Serenity's POV

It's officially been one week since I've been here. Naruto and I were sitting on the ground outside of the tavern and meditating. My phone was playing a few songs from Halsey in the background. The music was quite and it helped me think while Naruto didn't mind it. The boy said he liked my music, especially any of the upbeat Spanish songs I played.

I would dance a few numbers for him and then show him how to dance. He was a quick learner. In turn, he would fight his shadow clones and then show me some basic techniques. He loved the Spanish and breakdancing the best and I liked any of the techniques that involved jumping or flipping. Jiraiya would then teach us how to keep meditating, even with a disturbance in the room.

If the sage wasn't so perverted I'd say he's the ideal teacher. Danna and Itachi took the cake for best teachers though. Danna just knew what it took for me to learn, whenever he was teaching me how to draw better. He'd sit me down and have me draw with him. And Itachi was just patient, which I appreciated.

I took in a deep breath and started to stretch. I've been meditating for two hours now and it's not easy to sit down for long. Though I'm doing it, I'm proud of myself. Naruto was about done too because he was fidgeting and grunting in irritation. I poked at his cheek and he cracked his eye open.

"Are you done too?" he asked softly.

"Yeah, I need to walk, wanna come with?" I asked, standing up.

He nodded and I offered him a hand to stand up. He took my hand and stood up. We quietly walked down a street that slowly lead to a small market. Naruto and Jiraiya had to educate me on the geography of this world. We were in Kusa, the Land Hidden in the Grass. It was close to Ame, the land Hidden in the Rain, how appropriate... From what Jiraiya has told me it has been raining there for many years none stop. He told me he didn't know why, but I did. Pein was causing it.

Jiraiya educated me on Ame to the fullest of his abilities. He told me Ame ninja were very strong compared to other villages. Ame trained their ninja to their full potential, this also means the village is full of many original techniques. A common trait of Ame ninja were short tempers and gas masks. Ame was hailed as a genius when it came to assassination and was usually hired for that area of expertise. Security is very tight, the borders are sealed to almost everyone. To get through one must have papers and go through multiple check points.

Naruto lead me down the streets and gave me a grin. "Seri, tell me more about your home! Like the metal things!"

"The cars?" I giggled.

"Yeah!" he yelled, throwing his hand in the hair excitedly.

"Okay," I giggled, ruffling his messy hair. "What haven't I told you?" I hummed for a moment, trying to think of something to say. "They come in all kind of colors and shapes. Some are small and only fit two people and other huge vans can fit eight people. And make loud noises, like "Vrooomm!""

"Vroom?"

"Yes, vroom."

"Can you show me one?" he asked, sitting down on a nearby bench.

I sat down next to him and took out my phone. With a few clicks I was showing him our van. "That's a van. We can fit more than ten people in it, but that's only if we squish," I showed him my motorcycle, "and that's my motorcycle. Isn't she a beauty?" He nodded and I went on. "And my friend Ashton got new truck, the back is meant for hauling stuff. Then buses are meant for carry kids off to school for 'bout fourteen years of their life, but that's only if they go to preschool."

Naruto made a disgusted face and scrunched up his nose. "Fourteen years! That's dumb. I hated the academy and I wasn't there for fourteen years. Were you in school for that long?"

"About, I didn't go to preschool or kindergarten. I wasn't in my home yet. I was adopted when I was five," I said, tapping my phone to find a picture of young me.

Naruto gasped lightly. "You were an orphan too?"

"Yep, but I don't remember a lot of it. Just a lot of heat and running," I sighed, now annoyed by the fact I couldn't remember anything. The fact that I can only remember heat and running bothered me. I know I was young, but I should be able to remember more.

"Do any of the older kids get adopted?" Naruto questioned.

I patted him on the shoulder. "Yeah, they can." But when I saw his face I sighed. The older kids didn't get adopted, it was a rare opportunity. The fact I was adopted was a miracle and I was five. "But who needs that? You have your sensei, you two seem close. He's more of a father than anyone will ever be to you." Sorry Iruka.

He nodded, taking in my words slowly. "Okay, thanks." His smiled returned and I ruffled the boy's hair.

"You are just the cutest thing. I think you may beat Deidara and that boy is adorable," I played with his hair a little more before letting go, "you have soft hair by the way."

He cocked his head to the side. "Thanks?" His voice hitching at the end, amplifying his confusion.

"You're welcome. So tell me about your..." I squinted my eyes into the crowd, thinking I saw a familiar head. "Wait a second." I stood up on the bench and looked around, the familiar head of yellow disappeared. "I swear I saw 'em. Come on Naruto, I think I saw one of my friends." I grabbed his wrist before he could reject and dragged him through the crowd.

We weaved through the crowd before Naruto questioned me. "Where are we going? Who did you see? Is it important? Tell me more!" he demanded, tugging against my grip.

I let go of him and sighed. "I thought I saw my Deidara. I swear I saw his ponytail bouncing in the crowd."

"I'll help you, describe him to me," Naruto said, putting a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

I took in a deep breath, calming myself. "Yeah, okay. Deidara is shorter than me and has bright, blond hair like you. He always wears half his long hair in a ponytail and the rest should be around his waist, maybe shorter. He walks with this skip in his step and like explosions," I explained, looking out into the crowd. "He really likes art, he gets so mad when someone contradicts his art. He thinks its fleeting, like an explosion-"

"ART IS DUMB!" Naruto yelled loudly.

I flinched at his tone of voice and he shrugged with a sheepish grin. He shrugged. "I thought it would help. If he likes art as much as you do then I thought he'd respond."

I giggled. "That's not a bad idea." I ruffled his hair. "Good job," I drew in a deep breath, "ART IS ETERNAL!"

"ART SUCKS!"

"ART IS MOVEMENT!"

"ART MEANS NOTHING!"

"ART IS NOT FLEETING, IT'S-"

"ART! IS! AN! EXPLOSION!"

An explosion ripped through the market place, sending civilians shrieking in terror. People ran towards us with frightened explosions and I could hear more crackles of explosions.

I grabbed Naruto by the shoulders and grinned. "We found him, Naruto, thank you!" I pulled the boy into a tight hug. I was ready to run to them, I wanted Naruto and Deidara to meet but Deidara would be wearing an Akatsuki cloak. Naruto would think the worst of me and I'd be an enemy. That couldn't happen. I felt bad for running off without thanking him more, but I had too. For Deidara.

I loosened my fierce hug and looked at him. "Thank you so much Naruto. I believe in you, be safe, honey. Train hard, get your friend back, become Hokage! You'll be fine. I wish I could do more for you." I bit my lip and looked to the crowd, feeling guilt weighing upon my soul. I decided a bit of insight would not hurt him so I continued.

"Happiness will come. You'll have a lovely wife and children. I know you'll become Hokage and you and Sasuke will be buddies again. Befriend your fellow Jinchuriki and learn some chakra control. Don't eat ramen everyday and most of all don't charge into a battle, especially with orange haired weirdos. You'll get a happy ending! You just have to wait!" I cupped his cheeks and kissed his forehead. "Tell Jiraiya thank you, I got to go. I hope I see you again, Uzumaki Naruto!" I gave him one last quick hug before running off.

"Serenity, wait!" he yelled, reaching out for me, but the chaos of the crowd and his resolve prevented him from catching me. I talked about my friends so much he knew it was my time to go. I was ready to go as well and as the crowd screamed I felt a rush of excitement. These people were seeing art, not true art, but art nonetheless. They should be excited because they were being enlightened. The shrills and shrieks made me happy in a sadistic way because it gave me a rush. A thrill.

I spotted a head of blond hair angrily throwing clay into the air, yelling profanities and his view on art. Deidara was swearing to the heavens and trying to control the blonde by holding his arms together was Hidan. He was clearly failing because Deidara still had an arm free. Hidan swore at Deidara to shut up, causing me to squeal at the familiar scene.

The two had their backs to me and I took this as my opportunity to scare the crap outta them. I charged right into Deidara and Hidan to tackle them to the ground. Hidan and Deidara both whipped around, as if I was an enemy but the moment they saw my face the two relaxed. I hugged their heads close to my chest and cried out happily. Hidan pushed me away but Deidara threw his arms around me and I hugged him back fiercely. We were on the ground and he was almost lying on top of me. I let out a few sniffles and tears because I was so happy.

I stroked his hair to calm him as his head was buried in my neck. "I missed you so much, hon," I murmured, petting his hair. He looked like a kid here, even though he was far from it. I didn't hear him make any sounds, all he did was hold onto me. I tried pushing him away but he wouldn't let go. I cooed at this and kissed the top of his head.

He shook his head and kept hugging me. His arms hugging me even tighter and his face burying itself further in my neck. He was painfully silent, I began to worry. I let out a soft giggle. "Come on now, you didn't miss me this much, did you? You're a criminal, compose yourself, honey," I teased, slightly tugging him off of me.

Deidara took a moment to leave the safety of my embrace and look me in the eye. His eyes were as blue as always, maybe bluer and completely dry, unlike my eyes. I cupped his cheeks and drew his forehead to mine. "I missed you so, so, so much. Are you okay?"

He drew back and cleared his throat. "Yeah, I am, hmm. What about you?" His voice was dry and sounded like we were having a casual conversation, as if we had seen each other yesterday.

I dusted off my shirt. "I'm good. We're good." I began to laugh and he did as well. Deidara was the first to stand up and he helped me up. He looked taller and older already, but he was a teenager, of course he grew so quick. "Did you get taller? I think you did."

He chuckled and brushed off his cloak. "I did."

I smiled then wiped my eyes. Tears were annoying.

I turned to Hidan to see him looking away awkwardly. His Akatsuki cloak was open and of course he wasn't wearing a shirt underneath. I rolled my eyes, it was probably because he had no clean shirts. I held out my arms and walked to him. "Come here," I giggled, pulling him into a hug.

"Whatever, woman," he sighed, hugging me back as well.

I set my chin on his shoulder and sighed. "I'm really sorry. I was acting very rude to you before you left. So, sorry."

He pushed me away then patted my head. "I don't care about that crap anymore."

"Good," I giggled, hugging myself contently. "Why are you guys here?"

"Didn't June freaking text you?" Hidan huffed and crossed his arms. "Blonde was supposed to tell you we came lookin' for you. Now we're here and ready to take you to Ame."

"Oh, Ame. Sorry, I forgot."

Hidan lightly bopped me on the head and I giggled. "Ditz." He looked me over, head to toe, then toe to head. I was going to scold him for it but he beat me to speaking. "What are you wearing?"

I looked down, I was still wearing Jiraiya's clothes. Mine were wrecked. I had on his baggy top and pants, but the good thing about it were the pockets. I could shove my phone and everything else I needed in one pocket! Isn't that wonderful! "I'm wearing Jiraiya's clothes," I said, a bit embarrassed by that fact.

"Whoever the heck he is, he dresses like a hobo. Blonde sent me with clothes for you," he looked down and picked up a bag I had not noticed, "go change."

I took the bag and headed for the nearest bathroom. There I changed into some more fitting clothing. I knew the clothes did not belong to June because she didn't own a kimono. I dressed in a black kimono that was more than comfortable. The sleeves were a bit too long, but kept me warm and the kimono ended at me ankle with a slit that went to my knee. I was able to put my hair up and for once in a few days I did not look like total crap.

I exited the bathroom and Hidan and Deidara waited for me outside. "Thanks, it fits nicely."

"No problem, woman," Hidan said. He ran his fingers through his hair and awkwardly held his hands out. "Ready to leave?"

I nodded and walked over to the two quietly, feeling awkward about the situation. We haven't seen each other in what seems like months, but it wasn't like Hidan to give up a fight so easily. He wasn't swearing as much or Deidara wasn't messing with him like usual. I shook my head, it was just because we were still settling. Hidan wasn't the touchy feely type, of course he'd be hesitant.

Hidan scooped me up and I let out a small squeak, not expecting the sudden action. "Come on," he grunted, walking off with me in his arms.

"Hidan, I can walk you know. You don't have to carry me," I said, wiggling out of his grip.

He shook his head. "We're not walking, we're running. I want to get to the base as soon as possible. The sooner we get there the sooner blonde will quit her whining."

I let out a soft "oh" and let him continue to carry me. Deidara followed close by and the moment we approached the edge of a forest the two started jumping onto the trees. I squealed out of shock and excitement as they jumped tree to tree. It was thrilling, but scary. "Don't drop me," I murmured, grabbing onto Hidan's cloak.

"Like this?" Hidan questioned, letting go of me.

I screamed as I plummeted to the earth. The wind whipping by me was deafening and the occasional tree scratching me was irritating. Hidan swoped down to catch me and the moment I was done falling I gripped his cloak. "You're so mean! Hidan!" I scolded, hitting his chest with my fist.

He laughed at me and I whined. "Ugh! So mean!"

Deidara decided to laugh now, to the point where Hidan and him had to slow. "I'm sorry Seri, just your face, yeah," he snickered, covering his mouth with the back of his hand.

"I hope one of you crashes into a tree!" I yelled, a pout adorning my face. I crossed my arms and sunk into Hidan's arms.

Hidan chuckled again but didn't retort. I looked up at him and jabbed at his throat. His smile faded and he gagged before sputtering then coughing. Spit flew onto my face and I groaned. "Ewwww," I whined, wiping my cheek.

"I might have to drop you again," Hidan threatened playfully, slowly loosening his grip on me.

I shook my head frantically. "Nope! Nada! No thank you!"

The sadist smirked and I sighed. "So, why did you two get me. Where's Kakuzu or Sasori?"

"Sasori is still in his workshop, hmm. He's been working on his puppet body for the past few months. He'll be done soon," Deidara jumped closer to us so I could hear better, "so over the past few months I've been going out on missions by myself or with another group, hmm. Pein assigned Hidan and I to go look for you because he thought the both of us could find you better. Kakuzu was going to hang back at the base and let Itachi and Kisame leave to find Ashton, but the Uchiha wanted to stay with June, yeah. Pein then deployed Kisame and Kakuzu together."

I nodded, soaking in the information. I was a bit disappointed Sasori didn't want his human body back but that was his decision. I wished everything was going well with Sasori as well, his kind of work could be tedious and frustrating sometimes. Back in our world he'd get wooden materials to teach me how to make small puppets. I have two I made all by myself but creating them was so hard and frustrating. One wrong measurement and the rest of the puppet could be disproportional. I also thought of poor Deidara, he had to go on missions alone and without had to face certain death without Danna and not have back up...

"Are you okay? You shouldn't have to go on missions all by yourself! You could get hurt or even killed! Why didn't Pein assign you to the Zombies or even the... Kisame and Itachi." Those two really needed a name. "Or you could have stayed home with Sasori and worked on your sculptures for a few months or you could have gone with Zetsu to work on stealth. For Jashin's sake Pein could have partnered you up with Tobi!" I twisted in Hidan's grip to reach Deidara's face. Hidan tugged me back in turn.

Deidara made a disgusted face. "Tobi? Never! He's an incompetent idiot, hmm. And that Uchiha, he's too arrogant to work with! He'd be showing off his sharingan every minute of the day to threaten me!" Deidara yelled angrily.

"I called it! I knew she'd flip the moment you said Sasori wasn't with you! Does Dei-chan need his Seri to come on missions with him? Does he want Seri to make him a baggy lunch every mission?" Hidan teased, lightly bullying Deidara. Hidan made a kissy face to tease Deidara some more, making the boy blush in return. "Do you want another hug? Because the way you were hugging her sure wasn't how an Akatsuki member would act."

I pinched Hidan's cheek harshly. "Don't tease him! I'd gladly come with Deidara every mission and make him meals. It's hard living the life you guys live and he needs all the help he can get so he can fight. Plus, I make filling meals that he would appreciate and my hugs are great for your information!" I scolded, tapping Hidan's chest.

Hidan but is lip, clearly upset that I won this argument. He didn't say anything in response. "That's what I thought-"

He dropped me and Deidara was the one who had to dart after me. Long story short I was quiet the rest of the day until the two decided to set up camp. They made a fire and cooked some fish. It was like a camping trip. I was thoroughly pleased with this too, I snuggled up by the fire and ate fish while talk animatedly with my boys.

They told me about what they did the past six months and their missions. I listened till midnight and ended the day with some meditation. I silently thanked Jiraiya because meditation helped me cool down. Hidan crashed right away and offered to take a watch shift after Deidara. The boy had no word in the conversation but agreed anyways. I was lying on the ground, safely wrapped up in a spare cloak the two brought for me. I was ready to dose off before I noticed Deidara staring intently at the fire.

I touched his hand, startling him for a split second. "Go to sleep, hon. You need some sleep," I insisted, sitting up straight.

"Nah, I can keep watch, hmm," he argued quietly.

"I don't want you to. Here," I wrapped the cloak around him and smiled, "close your eyes for a bit, I'll wake you when I'm ready to pass out." Before he could protest I patted his shoulder and drew his head closer to mine. "I've been so worried about you, please just rest."

He nodded and lied down on the soft grass. I softly playing with his hair as he rested and I watched the fire. It was warm and relaxing, lightly burning my cheeks. I looked down at Deidara, he looked so peaceful when he slept. I felt like a few tons of steel were taken off of me knowing he was okay. I didn't know if I was going to ever see him again, I didn't know if he'd heed my advice and stay away from Sasuke.

Knowing Hidan was safe took another few tons off of my shoulders. He may not be the brightest crayon in the box but he could take care of himself. Hidan was impulsive and any advice I gave him that did not seem important right away would be dismissed. I tried dropping by advice every now and that he should be careful but he never seemed to listen to my advice. He never did listen to me even if I was talking.

I drew in a deep breath and placed my hands together. Some meditation wouldn't hurt me. It'd take my mind off of the stress and of Ashton. I just hope she's fine.


Naruto closed the door behind him and sighed. The boy's hands were sore. After Serenity left he decided to practice his rasengan. He tried over and over till he could get the sphere bigger. It tested his chakra control. He did manage to make the ninjutsu bigger, but not without hurting his leg as well. Life of a shinobi was hard but Naruto accepted it. He was going to become Hokage after all. People were counting on him. Serenity believed in him.

The man behind the counter eyed Naruto and the boy stared back. Now that Naruto thought of it, the man behind the counter was kinda creepy. Always watching and listening in on conversations. The man behind the counter set down the glass he was cleaning and gestured for Naruto. "Excuse young man, but wasn't Ms. Serenity with you? Where is she?"

Naruto walked over to the man. "She found her friends and ran off. She was pretty excited! Should have seen her," Naruto chuckled, scratching the back of his head.

The man behind the counter raised his brow. "Did you see who her friends were?"

Naruto shook his head. "Sorry," he shrugged, "I didn't see who they were. I gave up chasing her after I lost her in the crowd." It was a blatant lie that Naruto was ashamed of. He did see Serenity's friends and he choose not to believe he saw them.

Naruto would never just give up on chasing down a friend. Why would he stop chasing her? He was worried for her. But when she crashed into two men she looked so happy. Naruto forced himself to look away, but the red clouds on their cloaks were to brilliant of a shade. Naruto couldn't ignore who the men were, he knew they were Akatsuki. He was about to start a fight. He was going to take them out and take Serenity back. He was going to tell her these men were vile, evil. She was smart but she wasn't from here. She did not know the geography or honorifics. How could she have known her friends were Akatsuki? She could not have known.

Just when he was ready to charge with rasengan in hand Naruto heard her cry out joyfully. The blond of the two was buried in her arms, not saying a word while she hugged him fiercely. Naruto could feel the love radiating off of her. She looked happy when she was around Naruto, but now she looked even happier. He couldn't bring himself to interrupt their moment.

She was cupping the blonde's cheeks then hugging the other man. The other man was teasing her and she was giggling. Naruto knew, she knew exactly who they were. He walked away after the trio started to walk away and contemplated if he should tell his sensei. Serenity told him his sensei was family, the closet kind and family told each other secrets. Though, Naruto cherished every friend he made and silently promised himself he wouldn't tell Jiraiya the truth.

He just wished he never saw what he did.

The man behind the counter took Naruto's word and moved on. When the boy went to his sensei he told Jiraiya Serenity saw her friend in the crowd and ran to them. Naruto didn't lie about her kissing his forehead or telling him she believed him, but he did lie when he said he couldn't find her in the crowd and that she told him the future. She was gone. Jiraiya took his word and ruffled his hair, saying, "She's with her friends and family now. We shouldn't worry. She's safe."

Naruto just hoped so.


I was debating letting Naruto lie because he's an honest boy, but then again he'll do anything for a friend. Even the people he just meets and befriends he'll do a lot for. So Naruto just had good intentions. And Deidara, I did not want him crying because if that child can take his arms being ripped off without a tear then he'd be able to see Serenity. I think's he's just the kind of person to freeze up in emotional circumstances.

Fun fact- Serenity is accustomed to doing most of the chores in the house because when her brother was sick her mom had to pick up more work and Serenity was left to care for the house. And out of all the Akatsuki Itachi is most likely to dump his laundry on Serenity. Hidan comes close in second though.

A- I'm thinking of bringing Danzo in again/

Q- If you could go to any world, be it your own or some other universe, where would you go?

Thanks for ready! Till next time!