Chapter 8: Change
Hinata's POV
The Akatsuki members are leading Bara-sensei and I down a dark hallway; they are leading us to their leader, known as Pain. I have only heard stories of the elusive leader, with his incredible abilities, intelligence and ruthless means. I only shudder at the thought of being in the same room as him. What if he kills us sight? What if he decides to experiment on my eyes? What if…however, my thoughts are cut short by Itachi's monotone voice:
"We're here."
I look behind me and see that Bara-sensei and the Akatsuki members are in a semi circle around me. They then kneel down in a stance that I recognize as a sign of a respect, and I follow in their footsteps. I then hear a distinct, cold voice:
"I am hoping that you have a good reason for bringing trespassers into the base."
Just the sound of his voice radiates superiority; And I thought Outosan was scary!
"Good evening, Pain-sama," I'm surprised, as I have never heard Bara-sensei use honorifics, let alone "sama". "I apologize for the inconvenience, however, I have something of dire emergency that I require your assistance of. It directly involves the Hyuga you see in front of you."
His eyes than look down on me, and I'm immediately frozen. Those e-eyes…they are so unnatural. He had bright orange hair, with multiple black piercings on his body; however, his most striking characteristic was definitely his eyes. They were comprised of growing rings, and were of an unnatural purple color. I read about those before. I-it's called the Rinnegan. Bara-sensei seemed to be waiting for permission to respond.
"Go on."
"I wish for the both of us to become allies of the Akatsuki organization. In exchange for your members training Hinata, we will assist the group in missions."
This then lead the man known as Pain to turn towards me.
"First of all, she doesn't look even close to the level of skill to even be an ally to the organization. Secondly, give me a single reason that I shouldn't either kill you on the spot or take the girl to experiment on the Byakugan." The voice in which he said that statement caused a shiver to run down my spine.
"Hinata, activate the ability."
I heard this come from Bara-sensei, and immediately listen, fearing the repercussions if I froze up. "Byakugan." I then concentrated on the Heavenly Byakugan, and felt my eyes begin to glow. I look up and see a brow raise on Pain-sama.
"Everyone out, except for the girl and Bara."
I then hear all of the Akatsuki leave the room. Bara-sensei gives me permission to in turn disengage the ability, and I go back to my regular eyes. For what seems like an eternity, there is silence, until Pain-sama begins to speak:
"How long?"
"A little over a week ago, since we left the village," Bara-sensei answered.
He then walks down from his throne and comes towards me. I begin to shake at the amount of chakra radiating off his body. H-how can a-a-anyone be that strong? He come towards me and raises his hand, causing me to flinch in fear of an attack; what he does is even more surprising. He strokes my face.
"In order to activate the Heavenly Byakugan, one must have been betrayed by those who are meant to love them. They must have their trust broken. However, along with this betrayal, the Hyuuga must be an owner of a pure heart. You have experienced true pain and have came out more powerful."
Tears begin to fall out of my eyes, however, he then wipes them away from my face and gives off a slight smile.
"Don't cry, you are safe now; may I ask what your name is?"
"H-Hinata, Pain-sama," I answer back.
He gives another smile and then turns towards Bara-sensei.
"The stories about your intelligence don't do you justice, Bara. You were very wise to come here. I happen to know a fairly large amount of information on the Heavenly Byakugan. If my memory serves me right, then there has been no documented case of a Hyuuga to achieve the skill since the reign of the First Hokage. Hinata, you will be trained by Uchiha Itachi with the basics of your Dojutsu. The Sharigan evolved from the Byakugan, causing there to be a large amount of similarities in your abilities. I can tell by the sword at your side that you have at least some affinity for kenjutsu, so I will have Kisame train you. Finally, your Byakugan will be very useful in long distance surveillance, so you should train with Deidera. Once you have mastered the basics of the Dojutsu, I will train you personally in some of the more individual skills."
I nod immediately at the information, and feel a blush form on my cheeks when I hear Deidera's name said in the list. Oh for Kami's sake, Hinata, get over all of these hormones!
"Bara, I want you to work with missions with some of out two-men groups on occasions. Your barrier jutsu along with your kenjutsu will prove very helpful on some of the more difficult missions."
I look back at Bara-sensei and see her give Pain-sama a curt nod. I then turn back to the terrifying man in front of me and once again he gives me a smirk.
"Welcome to the Akatsuki, Hinata and Bara. Prepare yourself for the biggest change in your lives."