Soraya waited patiently for the man in front of her to awake. It wasn't the first time she studied him while he was asleep. He would take naps occasionally, and there were many times she would try to land a hit on him during training, but he always caught her. Presently, that was not the case. He was exhausted from yesterday's events and the light snoring was a signal that he was in fact in a deep sleep.
For the past hour, she had been looking at his lips. The forced kiss played through her mind, it felt good, but it wasn't her choice. Therefore, she was contemplating kissing him now, as her choice. She was too embarrassed to ask when he was awake because most likely he would forget part of yesterday's events. She hoped Kakashi was correct that Itachi would not remember, because she didn't want to talk about the incident, ever.
She took a deep breath and placed her lips on his. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the slight touch of his lips. Itachi awoke the moment her lips met his but didn't move, fearing that she would scurry away, but his eyes remained open studying her. She pulled away and her eyes widened when she saw that he was awake. She shot up embarrassed by the situation and was about to walk away to tend to something else, but Itachi grabbed her hand.
"I've wanted to do that for a long time", he admitted. "There are things I need to-"
"It can wait", she interrupted. "But you can kiss me"
Itachi got up towering over her petite small frame. He embraced her closer to him, tilted her chin up and gave a deep tender kiss. He pulled away shortly after, but Soraya was breathless. It was different from Katsuo, it wasn't as animalistic. This was tender and calculated.
"I can't remember what happened after I found you yesterday, sometimes I have these blackouts, what exactly happened", he asked.
"You killed them all, and saved me, and you brought us here", Itachi noted that there was more to tell, but Soraya wasn't ready to fully disclose.
"Let's get you home", Soraya nodded in agreement and they both set out for the remainder of their journey.
Konan waited outside in full court regalia outside of Misaki's residence. Her hair was down past her shoulder, with a pin holding a bun on the upper part of her hair, indicating that this was an informal meeting.
As with any woman with her status, she was accompanied by handmaidens. She didn't bring several like other court ladies. Konan chose a humble life so she only brought two, Hyo-Joo and Jieun. Both were Akatsuki. Hyo-Joo was the newest edition to the Akatsuki. Conversely, Jieun had been with the Akatsuki since the beginning.
Konan nodded to Jieun to announce her presence outside the residence. With a loud voice, Jieun announced her full title and rank, alerting Misaki and the staff of her presence.
Misaki opened her sliding door in disbelief at the sight of Konan.
"What do you want?"Misaki asked curiously at Konan. She glanced at the two women behind her. "I'm not ready for a formal visit from anyone"
"Misaki", Konan smiled warmly, but Misaki did not like it. "I'm here wishing you good health, and I'm here for an afternoon tea with a very old friend", coaxed Konan.
"I'm not dressed, nor prepared", Misaki retorted.
A servant bowed in respect. "My lady, let's not forget all the times the Queen Mother came to you right after some of her miscarriages, she came all this way heavy in pregnancy just to see how you were", Konan glanced behind her and smiled warmly.
"HOW DARE ONE OF YOUR SERVANTS TALK TO ME-"
"Girl", Konan said, referring to the woman tending to Misaki. "Dress your mistress, make sure she looks as beautiful as she always is, we have a lot to talk about, and bring me a chair as I wait", Misaki's cheeks puffed as she wasn't able to change Konan's mind. Konan was brought a chair and she thanked the servant and smiled. Her sweet smile did not match the antagonist contempt that was held in her eyes. Misaki did not like it. Konan could tell as she waved her fan. However, she was at the point she did not care what Misaki thought some things needed to be said and done. With Hanzo gone, this was the perfect time to assert some control.
"You dare speak over me like I'm a stupid girl", her anger seething through her words.
"Misaki, remember I outrank you, don't let your servants die because of your inclination for the dramatics", she said calmly. "Hanzo isn't here to protect you", Misaki shifted uncomfortably at the statement. Konan's timing was very peculiar, Hanzo mentioned the bounty hunters that he hired were killed and that the heiress survived. He was out on business with the Land of the Rain to make sure they were still allies.
Misaki smacked the girl tending to her. "Hurry up and get me dressed"
An hour later Konan sipped the tea across from Misaki. Misaki stared at her in irritation and disbelief that she was here in her presence. It irked her that Konan wasn't her usual self. Konan would usually avoid eye contact, speak very softly, and cowered away from her presence. Now, she stood proud in her royal robes, which were similar to Misaki's regal regalia, smirking and making small chat with Misaki, like she was better than her. Misaki also took notice of the royal crown Konan wore. Her clothes were an underlying statement. Konan simply outranked her in every way possible.
"So tell me how is your pregnancy, I have never seen you this far along", Misaki asked in mock curiosity. "What is this number eleven for your womb, I guess you will finally be a mother", she smiled.
Konan pressed her lips together in a tight smile. "I am a mother, even some of your children consider me such", She sipped her tea again. "Just because you birth someone doesn't make you mother, motherhood is a choice after all"
"Yes, you do have tendencies to take on the scraps of society and call them your 'children'",
"Because they are", Konan sweetly retorted and sipped her tea.
"Tell me, what's it like to have mere substitutes as your children, you think if they had anywhere to go they would choose you?", Misaki jeered and chuckled.
Konan just sat back and smiled and shook her head. Thoughts ran across her head and she chuckled at the thought of Masaru sensing some of them. They were not kind and not necessary to say. "I suckled every one of your children because you were like a sister to me, I thought you would come to your senses and I wanted your children healthy and strong for when you were ready to be a mother. That day never came. You exiled and abandoned your children for sex and greed."
"I never wanted those children, they were all accidents and if you loved them so much why didn't you legitimize them, why chose the girl?", questioned Misaki her voice rising in irritation. Konan knew the consequence of legitimizing Misaki's children. Misaki would become acting Queen Mother. Although it pained her to see those children bastardize, there was no way she was going to allow the village to further be in incompetent hands.
"That's not what I am here to discuss.", Konan wipe the tear that was forming in her eye and her face became hard. "Tell me how to get the seal off"
Misaki turned to her in gleeful surprise. "Why would I tell you that?", Misaki cackled. "The best part of this is that even if your baby is carried to term, it will die with you. That is the price of the Forbidden Jutsu." Misaki laughed some more. "It solves all of our problems" Misaki ate a piece of fruit off the table. "I hope that boy of yours doesn't get killed in the process trying to do the impossible", said Misaki inferring that she knew that Masaru was using most of his chakra to keep the babies in Konan's womb alive.
Konan nodded her head. "And how did you know about what Masaru was doing", Konan asked. Misaki's smile faded.
"It's common knowledge", said Misaki. "These walls do talk", she brushed off the question.
"Misaki", Konan said her name in a way that she knew that she was lying. "Most of the Akatsuki are unaware of Masaru's true power and skill. Now, tell me who are your spies, and don't mention Shigure, because he's been playing double agent for a while, primarily when Yahiko dealt with him.
"You bitch", Misaki gripped her cup in anger.
"You know, I can't comprehend why people are still loyal to you, you can't manipulate their thoughts anymore so what is it?", interrogated Konan.
"How did you-"
"Here I thought it was just the Blood Limit of the Rui's, with Hanzo's influence over emotions and your control of people's thoughts, it's a great recipe for control. But, it actually runs deeper, doesn't it? Who knew corruption ran so deep in Amekagure." Konan gritted her teeth. "I will smoke it out"
"Konan, you filthy girl"
"Take Jieun,", said Konan gesturing to one of her servants. "She was with the Akatsuki the longest, since she was a young girl, but come to find out she worked for you, I should have known because her incompetent father is now over the Treasury."
Jieun's eyes widened in horror. She went to her knees and started rubbing her hands together pleading for her life. "Konan-sama, these are lies-", Jieun started to implore Konan's ear but it was thwarted by Misaki.
"I was wondering when you were going to find out", spat Misaki as she interrupted Jieun. "You were always too kind and gave people the benefit of the doubt", she cut her eyes in annoyance between Konan and Jieun.
"You are right", Konan said in agreement. A flick of the paper cut Hyo-Joo's throat. At first, she didn't feel the cut, but her neck started stinging, then blood started to stain her Hanbook. She instinctively held her throat and started to gurgle. Konan glared at Hyo-Joo letting her know full well that she knew that she was a spy since she came to their compound. "It was really hard tolerating her since her theatrical performance that led to the absence of my daughter"
Jieun started crying in fear as she watched the blood start to pool on the floor. "Mistress, please I only did what was asked of me, I didn't want to hurt you I promise, no information was worth anything or would put you in danger, please spare me"
"No danger?", Konan laughed. "Even when we are ambushed by Hanzo's men pretending to be from another village. That wasn't you giving vital information. Do you have any idea the pain you caused Nagato". Jieun looked at Misaki to save her, but turned away and didn't look at her.
"MISTRESS PLEASE", Jieun pleaded. "Please help me", she sobbed and grabbed her sleeve.
Misaki pulled her sleeve away. "If you were any use for me you wouldn't have been caught", Misaki shook the girl off and hit her in the process.
"Jieun", Konan held her face in her hands, and Jieun looked at her with terror in her eyes. "The reason I haven't killed you is that I have always loved Misaki's children, you were one I nursed when I lost my third child and my breast was still filled with milk, your Father needed a child after his wife died from childbirth", Konan wiped off the tears her face with her thumb.
Jieun stared at her with her face twisting in confusion. She looked between her and Konan. "Lies", she whispered. "They have to be lies"
"A child wants approval from their mother even when they don't know who they are", stated Konan. "I underestimated how much a biological bond would affect you and how much you needed the approval from your father. I won't make that mistake next time" Jieun stared in disbelief at Konan. Her chest went up and down and she could hear her heart thump in her ears.
"Is it true?", Jieun asked turning to Misaki. Misaki avoided her gaze and rolled her eyes. " .True", Jieun asked more slowly and deliberately voiced every syllable in anger.
"Konan is a terrible liar, but I see she has picked up some of my manipulative tricks", Misaki said sipping her tea and sneering at Jieun. Jieun was about to slap Misaki for insulting Konan, but Konan grabbed her hand.
"She still outranks you, no one knows about your origins except a select few if you injure her I can't protect you", Jieun's almond eyes started to flood with tears. A mixture of emotions started to stir and Konan gave her soft look of compassion. Jieun shook her head and ran past Konan. Konan didn't stop her knowing a lot of information was given to her to process. Jieun needed to be alone. Additionally, Konan was still angry with her. Konan performed a jutsu and a paper bird came to life. "Let her be, but make sure she returns home safely" The paper bird flew away in the direction that Jieun ran.
"I see you are still playing with paper", said Misaki in distaste. "You are a fool for letting that girl live, this is why you don't have the ruthlessness to be a leader"
"In a way you're right", Konan conceded. "I was a bad mother, I didn't protect my children, I allowed Hanzo and you to do unspeakable things because I was...timid", tears started brimming from Konan's eyes and she wiped them away. "In the end, they were hurt because of me, I allowed these things to happen, but unlike you, I know my children and love them unconditionally. I love their strengths, I love their weaknesses and I love everything about them even their bastard parents." Konan fixed herself and instinctively smoothed her hair to regain her composure. "You need to step down Misaki and persuade Hanzo to do so as well"
"And what do we stand to gain?", Misaki questioned in disbelief.
"Your life, your money, I can even set it so you and Hanzo can own your own brothel. I don't care, but your time in Amekagure must end and I find this the most peaceful solution.", asserted Konan.
Misaki laughed at Konan. "You have been a very funny girl today, you think you can waltz in here and own the place"
"Misaki, I do own this place, Hanzo and you only have power because of my royal bloodline, Misaki your family had the money and Hanzo got his prowess from his father. We are all in this twisted game, and I'm giving you a way to end it peacefully"
"You think your ninjutsu can beat Hanzo. FOOLISHNESS", she screamed. "Hanzo is the only reason we aren't invaded, I'm the one who persuades foreigners from taking our resources, what have you done?", Misaki scuffed. "Being a mother", Misaki used air quotes to further her insults.
"I will be a mother to the people like YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN" Konan beat her hand on the table. "Do you want to know why I never legitimized your children?" Misaki stared at her in disbelief that she would bring up the subject. "Because you never proved to me you would be a worth Queen Mother" There were many responsibilities with becoming a Queen Mother to the heir apparent. One of them, was choosing a successor when an heir died. Because of this, when Hanzo died Konan still had full power to name the successor even though she had no children of her own, yet.
Pure fury came ablaze in Misaki's eyes. "That's where you're wrong, I fucked Hanzo because I liked it, I couldn't help that he was my half-sibling. Then people got in our way because it was taboo, so we decided to be more powerful than anybody so we can fuck who we like and when we like. Then the money came, and you, my sweet little friend sealed it all together, you speak of being a mother, but once you get a taste of power, it will blacken your soul just like mine, but I will not let you disrupt what I and Hanzo have, take your offer and shove it"
Konan nodded and stood. "I thought this would be a productive and peaceful meeting, but I see that you can't be swayed." Konan turned around to leave.
"Soraya will be married in the Spring", Misaki taunted.
"Yes and her return with her betrothed would warrant a festival in their honor", Misaki's smile faltered.
"The treasury can't afford such things", Misaki replied.
"Well, luckily Yahiko looked over it himself and noticed that your stipend was over budget and we decreased it quite a bit, and your access to funds had been cut off." Misaki blinked in surprise at the statement "Don't worry you have enough for food and an occasional new Hanbok once or twice or a month, but your spending binges are over. And the money we saved while you were in a coma will cover the expenses", Misaki gritted her teeth in anger.
"You don't have the authority!", Misaki exclaimed.
"Everything within the royal household is under my authority", Konan said dangerously.
"I WILL GET YOU BACK FOR THIS, HOW DARE YOU TAKE MY WEALTH FROM ME"
"Your wealth?", Konan scuffed. "That money comes from taxes from the people, not you, and the nobles haven't been paying their taxes for years, with you and Hanzo's management we could have gone bankrupt without our resources in industry"
"Hanzo and I will get that girl and we will do to her what we did to you and your two pathic use of husbands years ago", threatened Misaki.
Konan turned around and with a fierce glare and threw the teacup at Misaki.
"You bit-"
Misaki felt herself being lifted off the ground and a hand around her throat. "You forget that I was trained by the great Sanin Jiraya, Yahiko, Nagato and I only endured that pain for the good of Amekagure, but we are stronger now and don't need you, you have destroyed my life, killed my children, the threat of war is the only thing keeping you alive. So act accordingly." Konan let go of her throat and got off of her. Misaki let out an animalistic scream.
"I HOPE THAT CHILD DIES IN YOUR WOMB AND EVERYTHING YOU LOVE DIES FOR HOW YOU TREATED ME, I GAVE YOU A LIFE OF LUXURY AND THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY ME!"
Konan was tired of the twisted lies that Misaki was spewing. Luxury? This palace was never luxurious for her. She remembered how Hanzo would starve her as punishment or so she wouldn't have the energy to resist while he used her body to his will. She was paraded around naked and traded to diplomats. The only thing luxurious was her Title, and she was taking it back. Then she was going to destroy the society that gave her so much pain.
"I will enjoy seeing your blood-stained on the walls", Konan said, giving her a warning of her impending doom. Konan turned around to leave to go back to the Akatsuki compound. Meanwhile, Misaki felt a chill down her spine like she had heard something similar before.
It was Yahiko who eventually came to collect Jieun. She was on the outskirts of the village crying near the river. Yahiko brought Masaru along with him, thinking that someone closer to her age may help her calm down to come home.
Jieun wiped her tears. "I only knew about the Janjira, but they were killed by Itachi, Hanzo is meeting with Danzo", admitting the rest she knew to Yahiko and Masaru. "That's all I know", she confessed. She glanced at Masaru with watered eyes. "Please kill me quickly"
"We are not here to kill you dumbass", said Masaru with a smile. Yahiko rolled his eyes.
"Masaru we don't talk to women that way period", Yahiko shook his head, he would definitely have to tell Kisame to adjust his speech pattern when he was training Masaru.
"Fine.", responded Masaru. "We are here to take you home. You can wallow in self-pity and guilt there", stated Masaru. Jieun looked at him in confusion at his words. "I don't know why you are confused, we are here to take you home. Get up and let's go"
"That is definitely not how a coax a female to do anything", said Yahiko to his son.
"Well obviously she's been thinking of the same thing over and over for hours, and she's cold and I've seen her prettier on other days, you don't have a beautiful crying face, by the way, so let's get you home so you can feel better and smile. Soraya should be home soon, when she gets here she can cheer you up", at the mention of Soraya's name she started crying again. How could she put her in so much danger? Soraya would have been lost to the Akatsuki forever and she did it without a thought.
Jieun cried harder in response.
"Hey-I said you can wallow at-", Yahiko interrupted Masaru.
"Masaru, let me take over", Masaru crossed his arms in irritation.
"Fine"
Yahiko sat down near Jieun and waited for her to calm herself a bit before talking. "Masaru is right, it will be better if you come home, Konan is waiting for you there, she would have come grabbed you but she wasn't feeling well.", Yahiko said in a gentle voice.
"How can you even stand to be around me, I put everyone in danger, I was working for Misaki for so long, I could have got you and Nagato-", Jieun stood up and vomited in the river. Masaru patted her on the back as a way of comforting her.
"It's because they love you, dummy," stated Masaru. "Looks like someone is getting the flu"
Yahiko chuckled. "He is right" Yahiko paused as he put the umbrella over her head. "But, you can tell us why you did it?"
Jieun looked away from him, her body shivering because of the cold air. "I-I", Jieun could find the words that she tried to find. Where should she begin?
"From the beginning, start at the beginning" Jieun glared at Masaru.
"Stop reading my mind", she said defensively.
"There isn't much to read. Just images of your father", Masaru shrugged. Jieun started to breathe heavily and her shoulders raised in anger. Her father would be angry with her for failing. He would lose his position and he would just blame her like he did everything else.
"You are not to blame, your dumbass dad is, he is the one that is incompetent in his role, not you, by the way, you are a very good spy, never would have known hadn't it been for this", Masaru pointed to his head. Jieun pushed Masaru.
"Shut up, you don't know what it's like for the only person who you can rely on doesn't care or want you", said Jieun. "And the person-", Jieun wiped the tears streaming from her eyes, "tells you that there is a way for him to love you, just do this one thing and he will recognize you, then he smiles at you one time, and then tells you are nothing after he is done with you until they ask for another favor, then the people who actually care about you have to constantly betray just to get the approval of someone who is supposed to love you. YOU WILL NEVER KNOW"
"Yes I do", said Masaru calmly. Yahiko looked back him in surprise. "The first part, I'm pretty loyal when I decide to be, so I'm better than you in that department, but I do know what it's like for a dad to reject you", said Masaru. "They just died, and it sucks because I can never grow-up and confront them" Masaru walked closer and looked up at Jieun for she was taller, but she could tell it wouldn't be long before Masaru outgrew her. "You think a slap, is punishment, try getting beat the shit out off because you joined in on your sister's dance lessons, or not being strong enough, or not having the best grades even when you are competing with the best of the best students, or when he found out that I also like boys, that was hell, but you have a family that loves you and willing to take you home, SO COME HOME! I'M GETTING COLD"
"You endured all that?", she asked. Masaru nodded. Masaru looked down in shame.
"Don't you see we are the same. Well except the betrayal, and I'm sorry that your mom hates you", Jieun hugged him and he hugged him back.
"I promise I will take care of you and Soraya, like a big Sister"
"You were already our big sister". Jieun vowed to herself that she would protect them at all cost, no matter what and that she would be loyal to the Akatsuki, her family.
"You should know that I would never hurt Soraya, I would never-", she hiccuped as she started to sob. "It was a man named Danzo, that suggested the idea to Hanzo, he has been working with him for some time to get rid of him, I prayed for her that she would be safe, Danzo was behind the ambush, the ninja were from Konoha black ops, that's all I know"
"She's telling the truth", stated Masaru. "Anything else you can think of?" Jieun shook her head.
Yahiko came to her and embraced her. "There is one thing you have to do before you can come back."
"What is it?", she asked cautiously.
"Reject your past and your title, you will belong fully to the Akatuski, you will join the Akatsuki for the rest of your life, any money you gain from your father from his death will go to our cause"
"But females can't inherit anything", she retorted.
"Let us work out the details", said Yahiko nefariously.
"What is your-
"You don't get to ask questions at this point Jieun,", interjected Masaru. "You either come to a family who loves you or you will die quickly, out of respect for Konan's love for you", said Masaru.
"It won't come to that, I already gave my heart to this family, I promise you I will do anything to make up for my failures", she said sternly.
"Good", Yahiko said with the finality of the subject. Jieun fell to her knees in weakness. Yahiko noticed her face getting paler and how drenched her hanbok was, she had been out too long, and he could tell that she was starting to get sick. She probably hadn't eaten anything that day as well. There was no way she would make the hike home. She was not a shinobi, but a noble. Therefore, she was not accustomed to the outside elements. Jieun finally blacked out and Masaru caught her.
"That's one way to bring her home", said Masaru.
Konan sat in her office and went about the daily administration before someone unexpectedly entered the room and closed the door. She looked up and was about to attack and scream.
"Now, Now I come in peace, your Majesty, bravo on the show today", said Obito.
Konan breathed in deeply. There is no way she could wiggle out of his presence. Nagato and Yahiko were out looking for Jieun and none of the other Akatsuki didn't have the power or experience to fight the person in front of her. "What is that you want"
"Just a partnership, and to prove my worth", Obito raised his hand in defense. "I come with advisement and information."
"Speak", said Konan as she rubbed her belly as she felt the baby kicking.
"I have information on how to fully release you of The Forbidden Jutsu Hanzo has placed on you, but first you must hear me out"
Konan sat back in her chair as she was becoming unsteady with the proposition he had thrown at her. She wanted nothing more for her children to survive childbirth. Moreover, she knew it was a matter of time before whatever Masaru was doing would stop working.
"You have my full attention, Madara"
"Call me Tobi, I can't have people knowing my true identity"
"Tobi", Konana corrected
"You know that Hanzo is in Kirigakure, he is garnering support to defeat you and the Akatsuki"
"Why would the Mist even decide to work with him, we have been rivals for centuries"
"But like Hanzo, the Kage has an equal troublesome wife, both are very brutal and rule with an iron fist, well Hanzo more of limp dick, the Kage is still very young in The Mist, but all Hanzo has to do is show that you will influence Mei Terumi and Hanzo will have their support", Konan realized that he was right.
"And what do you want for this information exchange."
"It's very easy, a partnership, the only way to have peace is to be more powerful than those who are corrupt", he paused as he watched Konan register the information. "I suggest we extract his bijuu , that will severely weaken him, and Mei who has been working against him can do the rest, Kisame might even like to join in on the action after we kill Hanzo"
"Get Out", Konan said. "Kill Hanzo, are you crazy"
"It's the only way for your babies to survive childbirth. You really didn't know that he would have to be killed by your hands, you have to use his dying blood to release the seal on your womb", Obito explained. Konan looked shocked and tears started to form before she regrouped herself.
"That can't be done, even the Sanin couldn't beat him", she stated hopelessly.
"No, but you have someone under my command that can"
"Itachi", she whispered.
"You know he would do anything for your daughter, you should have seen him fight the Janjira, and it's a matter of time before they are bonded, even if they get married or not, did you really think he would agree to it 'just to protect her, his love and lust for her is tragically beautiful"
"Bonded? You don't mean."
"I know it's a lot to take in that you may be a grandmother sooner than you thought, but focus, send Itachi and Kisame to the Mist and give the message to stand down, if the Kage doesn't listen, they are to assist Mei and her supporters in a coup d'etat."
"Hanzo is using the wedding as an opportunity to kill the Akatsuki", she murmured in realization. She rubbed her head as she was starting to get a tension headache from the stress. Obito took her hand and rubbed it gently in a comforting manner.
"Cheer Up, you have a wedding to plan, and no matter the circumstances every girl should be happy about their wedding day, so let's make it very special indeed". With that Obito left.
Notes:
So glad I finally posted this chapter. This was almost on the cutting floor, but a few key points need to be highlighted with Konan's character. Mainly she ALWAYS wanted to be a mother. A lot of people like this tend to just want their own biological child, but she was okay with nursing children of people that treated her like trash. Which speaks to the level of Narcissism and entitlement of Misaki. I totally imagine Konan being like Catelyn Stark who would do anything for her children, and she sees herself as a Mother to her country, which in this storyline was one of the factors in forming the Akatsuki.
Also, I like that you see Masaru is a loveable asshole.