Here is the twelfth chapter of Getting Freedom and honestly I have yet to plan what will happen in chapter thirteen so if you have any suggestions they would be very cherished. However I will eventually come up with something. I love all reviewers so if you leave a review I love you 3
Warning: This chapter will contain more language than usual
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto because I'm too poor to
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Ruri had just teleported to the last location the Akatsuki had heard from Hidan and Kakuzu. Now all she had to do was locate them. Ruri heard an explosion northwest. Now that was too easy she thought. Ruri estimated ten minutes at a moderate pace would get her there with ample time to assess the situation at hand. She moved to step of the stone platform she was standing on but tripped over her cloak.
Ruri removed her face from the ground. Her cloak was really way to long on her, and it was big on her, yet no one made a move to have that fixed. Grumbling out a few choice words at the situation and picking up the hat that concealed her face she stood up. Ruri could cut the cloak but she really didn't want to deal with a lecture from leader today.
"God damn it! We're supposed to be the world's deadliest ninjas and no one can fucking afford a tailor!" she yelled at no one in particular.
Ruri began running. She wondered what she could do in a fight like this. Technically she was still loyal to Konoha but she was in the Akatsuki. She'd have to use mind communication but she would be completely exhausted later. She had to save enough energy to teleport back to the base. Thankfully Itachi had been building up her stamina so she could probably last longer. All she needed was to get one of the leaf ninjas away from the others to talk.
Ruri had approached undetectable as always and was utterly shocked at what she saw. Kakuzu was on the ground not moving and a ninja lying next to him. She saw two ninja start running towards him now was as good a chance as any.
Ruri leaped down making her presence known she landed about five feet from them. They looked at her shocked; of course they had no idea who she was at this point.
"If you rip that out it could be life threatening Kakashi-San," Ruri said. Her voice was surprisingly normal to the others. There wasn't killing intent behind her. Not only that but she had showed respect for him by using a suffix.
"Who are you?" Ino demanded. Ruri felt a pang of annoyance run through her; she also noticed the monsters patiently waiting for her to do something. Without a heart in his body Kakuzu still seemed to be intelligent.
"Eh? You really don't remember me?" Ruri questioned teasingly. "I will refresh your memory. I was a member of team Genma the first all female team in Konoha." Ruri removed the hat and watched Ino's eyes widen. "I was considered exceptional for my age, and well liked by everyone until I took the chunin exam." Ruri slowly unbuttoned the Akatsuki cloak that was draped heavily on her body. "I'm Ruri and now that I removed my cloak I'm ready to fight you, so get up."
Kakashi smartly ushered the two ninjas back away from Ruri. It was clear to Ruri that Ino had the first symptoms of a panic attack. However Ino couldn't possibly know she was in no real danger, yet.
"You're dead…" She stammered out. Ruri gave her an annoyed look. Was that all she could say?
"Clearly that's not true," Ruri stated. "If I was dead I wouldn't be here."
"Genma would be disappointed," Kakashi said. Ruri knew Kakashi didn't know that Genma would actually be very proud of her but made no move to tell him that. She would put him on a list of people to know about her situation later. "He would talk about how you were the ideal student so smart and promising."
"I'm the only one disappointed," Ruri interjected. "I'm disappointed in Konoha so I'm going to change it. There's nothing wrong with doing that."
"You're horrible," Ino cried out. Ruri just gave her a look saying oh really?
"Oh yes you're so innocent." Ruri rolled her eyes at the blonde bimbo. "You my least favorite slut kept my boyfriend from attending my funeral."
"I was offering my condolences," Ino snorted. She was a little insulted that Ruri had called Kiba her boyfriend.
"Let me guess your condolences included a blow job and titty fuck," Ruri spat out. Her eyes were practically killing Ino with their intense hatred.
"If he loved you he would've gone don't hold onto your silly fantasies." Ino watched Ruri stiffen she had successfully insulted her. "Besides the only slut in Konoha happens to be your teammate Yukiko."
Ino regretted ever saying that as she felt Ruri move closer to her. She couldn't stop her attack it was way too fast she hardly saw Ruri move until it was too late. Ruri's hand was reaching for her heart. She stopped as a black corded monster jumped into Kakuzu's body. He slowly stood up and looked at Ruri.
"Don't think about taking her heart," Kakuzu ordered. "The hearts of these shinobi are completely mine. Why are you here?"
"Leader sent me to retrieve you if there were any problems," Ruri said drawing her hand out from Ino's chest. Ino was still awestricken; Ruri used that chance to wipe the blood off on her purple shinobi top. "I consider this a problem, so we should probably head back."
"Just how do you plan to do that?" Kakuzu inquired.
"Teleportation. Just stop asking questions and let's go." Ruri was clearly impatient and acting childish.
"Stop acting like a spoiled brat." Ruri was now pouting at him. "We need Hidan anyway." He watched as Ruri's face turned into a scowl before she made a snarling noise.
"Leave him for dead," Ruri stated. That caught Kakashi's attention. He had heard Akatsuki members argue but none had so clearly said that they hated the other. "I can't condone how he kills people for his sick religion." That was definitely something an Akatsuki member shouldn't say.
"You don't have a choice," Kakuzu said. "Retrieve him from the woods while I finish these ones off. I don't trust the one he's with."
"A ninja named Shikamaru right?" She saw Kakuzu's questioning look. "I used to play games with him when I was younger. I wouldn't openly walk into a fight with him. There are some stupid decisions you can make in life and that is one of them."
"It's an order from a superior. Go now." Ruri huffed and pouted but Kakuzu made no move to dismiss the order.
"Fine I'm going. It's not my fault if you get killed," Ruri said. "You underestimate Konoha ninja too much. You should use me and Itachi as living examples of people who continue to shock those around them."
"Just go," he ordered. Ruri muttered old shit bag under her breath.
Ruri began to run when a very skilled Kakashi blocked her path.
"I don't suppose you're going to move," Ruri asked with a smile. He stood firm. "Listen Kakashi you seem like a reasonable guy and your students are really nice, well except for dipshit." Kakashi assumed that was Sasuke, but it could also be Naruto and his sometimes stupid behavior. "All I'm asking is that you move so I can get my fellow member, after all ninjas never abandon teammates."
Kakashi was shocked that she considered the Akatsuki her teammates. He almost missed her when she started towards him. The first thing she did was a jab to his abdomen which he narrowly dodged. She was fast; her young age did not change the fact that she was a skilled shinobi. The village was right when some called her the new Itachi. Kakashi leaned back as her heel swiped across his face. It left a small cut in it.
"And people think I wear these things for fun," Ruri commented. "It was nice playing with you. Please tell my team I say hi." Ruri knew Kakashi didn't think it was in a friendly way but it was. Ruri took a few steps back before leaping into the air. The toe of her boot landed on Kakashi's forehead as she propelled herself over him.
~Don't worry I'm not going to hurt Shikamaru~
Kakashi thought he had imagined that until he caught a glimpse of Ruri's serious face. Why did he trust her?
"Ruri." Kakuzu called as he sent Hidan's scythe flying at her with impossible speed. She effortlessly put her hand in the air and caught it.
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Ruri could tell she might be interrupting one of the most intense stair downs the world has ever seen. Ruri is not the most patient person in the world.
"Hey cunt what are you doing?" Ruri asked from her perch in the trees.
"Bitch what are you doing here," Hidan barked. He looked even more annoyed than Ruri had expected.
"Saving your ass from certain death." Ruri jumped out of the trees, Shikamaru instantly recognized the beautiful girl. Only one person had eyes that green. "He wants to avenge the death of his sensei and I don't blame him at all. Frankly I want to sit here and watch him kill you but it's against my orders."
"Is that my scythe?" he asked her.
"Yes you get it when you come with me like a good little boy," Ruri explained. "I'm sorry about this Shikamaru."
Her eyes blazed into a purple color as sparks flew from her hands successfully taking down his barrier.
"What the fuck was that?" Hidan yelled even though he was now next to her. Ruri rolled his eyes.
"It's my primary jutsu type," Ruri replied. "Dumbass it's not smart to talk about this in front of a genius. I'm only using it right now because Shikamaru could probably take me down if I didn't do this. Back up right now this is my fight."
"Ruri, I thought you were dead," Shikamaru said looking at her. Everything was almost just like he remembered. Her dark brown curly hair and golden skin were the same; she even had that same innocent smile. However these purple eyes were new as well as her now more pronounced feminine features.
"Yeah, I get that a lot these days," Ruri replied. "So that's a jounin vest, congrats. How have you been?"
"That's not exactly the conversation we should be having." Shikamaru noticed the slight pout on her face, she could still act childish. "More importantly why are you in-"
"How's Kiba been?" Ruri interrupted. He could tell that she really wanted to know. He could hear the slight desperation mixed with curiosity.
"Kiba is just fine." Shikamaru wondered why he had told her for some reason he still trusted her. "He's in love with Ino."
"Are they happy?" Ruri asked. Shikamaru nodded his head. Ruri managed a bitter sweet smile at him. "Then you better come at me now."
Shikamaru came at her, she knew he only had average fighting skills and that he primarily used shadow jutsu. Right now would be the best time to explain the situation to him. While they're fighting Hidan wouldn't suspect a thing.
~Listen Shikamaru~
"What?" he questioned out loud. Ruri glared he needs to talk inside his head.
~Only reply in your head. I just need you to know that this is part of my mission for the hidden leaf. I have no way betrayed Konoha, and if I ever feel the need to I will tell the Hokage myself~
So you saving this guy is just for fun Shikamaru thought.
~I can't give my position away otherwise I'm screwed. I promises you some day you can do this but right now it would compromise things for me and Konoha. I beg of you to back off~
Be happy that I will let you do this. Next time I will not help you, I'm only doing this because Maikaia believes in you so much. I would hate to think you turned your back on her.
~Thanks I also need you to talk to the Hokage about the entrance of three Akatsuki to Konoha. Two of them have been blood bonded into their loyalty one just simply wants to get away. Deidara, Sasori, and Itachi Uchiha. I know what you're thinking but they die if they break the blood bonds, they won't risk it and betray me. Also when Ino says I tried to kill her I was just going to break a rib the fun way, from the inside~
Shikamaru let Ruri's next attack "slip" through his defenses as he fell pretending to be unconscious. He would let her win just this once.
"It's time to go Hidan," Ruri said in a commanding tone.
"He hasn't been sacrificed yet," Hidan said moving towards his body.
"Right now that isn't our concern," Ruri said. Hidan saw her body stiffen. "I think the Kyuubi and back up are here. We need to check on Kakuzu, someday I'm sure Shikamaru will get the chance to kill you again." Ruri grabbed his scythe from the tree and started running back to where Kakuzu was.
"Hey wait for me you bitch!" Hidan yelled at her.
Ruri wasn't paying attention; this situation had become very bad for her. Having strong leaf shinobi was one thing but having emotionally strong shinobi was another. Ruri knew more than anyone else that emotions were the key to winning a battle. She didn't believe ninjas should be completely indifferent to their work, she believed that having emotional backing and reasoning would make a shinobi stronger.
Ruri reached the edge of the forest with Hidan. She could make out two approaching figures, one had unmistakable pink hair. That was not good for her. There was a god; Ruri knew that much because of Maeva. However Ruri felt that god hates her unconditionally.
Ruri stopped and ignored a yelling Hidan. He undoubtedly could not understand what she was doing.
"Hidan when the two ninjas stop I want you to run forward." Hidan looked at Ruri as if to ask her what the hell she was doing. "Just do it."
"Ruri?" Sakura questioned while still approaching. "What are you doing?"
Ruri decided to ignore her when she stopped in front of her with another black haired shinobi. Ruri started making hand signs while Hidan rocketed forward towards the two ninjas. The both started to get ready for an attack.
"You won't get away with this," Sakura said voice full of self proclaimed justice.
She was going to say something more but the rapid rising of thorny vines cut off her words. They gripped her and the other shinobi rendering them both immobile. Ruri watched Hidan run farther into the distance she waited until he left before standing up completely straight.
"Don't struggle," Ruri said simply. "The thorns have already infected you with a sedative that will make you paralyzed. You're in no real danger. Sakura the next time I see you I plan to have your special person with me."
Sakura's eyes widened and she struggled to watch as Ruri sprinted away from them. No way was Ruri going to save Sasuke back to her. Was that why she was in the Akatsuki?
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"Oh my."
"Fucking Jashin," Hidan finished for Ruri. They had just witnessed the death of Kakuzu and it was something both found frightening. Never had they seen an attack that strong. Ruri found it impossible to comprehend, one hit and it had killed someone, technically three people if you count the other two hearts.
"I'm going to retrieve my cloak and hat," Ruri stated standing up from her hiding place. "Also I want to see some of the damage up close, only come in if I call for you. I doubt we're in danger now that Naruto is down for the count."
Ruri didn't wait for his response and leaped from the high rock ledge and landed with cat like grace on the edge of the crater. Ruri could see Kakuzu's body. Ruri didn't know if she should pick it up or let it remain there. Instead she strolled over to where her cloak and hat lay. No one even noticed her. Ruri had spent weeks after being kidnapped perfecting the ability to be undetectable, it was worth it.
Ruri felt a sudden movement as a wooden spike stabbed through her side. Ruri hadn't flinched or attempted to dodge, she just let it happen. Ruri turned around slowly to see the group of shinobi staring at her. Ruri smiled.
"Sorry but I really must go back to my base," Ruri informed them. "Besides I don't intend to fight you today. It wasn't my mission, however I must inform you that Naruto shouldn't use that attack anymore. Some things are just too dangerous to use. Trust me I would know."
Ruri ran past them and up to Hidan on a ledge. She noticed their attacks would be coming quickly. Her eyes turned purple as she began her hand signs for teleportation jutsu. She touched her finger to the wound in her side and drew a weird symbol on her hand before grabbing Hidan. With him close she clapped her hands together.
The two teams watched as Ruri and Hidan disappeared in a blinding purple light. Every trace of the two had been erased. Kakashi was stunned, that jutsu had been forbidden because it presented a danger to those with regular chakra levels. Ruri had done it with such ease. Yamato had been positive he had hit her vitals but she wasn't even fazed.
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"Hidan go get Sasori now," Ruri said. They were now in the Akatsuki living room and Ruri was clutching her side in a crouching position. "That guy hit a vital, I'm losing blood fast."
Itachi and Kisame had seen them arrive back and were surprised. Ruri had never been injured enough to the point where she couldn't heal herself. Itachi strode to her side and bent down.
"What happened?" Itachi asked her.
"Kakuzu was killed by the Naruto and a new jutsu," Ruri answered. Kisame noticed that despite the obvious pain and amount of blood loss she was having Ruri's voice was unwavering with strength. Her expression was more neutral than anything else as well.
"I was talking about this wound." Itachi pushed her hand down on it and she made a little whimpering noise in response. "You decided to take this as self punishment didn't you?"
Ruri made no motion to answer but she scowled at him. Kisame was surprised at that usually she does a good job of concealing emotions but Ruri was obviously annoyed with him.
Sasori swiftly entered the room with a first aid kit and a slightly panicked Deidara behind him. Sasori was shirtless and wet; he was obviously in the middle shower when he was interrupted. Deidara however was fully dressed but was covered in grey clay.
"Do you know what he hit?" Sasori said gently laying Ruri on the ground with help from Itachi.
"Without a doubt two arteries that feed into organs," Ruri said. Her breathing was shallow compared to before and her eyes were slightly closed. However she turned to look at Deidara and smiled slightly.
"You let this happen didn't you," Sasori muttered. He pulled the wooden stake out of her slowly. It had lost its brown color and was crimson from her blood. "Why didn't you do anything about this?"
"Anything I do personally won't have any effect," Ruri practically whispered. "I'm completely defenseless against two things; wood and silver." Ruri found herself closing her eyes as she became tired.
"Ruri keep your eyes open," Sasori instructed. "I need you to stay conscious as long as possible." Sasori began to pick out the small wood splinters indented in her flesh, normally he would just heal up the wound with a medical jutsu but this was for some reason different. The flesh where the wood had touched was black and almost dead. Once he had successfully removed all the pieces he applied a disinfectant cream he had specially made to help rapid healing.
After that he began to heal the wound with chakra. Most thought Sasori couldn't perform medical operations but that was untrue. He couldn't perform complicated procedures but he could heal most wounds. He had to have vast knowledge of the human body and chakra network in order to create exceptional puppets after all. He found this task fairly simple but he would have to ask her why such a small thing could cause her so much trouble.
"Ruri will be fine," Sasori said standing up. "She needs to rest for a while though, no physical activity what so ever." Sasori looked at Deidara to make sure he understood. "Deidara take her back to your room to sleep."
Deidara scooped the petite girl into his arms. Ruri was already asleep deeply, he could tell that she had a slight fever. Deidara felt himself exhale in relief when he could feel her beating heart. He walked out of the room clutching onto her tightly.
"I guess Deidara was really worried," Kisame said at last. "My only question is he with us." Sasori looked at Itachi.
"I'm planning on discussing this with Ruri later, don't worry," Itachi said to Sasori. "That girl felt guilty and let that attack happen. Her self proclaimed justice causes problems for everyone but she doesn't even realize it."
"Keep in mind Ruri is still just a child and has yet to learn everything there is about this world," Sasori said before exiting.
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"SHE IS A WHAT?" Tsuande yelled at the top of her lungs. Shikamaru stood still as he watched the Hokage go on a small rampage that sent papers flying around the room.
"Ruri is a member of the Akatsuki," Shikamaru repeated. "However it's only temporary. She claims to be on a mission for the leaf. I just want to know why she's alive."
"That situation is very complicated," Tsuande said sitting down in her chair. "Ruri was sent to retrieve something for us but that mission shouldn't have involved her being in the Akatsuki."
"Well Ruri claims to have allies in their ranks." Tsuande lifted her head towards Shikamaru waiting for more. "She wants to request sanctuary for Sasori, Deidara, and Itachi. They are completely loyal to her by a blood promise. If I'm not mistaken those are forbidden."
"Not to Ruri," Tsuande interjected. "Ruri is a very special case; she has privileges above other shinobi. What might be forbidden to you is not forbidden to her. However I can't just over look this and not report this."
"I can assure you that she hasn't forgotten her mission. Ruri says if she's going to quit she'll tell you. Also when Ino says Ruri was going to kill her she was just going to break a bone the 'fun' way." Shikamaru waited for the Hokage's response. He didn't think that the Hokage could have such an expression. She was deep in thought.
"Shikamaru how would you go about reporting this situation," she asked. "If I withhold this information it would undoubtedly start conflicts with other villages."
"If it were me I would report it and set a bounty right away. However I would make that bounty not more than an average criminal so most people won't pay that much attention to her," Shikamaru reasoned. "If her bounty is low than most hunter ninjas will dismiss her as not worth the trouble or assume she's dead by now. Besides technically the only techniques she's shown are teleportation which is formidable but not dangerous."
"I see." Tsuande's eyes were down casted. "I will do just that. However the nobles and her teammates are going to freak out. For such a small girl she can sure create such a big commotion."
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My goal for updating is to do it every Monday now that I have marching band and dance going on. I also won't update unless the previous chapter has at least ten views, I don't want to write a story that no one likes. I am always tempted to update faster by receiving reviews, they make me feel all warm and fuzzy.
Also I'm thinking of creating a spin off with the other winged beast; however it won't take place in Naruto. I haven't decided yet where it will be but I'm leaning towards Katekyo Hitman Reborn. In my opinion they are the only group of guys that come close to rivaling the Naruto. Let me know what you think. :)