Chapter 26

Small and Tender Moments Part 1

Life is too short to not have fun; we are only here for a short time compared to the sun and the moon and all that."

-Coolio

A young Itachi gazed down below at the ongoing battle between Nations. Loud booms filled the air along with many war crimes. He saw people landing attacks and falling dead in the next instance. One right after the other bodies started to pile up. What was more horrifying was the stench that seemed to go for miles. Blood, sweat, and the smell of decomposing bodies filled Itachi's nostrils. He watched the scene till dawn when the battle was over.

The small prodigy was tasked with one thing: help the allied wounded. That's what he set out to do when the battle was over. Except everyone was mostly dead. He went to the outskirts of the battle while his father was in a meeting with the current Hokage.

A man in red begged for water, Itachi not caring who it was rushed over to him and gave it to him. He had no interest in who was fighting whom. The night as he watched hell unfolding that he would become stronger to end all fighting. He had no desire to fight pointless battles. Being so close to death made him realize how precious was life.

The man suddenly had him by the throat. He felt his body go numb as he deduced a paralyzing agent went through his body. He watched as the man pulled his pants down and used him for his own pleasure. Itachi didn't cry. His eyes were locked on the sky above as his mind went blank. The next thing he knew he felt the man being ripped away from him and his father standing above him, Fugaku Uchiha, The Wicked Eye of Konoha.

"I'm sorry", muttered Itachi. "I just wanted to help." Fugaku bent down and fixed his son's clothes.

"The reality of war is that it brings the very worst in humanity", Fugaku said dusting off his son. "You have your mother's aversion to battle, and the teaching of Konoha have you made you weak, this is unbecoming of the next heir to the Uchiha", Fugaku placed a kunai in his son's hand. He then went to the man that took his child's innocence, grabbed him by the hair and forced him on his knees "Kill him"

"No please I'm sorry", the man pleaded.

Itachi shook his head. "No, that's revenge he should be put with other prisoners"

"This man raped you, he's not sorry, he's just afraid of death, kill him", Itachi slowly walked to the man clutching tightly.

"I don't want to", Itachi said softly. Itachi avoided his eyes once he saw the familiar red iris, however, he noticed that his black dots were different from usual.

"KILL HIM", the older Uchiha shouted. Itachi heard something behind him and noticed ten enemy shinobi behind him. Before he could think his body lept into action. The next memory he had was his father tapping his shoulder as he was covered in blood. The man that hurt him was underneath him with multiple stab wounds and a slash to the throat. Fear gripped Itachi's heart as he couldn't recollect how it happened. Nevertheless, the kunai was in his bloodstained hands.

"Good job son, I knew you had it in you and you unlocked your Sharingan at such a young age." The older Uchiha knelt down and hugged his son. Itachi just stared at his bloody hands in shock as they started to shake.

Itachi woke up with a gasp as the memory kept replaying in his mind. He instinctively checked his hands. He went to the bathroom and washed his hand and splashed water on his face to calm down. When he went back into his room, he noticed Konan was sitting right next to his bed.

"Bad dream?", she stated. Itachi didn't answer. "Soraya and Masaru have them to"

"Their family was killed, it's expected", he responded.

"Is that what you dreamed of, your family", Itachi clutched the shirt that he was putting on. He was about to say something. "I'm not here to fight", she said putting her hands up in surrender. "Soraya was very clear last night, I came to give you decent attire for tonight, Hanzo is going to introduce you two to the village, plus I wanted you to look nice for your first...official outing with Soraya"

"I think the updated term is date", Itachi chuckled. Nevertheless, a worried look was still on Konan's features. "Soraya would not like you being stressed about her welfare" Konoha rubbed her belly in response and sat on his bed. Itachi was glad at the instinctual rub. As in the past with all of Konan's miscarriages, he never saw her do so, but she was never this far along.

"I know it may come to a shock to you but you are of my concern too, your mother entrusted me to take care of you,"

"You didn't have to, you're just a very distant cousin", Itachi mumbled.

"Your mother knew we had similar intentions for society, and knew you needed a safe haven, you haven't been the first criminal their village has forsaken in our ranks" Konan blinked back tears at the memories of Mikoto's brief moments together before and after the war. "She would have thought you and Soraya would be a good match"

"I don't know what my mother ever wanted", Itachi replied.

"Do you know what happened to Soraya's shinobi hanbok", Konan asked innocently. Itachi furrowed his brow.

"I didn't realize it was missing, when I awoke she was dressed in the green hanbok", Itachi said perplexed by the question. "I can make a replacement", he shrugged nonchalantly. Konan could however see the tint of red appearing on his cheeks.

Konan smile. "You take hints so well", she chimed. "She really loved it, but she definitely outgrew the style, maybe something a little sexy, that will drive her dads crazy, but functional, but especially from you" Itachi nodded.

"I tried telling her last night, but she was clear that she wanted to be a special day", Konan's smile faltered at the sudden confession.

"I will tighten measures, so you can tell her yourself, but there is no guarantee that this can remain hidden from her if she ever gets to the palace. So hurry back from your mission with The Mist, go as soon the ceremony is over", she demanded.

It was mid-morning and Soraya was waiting outside for Itachi by her palanquin.

"Good Morning my princess", Soraya half-smiled as she noticed it was her father, Yahiko. She waved at him as he kissed her forehead.

"Father do I have to wear such a nice hanbok, it seems such a waste for a festival, and what will people think, the economy is getting worse, it almost seems like I'm flaunting", Yahiko patted her head.

"This will actually mark you as a noblewoman and will protect you mostly, there is still a strict code of hierarchy", he explained. He smiled and tapped her nose with parental affection.

"Exactly, we should be showing that all people are equal regardless of their station", Soraya argued. Yahiko's big hands cupped her cheek in understanding. However, he then noticed her confidence turned into a worried expression.

"You know Itachi is just as nervous as you are, I don't know why you spent months together alone" Yahiko stated but he was also trying to probe any additional information from her. Konan had told him her suspicions.

"Itachi is very professional", she replied. "If anything it has made things complicated", she mumbled.

"All I know is he was asking Masaru and Nagato about your likes, so if anything goes wrong, blame them" Soraya laughed at Yahiko. She stopped when she saw Itachi approaching m

"Wow", Soraya said as she watched Itachi walk her way in a really nice hanbok and a beaded gat. "It seems mama really wanted us to look nice"

"And match", Yahiko added. "This is an official royal court matter, she definitely made sure you two look the part" It was then that she noticed they were both wearing pink and blue tones. The only item that marked them as Akatsuki were the red cloud charms on their garments. "I'm off, I will see you two tonight", Yahiko said giving her a kiss on the forehead before leaving the two.

Soraya eyed the palanquin not really wanting to go in it. Itachi noticed the hesitation. "We can walk", he suggested. He noted earlier in their trip that she hated cramped spaces.

"They really want me to use it", she whispered. "Plus", she showed her shoes. "These are uncomfortable, cute and expensive", her tone indicated that she was displeased in wearing them.

Itachi raised some shoes that he snagged from her bedroom that were more comfortable for the situation. Soraya gave a look of relief and gratitude. "Let them carry you until we are out of sight", Soraya smiled and nodded before getting in cushioned tight space. She felt it rise as the hired men picked it up and walked away from the compound with Itachi close behind.

After a few minutes her palanquin stopped and was placed down right before the festival grounds. Itachi helped her out and she sighed. She really hated cramped spaces and had to go more than a few places than her happy place. When she was finally on her feet she remembered how uncomfortable her shoes were. Itachi chuckled at her as she was trying to reach for her shoes in the layers of fabric.

"Here let me help you", he stopped her. "Lean on me". Soraya's cheeks darkened as she placed her hand on his shoulder. He took her shoes and replaced the comfortable shoes on her feet. He then placed the other shoes in the gamma so they could later retrieve them. "You can go", he told the servants. They bowed in respect and happily went to join the festivities.

Soraya and Itachi walked closely, side by side into the city. Both were silent for some time enjoying each other's company. "Is there anything you would like to do?", Itachi asked.

"Food", Soraya answered excitedly. "And definitely some games, I never got to play games at a festival before", she beamed. Itachi smiled at her excitement and exhaled.

"Do they have things like funnel cake here?", she asked. Itachi gave her a questioning look and she further explained what it was.

"Not here, but I'm pretty sure we can find you something sweet you like, I am an expert on sweets"

"That's surprising", she chuckled. She was surprised that she didn't catch on to his sweet tooth as every day he ordered dango on their journey. Also, his personality did not scream sweet tooth. "I actually prefer spicy food"

"That I would never guess", he said in equal surprise. "I actually can't handle spicy food"

"What in the British Isles", Soraya could not comprehend the statement due to her Texan Creole heritage. Her whole childhood was dry rub, chilies, and hot sauce. Additionally, when she said she preferred spicy food, she actually meant that she obsessed over spicy food, especially sweet and spicy, which is why she was in love with Kimichi. It was the one thing Konan could make successfully, and she made a spicer batch specifically for Soraya. It was something they had and also their inside joke, as every batch would get spicer and spicer, seeing how hot Soraya could actually handle.

Itachi laughed at her response and her stunned silence. He didn't know what British Isles was, but he even knew it was a slight insult. "I handle pepper just for your sake as you seem to put it in all of your cooking"

"BECAUSE YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO", she said loudly. Itachi chuckled even more at her response, loving every minute of how lively she was. "I'm not changing my cooking style, you will have to endure"

"Well it seems like you can test your limits, there is a spicy noodle contest", said Itachi pointing to the sign. "You should enter", he taunted.

"She's a woman, and a noble at that, there's no way she will even get past the first round.", said a random man near the sign chided.

Soraya's hand clutched at her sides. "Itachi sign me up", she demanded with determination in her eyes.

Kisame and Masaru wandered through the streets of the festival. Both were in silence as Masaru was admiring the vendors and the games. "Is there anything you want to do specifically, you just watched and observed so far"

"I'm seeing what games I can win", Masaru mumbled. "Why play them if you can't guarantee you will win, that is a waste of money"

"The purpose of a game is to have fun, not to win", Kisame counter

"My dad said that carnival games are scams, anyway", he replied. "He only let me puzzle games because he knew I would win something"

"Your sperm donor sounds like a real party starter", Masaru looked up at him very unsure of what to say. "A festival is about letting your hair down and having fun, you have more than enough money saved up for missions, be responsible, but sometimes you gotta fucking splurge"

Masaru pinched his lips in thought. "How much should I budget, I also want to get my sister something. I don't know how this currency works that's why I haven't spent anything, and everyone bargains"

It was then Kisame saw Zabuza and Haku down the way in the sea of people. Kisame waved at them to get their attention. Zabuza seemed uncomfortable but remained in his stoic form. Nonetheless, Haku's eyes seemed to have a brightness to them enjoying the excitement of the festival.

"MASARU!", exclaimed Haku. Masaru and he gave each other a secret handshake, that seemed more of a choreographed dance. Kisame chuckled as Zabuza looked disapprovingly.

"I thought Zabuza said you were going to be training today", said Masaru

"Konan persuaded him to let me join you", Haku explained. "She's said there's more to the world than fighting". Haku glanced up at Zabuza and then whispered to Masaru. "She also let him know who is actually in charge, pregnant women are scary". Masaru nodded in agreement as he chuckled.

Seeing Masaru smile with his friend warmed Kisame's heart, something that the budding juvenile was doing every day. He dug in his wallet and grabbed some money and gave it to Masaru. "You and Haku, go splurge." Masaru was about to grab it but Kisame pulled it back "But you can only have this if you two promise not to talk about training and have fun"

"Fine", they both chimed. Masaru grabbed the money, but Kisame noticed the pause he had as if he was in deep thought.

"There is someone named Mei who is looking for you", Masaru whispered. "She's that way", Masaru pointed in the direction. Kisame longed for the days that he had to bend down to talk to Masaru eye to eye. Now, Masaru was just above his chest. He was a full-fledged teenager, almost a man. "Eww old man, she really wants you"

"Shut up you little fuck", Kisame said lightly pushing him. "Go before I pound ya"

Masaru chuckled before running off with Haku. "Give her a big old kiss for me old man"

"I'm not even that fucking old you brat. I'M IN MY PRIME", he yelled.

"You know it would be better if you didn't form an attachment to the person you wish to inherit the sword.", Zabuza chastised.

"You plan on having your kid killing Masaru to prove his strength, like at The Academy", retorted Kisame

Zabuza was silent as they were both in a stare-down. "No", he finally said.

"Then we are done here", Kisame said turning away from Zabuza and heading toward the direction Masaru pointed to. "It will probably do you some good to see Haku more than just an extended weapon of yourself"

Zabuza didn't say anything in response and Kisame continued walking in the direction where Masaru pointed.

Kisame walked into an outdoor restaurant where he saw his target. She was sitting waiting for her food. Mei was dressed in a blue hanfu, marking her as a foreigner in Amekgaure. She had a veil, that was pushed up for eating. Drinks came to her table and she pushed it aside. " Just go to her ", Kisame heard Masaru's voice in his head.

" I'm going to need you to be out of my head the rest of the day ", Kisame then pushed Masaru out, but not before he heard his light laughter. Kisame finally sat down by Mei, and she smirked at him.

"I wasn't expecting you to notice I was here so quickly", she said. Kisame noticed that her hanfu covered most of her body, but he rarely saw her wear a veil. Also, it wasn't like her to wear modest clothing, even for her station. He pulled her sleeves up to reveal bruises. She pushed it back down after she saw his sullen face.

"It's not your fault, and it's a necessary hindrance", she muttered. "Man I could use a drink"

Kisame started to pour her some, but she shook her head. "I'll just have some tea, I have to get back before he knows I'm gone"

"I hate the day I let you marry the Mizukage", he said softly as he was caressing her hand.

"You and I both know that you didn't have a choice", she added with sympathy.

Kisame remained silent for a long time as the food arrived. "You never come with bruises, so something is urgent, tell me now before I lose control", Mei pressed her lips together.

"I have much news, but first let's go to my room", she replied. She put money on the table and gave Kisame the indignation to follow. "Don't look like that, I know you are happy to see me", she teased.

Kisame was indeed happy to see her. Nevertheless, he was cautious about what news she brought. If it was in person, that meant the information was more sensitive than usual and that could lead to a problem.

Mei closed the door behind her as Kisame entered. She took a deep breath as she started to disrobe.

"Umm we can at least talk about things before we get started", Kisame said in surprise.

"That's part of the reason I'm here", she took off her veil and then her inner robe. He first saw the bruises on her arm. and one beneath her eye that she tried to hide with make-up. As he reached out to touch her, his eyes became fixated on her extended abdomen. Kisame retreated back aghast at the revelation.

"It's your's", she confessed. "I only had sex with him after I knew officially pregnant with your child."

Kisame remained silent for several long moments. Mei had no choice but to be a bride for the powerful Mizukage. Her beauty made her a prime target for the current Mizukage's affection. He was ruthless and very powerful ruler of the village. He instilled loyalty through strength and terror. Nevertheless, everyone knew of their love before and their undying loyalty to The Mist. To the point, Kisame killed his own men on that mission to maintain the secrets from The Mist and even obtained his legendary sword because of it.

"None of that matters", he said softly. Kisame grabbed her arms and water began to circle around them, healing the bruises in the process. "I can feel her in your womb", he chuckled. "Of course, I would have fucking girl"

"I didn't even know", Mei said in envy. Kisame shrugged anything in water he could feel the electric current that it created. He knew something was weird around Mei, but could only figure it out after she explained her condition.

"How long?", he asked. "22 weeks I'm guessing, by our last rendezvous", he winked. Her cheeks went red as she scratched her forehead in slight embarrassment.

"Is that why he hit you because he doesn't think it's his?", Kisame asked.

"No", a long pregnant pause went through the room. "Hanzo was talking to Yugara ", Kisame tensed at his name, hating the Mizukage with every power of his being. "He knows that you are hiding here, and Hanzo made the case that it would be wise to make an alliance with him specifically, I, of course, told him that we don't have the resources and have much to lose, and needless to say both of them didn't approve of a woman speaking sense"

"I'm sorry", Kisame said rubbing her abdomen.

Mei grabbed Kisame's chin and slapped him. "You did everything you could to save me and The Mist, don't you ever be sorry", Kisame grinned at the sting and he could feel himself getting hard.

"My, My seems like you are pretty feisty today", laughed Kisame.

"More like sexually frustrated", she said tracing her finger underneath his chin. She disrobed and sat on the bed. "How about we stop talking and get down to business, I still want to enjoy the festival"

Kisame sauntered over to her as he started to take off his clothes. "Not so fast, you think I haven't missed the taste of your fucking pussy", he said. "I'm going to take my time with you, especially since you gave me such a gift"

Mei stopped him with her foot. "So you're not angry", Kisame shrugged nonchalantly.

"It's nice to know that if I die, I have a little bastard child out there, especially with you and my genes"

" Pretty sure you are not supposed to say that to a woman" , Masaru's thoughts interrupted Kisame's own. " Especially if she's carrying your child"

"It's a fucking honor to carry on your seed", Mei said in relief and lust. She planted her lips on blue ones and placed his hand on his gilled cheeks. Kisame could feel the electricity flowing through his veins as he deepened it.

" What the fuck ", Masaru said/thought in disbelief. " WHAT AM I WATCHING "

Kisame laughed internally. " Get a partner that understands you" Masaru could feel Kisame almost wink in his mind.

"Just Ew"

" Go be a kid, Goddammit " Kisame laughed and pushed Masaru out of his mind, which wasn't hard because Masaru was ready to leave. Nevertheless, Kisame didn't care if the young teenager stayed, either way, him and Mei were going to fuck. And by the ferocity of the kiss, it was going to be rough, hard, and wild.

"Now where were we", Kisame said in a low melodic voice. Kisame bent down and kissed her softly on the lips and slowly went to her neck. Mei grabbed his chin and met his gaze intensely.

"You going soft on me?", she asked.

"Of course I am", Kisame replied. "Especially in your-", he waved his hands gesturing at her body. "In your condition"

"I'm pregnant, not weak", she said firmly. Kisame sighed and rolled his eyes. "And wasn't you that gave me a whole lesson on how sharks eat their own siblings to survive?"

"Yes", he said breathlessly as he felt her hand grasping his cock.

"And didn't you tell me outside of the people you care about are considered your prey"

"Yes"

"And you embody the top predator of the water", her lips grazed his and took a slight bite before pulling back before he could deepen the kiss.

"Then I think our daughter can handle a little rough sex", she then whispered in his ear. "Because we don't breed weaklings". Kisame smacked her butt before turning her around and slamming her on the bed and enjoying Mei's body that afternoon in full force.

Haku and Masaru rushed away from another game they played, as an owner chased them away thinking they were cheating as they won several consecutive times.

"It's not my fault your game was easy to figure out, and you should be ashamed of trying to scam kids anyway", Masaru shouted running away.

When they finally outran the vendor they laughed and lounged around.

They finally stopped at a woman's shop. It was the smallest shop, but a few things caught Masaru's eyes. He got a few decorative hairpins and placed them near Haku's cheek. "Which one do you like?", Masaru asked.

"I don't think your sister would like any of these", stated Haku.

"It's for you", corrected Masaru. Haku blinked in surprise. "You like girly things and your hair is longer, it would be a nice accent, for a nice face" Haku blushed at his comment.

"You think my face is nice", Haku blinked in surprise.

"Haku I would never lie about a person's beauty", Masaru replied.

"That I can confirm", said Jieun behind Masaru. "He told me I was a four when I first woke up this morning", she hit him playfully, as painful as she could.

"I said", he started to correct her "You need to get up and get ready so you can be the eight you usually are instead of the four you look like now", Masaru shrugged. "It was a compliment" She hit him again not liking his compliment.

"How do ever expect to find a respectable wife or a male consort with that mouth of yours", she said. Masaru rolled his eyes.

"Can you help Haku choose a hairpin I want to buy it for him", he asked changing the subject.

"I actually like this one", said Haku handing it to Masaru. Jieun inspected it looking for any imperfections. It had a snowflake pendant with green tear drops dangling from the top of the hairpin.

"I think it's stunning but subtle. Like you", Jieun said. "Shut-up Masaru and pay", she said as Masaru was about to say something that may have been a backhanded compliment. Masaru grumbled and did what she said, while she fixed his hair and added the hairpin.

"You look good bro", Masaru smiled and put his thumb up. Jieun placed a mirror in Infront of Haku. Haku touched it and then retreated his finger almost shocked at how good it looked.

"You think it's weird?", Haku questioned.

"No", they both answered.

"You can always kill them if they say otherwise", Jieun said nonchalantly skimming through the rest of the hairpin and accessories.

"I agree", said Masaru nodding his head in agreement. "The pink flower with black edging will be best for Soraya", Jieun inspected it and paid for the hairpin and some earrings, and a necklace to match. "What does Itachi need those for", Masaru asked reading her mind.

"I dunno, Soraya is the only one brave enough to question him, and who he responds to, I'm just fulfilling a command"

Masaru glanced at a jeweled watch and bought that instead. "I will give this to her myself thank you"

"Very well, I will see you at the firework show tonight", she bowed and they bowed back in respect.

Yahiko, Konan and Nagato walked through the various food stands. Nagato and Yahiko were enjoying the fact that Konan had an appetite, which to them was a good sign of the babies' health. Fatigue and stress had plagued her the last few months and it was nice to see her with a relaxed smile.

Konan spotted Itachi without Soraya and started to get worried. She briskly walked toward him and noticed a small smile from him.

"How is it going with Soraya?", she asked. Itachi's dark eyes had a hint of amusement as he pointed at the stage with amusement.

"See for yourself?", as glee gleamed in his eyes. Konan's eyes went in the direction of his finger. In her disbelief, she saw Soraya sitting down along with other male contestants awaiting the Spicy Eating Competition.

"Come on Haku we are going to miss it!", Konan heard Masaru's voice in the distance. When he spotted Konan she went to his side.

"You allowed her to do this?", Itachi noticed Kisame along with a veiled woman among his arm.

"Allowed is such a strong word when it comes to Soraya", countered Itachi. "And I see you were busy yourself all morning."

"Yes he was", said Mei as she waved her fan.

"It's nice to see The Shining Beauty of The Mist here in my presence", Konan greeted in a formal way.

"Don't be so formal Konan, I came to see an old friend especially now", she said as she pressed her clothes with her hand revealing the shape of her belly. Konan smiled at her but withheld congratulations as she could tell that she wanted her identity hidden. "I'm happy to see you so far along"

"Not that far, just twins", Konan smiled.

"I hear that you made quite the commotion declaring an heir", Mei inquired.

"I did, and she's right there", Mei took a good look at the budding child-woman sitting down with poise awaiting the competition.

"I see, well her beauty will only be rivaled by my daughter", Konan chuckled at her statement.

"Do you think she's going to win?", asked Yahiko folding his arms. He slightly disapproved of her participating as he wanted her to keep a low profile today until the ceremony. He wanted to ensure that Hanzo wouldn't try to kill her, but he knew that she needed to have some youthful fun.

"Definitely", Konan and Masaru said in unison.

"I think she will lose in the second round, she's tough but there is no way someone as small as her could handle that level of spice", declared Kisame.

"I think we should create a betting pool", suggested Yahiko.

"Already did", Masaru said gleefully. "LAST CALL FOR BETS", he shouted.

A rush of people went towards him and placed their money on the person they thought was going to win. Konan glared at Yahiko at the suggestion. He smirked and looked away. He meant amongst himselves not with the rest of the village.

"100 credits that she loses", Kisame said putting his money in the pot.

"That's a lot of money for these parts, I'll put some money on the girl", added Mei.

"Easy Money", Masaru chuckled to himself rubbing his hands together.

Then they heard a deep bell ring through the streets. "TIME FOR THE SPICY EATING CONTEST TO BEGIN!"

The Competition had four separate rounds each round had a different type of noodle with each continuing round the spice level increasing. If there were still contestants the remaining individuals had to eat as many raw peppers as possible. "And the final peppers are a special breed from Suna!", the announcer said.

"Why is she smiling? Why is she excited?", Kisame asked.

"Easy she hasn't tried that one yet, it's very hard to get in these parts", Konan nonchalantly said. Everyone glanced at Konan's revelation in perplexity except Masaru who had a knowing smirk on his face.

"And GO!", said the announcer. Everyone on the stage dove into the spicy noodles, subsequently some of the contestants already waving their mouth due to the spice level. Other contestants faces were beet red and quit very soon after. However, Soraya ate the bowls in front of her with ease. She wiped her mouth and waited with a smile for the next round.

"WOOO GO SORAYA!", screamed Haku having fun watching her. Soraya smiled before listening to the rules for the second round.

"LET'S CONGRATULATE THEM FOR MAKING IT TO THE SECOND ROUND!", the announcer said revving up the crowd. There were five people left in the competition. Most of them were big men, so Soraya looked very out of place on the stage. However, her eyes lit up when the jars of kimchi come to the table. "THE CONTESTANTS HAVE THREE MINUTES TO FINISH AS MANY BOWLS AS POSSIBLE OF THIS SPICY KIMICHI, DO YOU THINK YOU THINK YOU CAN DO IT", Soraya blinked in surprise as the mic was suddenly in her face.

"No problem", she said confidently.

"And what's your name my dear", she eyed Konan in the crowd and she gave a slight nod.

"Soraya, daughter of the Akatsuki, it's a pleasure being part of this contest", she put her hands together and gave a slight bow to her competitors.

"AWW AREN'T YOU THE MOST PRECIOUS, AND YOUR ETTIQUATE IS ASTOUNDING", she smiled.

"And so is my appetite", she rebutted playfully with a twinkle in her eye.

The next round started and within thirty seconds a fellow competitor stopped and started waving their mouth. Tears started to emit from their eyes and they began to turn a very beet red. Then they vomited. It wasn't soon after that each competitor had an adverse reaction.

Itachi grimaced at Soraya's calm reaction as she quickly ate the bowls of kimchi in front of her. Her lips were red, but he couldn't tell if it was from the chili paste or an actual reaction. "Does she even have tastebuds?", he questioned to himself as he watched her eat her fourth bowl. The person next to her eyed her in surprise and hurried to finish his next bowl. Before they knew it, the timer buzzed.

"Ladies and gentlemen we have a tie!", Soraya looked up in surprise and noticed the man next to her panting. She was starting to feel the burn and drunk some water. However, she got more motivation when she heard the crowd cheering and clapping.

The small group of Akatsuki was joining the crowd in the cheer.

"You know what that means—-SUDDEN DEATH!",

Soraya's eyes widened when oddly formed peppers were presented in a basket in front of her and the man.

Soraya took notice of Itachi's demeanor. He had a slight scowl but she could tell that he was somewhat entertained by the ordeal. He gave her a slight nod in encouragement which motivated her to win even more. Cheering was heard from the crowd and she noticed it was a lot bigger than when the competition started. The entire town seemed to be congregated in that one spot. Nervousness started to flow through her veins.

A chime was heard, indicating the competition was about to begin. She eyed the man next to her as he bit into the pepper. His face contorted in pain and he let out an agonizing yelp. Soraya was rethinking this whole competition. She didn't like spice for the sake of spice, she liked it because of the flavor profile it gave dishes. The prickling tingle was just an added bonus.

"You can do it, Soroya", Itachi's deep voice carried to her ears. Masaru smiled in satisfaction when the two locked eyes. He joined in the encouragement along with the other Akatsuki members.

"We're betting money on you", added Masaru. Itachi noticed that her eyes glanced wildly at Masaru.

"Don't you think that's a little too much pressure?", Haku asked.

"Nope, Soraya always does well under pressure", he replied. "Itachi put 20 credits on you winning", he shouted. Simatanesouly, Itachi looked at him in surprise, but not before Soraya beamed at him.

"That was a lie", Itachi whispered trying to keep his feelings under control because he didn't want Soraya to feel them.

"Was it though?", Masaru questioned as he held out his hand. Itachi eyed him intensely as he begrudgingly gave him the money. Itachi disregarded Masaru's victorious clicking noise, noting that Soraya had a similar tic when she won an argument. Plus, Itachi could tell that her brother was right.

Itachi watched as she plucked one pepper out of the basket and into her mouth. A smile graced her lips as she chewed and grabbed another one. Pleasure filled her face as she kept eating the chilis one by one. Her eyes glistened with enjoyment and at one point he could tell that she was savoring the pepper.

"And how much is your betting fee?", asked Itachi. For a brief moment, Itachi saw flashes of himself being in pain eating one of the peppers.

Soraya had eaten half the basket of peppers and her competitors had barely eaten three. At this point, the crowd was cheering for her to not only win but see how many she could eat before the buzzer. To his internal horror, she seemed to still be enjoying himself. Nevertheless, he was amazed.

"3.5 percent", Masaru answered smugly. Masaru looked up at Itachi. He didn't smile. Itachi crossed his arms, but a slight sparkle crossed his eyes. Masaru smiled in satisfaction as he continued to cheer for his sister.

Soraya stopped when the bell finally rang. Indeed, her mouth was on fire. She could hear the crowd cheering for her, and sensed her mother right next to wiping her brow with a cooling towel. The burning sensation from her tongue made the glass of water tempting. However, she knew the temporary cool relief would elicit a more brutal punishment.

So there she was in a trance, waiting for the burn to pass.

Itachi waved a hand in her face trying to see if he could get her attention. "You alright", Itachi asked as he finally made his way up to the stage to help retrieve her, as Konan had trouble getting a response from her. He placed his hand on her shoulder and slightly shook her. After a minute she finally exhaled.

"Woo, that was really hot", she panted.

"No shit", exclaimed Kisame. "You know how much money I lost because of you"

"Gambling is a terrible habit", she remarked.

"That can make people an incredible profit", added Masaru.

Unconsciously Soraya was about to rub her eye and touch her face, but Itachi grabbed it before she could. He could smell the oils from the chilis on her face and even stronger on her hands. Touching her face would create the most painful reaction.

"Your tongue may be vigorous, but your skin is more ethereal.", he said rubbing her hands in a handkerchief doused in alcohol. He blew on the damp hands and her hands twitched as his warm breath crossed her fingers.

Masaru, Konan, Kisame, and Meii, who had recently joined them, gawked at the suggestive undertones of his statement and the display before them.

"It's always the big words with them", whispered Kisame to Mei. "I don't understand why he just won't say let's fuck", he said unknowing louder.

"Maybe you should study a dictionary, Mistress Mei deserves such beautiful words", Masaru muttered winking at her. A smile, followed by a chuckle escaped her lips.

"Why you-"

"Masaru let's give them some space", Konan said taking his arm and walking away from the stage and the budding couple. Konan knew their presence would just be a hindrance to both couples, plus she wanted to make sure Masaru had a great time as well. "Let's have some mother-son time!"