Chapter 10

Atama kakushite, Shiri kakusazu

Soraya grogerly walked into the kitchen getting ready to make breakfast for everyone, when she noticed that Masaru wasn't here to greet her this morning.

"If you're looking for your brother, he had a late night", Soraya noticed the half empty milk and the lack of cookies on the counter that she made yesterday. She sighed knowing her brother was not going to feel well for most of the morning.

"Must have gotten into some ice-cream", she said out loud remembering that he was in the bathroom this morning.

"You can say that", Itachi responded. Itachi took a good look at Soraya. She stared back at him half asleep with a slight early morning scowl.

"Why are you staring?", she asked as she was getting dishes to prepare.

"You have drool on your face", Soraya became awake at that comment before she could wipe it off, Itachi cleaned her face with a napkin. "There your face is clean and you are more presentable now" Soraya blushed not knowing exactly how to take that statement. Itachi grabbed the eggs in the fridge and set them down on the counter. "I will make breakfast today"

Soraya shrugged at the statement and then furrowed her eyebrows. "Do you even know how to cook?", Soraya asked.

"I know how to cook eggs", Itachi flatly stated. "You can coach me, a teacher has to learn something from the student", Soraya only caught for a moment, but it was definitely one of the first attempts of Itachi being sarcastic. She could tell by the hint of gleam in his eyes but as soon as he said it, the focus went back to the task at hand. Soraya smiled knowing there was at least some segway in the friendship she wanted to start with him.

"You know I had a cousin who said the exact same thing and she is a terrible cook, but she is younger", she responded. The mood dampened as realization that her cousin may be dead as well. She brushed it off as quickly as the emotion came. Itachi however did take notice.

"Do you only have one cousin?", He asked. Soraya stared at him for a moment in silence. Soraya willfully tried to forget her past, not wanting to focus on the pain. She cleared her throat remembering all the past memories of playing and having deep conversations with her cousins. She assumed that they were dead because the murders were obviously after her family and anyone that appeared to be descendants of her maternal grandmother. That was the deduction that she came to on her own and also while reading the books that her grandmother sent with her. It was with those books that Itachi taught her to read better and learn about this world. However, those books raised many more questions than answers. Nevertheless, for now she went back to the question at hand.

"I had four cousins, and they were beautiful", pain could be heard through her voice, but she quickly wiped away the lone tear. "My favorite is Talise, she looks exactly like me but her skin is like dark chocolate and is way more outgoing, Eulalia is the closest in age to me but she is younger, I think she would be a wonderful housewife, she is a hopeless romantic, Priya is the Youngest she was the first baby I held and so I treat as such sometimes and Hestia she is a spitfire as my granddaddy would say, definitely a tomboy". Soraya smiled and at that moment she decided to hold out hope that she may see them again. "What about you Itachi?", Soraya suddenly remembered that Itachi was one of the last Uchihas and suddenly regretted the questions. "I'm sorry I totally forgot they are all -

"I have a brother", he interjected without missing a beat while watching the egg intently on the looked at the egg he was currently cooking and knew it was going to burn. There was no butter or oil on the pan. The egg suddenly went into smoke and he couldn't scrape it off. Soraya grabbed it from him, washed it and set back on the eye.

"Butter", she simply stated. Itachi did was instructed and cracked the egg on the pan. After a long awkward silence Soraya cleared her throat. "So are you going to tell me about this brother?"

"What do you want to know?", Soraya furrowed her brows at him

"Information about your brother", stated Soraya in confusion.

"Theres lots of that", he simply stated.

"Lots of what?"

"Information",

"Okay, what does your brother look like?", she asked more directly.

"Like me, but with softer features". Soraya now discovering that her questions can not be open ended decided to start asking more direct questions.

"So is he the only sibling, what is he like and can I meet him?"

"Yes, and I don't know what he is like now things have shifted in his life, so there is no way you can meet him right now", Itachi said curtly, Soraya could tell he wanted to end the conversation a dark air was around his presence and it felt like she stepped into dangerous territory,

"Can I at least know his name"

Itachi almost said no, but seeing Soraya afraid of him was not...pleasant and there really wasn't a need for her to fear him. "Sasuke"

Soraya smiled at him as another burnt egg went into the trash. Itachi tried again on the egg, after a brief minute Soraya decided to eat the current egg even if it wasn't perfect. "I think that's good and I'll do the rest of the breakfast, thanks for helping", she beamed as she got in front of Itachi. Itachi nodded as he observed her eating the egg.

"Next time, I'll make it better", he said. Soraya smiled in response as she ate her half burnt egg and the rest of her breakfast. Itachi's lips pursed together in awkward upward motion feeling a little awkward about the situation.

"It's actually pretty good, just get the right timing next time and it will be even better"

"Why are you doing that?", Soraya furrowed her eyebrows at his question.

"Doing what", she asked

"Treating me like a person". Itachi was used to people either being intimidated or him being used as a pawn. Even now he knew that he was only allowed to join the Akatsuki as a political tool for protection. Which he only agreed because it aligned with his plans.

Soraya stared at him in a caring manner. "I know we got off on a rough start, but you are my Teacher, but more importantly you're my friend and I trust you with my life". Itachi admired the fact that you could tell Soraya's emotions by simply looking at her. She was definitely an open book. And she was genuine.

All of a sudden Itachi poked her forehead and smiled, "You need to be a little less gullible" Soraya smiled back and noticed his hidden jest. "If you think this is going to make me take it easy on you today, you are very wrong"

Soraya smiled devilishly. "I wouldn't have it any other way". Itachi felt the determination radiating off of her. It was intense and the feeling started pulsing through him as well. This was not his emotions. He quickly concluded they were coming from her.

"Interesting", he thought as he followed her to the training grounds

Soraya panted as the one sided spar match was over. She cursed herself as she had yet to land a punch on Itachi. Itachi tossed a towel in her direction so she could wipe the sweat off her body and started to take a break in training.

"Itachi have you ever come across any references about the Rui Clan, the Uchiha clan is mentioned a lot in my books that my grandmother left."

Itachi seemed puzzled at the new source of information. Itachi knew the Uchiha's history like the back of his hand because that was his duty as future heir to the clan. He even knew the exact moment when the Uchiah clan diverged from the Hyguya clan. "No, do you have the books with you?"

"Yes,", she said excitingly. Soraya formed hand signs, which Itachi quickly noticed as a sealing jutsu. A heavy book appeared out of a scroll and Itachi was pleasantly surprised at the revelation that she could already do an intermediate technique. "Look, so my family specialized in Secret Techniques called Sapato Jutsu. Basically, we helped our allies intensify their power or improved their healing. They were naturally diplomatic, and lended their support to gain influence and military power. Also, women were very fertile so that helped since the male birth rates in this clan was really low".

"How did you create a sealing jutsu? You need a lot of Chakra control to do that, which you barely have any reserves.

"I know, but if I don't use any I get sick and it...", Soraya paused because she didn't know she should be telling him this. "Promise me you will keep this from Okaa-san". Soraya stuck out her pinky. Itachi, knowing that it was probably a bad idea sighed, and looked around to make sure no one was watching even checking for Chakra signatures to keep that promise.

"Fine", he interlopped his pinky with hers.

"Okay, it hurts, I mean really hurts when I don't use any Chakra and doing these small things like these sealing jutsus help me go to sleep"

"When did this start?", he asked.

"Well, the first time was when I tried killing you when I first woke up from that induced coma, that you put me in"

"You mean to tell me that you were not suffering because of the genjutsu", he asked. "It was because of the pain you were screaming".

"Yeah none of your genjutsu work on me or Masaru", she stated simply. "I thought you knew that"

"That explains a lot", His genjutsu was meant to twist the worst fears or traumatic events against the person. There was no way even she could forgive him for trying to recreate her family's death.

Soraya gave him a questionable look of suspension. However, Soroya waved it off to get to the subject she wanted to talk about. Soraya flipped the page toward the back. "And look, this person named Ishana Rui, was working with this guy named Madara Uchiha to help cure his blindness from the Mangekyou Sharingan.", She closed the book. "That means I can help you from stop becoming blind."

"How did you know I was going blind?"

"My parents wore glasses and they were also teachers so I know what a functional blind person looks like", she jestly tapped his shoulder in response.

Itachi responded with an intense stare, "What else has this girl observed"., He thought. Soraya avoided his impending glare. Clearly she hit a nerve if he was acting this intense. Itachi clenched his fist and swallowed hard. Someone knowing his weakness made him feel... vulnerable. Something he hasn't felt in a long time. He felt a familiar tightness in his chest and held his chest and took a deep breath, he then coughed and took another breath. "What else do you know", he said in a deathly calm.

Soraya glanced his way and sat on the ground next to him with her book. "Look, not much more than what I said at breakfast". Soraya paused before she asked the next question "Why are you scared, we are friends aren't we, if you don't want me to tell anyone, I won't",

Itachi blinked and rubbed his hair in uncertainty. "It's just anything about the Sharingan or me must be kept...confidential"

Soraya smiled. "That's what friends are for silly"

"It's deeper than that", he grabbed her hand intensely. "Look if that information got into the wrong hands-". Soraya snatched her hand back and placed it back on the book. She took a deep breath.

"Itachi, I know, my whole family was killed and I have no idea why, but I do know it's because of our family secret techniques...or at least that's my hypothesis". Her voice trailed off in the wind looking up at the sky. "And I don't even know where to get that information.

Itachi eyes widened and snatched the books out of her hands and scanned the book thoroughly. Soraya puffed her cheeks not liking the aggressive nature of the action. Itachi ignored her knowing he was going to have to apologize later. But, the name Ishana reminded him of a powerful Kunoichi that his mother would tell stories about with Sasuke and himself. It was there he opened to the page and he remembered his mother.

"Mom, mom tell us a story, tell us a story", a three year old Sasuke begged as his big brother Itachi curled next to him. Itachi, noticing the exhaustion from his mother, wanted to interject. He knew life was not easy for her especially be the wife of the Head of Their Clan. Additionally, he knew that tensions were high with the Leaf Village and the Uchiha clan. And at the center was him, The prodigy. Eventually he was going to be used as a chess piece and he knew his mother was doing her best to stall the inevitable.

"Sasuke, why don't I tell you a story so mom-

"Not a chance!", She exclaimed. "You're both still my little boys, plus I have one you never heard before, it's about our great ancestor Madara and his love, Ishana.

"Was she an Uchiha?", Asked Itachi

"Almost", she said uneasily

"Anyway, back before the Leaf Village was formed there were the Uchihas and all the great Clans that we know today. The Hyugas were having a great feast to celebrate the new arrival of a Wife for the heir to the clan. The Uchihas, having a strong union with the Hyugays came bearing great gifts along with the other clans including the Uzamakis, Senju, Aburame and the Akimichi.

The wife was beautiful, she was adorned with jewels from a far away land, her clothes were colorful, her hair was wild and exotic and her skin was deep and had an earthy tone.

Everyone danced and was having a great time and even the Senju and Uchiha were on their best behavior.

However, at this wedding festivity there was another woman, the wife's sister Ishana. If the wife was beautiful, this woman was gorgeous. However, unlike being dazzled with jewels and elaborate fabric she chose to wear a plain warrior garb. It was there at her sister's wedding her father announced that she was ready to be married.

A great gasp went through the crowd, every clan wanted her, but she decided that she would take matters in her own hand.

She gave them two impossible task: 1) Make a drum that sounds without being beaten and 2) Settle a dispute from two enemies."

Itachi leaned into his mom, interested for the next part of the story. His world was full of conflict so maybe this story could help him with the puzzle to stop it. "What happened next?"

"Well the Aburame clan and Akimichi had no problems figuring out how to make a drum beat with no sound. The Aburame and Akimichi clan suitors had no problem with the drum task. The Aburame used Bees to make the drum sound and Akimichi used rice and other secret ninjutsu to help with the sound. However, they had no enemies and couldn't finish the competition. Madara and Hashirama did because of their bitter rivalries of their families. It was then, that they made an agreement to stop fighting which helped lay the foundations for Konohagakure.

"But if they both settled who won?", asked Sasuke.

"Well, with the tie it came with a simple task...a gift"

"But Wh-"

"Shhhh", Itachi silenced his brother wanting to hear the story. His mother was always good at them, even though he couldn't hear them often anymore.

"Whoever, presented the best gift would be her chosen love"

"Seems cheezy", Itachi said bluntly. Mikoto hit him playfully.

"Shh getting to the romantic part,", Mikoto laughed at her boys reminding her of her audience. "Harishima bought her extraordinary jewels, clothes and a pendent from the Senju clan that granted her protection. Madara, could not compete because even though the Uchiha had great Poweress, at the time our resources were limited."

"That means we were poor", Itachi stated. Mikoto glared at him to shut up which he complied.

"Yes, anyway Madara used his intel to see what Ishana actually liked and the more and more he heard of her extraordinary deeds and her kindness. The more he fell in love with her. Not only was she simply beautiful, but she was strong, intelligent and very diplomatic. It was then Madara knew that she was everything he was not. So that night before the gift presentation he sewed a warrior garb with the Uchiha and her clans seal. It was made of cloth of the best he could afford."

"Wait is that why all men know how to sew in our clan?"

"Itachi stopped interrupting me," said Mikoto with gritted teeth. "And I have you know you better keep the reputation of the Uchiha men being secretly romantic"

"Dad's not", Mikoto laughed really hard. Her son's straightforwardness is what she loved about him. Almost exactly like his dad

"Even your Dad has his moments" She gave her son a wink. "Okay, anway, at the gift presentation ceremony Harishima presented his gifts and swore a long oath of love, wealth, and protection. Madara with his humble gift presented his gift to her. He told her that he couldn't provide the wealth or protection that the Senju offered, but with her as his partner that they could form a strong union together side by side as equals. That he would support her in battles, help the wounded and the sick together. That with him they could make the world a better place. Ishana cried out of happiness at Mardaras gift and chose him.

"But why", Sasuke asked. "She could have everything she could ever want"

"It's because Madara saw her as an equal, also she could have anyone she wanted so she wanted to make sure that her husband was intelligent and genuine. That's why she specifically said enemies and not just a dispute because you have to be willing to sacrifice something very important to get enemies to become allies."

"Yes, her clan was known for their diplomacy and she wanted to make sure her husband was compatible"

"And Madara was the choice because he figured out what she truly wanted. She didn't desire wealth, she just wanted to be validated"

"Good job, Itachi" said Mikoto. It was then she noticed that Sasuke had fallen asleep. She smiled and patted his head. It seemed that there was still hope for her son living a normal life.

As they walked out Itachi interrupted the silence with his inquiry. "This sounds more like fact than fiction."

"Maybe, it's a story my mother has told me, but if there is any information on that clan The Uchiha library would have and many other secrets.", Mikoto gave him a sad smile as she walked back into the kitchen

It was then he felt a punch in his arm, Soraya definitely put chakra in her punch because it definitely left a stinging sensation.

"Rude", Soraya's sass ringed in his ears. "snatching things not okay"

"Oh I apologize", he paused. "It's just I remembered where I heard that name. It was from my mother" Itachi recounted to her his memory.

"So there may be information in Konoha, your home"

Itachi nodded in response.

"What is so important that our families had to die, I don't get it", Soraya thought.

"Well, I have a mission there in the next coming months, I will talk with your mother to see if we can arrange something for you to come with me"

It was then Itachi felt himself fall backwards with Soraya's weight. She lunged to give him a big hug. "Thank you, Thank you, thank you". She paused in thought. "But wait I thought you said I had to land a hit on you".

Itachi half smiled. "Sometimes diplomacy is the best way of attack" Soraya smiled back in response.

"You are probably going to be leaving sooner than later", said Yahiko smiling down on them. It was then Itachi noticed the awkward position that they were in and that he didn't notice his chakra signature.

"Ahh, I'm sorry", Soraya bowed her head. Yahiko waived her off.

"Nothing to be sorry about as he chuckled and hugged her. However, Yahiko gave him an intense stare, Itachi stared back not knowing how much he heard. Hopefully, nothing about losing his eyesight. Nevertheless, Soraya could feel the intensity within them both. A slight fear from Itachi, and a weird aggression from Yahiko.

"What's wrong?", Asked Soraya.

"Itachi we have a problem"

Masaru and Haku were eating the breakfast that Soraya made that day. Zabuza and Kisame agreed it would be beneficial for them to start practicing and sparring together. Both of them were a prodigy in their respective ninjutsu but we're both lacking battle experience. Plus, as Konab mentioned, it would be great for both of them to interact with someone close to their age.

"Ha-Ha-Haaku, why do you wear girl clothes", Masaru asked.

"Because I like them, and I just feel more comfortable in them". Masaru nodded in understanding.

"Cool", Masaru said nonchalantly.

Haku stared at Masaru for what seemed like minutes, but it was only a few seconds. "You aren't going to make fun of me"

"N-No, why?", he asked.

"Other people do?", he said simply.

"Well other p-p-people aren't as s-strong as you". Masasru replied. "Plus, if it doesn't bother Za-Za-Zabuza then I take it's fine". Haku did not know what to say.

Konan was watching the boys awkwardly interact with each other, hoping they would form a bond that was normal for their age. However, since both of them were inept in the emotional/social category it was really hard to watch. Masaru stared at Konan looking for help at the awkward silence. Remembering that Yahiko mentioned that he had telekinesis urged him to try to continue the conversation. Zabuza was right behind her watching as well.

"I don't understand what 'bonding' has to do with being a killing machine".

Konan placed her attention at Zabuza. It was Nagagto that responded to him.

"Techniques are just half of being a great shinobi." Zabuza grunted his response.

"For us to bring peace we have to be more than a weapon, emotional bonds are needed Masaru can not just rely on us and his sister as a purpose and Haku can not just rely on you either", Yahiko stated.

"Plus, it will be fun to see all the mischievous things they get into", Konan laughed at the thought.

"Boys will be boys", said Nagato

"However I didn't realize he realize he had a speech problem", remarked Yahiko

"Soraya had mentioned it before, but since he wasn't talking we couldn't address it", replied Nagato.

"I believe its mostly mental, he sure doesn't think in a stutter", said Yahiko. "He is a fast thinker, and sees everything as a chess board, its pretty fascinating"

"You could read his mind?", asked Nagato.

"Yes and No", Yahiko paused trying to explain as simply as he could. "I won't be able to for long but when his power level is less than the person's mind he is in, there is a tiny gateway to his brain, and he already knows this flaw and he is already testing some type of...firewall, he calls it", the word was still foreign to Yahiko.

"I have never seen ninja wanting to minimize their weakness so quickly and early like both of our children", said Nagato.

"I think it was how they were raised", said Konan. "Their father was a military man, and it seems perfection was expected of them."

"Yes, mistakes were apparently dealt with quickly and brutally", added Nagato as he reflected on his past conversations with Soraya.

"Sounds like perfect training for adaptability to me", said Zabazu shrugging his shoulders. Konan gave him a clear scowl of disapproval of him ignoring that they might have been emotionally and physically abused. "What? At least you know they will survive". Konan rolled her eyes and went back to watching the interaction of Masaru and Haku

"How about you actually talk, except responding to me in my head", suggested Haku with a smile. "Its not good for other people to know that you have this ability, especially since it could be used for intelligence and as your trump card"

"W-Well I-I-I think you should take that you look like a girl as an ad-advantage" Haku blushed at this statement.

"What were they talking about beforehand?", asked Zabuza

"Probably seeing if they were worth each other's time?"Yahiko simply stated. "Masaru is arrogant because of his learning capabilities, and I take it he sees Haku as a challenge"

"Haku, probably is surprised that Masaru is not judging him for his looks, which may have captivated his interest", said Zabuza

"So you do see Haku as more than a weapon", Nagato said Simply. Zabauza grunted in response and Konan simply smiled.

"Look, there is nothing wrong with femimine things, I enjoy doing things with my sister like flowers, movies, music, etc. There is more to being a man than macho things. Like protecting the ones you love, being strong and respectful.", Remarked Masaru with passion

Konan, Nagato and Yahiko were very surprised at his outlook on life, being very proud since he started speaking a few days ago.

"Also, look at Nagato and Yahiko, they are cool",said nonchalantly.

Konan put her hand over her mouth to hide her laughter. Nagato and Yahiko looked at each other not knowing how to take that statement, but still smiled awkwardly.

"Are you going to ever call them Dad or Papa, your sister does",

"I d-dunno", said Masaru feeling uncomfortable.

"Why don't you call Zabuza your dad?", he countered.

"Because, that is not my purpose for him", Haku simply stated with a smile.

It was at that time a loud boom was heard followed by a woman wailing.

"Please let me join the Akatsuki, I will do anything". The woman prostrated on the ground and repeated and begging the same phrase over again. Haku and Masaru turned to the commotion. Masaru observed the nice Hanbook that the lady was wearing and her ornate hairstyle. He only saw this type of dress once when watching a Korean Drama with his sister but, it looked even more beautiful in person. Why would a noblewoman want to leave a life of nobility for the Akatsuki? It didn't make sense to Masaru. There was definitely a lot to learn more about this world. It was then he noticed something alarming in her mind. She was a spy. Sent here to report back any inconsistencies from the Akatsuki? But why?

Masaru was rapidly scanning her thoughts. She definitely was in danger, that wasn't a lie. Hanzo repeatedly raped her over and over again. Apparently she was one of her favorites. Almost every woman of this land was given to Hanzo at one point of another. Someone saw Soraya and that's who Hanzo wants to know about, it was then a younger version of Konan flashed through her mind and Masaru saw it. Sad eyes but looked extravagant. However he noticed Hanzo all over her. Out of respect for his new mother he stopped looking but gave Yahiko a look of distress.

"Soraya can not be seen by this woman", Yahiko nodded as Masaru scanned the information to him and headed to the training grounds.

"Rely this information to Konan and Nagato only", Yahiko paused. "Don't tell Konan that you saw her with Hanzo" Masaru nodded in understanding and proceeded to do what he was told.

Konan and Nagato rushed in and comforted the lady. They brought her to the couch and tried to calm her. It was then the lady exhaled and started to calm down. Konan and Nagato got the information they needed from Masaru.

Masaru watched from afar and left the room. He would not have sympathy for a lady who did tasks for such a man like Hanzo. His sister was in danger and would possibly have to leave because of her. Masaru was angry with himself because there wasn't anything he could do right now. He wasn't ready to separate from her yet, especially with no timeline. He punched a wall to let out his aggression.

It was then Kisame came to his room and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Better use of that energy into fighting then sulking". Masaru rejected his gesture and pushed his hand off.

"What do you know, you never loved anyone", Kisame then grabbed Masaru's neck and pressed him up against the wall.

"Listen you piece of shit because I'm going to tell you once, yes, I probably don't know love is but I'm pretty sure I've come very close twice" Kisame squeezed his hands over his throat to emphasize his point. "I care about you, and one day you are going to have to kill me to atone for my sins and to inherit this sword, so stop moping around and get the fuck over yourself", Kisame preceded to throw him on the floor.

"W-w-why would you tell that to me, a-a-asshole", asked Masaru on his knees on the floor.

"So you occupy your time training while your sister is gone", Kisame shrugged. "Plus she is a distraction" Kisame paused for a minute and then a realization came. "You mean you didn't read my mind for this whole time and figure that information out yourself"

"No, Itachi made it clear that it was rude, and I respect you dickface". Kisame not knowing what to say next just patted his head.

"I won't tell people that you have a tear, I have that effect on people", Masaru said, hugging him.

"Fucking little shit"

Meanwhile Yahiko explained this situation in private to Itachi and then proceeded to leave to go back to the compound. "What is going on?", Soraya asked Itachi while walking back to her home.

"They don't want outsiders to see you", Soraya was puzzled at that statement. Maybe it had something to do with her being a Rui. They went through the back door that was near her room. However, she did see the woman on the couch wiping her tears away. It was then she felt a negative energy coming from the woman. She hurried in her room and closed the door behind Itachi. She could feel the stress from everyone and she started to breath harder, the stinging pain that she felt was amplifying. She closed her eyes and tried really hard not to scream.

Itachi activated his eyes and noticed all the chakra coming into her. By instinct Itachi grabbed her hands and poured his chakra into hers trying to siphon her own off. It didn't make any sense why she had a surge of chakra, she had unnaturally low amounts which is why they were training her taijutsu to the max. He seemed to fix the problem for now. However, he noticed that he never felt this anxious before. He could tell the emotions were not his own. He was concerned, but not anxious. It was definitely coming from her.

"She's an empath", said Masaru to Itachi. "She's picking up everyone's emotions and in return giving it back to them two fold, and then she picks that up and so forth and so on". Itachi nodded in understanding.

"Soraya, look at me, you have to calm down", Itachi tried to be as soothing as he could be.

"I don't understand", Soraya started to tear up.

"You are having a panic attack",

"I'm not trying to"

"I know, but you are affecting everyone"

"Is that supposed to calm me down", she whispered loudly.

Konan rushed in and embraced Soraya tightly. "Breathe, just breathe". Soraya started to relax in Konan's arms. "You are safe". Soraya could feel the love and concern coming from her mother and she held onto that emotion until she simmered down.

"I'm okay", Soraya finally said.

"Itachi, explain"

"This just started today, apparently she can read and give emotions, also she is absorbing Chakra unintentionally"

Konan's look of concern turned to worry, but calmed down, not wanting to overwhelm Soraya. Konan put her hand on her forehead to process all the new information that was received. This was not a good thing. Senjutsu is a dangerous practice and most clans that had this trait were either extinct or had known drawbacks to this power. The only person who could possibly help her was Orchimaru and that was even a gamble. If he decided to help. But there wasn't much of a choice.

"When are you due back to Konoha?", asked Konan.

"Not for another month, she is sure to draw questions if I come early with her",

"Perfect, take her to Orochimaru you should be there in about two weeks time"

"He is a traitor", said Itachi through gritted teeth.

"He doesn't know that we know that", replied Konan in a calm demeanor. Konan also knew that he was not going to help Soraya without some type of deal. However, Konan was out of options at this point. Soraya would either be raped again, and again with the tension of this new found prowess, or under the sinister eye of Orchimaru who would save her out of his own thirst for knowledge. Konan started packing her things.

"Mom, I don't want to go please", Soraya tried stopping her from what she was doing. Konan snatched her hands away and continued packing her bag.

"Sometimes as parents we do what we have to do for our children to survive", Konan said. Konan grabbed her face. "I'm sorry I didn't get to spend more time with you, but this has to be done"

"What about Masaru", Soraya whispered

"He will be fine", said Itachi entering the room.

"I'm confused, why is he okay to be seen, but I'm not?"

"Females are treated like property in this country, every female is registered under a male, but even so every female belongs to the State", Itachi said simply as he closed the blinds.

"What do you mean females belong to the State?"

"They can become conscripted to service to the The Amekage", said Itachi

"People seek refuge here with the Akatsuki and our popularity and message is growing", added Konan. "We have a deal women that are in his service don't have to be obligated to the Amekage because they are serving their country by spreading the message of peace"

"But isn't Hanzo very powerful, there is no way we can take her in, without pissing him off", Soraya simply stated. Soraya noticed his eyes went red, it was anger but could tell it was not aimed at her. Also, she still felt there was a missing puzzle piece. Nothing benefited Hanzo in this deal so why?

"Most likely she will stay", he said through clean chef teeth.

Nagato came into the room and closed the door quietly behind him. "We are being summoned" Konan glanced back and forth between Itachi and Soraya. "You have to get out of the country for a few weeks, you will go to Orrochimaru base in the Land of Rice, you will train and be educated by Itachi and Orochimaru, I will come get you when it's safe to return."

"But I don't want to leave you, I don't understand why can't you just register me, I want to stay with you", Konami grasped Soraya as she cried.

"It's complicated" Koran rubbed her back in comfort, "But, my duty is to protect you, plus you get to train with the most powerful ninja I know and Orochimaru can help you with your Chakra"

"Fine, but I'm only doing this so I can get stronger"

"Of course", she replied.

Yahiko came into the room with a smile. "I will escort them to the border, Masaru will be staying here with Kisame to keep up appearances". Within the hour Yahiko, Itachi and Soraya were leaving the compound. Not saying a word until they were far enough from it.

"How is this supposed to bring peace with me running away?", Soraya asked. She wasn't trying to be rude. But things didn't really make sense. "I mean Hanzo is powerful, and you with Nagato and Konan can easily outmatch him, I don't understand".

Yahiko stopped walking and turned around. "Bloodshed", he said simply. "If the Akatsuki and Hanzo were to fight there would be a civil war, not just between us but the whole village. People will die and thats not going to spread our message the right way." Soraya started processing the information that was given to her. She calmed herself knowing that somehow she knew she would be back and this wasn't goodbye forever. She couldn't take leaving her brother behind but he was safe in their care, and Kisame was doing a terrific job training him. "Oh and before I forget Nagato wanted to give you this''.

Yahiko pulled out a box from his robe and gave it to Soraya. Soraya gave him a questioning look but opened it to reveal a bracelet and an earring with a feather attached by a string. The style matched the purple lotus charm on her gold necklace and her watch that Masaru gave her.

"This is so beautiful", tears started to well-up in her eyes again. Yahiko smiled and grabbed her wrist and put the bracelet near the watch. Soraya then saw a bluish-green light enter the watch and bracelet. Soraya smiled as a warmth came over her. "What did you do?", she asked.

"Just a simple protection jutsu for your journey's" He kissed her on her forehead. "I know we haven't seen each other much, but know you will always be welcome here, I will always love you as my daughter, and I will do whatever I can to protect you...Always" He then put money in her hand and pushed her past the border. "This is where we must part"

"Goodbye father.", she whispered and the last thing she saw was his smiling face. Itachi grabbed her and they were gone.

Yahiko smiled which turned into a serious glare. "Kill them". Silent gasp and gurgles of death were heard in the bushes nearby. Masaru, Haku, and Zabuza were instantly by his side. Masaru came with a ninja that was barely alive.

"This one we can not, he is the original traitor.", Masaru had total rage in his eyes.

"Now, Now, let him explain himself". Masaru shoved him on the ground, Yahiko cringed at the crack of his shoulder from the force of Masaru. Dark Chakra started flowing through Masaru and his power sighed knowing he was going to have to do this quickly. Masaru was going to lose control with the amount of Chakra flowing through his small body. Masaru took a deep breath, and closed his eyes and refocused on the task at hand. However, his azure eyes now turned a deep, glowing brown.

"You better be lucky, that my sister means the world to me, she trusted you, you piece of shit, and she will never know of your betrayal, matter of fact, I'll make sure that you will always be by her side, but you will suffer", a devilish smile came from his lips.

Yahiko noted the stuttering was gone from Masaru's speech and seemed somewhat please but sighed and smirked at Shigure. "Explain, you know we have to keep you alive, but don't think I won't make you suffer."

"Fuck -", Shigure felt a foot connect to his jaw and saw the blood from his mouth and noose glisten the grass in the moonlight.

"You were about to give me the wrong answer", said Yahiko inspecting his shoe and cleaning his fingernail. Masaru was taken aback at the action himself, but he smiled in admiration. "You see I am making a world so that my children and grandchildren will never again know fear or the stench of war". He bent down to Shigure's eye level. "And I will do that by any means necessary" He patted the boys head. "You know this week will be a great lesson for my son in enhanced interrogation techniques", said Yahiko.

"He means torture", Masaru said calmly. Masaru stomped on the back of Shigure's leg, the snap indicating that it was broken.

"AHHHHHH"

"Don't worry we will heal you up and you will forget this ever happened, and Masaru will be sure to give you some memories to tell to your father...well that's after you give us all the information we need to know". Shigure looked into Yahiko's eyes in pure terror.

"Trust me we are both going to enjoy this", added Masaru with a smile. Shigure screamed as Yahiko took him back to the compound, but no one could hear because of the silence Jutsu Konan already put around them.