in the room and stood before my audience. My much hated audience of rivals. I groaned and Himeko handed me the microphone. She beamed, "I picked this one just for you, Mina-chan! It reminds me of... well, me! Go get 'em, tiger!"

I'd rather not... The screen on the karaoke set lit up and displayed words as I grabbed the microphone provided. I quickly read the lyrics beforehand, and gawked at the little screen. Holy shit, I knew this song!

"The very best Princess! So treat me just us such, carve it in your heart! Okay?" I mentally fainted repeatedly. I couldn't believe I was singing this stupid song... "Number one: always notice my different hair styles. Number two: look at me from head to toe. Got that? Number three: for everything I say, reply with at least three words. If you understand, then do something about my lonely right hand! Not really, I didn't say I was so spoiled. I want you to think I'm cute, from the bottom of your heart." Hidan walked in, smiling wickedly at me; I sweatdropped, blushed, and looked away, "The very best Princess! Just realize it- hey, hey! Making me wait is out of the question! Who do you think I am? Whatever, right now I want to eat something sweet! RIGHT NOW! Ah! Check, one, two... Ahhh! Fault? Don't you mean charm? I won't allow any complaints! Hey… are you listening to me? HEY! Ah, also, a white horse is obvious right? Come and pick me up, if you understand, then serve me! Bow, offer your hand, and say 'Princess.'" I heard Himeko squeal in delight and start clapping.

"The very best and my very own prince! Realize it…c'mon, c'mon! My hand is empty! Such a shy and unsociable prince… Gosh, why? Hurry, and realize it! You don't understand… don't understand… Short cake with strawberry on top, top of the line mouth-watering pudding. Everyone, everyone is holding back. Don't think I'm such a spoiled child! I can hold back if I put my mind to it! I'll just regret it later on... Of course, that's because I'm the very best Princess! Always keep an eye on me, 'kay? I might leave off to somewhere. Suddenly, I was hugged from behind, it's so sudden! Eh! 'Watch your step, it's dangerous,' you said as you turned the other way… saying it that way is more dangerous… Ah! 'Hey, Baby!' Ahhh!" The music stopped and I literally gasped for air. That last, long scream took it out of me... Suddenly, I heard clapping. Looking up, everyone present within the base apparently heard my performance. I sighed in embarrassment and simply throw the mic down before zooming out the door into the kitchen. I plopped down in a chair and let my face crash onto the table.

"Damn, you have a nice set of lungs," came the voice. I turned my head to see Hidan. His expression showed amusement. Well, one of us enjoyed that... I muttered a smart ass comment under my breath, but he didn't hear it.

"I didn't know you could sing!" He yelled.

"Because I can't..." I replied, "Hng, I want food." I stood up and slugged over to the fridge, and reached for the handle. I whined loudly when Himeko slapped my hand and said, "Don't be a pig, Mina-chan; we're all going to eat once everyone finishes up singing!"

"No, no, Hime-chan! Don't mind me, ya know, it's okay if I get left out!" I said angrily, opening the fridge.

"Mina-chan. No," she replied and shut the door. Damn, she had been such a bitch lately... I gave her an intense glare and simply walked away, into the living room, in between the audience and Tobi (who was singing his little heart out happily), up the stairs, down a very long hall, around the corner, and into my room- the very last door on the right. Thankfully, Konan and Himeko found sales on inflatable chairs; mine, coincidentally, was neon pink. I favored it quite a bit. Once I walked through the door, I dove for the little inflatable chair and quietly sat with closed eyes. My stomach growled, telling me that it was eating itself as last resort. I moaned in reply and patted it lightly. Konan had kindly reinforced me with lollipops, but those didn't help when you were hungry, those were just for when your sweet tooth was annoyingly poking you with a stick. I heard my door close; A small chuckle echoed throughout my room and I felt a tap on my arm. I opened my eyes to find Hidan with a bag of potato chips in his hand. I reached up and flail my arms, "Ooh, gimme!" He held it just out of my reach, "Demanding, aren't you? You could thank me, you ingrate."

"Usually people say thanks after the fact," I cocked an eyebrow. He handed them to me before sitting down in front of me. I opened the bag of chips and popped one in my mouth, then offer one to him. He languidly took a couple.

"Fank yew, Hi-an," I said with my mouth full. He nodded, "I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Oh, I shoulda known there'd be a catch," I shook my fist as he gawked unhappily at me. I faltered, "Hey, just kidding."

"You better be, I'm not that big of a dick..." he muttered. I stared at him a moment, "No comment."

Hidan sighed, "Anyways... it's about how you always get mad at me and stuff."

"Not exactly a surprise there, but go on."

"Well... I don't really act like a pervert because of the old man... I do, but I don't. Well, that's not the main reason, I mean," he said. I blinked in confusion as he searched my eyes for a response. I blushed a little and ate another potato chip, "W-well... what about it then?"

"You know I'm a Jashinist, that's fucking obvious, but... the only damn thing that makes me want to act that way is because of Jashin..." I threw him a look of suspicion. Was he trying to make excuses up?

"Well, I'm a Jashinist. I'm not supposed to be nice."

"If you weren't, would you treat me differently?" I asked. He raised his eyebrows, "Hmm?" I shook my head, "Nothing... is that all you were gonna say?" I rolled the opening of the bag of potato chips closed and set them down, then got a lollipop. Cherry, my favorite! It grew quiet between Hidan and I and he agreed. I leaned back in my chair to close my eyes once more. I heard Hidan get up and expected him to walk out, but I flushed whenever I opened my eyes to see Hidan as he leaned over me and pulled my lollipop out of my mouth with his teeth. My eyes widened in utter shock and surprise, and I got that stupid butterfly feeling. He smirked smugly before putting the lollipop in his mouth and turning away.

"You look really cute when you blush, Mina-chan," he said and walked out.

Holy fuck, what was that?

Thankfully, I talked Konan into letting me get out of singing a crappy duet; instead, once everyone surpassed their time of torture, Himeko set food out on the table for use to eat. I literally cut everyone just so I could get some of the cookies (only cause they were the good kind with a bunch of icing and sprinkles) and multiple, little finger-sandwiches. Once I got what I needed, I scampered back up to my room.

And now I was currently stuffing my face with food and pondering Hidan's odd actions from only moments ago. Well, scratch that, there wasn't even much to ponder, just the fact that he gave me damn butterflies. I shoved a sandwich in my mouth. I guess it was good that he has a reason for treating me like crap, though it didn't justify his behavior, really; oddly, it just made me feel better that he had a reason that didn't revolve around pissing Kakuzu off for the most part, but that it dealt with Jashin. If he was telling me the truth, then, I found it... understandable. "Understandable" may have been an overstatement in the end though.

"Mina-chan!" Konan yelled as she bounds through the door. I looked up at her with stuffed cheeks and she stared at me a bit longer than she needed to; she bursted into a fit of giggles, then continued: "Mina-chan, after you finish, come to the common room, m'kay?" I just nodded, and she walked away. I struggled to swallow and sighed in delight upon the delicacies I was so fortunate to eat. Getting fat was always fun when my anxiety levels were out of whack. After finishing my food, I headed down to the common room to see what Himeko and Konan have planned next. So far, this sleepover was sucking to the max.

"Mina-me-chaaan~!" Tobi squealed as he pounced on me at the foot of the stairs. I almost fainted out of shock; count on Tobi to have scared the living day lights out of me. Tobi squeezed me into his chest and rubbed his cheek against mine lovingly. I put my arms around him, too, and patted his back. The masked man chuckled, "Tobi loves Mina-me-chan, and thinks Mina-me-chan looks very pretty with bows in Mina-me-chan's hair." I grinned and squeezed him another time before he let me go. I tightened the bows and blushed a little, "Love you, too, Tobi-kun... thanks a bunch!" Well, that made me feel a little better!

I stood in the threshold and found everyone gathered around in a circle. I sweatdropped. What were they up to now...? A little beyond them, Hidan stood with his arms crossed, a pissed off expression, too. Himeko stood next to him, smiling. Everyone was watching them, like they were waiting for something to happen. I glanced back up to Hime just as she stood on her tippy toes, grabs Hidan's pale arm and puckered her lips at him. He moved his face out of the way and her kiss landed on his jawline. My eyes widened, and with a teen, teeny, tiny twinge of jealousy, question, "What the fuck, you guys? Are you all drunk?"

Konan turned to me, "'Bout time you got down here! We're playing Spin the Bottle! Hey, Kakuzu, let Mina-chan sit by you, please." Kakuzu glared at her before standing and walking out of the room.

"Did that count, Konan-chan?" Himeko asked.

"Not technically, but I'll be nice and say it did," the blue-haired female replied happily. Hidan grumbled incoherent complaints and sat on the other side of me. I looked to him, watching as he shook his head, and glared at the bottle before us, "I fucking tried to get away..."

"My turn!" Konan squealed. She took the bottle in hand and spun it with a flick of her wrist. The container turned quickly, but eventually slowed and landed on Leader. Well, fuck, that wasn't fair! I was sure they kissed all the time! Leader smiled and she leaned in to kiss him on the lips, which he obliged to casually.

"Okay, Kazue-chan, it's your turn!" Himeko proclaimed. The platinum blonde seemed to waver a bit, not liking the idea, but she nodded and lightly spun the bottle. The bottle landed on her friend Kazuki, and she blushed worse than I thought I ever had. Kazuki leaned in, and Kazue simply pecked her on the cheek, then pulled away and held her legs to her chest in embarrassment. I propped my chin up on my hand and yawned as the game continued... but then...

"Okay, new rule! No more cheek kissing!" Konan said loudly, giggling like a school girl. My eyes widened as I began to protest.

"Mina-chan, your turn to get lucky!" Himeko chimed. They would make that rule right before it was my turn... I sighed heavily and spun the bottle in a jerky motion. The anticipation welling up within me was crazy; my stomach was in knots. Deidara would love hearing about this, wouldn't he? The bottle slowed a bit before stopping. I looked in direction the bottle point.

Kaito.

"Re-fucking-do!" I flicked the male off, infuriated. Konan and Himeko sweatdropped, and Kaito chuckled in amusement. I took the bottle in hand once more and spun it. When it stops, this time, it lands on our favorite hyperactive brunette, Tobi. I made a noise along the lines of "eep!" and blushed nervously. I hear Hidan yelling, but it sounded blocked out and slurred. Konan and Himeko looked at me and waved their hands to me, telling me to do it. I groaned knowing I'd feel guilty about this later and scooted over by Tobi. I turned to the masked man and he muttered something before pulling his mask up enough to reveal his smooth, pale, smiling lips. I smiled in a small fashion. Think of him... as a brother! I gulped, watching his lips to assure I didn't miss them, and placed mine against his and gave him a little kiss. I pulled away quickly, still blushing deeply and sneered to them through my bangs. To be honest... his lips were really soft... Konan and Himeko gave me a thumbs up and picked out another person to take their turn. I looked to Tobi shyly and flush once more. "S-sorry, T-Tobi-kun..." I muttered. Tobi laughed and whispered, "It's okay, Mina-me-chan, Mina-me-chan did a good job!" I smiled at his reply, wondering if I was his first kiss or not. He definitely was mine.

...

Yeah, I felt the guilt pounding down on my shoulders already.

"Ooh, Himeko-chan, I think the bottle is trying to say something about you and Hidan!" Konan said slyly. I watched as Himeko rolled her eyes dramatically; once more, the bottle had landed on Hidan. I looked at Hidan and find his vision stuck onto Himeko; he appeared defeated. Hell, I'd feel defeated if I were him, too... In the blink of an eye, the self-proclaimed diva pushed Hidan onto his back on the floor and straddled his waist before planting kisses all over his face and neck, and he yelled and cussed in protest. Oh. Fucking hell. What was wrong with this woman? Himeko grabbed his hands and put them around her demandingly. He immediately pulled them away. My jaw dropped lower and lower every time her lips caressed his flesh... My eyes grow wide, and I couldn't figure out why... but this was pissing me off. A weird feeling coils within me as Hidan tried to push the girl off. I gagged upon seeing her lick his face. Konan did a wolf-whistle and laughs loudly. And, though I didn't really know how to explain it, things seemed to just... slow down. The room blurred and shook, and something just snapped inside me. I crawled over to Himeko and pulled her shoulder back lightly; with a giggle, she turned to look at me. She was obviously drunk, and below her, Hidan wiped his face off in a hurry. I clenched my fist, punching her in the mouth quickly. The noise produced seemed to ring throughout the base with repetition. Himeko was knocked back off of Hidan onto the floor, she scrambled to hold her mouth in her hand, tears forming in her aubergine eyes.

"What the hell, Minami-chan?" She yelled. I stood, "You're too fcking drunk for you own good."

"You cunt! I'm a princess, and you of all people should know that by now, God! Don't treat me like that"

Half way through her sentence, I walked out the door only to see Kakuzu sitting on the stairs. He looked up at me, and I glanced at him.

"Are you okay?" He asked. I nodded and continued out the front door while noticing that I should've been like Kakuzu and not have done stupid things...

As I walked through Konoha, I looked through a large window of a clothing store and observed the clock as it read a little after midnight. Today had gone by so slowly. I looked around a noticed that were are still people walking to and fro upon the streets. Lights in lanterns revealed the pathways. I followed the dirt road till it eventually veered off, away from the village into the darkness. I stumbled along regardless coming upon what appeared to be a graveyard. I pursed my lips; normally, I was the type that got all freaked out by graveyards... but there was something in the air about this place that gave off feeling of warmth and comfort. I caressed the headstones and tried to outline the letters engraved into each slab of rock, coming up with nothing in the end. I touched each as I passed by them.

"What brings you here, stranger?" I heard someone ask. I spun on my heel to see a shadowed figure. I put my fists up, seeing as how I forgot my kunai, naturally. "It depends on who's asking."

"Hatake, Kakashi, jounin of Konoha," the male replied. I dropped my hands to my sides, "Would it be alright if we walked back near the village? I can't see a thing..."

"My name is Mina, and I'm just visiting the graves to answer you." The man, Kakashi nodded and he and I leisurely walked into the dim light of the city. I smiled and sighed, "That's a lot better... sorry if this is an inconvenience for you or anything."

"Not at all. If so, I wouldn't have bothered to walk back up here," he replied plainly. Well, honesty was always good... I sweatdropped, "Heh, right! So, you're a jounin you say?"

"That's correct," he said while pulling out a book and reading it quickly, "What rank might you be at?"

"I'm a chuunin," I said. That was a lie, in my village, I wouldd also be classified as a jounin... whatever.

"I see, whe-"

"Ooh, what're you reading?" I asked while trying to look at the cover.

"It's called Icha Icha Tactics," he said, "It probably isn't suited for your age."

"Oh, really? What age would it be appropriate to read it then?" I questioned excitedly, officially determined to find out what the book was about.

"Hmm... At least seventeen. As it claims on the back, it's for mature audiences." He showed me the back of the book. I laughed loudly and he simply glanced up from reading.

"I'm eighteen, lemme see it!" I exclaimed and flail my arms while trying to grab the book. He put his hand on my shoulder to keep me from getting it, "You aren't eighteen."

"How would you know? Are you a stalker...?" I asked in a whisper. His visible eye widened, "No!"

"I'm eighteen. Trust me. And if that's a book of smut, it's nothing new to me. I read it all the time," I explained, referring to the hentai I carried around with me in my backpack. He sighed and marked his place in the book before letting me read it some. I giggled lightly after scanning over the description on the back of the book, "That looks really good... where can I buy it?"

"There's a book store around here... it's a bit complicated, the directions are... Eh, I'll show you there sometime, okay?" He asked.

"Sounds great! I'm going to be here tomorrow to go for ramen with Naruto, if you know him, at one, so we could go after that?"

"That should be okay. Good to meet you, Mina-san," he said, while making a hand sign, "Till then." I watched happily as he disappeared before my eyes, leaves gracefully twirling behind

I sighed and turned to start walking back to the base. Maybe it was good we're so close to Konoha after all. Himeko had been pissing me off, and I could just leave the base and hang out with people up here. Yeah, I already had acquaintances, and they take my mind off of things. I gazed up to the night sky. A full moon watched the night life scurry along back and forth beneath it; the stars looked mesmerizing. When I got back, I guess I'd just have to tell Hime-chan that I was pmsing, otherwise, she'd expect me to give her a detailed explanation. That'd work. Moments after passing through the Leaf Village gates, I arrived at the base. Upon walking in, no one was in sight within the main room. The stair case twirled upward delicately, all the lights were off, and it was quiet. I walked into the kitchen and heard the dish washer running and buzzing. They bought dishes? Really? Did they even budget their money? Upon inspection of the common room, I found everyone gathered around a t.v., rather than a bottle, this time. It was a pretty low-quality t.v., and it was pretty small, but it did the job. Himeko turned around after hearing me walk in and said nothing.

"Mina-me-chan is back! Sit over here!" Tobi yelled as he waves me to him. I shook my head, "I'll join you in a minute, Tobi-kun." I paced back to my room and dropped onto the inflatable chair. The air of this place was... dull. I wouldd rather go back to Konoha, really. I stretched like a cat and yawned before grabbing my backpack and pulling out my book of hentai. Kakashi had started something. Once I began reading this stuff, it was like I couldn't stop. Well, it was like sex itself, reading smut and such- you couldn't just stop half way! I grimaced at my thoughts and rolled my eyes at myself before continuing on with my reading. It wasn't five minutes before a knock reverberated through the room. I jumped and tossed the book in my backpack and closed it. The door opened and revealed Hidan, once more. I cheesed at him as he stole the same spot he sat in earlier. I propped myself on my hands and leaned forward and he did the same. It baffles me as to why he refrained from wearing shirts... not that I minded, but where was his decency?

"I have to ask why you knocked the shit out of Himeko, Mina-chan," Hidan declared.

"Did you want her to suck your face off?" I questioned in disgust. He frantically shook his head no and glared at me, "No fucking way! I'm glad you did something, I'm just wondering!"

"Well, that's why," I replied, sighing and shrugging off the real reason, "I'm considerate of your feelings. Too bad you don't care about mine."

"Were you jealous?" He asked quietly and tilted his head. Fuck! I blushed, "No! Why would I be?" Hidan rolled forward onto his knees and grabbed my wrists lightly, leaning further towards me, "Honestly? I won't tell anyone, I swear to Jashin."

I grumbled in a fluster, "Umm... Maybe just a little... but it shouldn't matter anyway because I can't control who you kiss or anything; I really had no authority in hitting her." Hidan smiled and I almost felt myself shrink beneath him as he pulled me toward him softly till I was on my knees also. I gulped loudly, waiting for him to push me onto my back or something sadistic like that, but he simply held me to himself. I hugged him back and rested my head on his chest. Hidan released me and sat criss-cross. I blinked at him, confused, and he took hold of my hand, urging me forward to him. I inched forward and he grabbed my waist to carefully set me down where I'm in the same position Himeko had been in. My hands began to shake as Hidan took both of them and placed them around his neck. The butterflies returned once more as he moved my hips downward to where they met his own, and he whispered: "You don't have to be jealous, Mina-chan." I laughed a little and mentally yelled at myself: "THIS ALL STARTED 'CAUSE YOU GOT JEALOUS OF HIMEKO AND FUCKING BUSTED HER IN THE NOSE."

"Mina-chan," Hidan started, staring me straight in the eyes. I listened as my breathing was thrown off. I thought, again, about walking out the door, but I just couldn't do it; there was something about those eyes... those beautifully glowing eyes that seemed to look at me differently than at any one of thing else. I could see that mouth which, for once, wasn't curled into a smart ass smile.

Suddenly, my door was beaten on by only God knows who.

I silently cursed myself for never being able to have good things. I looked to Hidan to see his own shocked expression and scrambled to get up, and shoved him into my inflatable chair. I fixed my hair before opening my backpack and throwing him my book of yaoi, rather than my hentai, so he could act like he'd been reading. I opened the door and stared blankly as Tobi flailed crazily, "Mina-me-chan~! Konan told Tobi to get Mina-me-chan and Hidan-senpai so everyone can watch scary movies!" I nodded and told him we'd be down in a moment, and he jogged down the hall. I shut the door and walked to Hidan. He looked up at me from the book and laughs obnoxiously, "You actually like this shit?" I happily verified that and laughed myself. I took the book and threw it down before holding my hands out to help him up. Hidan took my hands and followed me as I walked towards the door.

That situation was deliciously tempting, but I survived it with my virginity intact!

Konan and Himeko, after Hidan and I made appearance, put a "scary" movie in for everyone to watch. No movie scared me, so they shouldn't have been called a "scary" movies. They pop the Saw Trilogy in, and I literally fall asleep on the floor, it's so boring. I didn't mind though, after all that happened today, I needed something to put me to sleep.

It was morning not long after. I opened my eyes and groaned at the crick in my neck. I sat up to find a blanket thrown across me and set it to the side and look back to find Tobi sprawled out across the floor. Apparently, he'd been the painful pillow that pretty much misaligned my neck. I grinned sweetly and find new appreciation for Tobi's natural generosity. I stood and stretched while walking into the kitchen where I foud empty bowls and plates galore scattered all over the counters.

"W-what the hell!" I yelled. Kaito popped into my view, "Sorry, ate the rest." I sneered at him and trudged through the door upstairs. As I passed by each door, I found everyone in each of the rooms. Well, at least I knew where all these heathens were holed up. I walked into the room I that I saw Hidan in and watched as he scrawled something down on paper. I giggleed, "Mornin'." Hidan looked up, then wrote something else before storing the paper beneath his bed and sighed at me. "Well, morning, Mina-chan." I walked over to his bed and laid by him on it, "There's no food left downstairs..."

"Well... it is noon. Tobi saw you were still asleep a little while ago, and he said he'd be your pillow and just layed on the floor like an idiot 'cause he said you were uncomfortable..." He yawned.

"NOON? WHAT THE FUCK?" I almost screamed. I rolled over on my side away from him. I could feel the weird look he was giving me. "What's up with you?"

"I'm supposed to meet the jinchuuriki at one... well, there's no use in going, I should just go back to sleep and never wake up," I grumbled. Hidan got on his hands and knees over me and pokes my side, then the other and I laughed and smacked his hands away. It wasn't long though before I the life was being tickled out of me. I yelled and kicked, but it led to no avail.

"I have to get ready to leave! Get off!" He hopped off and stuck his tongue out at me, walking from the room.

I took a shower and brushed my hair and teeth, floss and such, successfully achieving all my daily hygiene chores. Just for the heck of it, I tied my hair up in the two bows Konan gave me before. Instead of wearing the rather skimpy corset dress Hidan picked out for me, I grabbed the red and white dress, threw it on and the cardigan, too. I, of course wore my zori, snapped my kunai holster on, and got my backpack. I assured that I had money for the ramen and the book I was supposed to get and skip out the door, trying to hurry.

Upon arrival in Konoha, I nodded to the gate guards, and stopped to glance around for my accomplice.

"Oi, Mina-san!" I jerked my head to the left; a smile decorated my face and I waved to Naruto.

"You're early, too! Well, I guess we should head to Ichiraku's, hmm?" He said loudly. I agreed and he walked by my side, showing me around.

"Okay, so that's the scroll shop over there; it doesn't sell books, remember that. I used to always think it was a normal bookstore, but... heheh, it's not... Then, that! That's my apartment, and if you turn right down there to the right, you can find a stretch of amazing restaurants... and! There's a bakery that's simply to die for~!" He exclaimed. I laughed, "I'm not too big on fancy restaurants; I'd prefer to be traveling."

"See, I'm the opposite," he remarked, "But opposites attract, we're gonna be great finds, don't'cha think?" I grinned largely and he pulled my wrist, guiding me to a little shop.

"This is the place!" Naruto said happily while throwing an arm out to the presentation. Well, it smelled pretty good...

"Hey, Naruto!" An elder man called from behind the counter, "Good to see you again. Who's this? Did ya catch yourself a girlfriend?" I blushed and glared at the ground, dragging my feet in little circles. This boy was probably way too young to be my boyfriend.

"Nah, just a new friend. Old man Teuchi, this is Minami," Naruto replied. I waved to him and Naruto added on, "She's never had ramen!"

"Oh, really?" The man questioned in surprise, "Well, let's get to cookin' something good up for your first, Mina-san." I couldn't really think of anything else to do but smile. Naruto pushed me onto a seat and he sat by me happily before ordering for himself and me, too. The old man began cooking, and Naruto inhaled the musty smelling air as if it was the best scent in the world. I didn't oblige to that statement...

"Say, Mina-san, where's your friend?" The blonde questioned randomly. I sweatdropped, "Oh, uhh, he's really sick... he has a high temperature."

"Ah, I see! Maybe sometime I can drop by and visit 'em!" He proposed. In return, I shrugged and shook off the subject, "How much will this all cost, Naruto-san...?"

"Eh, it's on me, don't worry about it!" He yelled and patted my shoulder with a huge smile. He smiled so much... why the heck was he that damn happy?

"Th-thanks!" He simply nodded and looked around like a ditz; I pursed my lips, thinking for a conversation starter, "So, what's life like here in Konoha?"

"It's per-retty darn good. It's more relaxed for the most part, but sometimes, seeing as how this place is so big, things break out and yada, yada, yada..."

"Heh! Like what?"

"Well... a couple of years back, my friend Sasuke ran away from the village," he trailed off quietly. Sasuke! I mouthed an "o," and grimaced, "I've heard of him."

"Really? What've you heard, Mina-san?" He pried loudly. I blinked with wide eyes, "Not that much, just about his history and such... why'd he leave?"

"Mina-chan, return back to the base at once," Leader called. Him and his fucking mind jutsu... Naruto's voice softened further, "I don't know... but I've vowed to bring him back one day..." I forced myself to smile reassuringly, "You will with that kinda attitude, Naruto-san."

"Mina! Don't ignore me! I know you hear me!"

"Here you two are," Teuchi said while placing the bowls before us. I grabbed chopsticks and watch as he automatically digs in. I cautiously took a bite and Naruto looked to me while slurping the soup of the noodles from his bowl. "How is it?" I couldn't explain it. It was as if somehow these simple noodles began exploding inside my mouth like fireworks. I mimicked his motion and began slurping the bowl down. Naruto shrugged with a grin, "Heheheh, told ya you'd like it."

"Thanks, Naruto-san~! That was so great. I'll be coming back here for more soon, that's for sure!" I said, "Thank you, Teuchi-san!" Naruto rambled on about something as we exited the little stand. He stopped and turns to me, "I'll come with you whenever! This is the best place to go anytime of the day! Breakfast even!"

"Good then! I'm not sure when, but I'll tell you, definitely!"

"Alright, well, I gotta run. Granny Tsunade wanted to see me." I furrowed my brows, "Who?"

"The Hokage, duh!" He laughed mockingly and gave me a rushed, one-armed hug, "Catch ya later, Mina-san!" And with that, he ran off, up the street to the Hokage's residence. What an odd boy.

"I see you've met Naruto, Mina-san." I turned to find Kakashi at my side reading his favored book, Icha Icha Paradise. I greeted him and he showed me to the bookstore with ease. Once I'd bought my copy, we both began walking back towards the gates with our noses in our books. I giggled, "We must look like twins doing this." He lightly shook his head in response at my naive remark. I closed my book after a moment and look to him, "What do you know about Uchiha Sasuke?"

"What don't I know? I was his sensei," he replied matter-of-factly. I cocked a brow, "Really? Hmm, well, why did he leave this village? This place is nice, I don't see why he would..."

"He's revenge-driven as he searches for sources of attainable power to simply destroy his brother." Kakashi sighed and met my gaze, "Naruto is his rival, that's obvious... but he thinks of Sasuke as his best friend also. It's a bit complicated, really."

"I see... well, since we're here, I'll take my leave. Thank you a bunch, Kakashi-san!"

"Not a problem for a fellow Icha Icha-lover. Be safe and farewell," he replied, waving with a stiff hand. I waved back and sprinted through the village gates back to the base to see what the hell Leader needed.

Leader scanned each of our faces as we watched him, waiting to hear what the ruckus us all about. Apparently, Leader called everyone into one room for something.

"Everyone, we're buckling down on the hunt for the bijuu. Hidan, Kakuzu, you're to find the two-tailed demon cat. Konan and I will be searching for the three-tailed giant turtle. Kazue, Kaito, you two are to look for the one-tailed Shukaku. Kazuki, Megumi- the five-tailed best. On another note, We've located Sasuke; Mina-chan, I'm counting on you and Tobi to recruit him." I raised a brow. Me and... Tobi? I didn't have a problem with that, but it just sounded odd.

"Now, he's been spotted nearby the gates, you're to leave at once. Good luck," he said and waved us away as if we were huge burdens, "Everyone else, the location of..." I shrugged and followed Tobi as he jogs out the door.

Tree...

After tree...

After tree...

After tree...

After tree...

After tree. That was all there was out here. Trees. It was fucking annoying, this stupid forest; there was no telling how many times I'd tripped because of the vegetation. I hopped from branch to branch behind Tobi as he scouted the area, while I barely even managed to stay behind him. Tobi made a sharp turn and I nearly ran straight into the trunk of a tree, barely dodging it.

"T-Tobi-kun?" I scratched the back of my head.

"Yes, Mina-me-chan?" He called, stopping. I stopped also and huffed, "Is there any way we can slow down a bit...?"

"Tobi is sorry, Mina-me-chan, but Tobi and Mina-me-chan can't afford to lose Sasuke. Sasuke's a slippery one!" He replied before grasping his hips. Groaning, I nodded. Tobi simply looked to me before crossing his arms. "I'm a bit worried for you, Mina-chan," he stated under his breath. My ears perked at his sentence because of the actual content and because he was talking normally, both. "W-why, Tobi-kun?"

"Your infatuation towards Deidara is trivial," he remarked. I threw him a quirky glance, and I heard a chuckle escape him. He sighed, "Deidara isn't exactly... in his right mind." My stomach churning, and I bite the inside of my cheek, "I don't really have an 'infatuation,' it's... nothing. What're you talking about though?"

"He's not medically sane," he said, "Just be careful." The masked man gripped my wrist and held a hand sign before we teleported into an odd room. I looked around at the red-tinted walls and shrunk a bit at the intimidating appearance of the candle-lit room.

"Why are we here, Tobi-kun?" I questioned quietly. Tobi turned to me, "Make yourself comfortable, I'm retrieving Sasuke myself. I'll be back shortly." He put his hand on my head and ruffled my hair before walking over to a dresser where he scanned through papers. He looked at me, and I jumped upon seeing the Sharingan piercing me through the opening of his mask. He... he was an Uchiha? He chuckled and stalked to my side once more.

"You're different from anyone I've met, Mina-chan," he stated. I blushed and twirled my hair nervously, "In a good way, right?"

"Of course. You put up with Tobi, yet you're strong when you think it's necessary; that, and you're a key to many things," he replied. Okay, it was official that I was confused. He said the sentence as if he was not Tobi... but that was also how he usually talked... so what did he mean? He took the two bows out of my hair and messed with my hair till it looked straight and sleek, then he tied it into a bun atop my head and put the ribbons around it.

"You should keep your hair out of your face." He stopped before me and crossed his arms, "Well, you're probably wondering why Leader sent you on a mission with me, of all people, correct?" I nodded lightly and sat down in a nearby chair. He stepped back into the darkness, away from the candles and removed his mask to reveal the Sharingan once more.

"You're needed in the plan for what may lead to a cataclysm."

"C-cataclysm...?"

God, I finally finished it. I dunno why, but this chapter was hard for me to write. I kept going back and changing things, then re-changing them and reworded everything... I thought I knew what all was going to happen, but I ended up surprising myself...
Also! I have a poll up on my page. Vote! If you say yes, tell me what character (preferably Hidan or Deidara. Just 'cause.) It may change the fate of the ending of this story.
As for now, I gotta go and figure out what all is gonna happen in chapter twelve! ^3^
Sorry that the author notes are so long... Anyway, till next time!

*Remember to vote in the poll! Please and thankies!*