A/N: I know it has been awhile since I have updated the story. For those who actually read and enjoy it, I am sorry. I have been busy with school, work, and personal things. I DO plan to finish it, and I will update when I can. Hopefully the next part will be out sooner than this one. Feel free to leave me constructive criticism of how I can improve my writing or any other comments you can think of, just no flames! They aren't helpful. Constructive or positive ones help to encourage me, however, so please comment! Thank you for reading! :)

I don't recall dragging myself from the floor, nor do I remember making my way to the shower or the bed thereafter. All I know is I wake up tangled in the thin blanket provided to me, my body sore and stiff. There are no windows, as this is underground, so I cannot tell what time of day it is. Recent events start racing through my mind. There must be some higher power on my side. Part of me knew that this was a crazy venture, but I needed to see it through…and I made it…somehow. Was this the right path, Mother? The rare times you spoke of my father, you always spoke fondly. Perhaps, in some bizarre way, I am fulfilling your dormant desire to see him again.

Shaking those deep thoughts from my mind, I flex my muscles to test how much of my strength has returned. It seems, for the most part, all of my chakra has recovered and my injuries are healed. Only minor discomfort remains. I raise my upper body into a sitting stance. How long had I slept? The thought barely displays in my mind before light floods into the previously dark room followed by the oxygen being knocked from my lungs. A black and orange blur flies towards me and slings its arms around me. In the name of…So much for gradually waking up on my own. I am certain I am fully awake now.

"AYA-CHAN! Tobi is so glad you're awake!"

What…

The…

Hell…?

Eyes wide, I take in the crazed…man…before me. A cloaked figure sporting a orange spiral mask with a single eye opening. His face is completely concealed, but above it is a patch of spiky black hair. Who the hell is this guy , and furthermore why the hell is he hugging me? One of the Akatsuki? He releases me from his bear-like hug but remains seated on the bed in front of me. His cloak is plain black, unlike those belonging to the other members. Then again, it's not like they are required to wear the same wardrobe constantly if they are at their base. Not that I know for certain but, whatever. I try to form the right words to drown out the sound of my pounding heart.

"Who are you?"

"Hehe, me?"

"Who else would I be talking to?" He giggles in a ridiculous manner, but not before I mentally slap myself for talking in such a snappy manner. For all I know, he could be faking this behavior to test me. I may have made it into the Akatsuki, but that doesn't mean I can immediately trust all its affiliates. I struggle to peer through the darkness in his mask's eye hole and just barely make out a red-colored eye. Weird. Is that normal. Come to think of it-

"Hi! My name is Tobi! You are Aya-chan!" It is more of a statement than a question. He waves a hand dramatically. I cannot get over how infantile he is acting. Is this guy for real?

"I know who I am. What are you doing in here?"

"To meet new woman," he says, then he points to himself again. ""Tobi is subordinate, too. Tobi serves Zetsu-sama. Also…Tobi has brought food for Aya-chan. Aya-chan has been asleep for thirty-six hours and must been famished."

He runs over to a dresser present in the room which I only now notice has gained a platter or food upon it in the time I was asleep. Rushing back with it in tow, he places it on the small bedside table. Thirty-six hours, huh? Sighing, I run my fingers through my hair and glance over at the platter. You have to be kidding me…Savory rice balls with an eerie likeness to this Tobi are lined on the tray. Nori and cheese strips form the vision of his mask upon their faces. This guy is either a really good actor or a complete buffoon. Am I seriously going to eat his face? My stomach growls in response to my contemplation. Well, I guess anything sounds good right about now. The said Tobi claps his hands together with a particular eagerness.

"Did you make these for me?" I ask, though I am fairly certain I know the answer. He nods his head rapidly.

"Yes, Tobi took special care to make them perfect for Aya-chan. Try them, they are extra tasty." I finger one cautiously before picking it up in a palm. Tobi watches me in silence as I take my time to bring the food to my mouth and sinking my teeth into its tender flesh. A peculiar yet pleasing seasoning is present and raw flounder fills its center. It is delicious. I nod at the on looking Tobi in approval and make a "mmm" noise with which he responds to by clapping furiously. Spas' much? Surprisingly, I continue to eat in mostly silence as he observes me. I find it rather annoying, but I do not protest. I guess I should at least be grateful someone is looking out for my well being. He retrieves a pitcher of water and drinking glass from the same dresser as earlier, and I finish the meal with two full glasses of water.

"Thank you. It was delicious," I say, bowing slightly. I feel sort of awkward to have had him watch me intently while I ate in bed right after I wake, but he doesn't seem fazed, so I disregard it. Come to think of it, what if it was poisoned? I would have detected it immediately, wouldn't I've? I should not underestimate my adversary, not matter how silly they may act. The thoughts make me get a sudden urge to lose everything I just ate. Tobi is still staring at me in silence.

"Was there some detail you wanted to say to me?" I ask, trying to keep the aggravation from my voice in case he simply was being kind to me.

"Sorry, Tobi was distracted. No, no, no. Tobi is just happy to meet Aya-chan and is glad she enjoyed the rice balls."

"I see.."

"But…Aya-chan?" I cast him a nervous glance. So there is something.

"Aya-chan's clothes are a bit disheveled ."

"Huh?" I look down at the gown I had received from Konan to sleep in. All the blood in my body instantly rushes to my face at what I see. Apparently, I am not awake as I originally thought. The top of the thin material is twisted and my breasts lie in plain sight for all to see. My mouth gapes open in a stupid expression, words unable to form on my lips.

"It's okay, Tobi is not complaining or anything. Tobi just thought Aya-chan might want to kno-"

My glare burns through him. "Have you been staring at-this the whole time?"

"Eh, well, uh only since I noticed."

"Which was?"

"Since I came in…Is something wrong, Aya-chan?" His eyes remain fixated somewhere lower than my eyes while a blood vessel in my temple throbs.

"DON'T KEEP LOOKING, MORON!" I take hold of my water glass and fling it at his head. He quickly responds by shielding himself with the food tray he had brought. Next, comes the water pitcher which he easily blocks, but I don't care. I need to blow off steam. Here I am thinking he is setting me up when it is actually something completely ridiculous and annoying. Damn buffoon! Clown! Idiot! An array of items rain down upon him while he tries desperately to block them all with the plastic tray. He whines while running back and forth in the small room. Pillow, blanket, shampoo bottle, spare clothes. Damn it, die! Die when I kill you!

"Tobi sorry! Tobi not mean to anger Aya-chan! Forgive Tobi! Please forgive!" I rise from my bed and stomp down onto the floor. I can seriously spit bullets right now. Is it not enough that I nearly wrecked all my nerves simply gaining access to the Akatsuki? I'm tired of being screwed with. Tobi peaks his head from behind the tray cautiously. My first instinct is to find something else to hurl at his face, but instead I break out into full-hearted laughter.

"Ah hell," I say, quickly changing my tone to a friendly one, "of course I forgive you, ya know. I should be able to trust you, shouldn't I? We are one and the same now, right?"

My voice hardens as I finish my sentence. If they think I'm going to be weak and pathetic, they have another thing coming. I'll show them what I'm really made of. In my little charade of thoughts, I completely disregard the fact that it had taken only one of them to bring me down. That is totally beside the point. Tobi slowly lowers the food tray and stares at me without answering for a minute. Any day now…

"Hehehehe, oh yes! Tobi will be your best friend here! But…" But? "Just so Tobi isn't accused of being a bad boy: Aya-chan hasn't fixed her gown yet."

I yank my gown in place, furious at him for my stupidity. Smiling sweetly, I walk over to him and place a hand on the tray he is still holding. Yanking the tray from him, I proceed to whack him on the head repeatedly.

"OUT, OUT, OUT!"

"SORRY, SORRY, SORRY!"

He makes no more attempts to appease me but rather flees directly for the door, not even bothering to shut it on the way out. That idiot really….argh…I plop back down on the bed and cover my face with my hands. A genuine smile creeps upon my face.

"Hahahahahahah!"

"What the hell is going on in here?"

Taking a sideward glance to the door, I watch as the owner of the newest voice enters my room without a moment's hesitation. Deidara approaches the bed cautiously where I remain lying, face covered while creating gaps in my fingers to see. In his hand is another pack of items. Unfortunately my attention is not focused on that at the moment but rather the damp-haired, bare-chested rogue shinobi it is attached to. His hair is not tied up like it was before. The damp tresses fall loosely in his face while his trim yet chiseled figure shines with water residue. What's up with that? Isn't he a criminal? Couldn't he go steal a shirt or something? Perchance a better towel, because whatever he used didn't get the job done? Those sharp, blue eyes pierce through me as if he can read my every thought. Wait…haven't I seen this scenario before? Oh shit! It's like the start of one of those bad porn films. I squeeze my eyes shut. Ancestors, if you get me out of this mess, I promise to be a good girl from now on and never glance at another one of those horrendous films again. I peel open my eyes only to see him still standing there with a confused expression. Darting to the furthest part of the bed, I snatch a pillow and turn around, holding the pillow up as a shield.

"I don't know what you're planning, but I already ate Tobi head rice balls, so I don't want any pizza, ya know! Also, I've been tied up enough lately, so don't get any ideas where that is concerned, either!"

"Are you feeling okay?"

"Huh?"

He tosses the pack down on the bed before taking a seat himself. I look to it wearily. I'm being totally ridiculous. Perhaps I have lost my mind, after all.

"It's ninja gear. You'll be training with Kisame-san in a little over an hour. He told me to tell you and to give this to you. He wants to assess your abilities himself rather than just read your report from your former village. I suppose he'll decide afterwards whether to take you with him and Itachi next week, un."

"What's next week?" A devilish smile creeps upon his face.

"Assassination."

"Assassination?"

"That's right. Some fools have been getting too close, gathering intel on us. We know where they'll be at this time next week. Leader-sama has assigned Kisame-san and Itachi to handle it. Danna and I would have been better suited; we would have it done in half the time, un, but orders are orders."

That's right. I'm in a criminal organization now. I'll have to do as I'm told even if that means killing those I may have previously considered allies. I only hope I don't have to face off against any Kirigakure shinobi I'm personally familiar with. However, that is foolish of me to think that way. It's bound to happen, right, after what I did? They'll be looking for me. They'll be trying to kill me or bring me back to the village to be imprisoned for life. I bite the inside of my cheek. No, that won't happen.

"Don't worry. It'll be fine if you're half as good as your report claims you can be. Besides, you did okay against me. Don't let losing get to you. Not many can win against me, un. Now about earlier…I don't know much about pizza, but if you want me to tie you up, then…"

That smirk again…I scowl at him.

"Don't mistake me for one of those blind, dim-witted girls who gets with a man that beats her into a bloody pulp and then stays with him because she loves him. I'm not one of those, ya know!"

"Who said anything about love? It only complicates things anyway, un."

"You're disgusting, ya know! I miss Tobi already."

"Hey, I've been a gentleman with you. I usually don't give 'em a choice. Why waste time with useless sweet talk, un?" He shrugs his shoulders and grins at me.

"A criminal who doesn't know the meaning of consensual, why am I not surprised? People like you could never be in a functional relationship."

"Ah, but you're mistaken, sweet Aya-san," he begins, tossing his hair back out of his face, "I've had several functional relationships. They are simply over after a night or two. I don't expect you to appreciate my art, un. Art is a bang; it is over in mere moments." A genuine smile comes to me at his words.

"Oh, now I see. They all left you because they weren't satisfied with your 'mere moments.' I guess I would get frustrated, too, ya know." His smile disappears and is replaced by a frown.

"Someone has got some jokes, un?"

I brush my own dark mane over my shoulder.

"Is there a reason you are still here anyway? Weren't you just supposed to give me this and tell me to meet with my f-I, uh, Kisame-sama?" Close one, Aya.

"Now that I think about it, I was going to give you an official heartfelt apology for being so rough with you. I really was doing it to help you, un. Suppose you had fight left in you when I brought you to Leader-sama, you might have tried to fight back or say things you'd end up regretting. But the condition and spirit you were in was non-threatening. I helped you survive, but I still felt a little bad. I was going to apologize, but I changed my mind. It's really you that owes me one, un. Why should I apologize?"

"Well aren't you the most lovable egotistical bastard I've ever met. You make me sick, ya know."

He slides over to me in a flash, pinning me against the headboard of the bed. My heart begins to thump in a panic. What is he doing? There is a hazy ferocity to his eyes I had only seen once before during the time I first met his gaze after coming upon him. And just like then, my body won't do as it is told. It remains frozen in place. I find myself wishing I had an affinity for earth style chakra, so I could melt into the headboard behind me. How is it he has this affect on me? I become increasingly aware of the heat emanating from his body and the absence of space between the two of us. His golden hair tickles my cheek as he brings his lips to graze against my ear, his hot breath forming chill bumps all over my body.

"Sick, huh? I can make you feel so much more than that, un," he says through a sly grin. He raises his hand and touches my chin slightly. I swallow a lump in my throat and expect the worst, but soon he removes himself from the bed completely and starts to walk to the door. I hold back the sigh of relief in my throat in case it makes him change his mind. My body feels like it dodged a kunai aimed at my heart. Deidara stops midway to the door and my breath hitches in my throat. He looks back at me as if contemplating something and reaches into the pocket of his pants. He grabs hold of a small, hard, flat object and tosses it over at me. It lands inches in front of me on the bed. Then I realize what it is…

It's…it's…the picture of me and Mother when I was four years old. But why did Deidara have it? My possessions I brought with me, they must have been confiscated, of course. But did my father see this picture? If he saw it, he would figure it out, figure out I am his daughter. My eyes refused to meet Deidara's; I didn't want him to see the tormented expression on my face. I grit my teeth and clench my fists, some emotions akin to anger and sorrow flowing through me. Bad things had always plagued us, Mother. I thought becoming a ninja would change that. I was wrong.

"You're lucky I found it before anyone else saw it, un." Deidara's words cut through my thoughts and I attempt to make my expression blank and look up at him. "I found it and decided not to mention it to anyone. I kept it instead. If Leader-sama knew about that woman or anyone in the Akatsuki for that matter, they would use her against you should you fall short of our expectations."

"And would you use her against me?" I ask as calmly as I can manage, slightly relieved to know my father hadn't seen it. He sucks his teeth.

"Who knows? Perhaps I may need something from you in the future," he says with a forced smirk.

"Well, that's too bad," I say bitterly, "She's dead. So no one will be using her against me, ya know."

He grimaces and turns to face the other direction but says almost gently, "Your mother?"

I answer his question with silence.

"Well, it's better that way. Better to have nothing else to live for when you're living for the Akatsuki. Now get dressed. I'll take you to where Kisame-san is." Pushing my thoughts and emotions as far into the depths of my mind as I can, I glance over to the gear he left on the bed then back at him.

"Wait outside," I say, perhaps a little too demanding to someone capable of blowing me to bits in seconds. He doesn't refuse but sucks his teeth again and sighs before walking outside, closing the door behind him.

DEIDARA'S POV

That woman…there is much beneath the surface. Despite her tough front, there is a thick cloud of despair that clings to her that is enough to suffocate a thousand men. What was I thinking, feeling sorry for her like I did in there? She is just another woman whose purpose is to serve the Akatsuki now, nothing more, nothing less. I doubt she homed into my sympathies, though. I nearly felt bad for what I said concerning her mother, but she does not need to think I'm going to coddle her emotions. That will not shape her into the shinobi she needs to be if she is serious about making it in this life. I've done her enough favors, and the Akatsuki isn't some picnic vacation.

I sigh. I can't help but to be attracted to her physically, however. It took all my willpower to tear myself away from her in there. Maybe I should have just taken her then and there. Then she would really hate me and it would make distancing myself from her emotionally easier. My smirk returns. I can pleasure her in ways she can only dream of. That milky pale skin would glisten with sweat while I pounded sweet cries from those soft lips…Man, I really need to stay away from her before I end up doing what I'm imagining. Sex isn't the problem, it never has been for me. But the feelings I have for her are more than just lust, and that worries me. It isn't like me to care about a woman, just get what I need and get out. That's it.

"Well if it isn't the pussy, Deidara." Dear gods, the last person I want to see but one of the people I'm fated to see the most. Hidan and Kakuzu approach me from down the hallway. Hidan has a shit-eating grin on his face, but Kakuzu has the same blank stare that seems as if he is bound to slaughter someone any given second. "That bastard leader got you babysitting the new bitch?"

"What the hell do you want, Hidan?"

"Aww, did you forget already? We're supposed to bake cakes in Kuzu-chan's room today."

"Quit fucking around, Hidan. We need to make preparations for this next assignment, so we can leave. I don't want to waste time," Kakuzu intervenes in that harsh growl of his.

"C'mon, I was just chatting it up with our buddy here." I scowl at him and suck my teeth.

"I have no interest in chatting it up with you, so why don't you go bother someone else before I make you my art, un." Hidan smiles his most innocent smile.

"You know, I thought the leader would have Konan handle that chick in there since they're both women, but I guess you are, too, so you'll do just as well. Don't tell me your trying to put the moves on her, pretty boy. Wouldn't that make you a lesbian?"

"I said shut the FUCK up before I make you my art, you bastard!" I begin to make my hand signs while Hidan tightens his grip on his triple-headed scythe before a click and creaking sound behind me. The both of us temporarily halt our movements to see the aforementioned woman. Aya emerges cautiously from the bedroom, keeping her eyes glued to the three of us as she clicks the door shut behind her. She is dressed in the ninja attire I delivered her earlier. I never really thought much of the standard gear we wear, but on her, it looks nice.

"There the bitch is now," Hidan laughs. Aya narrows her gaze at him, shooting me a quick glance as well. Tch, guess I'm not on her list of favorite people, either. "This sorry excuse for a male trying to come onto you? I doubt he has what it takes to satisfy you. I can show you what kind of tools a real man packs in his arsenal."

The nerve of this fucking bastard! My thoughts slip back to what I had done moments before, and I find it hard to rationally be angry at Hidan, but…there is difference…and I just am. Aya's expression is unusually blank as she takes a few steps forward. What on earth is she doing? She's not seriously…? The moment my thoughts come together, I watch Aya send a fierce punch into Hidan's jaw, knocking him back a few feet. There is no time to be amused by the sight; Hidan's backlash will be fatal. I throw my body between them as Hidan returns with a look of rage.

"YOU FUCKING BITCH!" I push Aya back as she attempts to move in front of me. Don't be stupid, Aya-san, you are no match for him.

"Don't you dare speak to or about me, you worthless bottom-feeding scum!" She struggles against me, but I stand firmly in her way as Hidan takes hold of his scythe again. This isn't good. Did this really have to happen this early in the day? I reach into the pouch on my belt and grasp a handful of detonating clay.

"You wanna go, un? Then you're gonna go against me," I say in warning.

"Sure thing, pussy boy, go ahead a blow us all up by releasing that lame ass jutsu. I'll survive. At least." My teeth gnash in annoyance.

"Try me, un."

Kakuzu moves for the first time since Hidan started his little stunt and grabs hold of Hidan's scythe.

"I said let's go, Hidan."

"Just a second, Kakuzu." Kakuzu pulls on the scythe in his hands.

"No, now." Hidan looks to Kakuzu for a moment, perhaps contemplating whether to listen to him or not, but in the end decides to turn away from the fight to my relief. He shoots a nasty glare a Kakuzu then to myself and Aya.

"You're such an annoying, cock-sucking bastard, Kakuzu. And, hey, pussy boy, you better keep a tighter hold on that bitch. I might not be so busy next time and have plenty of time to sacrifice her worthless existence to Jashin-sama." He turns and leaves with that, soon after entering Kakuzu's room where I knew he had previously constructed an exit passageway in. I wait until I hear the door click before I turn to Aya.

"You should have let me fight him, ya know!" she snaps harshly at him.

"Tch, you mean I should have let you get yourself killed, un. Don't pull some stupid stunt like that again!"

"I'm not going to be treated like trash, Deidara, and I certainly won't allow people to walk all over me. It makes one look weak, and weakness isn't good in the Akatsuki, right?"

"Nothing is going to matter if you're dead, un. Now let's go."

AYA'S POV

My blood boils at his words. He would die to defend his honor, but I shouldn't risk everything to defend mine. Oh, that's right. It's okay because he is an Akatsuki member. To hell with them both. Every bit of me wants to tear him a new one, but I clamp down on my words for now and follow in behind him as he starts to walk. Our walk together is the most silent one I remember since meeting him…yesterday…no, the day before yesterday. It's been an emotional rollercoaster since I woke up today. I'm going to get whiplash something fierce. I hate him, I hate Hidan, I hate my father. If he would have come for my mother, she wouldn't be…wouldn't be…Damn it!

"Sasori no Danna, I was wondering where you've been." Well, here's another ray of sunshine in my day. Deidara comes to a halt as he comes before Sasori and pats him on the shoulder. His danna doesn't seem to be too enthused about his cheerful gesture. Not that I care. The red-head's brown eyes pierce into mine. What, he's a mind reader now? Discomfort sinks into me. Geesh, it's not polite to stare. "Oh, I am suppose to take Aya-san to Kisame-san for training. That's why she's here, un."

"I didn't ask," he says jadedly without removing his eyes from me. I take the opportunity to make things easier on myself and bow deeply to Sasori.

"Forgive me, Sasori-sama, our first meeting was not what I would have had it be. I hope that you can accept my sincerest apologies. I would very much like to be able to call you a friend and ally." He studies my movements carefully and I can only hope he buys my little act. I continue to bow as I am met with silence and I begin to think he won't reply. Finally, he does.

"The leader feels you are trustworthy, so I will trust you until you give me a reason not to. That is all. The Akatsuki members and their subordinates must maintain loyalty to the leader and the organization. I have matters to attend to."

I take that as a 'get out of my way now' statement and step aside quickly with Deidara. Deidara catches my eye as Sasori passes, and a discreet grin flashes across his face. What is that for? What the hell does he think is so funny? Having most likely made a permanent foe of that Hidan character, I figure I should at least mend relations with The Red Sand. I sure as hell don't need him as my adversary, as well. Though the Kakuzu man saved my skin, I doubt that was his motive, and he doesn't seem like the friendly type. The leader and the plant guy are scary as hell. That leaves my father, the Konan woman I haven't met, that Tobi subordinate of Zetsu, maybe Deidara, and one other…I shoot Deidara another glare before stomping ahead of him to let him know I am ready to continue. He remains in place briefly but soon begins to walk and takes his place ahead of me, muffling a soft chuckle. Let's hope the unknown member is a friendly, because I don't think I can tolerate this crazy bomber. Then again, this is an organization of the deadliest wanted criminals. What can I really hope for?

The silence makes the walk seem even longer than what it is, though I'm sure silence is preferable next to anything that might come out of Deidara's mouth. Just how big is this place? Absentmindedly, I touch the spot on my chin where his hand had been. What am I thinking? There is nothing appealing about this lunatic, but…but part of me had almost wanted him to do something back then. And the way he threw himself between me and that Hidan asshole…I shake my head violently. I must still be half asleep. No way can I trust any of these people, no way is Deidara some kind, caring shinobi, no way my father is the man my mother made him out to be. However, I need these people to trust me. That's all that matters. I need a purpose, and serving my father is as good as one as any now that I'm a rogue.

Faint voices begin to filter through the hallways, so I assume we're close to our destination. My body begins to tense and I repeatedly clench and unclench my fists. Deidara glances over his shoulder at me and smiles at my actions. I knit my brows and give him the evilest stare I can muster, which only makes him more amused. The time I've spent with my father so far has been brief and not on the best of terms; I hope he's serious about making me his subordinate. I hope he doesn't have some other kind of sick test planned for me when I reach him. Just let me survive this. I will probably die at a young age, anyway. All this stress can't be good for my heart. A large cavern finally comes into view as the hallway opens up. Well, large is an understatement. It is at least three times the size the one I was in before. The same light torches from the hallway circle all the way up to the ceiling. The room almost reminds me of a huge chandelier of some sort like the ones imported from overseas for the richer classes. Kind of…pretty. Two men both in their Akatsuki uniforms stand off to one side of the room next to a small table aligned with dishes. I immediately recognize the taller one as my father, but the other man is one I haven't seen before. He has long black hair that is tied back and what looks like solid black eyes. I take notice of a ring he is wearing and the dark violet color of his nails. I glance to my father's hands and then to Deidara's. So…the rings must be something all the members wear as well as the painted nails. What's up with that? Can I paint my nails, too? My father glances over to us while the other man keeps his gaze in the same direction.

"I brought her here like you asked, un," Deidara says casually, motioning to me with his hand. I remain silent as a grin spreads across my father's face. With as much as the people here smile, you would think they are all rather friendly…

"Good, good. I was just beginning to worry." Worry? He doesn't seem that worried. Deidara looks over at the other man and I swear a look of disgust passes over his face. He scratches his head and then turns to face the hallway we have just left.

"Well, if that's all, I'll be going now," he says, making his way out before gifting me with one last parting grin. Not going to stay to watch me get kicked around? I thought he might have wanted to see that. Oh well. It makes things easier, and it will give him less things to tease me about later if I make it through the day alive. I remain glued to the spot while I listen to Deidara's footsteps fade into the distance. Only when I can no longer here them does my father finally speak to me.

"Well, don't just stand there. Come have some tea with Itachi-san and me."

Tea, seriously? It takes me a few seconds before I force myself into a slow stride. A million years must pass before I finally come to stand before the two men at the table. The man called Itachi sips at a cup of tea as my father pours two more cups with the steaming liquid. He hands one to me and I grasp it clumsily, trying not to spill it. He's going to think I'm a complete idiot. Act like the kinoichi you are, Aya!

"This here is my partner, Uchiha Itachi. He hails from Konohagakure. As a jonin, surely you've heard of the tale about the incident involving the great Uchiha clan." I had heard about that. One of their clan members went rogue and slaughtered the entire clan before fleeing the village…so this is that man? There goes my hopes for him being a halfway decent criminal. Mocking my earlier actions to Sasori, I bow deeply, grasping my cup so hard I fear it might crack. "Itachi-san, this is my new subordinate, Matsura Aya. She hails from Kirigakure like myself."

"Pleasure to meet you, Itachi-sama."

"Hmm."

Not one for many words, huh? I raise my head and look back to my father.

"There is much I'd like to know about my subordinates, seeming how you are the first I have taken on personally. Background history and such. Family, training, status in the village, and whatnot." He takes a long pause, so I take that as my cue to begin. What can I possibly say? There is no way I'm going to reveal that to him now.

"I, uh, well…there is not much to say that could really impress one such as you. I have always wanted to become a great kinoichi, so I entered into the academy and strove to be the best. I graduated the academy at eleven, became a chunin a year later, and made it to jonin soon after my fifteenth birthday two years ago. My strengths are ninjutsu and using ninja tools. I'm not far behind that in taijutsu, but I do not have much fortitude for genjutsu. My mission success rate is ninety percent. I was a respected kinoichi amongst my mentors and peers, but I still have much to learn." I'm starting to ramble. I need to calm my nerves.

"Family?"

"None."

"No family? You raised and fended for yourself all these years? Surely someone had to have taken care of you when you were younger." I squeeze my spare fist that isn't holding the cup.

"Well, my mother was the only family I ever had, but she died. We were never wealthy, but we managed a comfortable life. Things were better when I succeeded as a ninja, but…" I sip on the tea to give me an excuse to stop.

"No father?" I cough up a bit of inhaled tea and wipe my mouth with my arm.

"Excuse me. No, I never knew him…my mother never said much…only that, he was a doctor and was injured when tending to the wounded in a battle." A lie, I know, but what choice do I have? Out of the corner of my eye, I see a flash of red within Itachi's eyes. Was that what is called the sharingan? His eyes bore into mine, so I force my eyes to my father.

"What was your mother like?"

"She…she was kind and caring. She was gentle and by no means a ninja. A stay at home mom. We lived off my father's death benefits for awhile before I started making substantial earnings as a shinobi."

"So what you're telling me is that you had a comfortable, happy, content life in Kirigakure? What then is the nature of your rebellion against it?" My heart pounds in my ears and I pray I'm the only one that can hear it. What kind of question…? How can he…? Why does anyone rebel and turn rogue? Why would a man slaughter his clan? Why would a man leave his love to never return after committing some crime when supposedly they meant the word to each other? He can't rationally ask me that when no one else here likely has a good answer for it, either. I swallow my fear and nerves that were knotting in my throat and look directly into his eyes with a deadly calm.

"Because I wanted to."

"What's that?"

"I wanted a change of scenery. After my mother's death, I needed a refresher. Life had gotten a bit glum, so I spiced it up by killing four of my fellow shinobi. But I knew I couldn't stay after I did that, so I fled the village. Thought I'd see a bit of the world and perhaps find the man I admired that had tuned rogue himself before my time. I told myself if I could find you, I would ask you to train me further in your ways. That's about it. I admit, I was foolish in my approach. I should have known I couldn't expect the great Akatsuki to accept me in without any precaution. For that I am truly regretful and you have my sincerest apologies. Now that I think about it, it must have been quite insulting, but I'm glad you have accepted me as your humble servant. I will do my best to not disappoint you." I finish with a sly smile. I had managed to keep my voice calm, casual, and almost amused during my little speech. Way to go, girl. I may have even fooled myself into thinking I am a heartless bitch. I gulp down my tea in one go and then set the cup down a bit roughly onto the table. I continue in a jaded tone, "Well then. Am I not here so that you can assess my abilities? Or would you like to know my favorite past times, as well, Kisame-sama?"

He laughs in that creepy way of his while setting his own cup down. I may have just signed my own execution warrant. He takes hold of a large sword that leans against the wall then approaches me.

"I like that spirit. You should do well. Let's get started then. We'll start by using taijutsu exclusively, then ninja tools, then ninjutsu. After that we'll combine the three and you will come at me with all you have. Itachi-san is here to help me assess your performance, but I planned on having you practice countering genjutsu today, as well, since I know from your report that you are weak against genjutsu. Other than that, he will not interfere. Are you ready? No turning back now."

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. That I know all too well.