After Pein excused me from his chamber, I wandered through the dim halls; trying to remember the directions he gave me to a certain person's room.

I wished the Akatsuki hideout was less complicated. This was too much even for an elite ninja. Besides, my broken right arm felt like it was in flames. I wanted to find this "Kakuzu" soon.

After a few more turns, though, I realized that I was hopelessly lost. Deciding against more aimless wandering, I started to push open random doors lining the halls, hoping to find a person to guide me back. Or even better, to miraculously find the exact person I was looking for.

I jumped when a voice spoke behind me suddenly.

"I wouldn't do that. It's early in the morning right now. Some of us do not do well when disturbed from our sleep."

I was relieved to find the room I was currently peeking in empty, and I hurriedly shut the door.

Turning around, I found myself facing yet another big, tall man. He looked equally intimidating, even though he did not carry a huge sword on his back. His eyes were a deep green and that was about the only thing I could observe, for the rest of his face was hidden behind a piece of black fabric. Even his hair was bound and covered with a white cloth.

"Who…are you?" I asked carefully, taking in his daunting appearance.

"Kakuzu," he replied simply. "You must be the new recruit."

His voice was deeper than Pein's, but equally emotionless, perhaps even more so than Pein's.

I nodded, though Kakuzu's question had been more of a statement. Looks like he found me before I found him.

"I'm Akane." The new name sounded weird on my tongue. "I had trouble finding you; sorry about that. Did you come out to find me instead?" I didn't know how long I had wandered in the halls, but it must have been a very long time for him to come out and find me himself.

Kakuzu did not answer. He merely turned and gestured for me to follow him.

I cringed slightly. This must be a record, to be able to get on someone's bad side before even meeting them. I hoped he wasn't too angry. After all, he was going fix my arm.

Walking behind him, I took this chance to flex my left arm and fingers, trying to let the chakra flow free. Pein had lifted his chakra suppression technique and told me I would be back to normal in a few hours. He had seemed to be daring me to try anything funny. I was no fool, though. I knew I would have to plan my escape carefully, seeing as I was surrounded by S-ranked criminals.

Looking at Kakuzu's broad back, I silently told myself that if I were to attack anyone, it would not be this man. His cold and deadly calm aura was definitely not something I wanted to provoke.

When we got to his room, Kakuzu didn't waste any more time and went straight to work. His eyes were keen on me as he took in my petite build, measuring my size by eye.

"I was originally going to use Konan's measurements for you, but it looks like you're even smaller."

So Konan must be a girl, then. I silently rejoiced at the thought of there being another female in the Akatsuki.

After getting my measurements, Kakuzu pulled out a black and red cloth from one of his drawers and started sewing together an Akatsuki cloak.

My eyes widened at the speed and precision of his work. Multiple threads slid out of his wrists and swiftly weaved themselves through the clothing with no mistakes, no stumbles, and no pauses. Kakuzu didn't even look like he was trying at all.

He's quite the master at stitching, isn't he?

The cloud-patterned robe was done in a few minutes. It felt more like seconds to me. I was utterly fascinated by his amazing needlework.

He set down the finished robe and started laying out medical supplies.

"What are you doing?" I asked in surprise, confused by the sudden change.

"Kisame told me earlier that he accidentally fractured your arm. I can't believe he expected me to fix you back up." Then Kakuzu looked up at me and said in a brooding tone, "I expect to be paid for this."

I gulped, afraid of being treated by him with his current attitude. He was probably extremely vexed, though I couldn't tell due to his mask and his cold, unfeeling voice. That damn Kisame.

Following his instructions, I sat down gingerly on the table–––Kakuzu was too tall to treat me in the chair–––and allowed him to clasp and bandage up my right arm. He was quick and precise with the process, but surprisingly gentle. I relaxed a bit, marveling at how good he was with intricate work.

After he finished, Kakuzu handed the Akatsuki robe to me in silence and waited as I slipped it on.

It fitted perfectly, ending slightly below my knees. I twirled in a circle and swung my arms around, feeling the smooth texture. It was spacious and snug at the same time, and despite it being the enemy symbol, I couldn't help but love the cloak.

I turned to Kakuzu, who was still staring at me fondling over the robe. His cold gaze was making me a bit uncomfortable, but I guessed that was how he always looked: heartless, unfeeling, and callous.

"Thank you, Kakuzu-san. It's perfect." I couldn't hide my smile, despite trying. I really did like the cloak…a lot.

His green eyes looked faintly surprised at my genuine appreciation. It was the most expression I had seen on him so far. It was gone in a flash and when he spoke again, his voice was as emotionless as ever.

"You will pay me back for the cloak, Akane. The price for the materials was XX yens. I would like it by the end of the day." Kakuzu opened the door and I took that as a sign for me to leave.

"But…how do you expect me to get the money? Pein won't even let me out of the hideout," I asked in dismay as I walked past him. This guy's sure hard on the money.

Kakuzu said nothing in response and retreated back into his room, closing the door on me.

I pouted slightly in annoyance. I didn't want to do this, but I also didn't want to find out what would happen if I didn't pay him.

Too late did I realize that Kakuzu had forgotten to point me in the direction of the other Akatsuki members. I was lost again, and I couldn't even find my way back to Kakuzu's room.

I stood still and contemplated on what I should do next. I seriously needed a guide for this large and confusing hideout. I made a mental note to ask Pein about it later.

At that moment, I heard footsteps coming from an adjacent tunnel.

"Oi, Sasori! Look at this, un! Tell me this isn't art; I dare you. Katsu!" The loud voice was followed by a massive explosion that shook the entire building, and I stumbled toward the walls to steady myself. My ears rang as I saw billows of smoke drift past the opening of my tunnel.

No matter how desperate I was to find my way out of these endless hallways, I was not about to face some unknown creature with the ability to blow things up on command. The footsteps drew closer as they headed toward the tunnel I was currently in.

I dashed toward the nearest door and quickly flung it open, deciding to hide in there until they passed. The room was dark and I didn't bother turning on any lights. I closed the door quietly and crouched behind it, listening intently to their footsteps.

I breathed out a sigh of relief as their voices faded in the distance. I stood up and grasped the door handle, ready to step out of the room.

" 'The fuck is this?"

The lights flicked on as I shrieked and almost jumped out of my skin when a voice spoke from behind me. Turning around, I reached into my back pouch habitually to grab a kunai and cursed when I remembered that they had taken all my weapons.

I had nowhere to go but back up as the person advanced until he was right in front of me. My back hit the door and I was forced to look up.

The man in front of me looked like a ruffian with his slicked back silver hair, flippant maroon eyes, and open Akatsuki cloak. He should really zip it up more.

"Who the hell are you?" He lowered his head so that his face was right in front of mine and leered at me, narrowing his eyes.

His rude and impertinent tone enraged me and I shot back, "Who the hell are you?"

"Hidan, you little shit." The silver-haired man replied lazily, taking me in.

I frowned, irritated by his way of talking.

"I'm Akane," I said stiffly.

"Never fucking heard of it. You must be the new member or something." He leaned back and pushed me aside, opening the door for me. "Welcome to this shithole."

I walked out but paused and turned back.

"Can you tell me where Kisame's room is?"

"Huh? What do you want with that asshole?" Hidan scowled.

Before I could retort, though, he leaned against the doorway and pointed over my head. "Go down that way, then turn right. Third room on the left. This better be good, you bitch. The Akatsuki is boring the fuck out of me."

I strode away quickly, not wanting to deal with his foul mouth anymore.

When I reached the destined place, I used the clone technique and duplicated myself. My right hand was healing quickly now that my chakra was flowing, though I still chided myself for doing such sloppy hand signs. Forming a few more seals, I activated my chameleon jutsu on my original body and retreated to the far end of the hall, silently observing the event that was about to unfold. I prayed that this would work.

My replica raised a hand and knocked twice on Kisame's door. After a few seconds, the door opened and the shark-like man stood on the threshold, surprised by my unexpected visit. His eyes traveled slowly over my new cloak and something close to appreciation flickered in them. When he spoke, though, his voice was terse.

"You again?"

"Kisame-san, will you kindly show me around the Akatsuki hideout? At least where the main rooms are?" My clone asked pleasantly, keeping her tone light. "Think of this as a recompense for…breaking my arm? Also, I wouldn't want to accidentally disturb any of you by opening random doors."

He didn't look the least bit remorseful, nor did he look like he cared.

Grabbing his sword, he left the room and my replication trotted after him, trying to keep up with his long strides.

"I guess I'll show you around, since I've nothing better to do."

After their footsteps faded, I quietly left my spot and dashed toward Kisame's room. It was locked, but that was no problem for me. I've had years of experience with these things.

I carefully fidgeted with the lock and stepped into his room. I turned around and fixed the twisted door handle back to normal before walking toward his bed. I didn't know how long my replication's little "tour" was going to take, so I had to finish this quickly.

My thief instincts switched back on, and I involuntarily crouched beside the bed and reached my hands under, feeling for a loose floorboard, a crack, a slight bump, or anything that indicated something was hidden under.

My hands shook as a wooden plank lifted beneath my fingers.

I didn't want to do this.

I didn't want to do this.

I hated stealing. I hated it. But there was no other way.

I took out the exact amount that I needed and put everything else back in place. Locking the door behind me, I hurriedly left Kisame's room, praying that I wouldn't accidentally run into him and my replication in the halls.

I reluctantly retraced my steps back to Hidan's room, since I had no idea where anything else was.

Knocking the door twice, I counted the money again while I waited for Hidan to open the door. I tucked away the bills as the door creaked open, impatient to ask my question.

My eyes widened with shock when I saw his appearance. I looked away hastily and, having nowhere else to look, stared at my feet.

If I had thought that his half-zipped cloak revealed too much before, it was nothing compared to now. Hidan was half-naked and barefooted, with only a pair of medium-length gray pants and a towel around his neck. His upper body was also dripping with water, and his usually slicked back hair now drooped wetly in front of his maroon eyes. I also noticed that he wore a silver necklace with some weird symbol on the bottom.

Did I interrupt his shower?

Before I had a chance to ask my question and get out of there, Hidan smirked arrogantly and leaned on the doorway, tilting his head down. I was keenly aware of how close he was.

"Hey! If it isn't that bitch Akane. Whatdya want this time? Don't fucking tell me you're lost again."

Water trickled down his hair and fell into mine. More droplets dripped onto my forehead when I finally decided to look up at him, not wanting to seem rude. I wiped them away and took a step back, clearing my throat.

Hidan cocked an eyebrow curiously, observing my awkward and uncomfortable expression.

"Actually, yes, I am lost. Again. Will you give me directions one more time? To Kakuzu's room this time, please."

Hidan's face looked at me in disbelief as he yelled with extreme annoyance, "What the fuck? Now you wanna hang out with that money-loving piece of shit?"

I frowned at his outburst, offended even though his insults weren't directed at me.

"He's not that bad. Kakuzu-san was actually very polite to me, unlike you."

Before Hidan could retort, I hurriedly pressed on, not wanting to give him a chance to start cussing again.

"Just…tell me, please? I have to give him something, or he'll kill me. And if I don't do this quickly, someone else will kill me. I'll…I don't know, give you half of my dinner tonight or something?"

I was surprised when Hidan laughed loudly, as if I had said something funny. What?

"Don't tell me it's money again…No, forget it. It's always money he wants. And anyways, Akane, you're fucking hilarious! I don't eat. Who needs food when you've got Jashin?"

I stared at him blankly, confused.

"Jashin!" Hidan repeated indignantly, "Damn, you people have no respect. Lord's gonna punish you all."

I found it funny that such an insolent guy was so religious.

As if deciding he had had enough fun with me, Hidan pointed a finger down the tunnel and once again gave me directions. The water continued to drip down his hair, arms, and chest; he didn't look like he was going to dry it anytime soon. I didn't know why, but it was bothering the hell out of me.

"Thank you." I bowed slightly, even though he did waste a lot of my time. I wondered if Kisame had figured out my little trick yet.

Looking at Hidan again, I impulsively reached out to pull off the towel draped around his neck and pressed it firmly over his head. His arrogant purple eyes peeked out at me from under the white towel and he looked slightly surprised by my sudden action.

"Dry your hair properly, okay? Guys are seriously dumb sometimes; I've seen it too often. You might catch a cold and get sick." I didn't know why I even bothered.

I was startled when he laughed again at the mention of getting sick. What's with him?

Leaving the towel and wetness and him, I followed the route Hidan pointed me to and left the brazen man.

My knuckles were growing sore from all the knocking I had done today.

The door opened on the third knock and Kakuzu stepped out, looking at me expectantly. Hm, so I guess he was serious about the money.

I reached into my cloak and handed him the stack of money I had "acquired" earlier.

"I'm impressed," Kakuzu stated after counting them through. "And how, may I ask, did you get all this?" His green eyes gazed into mine coolly.

I shifted on my feet, contemplating on how I should answer that question. He wouldn't be mad, would he, if I told him the truth? Whatever. I wasn't a good liar, and plus; I doubted he'd return the money anyway once he learned. I was certain Kakuzu put money above any of the Akatsuki members.

"Kisame was the one who broke my arm and wasted your materials to treat me, so he ought to pay. I just…saved him the trouble of coming here himself. As for the payment of the Akatsuki cloak…well, the money was lying all there in front of me and I just…I don't know. I don't know." I swept a hand over my face, suddenly ashamed. "No, no, no. I shouldn't have done that."

Was I imagining the change in Kakuzu's gaze? He looked like he was considering me in a whole new light.

"A thief, huh." There was no disdain in his voice. He merely stated it as a fact.

"No! No, don't say that. I'm trying hard to change. Stealing money is really despicable."

Kakuzu regarded me placidly for a while, then said in a low voice, "I think, killing others for money is far worse."

I widened my eyes at this, though I really shouldn't be that surprised. He was part of the Akatsuki, after all.

"Hm, that is pretty bad," I replied, lowering my eyes, "But I guess…that's what makes you Kakuzu, isn't it?" I looked up at him and offered a tiny smile.

—Kakuzu's POV—

Akane's words surprised him once again, but Kakuzu was careful not to show it.

He couldn't remember the last time someone had smiled at him. Perhaps no one ever had. Yet this girl, this strange and foolish girl, had smiled at him twice.

Did she not care that he was a cold-blooded killer who cared about nothing except money? And if she knew that he tore out the hearts of his victims, would she still smile at him with those innocent, untainted eyes?

She should fear him. She should be terrified of him. He was more than capable of snapping her neck in half right here, right now.

Yet Kakuzu didn't think he could do it, even if given the chance. He didn't want to erase that pretty smile of hers. He wanted to see it again.

Have I gone soft? He thought irritably.

But looking at Akane, something foreign shifted inside of him, and he had no control over it. Kakuzu told himself that he probably just tolerated her because she gave him money. He was quite impressed with her larceny skills. Yes, it had to be the money.

But even as he was telling himself this, he knew it wasn't true.

…Looks like I've found something I desire more than money.

More than anything, so to speak, for money was at the top of his list.