The Other Side of the Coin: Akatsuki
(I know this will seem weird, the way I introduce Akatsuki I mean. Still, even bad guys don't have to be all bad.)
The Hidden Rain Village, a village that is war-torn, where even its own shinobi are at odds. Where it almost always rains, like the sky is weeping for them. In a large tower, a petite woman with short blue hair, amber eyes & a massive flower in her hair climbs up the steps leading to the top of the tower. She opens a door, & inside is a large room full of pods. At the other end, there is one hooked up to a machine & inside is a man with scraggly red hair. He's very emaciated, to the point where you can see his bones poking out. As she approaches the man, she holds no fear. If anything, she seems to be more comfortable with every step.
"Nagato, he's on his way.", she states to the red haired man. Nagato opens his eyes & looks at her, "Thank you Konan.", he responds in a hoarse whisper. As he continues to stare at his best friend & partner, he knows she has something on her mind, "Konan....What is it?", he inquires. She looks up at him & answers, "I know you have your reasons, & I'm not questioning you Nagato. I trust you, I don't understand though. I don't understand why we have to deal with these....these cretinous derelicts.". Nagato calmly responds, "Things are not always easy to understand, but to teach the world pain, you must use that which causes the most pain.". Konan growls in frustration, "What does that mean?! Nagato, please, help me to understand why!".
The pod he is in lowers & detaches, moving closer to Konan. "It all began after I killed Hanzo. Becoming the leader was a step to end the war, but I wasn't sure where to go from there. I did not want more war, but I also wanted people to grow as I did, to understand & embrace pain. Then, he found me. Showed me how I can make the world a better place, by gathering the Tailed Beasts. At that moment, Akatsuki was born.".
Konan groans & states, "I already know all that Nagato. What I don't understand is why. Why go after the Tailed Beasts? Why put up with people like Deidara & Hidan?". Nagato looks back at her & replies, "Those who do not understand true pain can never understand true peace. This means I must create war, I must make others suffer. I wish there was a better way, but there isn't. To end this, we must wield the power of the Tailed Beasts. Use their strength to crush those that embrace war & turn away from peace. We must use those that can help us accomplish this goal, no matter what their motives, techniques or tendencies are.".
Konan nods slowly, beginning to understand. "So, then what are their motives Nagato?", she questions curiously. He does not answer, but instead states, "I know theirs, I know yours as well, Konan.". She looks at him, a hint of shock flashes on her face before returning to the stoic facade she has. "What do you mean?", she asks. As he stares at her, Konan starts to feel slightly uneasy. It's his eyes, it's always been Nagato's eyes. "I know what you feel, I can see it. Your reason is love. Love for me, for always being there, for saving your life.". She scoffs & sputters for a moment before saying, "I'm your friend, & I'm grateful but I wouldn't say I love you.".
"What you've done, what you do for me is beyond gratitude. Konan, I know I'm a monster, but in your eyes I can see love. Deny it, reject it, do as you wish but regardless of your actions I know it is there!", Nagato declares, his hoarse voice rising above a loud whisper for the 1st time in years. Konan's expression softens as a small smile shines from her face, "Fine, you're right Nagato. I do love you. I look at you, & I don't see a monster. I see a man who has made sacrifices, who has lived pain & suffering, who will suffer if he knows that in the end, it will make the world a better place.". Konan & Nagato look at each other momentarily before she leans in & kisses him.
Ninja Facts: Konan
The only female ninja of Akatsuki, Konan is a ninja specializing in paper jutsu. Her skills are so uniquely powerful that she can form giant wings & even transform entirely into paper. The "Angel" of The Hidden Rain Village, & Nagato's partner, she is 1 of the few people that know any of his secrets.
Age: Unknown, but approx. between 24-30
Birthday: February 20th
Weight: 99.8 lbs
Height: 5'6" (approx.)
Rank: Village Leader
Chakra Types: Unknown
Signature Jutsus: Dance of the Shikigami (AKA Paper Transformation), Paper Clone, Paper Shuriken, Paper Stream
Random Points of Interest
Konan means "little south" in Japanese.
She shares her birthday & blood type (February 20th & O) with her former teammate of the Rain Orphans, Yahiko. (More on Rain Orphans later on)
Konan loves flowers, she wears 1 in her hair at all times.
She never wears a headband, the only time she's ever seen with 1 is when she is the Rain Orphans begin a gang.
Konan's hobbies are origami & flower pressing.
Mysterious, beautiful, deadly....the only female of Akatsuki - Konan! Enjoyed that? Come back soon for more Ninja Facts!