Chapter 7: Welcome to the Akatsuki

Hinata's POV

The second that those words came out of Bara-sensei's mouth, my blood froze and my face grew pale; all the stories that I heard about the Akatsuki portrayed them as international terrorist who had the power to kill thousands of ninjas without breaking a sweat.

"But, Bara-sensei, why would we do something like that?!"

"Hinata, have you heard of the leader of the organization?" I shake my head, indicating my ignorance. "Well, he goes by the name of Pain. He is currently the only living possessor of the Rinnegan. Now, through my missions I have met some members of the group and became somewhat aquatinted to the group. They asked if I wish to become an ally of theirs, they even tried to recruit as a member due to my barrier jutsu, however I refused due to my solitary status. However, as the wielder of such a rare dojutsu, Pain is most likely the most knowledgeable individual of your ability. We have no choice. "

I looked down, trying to absorb all of the information that I had just been told. I knew that the Akatsuki's main objective was to capture all of the tailed beast in some messed up idea of peace. I also knew that on the slim chance that the leader doesn't kill me on the spot for being a Konoha ninja, I would be required to kill other ninja. I shuddered at the thought. What if I have to hurt my friends? As if she was reading my mind, Bara-sensei said:

"Hinata, if you want to lead this life, you have to learn to mask your emotions better. Now, I know of all your worries. So I have an idea…"

I listened intently as Bara-sensei spoke of this plan, and while I was a bit scared of what failure would bring, I agree.

"Let's go."

Bara's POV

A little over a year ago, I remember meeting up with two groups of the Akatsuki. The first group consisted of a red-headed, good-looking young man named Sasori. However, his body wasn't made of flesh, but of wood. His partner was this androgynous looking blonde hair boy who kept talking about his love for art i.e. explosions. I'm pretty sure his name is Deidera. The second group consisted of this blue-skinned man with shark-like features named Kisame. As a fellow sword enthusiast, we grew incredibly close. Other than Hinata, he is one of the few people I can actually consider a friend. Finally, Kisame's partner was a stoic, dark-haired Uchiha survivor known as Itachi. I used to love teasing him with Kisame until he gave me the darkest death glares.

They had been on an assassination mission for a few feudal lords, however, I had got wind that the same men had been killing off members of a small village in fear that they would rebel against the high taxes. Let's just say that I did their jobs for them? I smirk sadistically at the thought. Following this, the members were impressed by my methods, and I stayed in touch with Kisame. Through this connection, I knew where their hideout was located. I hope they haven't moved.

"We're almost there, Princess! Pick up the pace," I look back at a tired looking Hinata. We had been running for about four days straight without any significant break. I could see by her face that she wanted to sleep. I chuckled by the look at her face. I then saw in the distance that we had reached a giant lake.

"Alright, our stop is here."

I could see that the beauty of the area astounded her; the clear blue waters, a raging waterfall, and lush green plants everywhere. However, her face then twisted into confusion:

"Bara-sensei, I don't see anything that resembles a hideout; and I also cannot sense any chakra. Should I activate my Byakugan?" I then responded by punching her in the head. "Oww! What was that for?"

"You idiot, do you really think that a group like the Akatsuki would be so foolish as to leave their hideout wide open and their chakra easy to trace! If you activate your Byakugan now, we are basically sitting ducks."

Following the ordeal, I told her to follow my lead to the waterfall. I then made an array of hand seals and said "Hidden Jutsu: Broken Seal" and the waterfall began to part like the Red Sea. This then opened to a solid rock back that then began to open to revealed a cave. I gave a haughty face in the eyes of my surprised student.

"Now, be very quiet and ready yourself for any attack."

"Should I activate by Byakugan?" I wondered about the question for a short time, and decided that they would find most likely find us once we enter the den, so it only seemed wise to have her eyes activated.

"Yes, but don't activate the Heavanly Byakugan until I give you permission. Got it." She gave a swift nod of her head and we proceeded to enter the cave.

The beauty of the corridor was breathtaking, with intricate designs of ninja, demons, animals and other powerful creatures etched into the walls. However, the only dim lighting that illuminated the everlasting darkness was faint candles on the cave. I then heard a sound and turned towards the sound when I heard:

"BARA-SENSEI, WATCH OUT!" I looked behind me to see a massive sword about to slice my head off. Luckily for me, I had grabbed my sword just in time to stop the hit. I then heard a scream from Hinata and heard a small explosion to my back.

"Hinata!"

I jumped back towards her, and I was able to get both of us out of the way before the second explosion. We were both pushed outside the cave into the lake below. As we were submerged in the water, I used a special jutsu to hear above the surface:

"It looks like some pesky ninja found their way into our base," said one voice.

"How could they have found this place?! The seal can't be broken without knowing a specific jutsu?" Another voice asked.

"Why even ask-Deidara, throw one of your bombs into the water to quickly eliminate the enemy." A familiar voice said.

"Hey, Itachi you're not the boss of me yeah!" I recognize that voice as the hyper blond with the weird ass hands with mouths.

I then saw what appeared to be a white spider jump into the water. I quickly realized it was a bomb, and I proceeded to quickly go through some hand seals and scream "Barrier!". This caused a huge sphere of a clear color to cover Hinata and I, protecting both of us from the bomb and causing us to appear on a nearby shore. I then saw the same sword as before try and slash me, but this time I was fast enough to not only block the attack, but also go behind the enemy and point the sword towards his neck.

"You always have been great with that sword, Kisame." I said with a smile to my face. The blue skinned then turned his towards me and he began to smile and let out a bombastic laugh.

Hinata's POV

"Bara-kun, you crazy black bitch!"

"Kisame-kun, you big blue bastard!"

I then saw the two sword users hug each other as if they were two old friends who had just seen each other in years. While my face was confused, the young man behind the hugging duo (who looked a lot like Sasuke) seemed to have an annoyed face.

"What are you doing here, Bara?"

"Oh, Itachi, why do you always have to be such a sour puss. Can't a girl just want to say hi to some old friends?"

"Then what are you doing with that Hyuuga girl?" The entire group then looked towards my soaking wet form and I gave a nervous smile. Bara-sensei then looked behind at me and gave me a soft smile:

"Well, I actually need a favor from you guys? But before I ask, can we get inside and have a few towels—I'm freezing my balls off out here!"

"No way! We don't even know if they are trustworthy, Itachi?" This was said by the red-headed puppet user.

"Oh come on, Sasori. We used to work with Bara, and I personally think that the girl is pretty cute." I look up at the young boy who said this and begin to blush furiously. He has long blonde hair tied up in a ponytail with a single bang covering his left eye. He also has beautiful slanted blue eyes. He kinda looks like Ino. I giggle at the thought, and that causes a smile to appear on his face. "I'm Deidara by the way, yeah!" He gives me his hand, and I shake it, but my face distorts when I feel a weird slimy feeling on my palm. He seems to see this and quickly pulls his hand away with a mischievous look on his face.

"Sorry about that, I should have probably warned you about them. They help me with my art!"

I quickly accepted this apology when I heard Bara-sensei scream out:

"Hey, Romeo, if you really wanna woo Hinata you could start by inviting us into that damn hideout!"

I blush furiously at Bara-sensei's comment. It's like she lives just to embarrass us. Somehow, Kisame and Deidara are able to convince Itachi and Sasori to enter the hideout. On the way inside the hallways, I was shaking due to fear and coldness. Talking to Kisame distracted Bara-sensei; I notice that she laughs loudly around him, and sometimes even touches him. Now, even though Kisame-sama was friendly enough when I was introduced to him, I'm still a bit afraid of him due to his aggressive appearance. I could see he wasn't surprised by my reaction, as if everyone views him as some form of a beast. But for some strange reason, Bara-sensei seems incredibly comfortable around him. I'm so happy for her.

I then feel someone next to me and realize that Deidera had fell back from the rest of the group to walk with me. I give him another shy smile, and he gives back a huge grin. I then realize that I have that same feeling I used to get when I would watch Naruto from a distance. Oh my Kami, I can't! Hinata-baka, he is a S-ranked criminal who just tried to kill you! But he is kind of cute…NO.

"Welcome to the Akatsuki Hideout!"

Once I hear Kisame scream this, I look around the room and try to absorb everything. Truthfully, I never thought that the hideout of a S-ranked criminal organization could be so…so nice. It looked to be an upper class version of a living room. It included beautiful purple, satin couches with a dim candlelight atmosphere.

"Now, Bara, I'm guessing that it must have been an incredibly important reason for you to risk your life to enter the hideout?" Itachi said.

Bara-sensei then sat down on the couch, next to Kisame, and once again changed to her serious face.

"Hinata possesses the Heavenly Byakugan."

I never thought that I would see a group of S-ranked criminals so astonished in their entire lives. All of their eyes turn towards me, and I grow very nervous. After what seems to be everlasting silence, Sasori chimes in and says:

"We need to bring her to Pain."