Trapped Chapter Eleven
It had been three months, Naruto had woken early in the morning. Sitting at the dining room table, he found it oddly quiet, as everyone was still either asleep or in their rooms. Akatsuki coats thrown over the couch from the previous night, everyone had gone out to the village. There was a festival going on, it surprised Naruto how many people referred to him as the village's leader. Naruto had given up, explaining that he wasn't weeks ago. Now weeks later, they greeted him whenever he entered the village. Smiling at the memory, Naruto found himself smiling a lot lately, the village and Akatsuki seemed to have that affect on him. Regularly Naruto followed after Pein to the Akatsuki Compound; they would sit under the veranda as it rained and talk. Pein telling his nephew of the adventures of his younger days; adventures of when Minato was young and they played within the compound together. Rain poured around them, Naruto thought about how cool it would have been if he had grown up here, with Pein and his parents. If he had, the nine-tailed fox wouldn't be inside of him and he wouldn't be as strong as he is. Bring himself back to reality, Naruto was surprised to find himself in one of the many hallways. Wandering down the halls, Naruto found himself outside Pein's office. Taking a deep breath, Naruto entered. Half expecting Pein to be there, Naruto was surprised to not find him at his desk. Closing the door, Naruto glanced at the white cloak, with red clouds. Pulling the cloak from the hanger, Naruto pulled the cloak on. It was way too big, Naruto guessed that he would grow into it. Buttoning up the cloak, Naruto slipped on the hat. Tilting his head, Naruto hear the bells ring and see them in the edge of his vision.
"You will grow into it," A voice said.
Turning round, Naruto saw Itachi standing in the doorway staring at him.
"Maybe," Naruto whispered.
"Pein, did," Itachi replied, turning to leave.
"Wait," Naruto called, stepping towards Itachi.
Itachi stopped, turned to see Naruto. Unsure how to phrase it, Naruto looked at the floor. Sighing at the boy, Itachi stepped up and rest a hand on his shoulder. Nodding to the boy, Itachi waited for him to speak.
"You killed your family, you betrayed your village and yet everyone here trusts you. How do you trust yourself?" Naruto asked.
"Everyone here left their village, even Pein. Ignoring what happened in the past, we trust each other because we need to. Pein doesn't explain the back story of the new members, until we trust them," Itachi answered.
"I need to speak to Pein, do you know where he is?" Naruto asked.
"In his room, do you know the way?" Itachi asked, Naruto nodded leaving Itachi to find Pein.
Two hours later
Stood side by side everyone was ready to leave, Naruto leaned back against the wall breathing slowly as he tried to calm down. Standing in small groups, Pein and Konan spoke quietly between themselves, readying themselves for the challenge ahead they knew it was going to be hard for Naruto. Concerned for Naruto's well being, Pein seemed to notice how Naruto had a sad yet sure expression on his face.
"Are you ready?" Pein asked.
"Yeah, I guess I am," Naruto said, hesitating slightly.
Stepping up to see him, Pein rested his hand on Naruto's shoulder hoping to calm the younger boy. Everyone hovered around for orders knowing that as long as they stayed alert everyone would remain unharmed and be able to return to Akatsuki Base, slips ups could cause great harm to everyone. Pein had been perfectly clear with his instructions, making it clear what everyone was to do and when.