The Diamond Family
Chapter 5: Smile
Perspectives: Snow and Kakuzu.
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Kakuzu's Perspective
A few hours later Snow settled into a peaceful sleep. I carefully moved from her bed. I pulled the blankets over her and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. I hate leaving her, but staying isn't an option.
"Sorry, my treasure", I said.
Before I could leave through the window chains wrapped around me. Sparkling white mist filled the room. I was careless. When the mist faded, I was on the outskirts of the village.
"Why are you here, Kakuzu?" asked Eiji.
He glared at me with such hatred.
"You know my reason for being here", I said.
"I can give you millions for the rest of your life and all you have to do is leave her", said Eiji.
"I don't want your money", I growled.
"You're a greedy man, Kakuzu. Your refusal isn't surprising she's one of a kind. You aren't worthy of her", said Eiji.
"And you are?!" I growled.
"More so than you. I don't know what she sees in you", said Eiji.
I don't know what she sees in me either.
"I gave her chance for a normal life she refused to take it. She's with me by choice", I said.
I pulled against my chains. They rattled but gave no sign of breaking.
"Don't waste your strength", said Eiji.
"Why not kill me? This is the perfect opportunity", I said.
"As tempting as it is I can't. If I kill you Snow will never forgive me. You mean the world to her, which I detest", said Eiji.
He has something up his sleeve otherwise he wouldn't be so calm.
"I'll tell her I knew of your visit and you wouldn't return because you accepted my offer. At first, she'll have difficulty accepting it, but she'll grow to. She knows money is your first love", said Eiji.
Would she believe him? I sighed. I wouldn't think less of her if she did. If I were in her position I'd believe Eiji. I don't want her to suffer through the pain of thinking I don't love her.
"That it will break her heart beyond repair", I said.
"Broken hearts are mended in time. I have an eternity and so does she. How long after breaking her heart do you think she'll move on to me?" he asked.
My anger built. The chain around me snapped. Eiji seemed stunned.
"How can you say you love her when you're willing to hurt in such a way?" I asked.
"It's an option of last resort. If you ever come near her again I'll tell her you've accepted my offer", said Eiji.
With that, he disappeared in a cloud of sparkling white mist. My bindings fell away. He loves her. What that meant for Snow I don't know.
Snow's Perspective
Sunlight streaming in through the open window woke me. I sat up immediately but was held back by my restraints. They tore under my strength. I opened my locket. The photo was there. It wasn't a dream. I needed to get the smell of the hospital off of me.
"Lady Minori, where are you?" asked a panicked nurse.
Not a moment of peace. I stepped out of the bathroom.
"Here", I said.
She rushed over to me and lead me to bed. I pulled away.
"You shouldn't be out of bed, Lady Minori", she said.
"I'm fine", I said.
"That may be true, but your injuries were serious. You need to rest", said the nurse.
"I won't stay here any longer you can't force me", I said.
"You need a doctor's approval before you can leave", said the nurse.
"Get me a doctor then", I said.
"Of course I'll get one right away", said the nurse.
The nurse quickly left the room. A few minutes later the doctor came in the room.
"You are quick to recover", said the doctor.
"Can go?" I asked.
"Not a fan of hospitals", said the doctor.
I nodded.
"Most in your profession aren't", he said.
"What will you do?" I asked.
"A physical examination to decide whether you are healthy enough to leave the hospital", said the doctor.
I took a seat on my bed. He listened to my heart.
"Your heart sounds good. Now can you take a deep breath in and out", said the doctor.
I did as he said.
"Lungs sound good too. Take off your clothing I need to see the rest of your body", said the doctor.
I glared at him, but I did as told. He gasped as he saw my scars. I hate the reaction.
"Where did you get these from?" asked the doctor.
"I won't speak of that", I said.
"My apologies", said the doctor.
He looked over my ribs making sure they were healed. He tested my reactions to pain and my reflexes.
"You may dress", said the doctor.
"So can I leave?" I asked.
"Yes, you can leave you only need to sign out at the front desk", said the doctor.
"Wait, Lady Minori what do you want us to do with all this stuff?" asked the nurse.
"Give the food to a shelter and donate the stuffed animals orphanage. Gather the letter and send them to me", I said.
"Yes, my lady", said the nurse.
As I got dressed I saw her put a white teddy bear covered in pink hearts in a bag. It looks exactly like the one Kakuzu won me at the fair.
"Wait, I'll keep that one", I said.
I took the teddy bear from her and read the letter:
You will always have my hearts
I giggled.
"What does the letter say?" asked the nurse.
"You will always have my hearts", I said.
"So cute!" said the nurse.
"It is", I said.
"So who sent it?" asked the nurse.
"Eiji", I lied.
"You're lucky to have such a loving husband, Lady Minori", said the nurse.
I hugged the bear closely to my chest. There were thick black stitches in its ear where it was once torn. Before I could leave hospital property my students came running toward me.
"SENSEI!"
I smiled. They'd only received minor injuries from the battle. In Ren's arms was a bouquet of flowers.
"These are for you", she said.
"Thank you, Ren", I said.
"We all chipped in", she said.
"Are you sure you should be out of the hospital?" asked Toshi.
"I'll be fine. Even got my doctor's approval", I said.
"What the doctor credentials?" asked Toshi.
"He's perfectly qualified. There's no need to worry", I said.
"Yeah, Toshi our sensei isn't a wimp. So when will we start training again?" asked Ryuu.
"Tommorrow", I said.
"Are you sure starting so soon is wise?" asked Toshi.
"I'll be fine. There's no need for you to worry", I said.
"You can't blame us for being nervous. You went up against Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki", said Toshi.
"Please stop worrying", I said.
"Fine", said Toshi.
The other two left but he stayed behind.
"What's with the bear?" he asked.
"I thought it cute", I said.
"Promise, to take it easy", said Toshi.
"I will for today", I said.
I walked the residence of the Guardian. My doctor recommended bed rest, but couldn't stand the idea of staying inside all day. I went Eiji's office.
"I knew they wouldn't be able to keep you for long", he said.
"What did you say?" I asked.
"To whom?" asked Eiji.
"To others of this village about what happened to me", I said.
"The truth. I can't leave other villages uninformed on the appearance of such criminals", said Eiji.
He was waiting for a reaction.
"You're not angry", he said.
"No, I expected it. They are more than capable of handling themselves", I said.
"How do you plan on spending your time off?" asked Eiji.
"Train with my students. I don't want them getting lazy", I said.
"That goes against your doctor's suggestion of bed rest", said Eiji.
My hands fisted. Can't I have any privacy?! Medical records are confidential.
"I didn't breach your privacy, Snow. After a battle like that, of course, the doctor recommend bedrest", said Eiji.
The next morning I met my students at the training ground. Normally, teaching them was the perfectly enjoyable distraction, but not so much today. I ached. It wasn't physical, but mental. Hours ago I was with the man I loved. I tried not to let it get to me. I did my best to keep my emotions hidden.
"Sensei",
They'd stopped there work.
"Did you finish already?" I asked.
"When completed this exercise exactly thirty minutes ago", said Toshi.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked.
"You were thinking. That isn't something that should be interrupted", said Toshi.
"Is something wrong, sensei?" asked Ren.
"There's a lot on my mind. We'll end training early today", I said.
My students made no objections. I hadn't gone easy on them today. I showered. It was my favorite place to think. I dressed and took a seat at the foot of my bed. I brushed my hair. I took my locket in my hand. I turned over and read the inscription on the back:
To my most valuable treasure, Snow.
I have to return to him. I tensed when someone approached me from behind.
"I know you're there, Mari", I said.
"You're getting dull, Snow", she said.
"If it weren't for you I wouldn't be able to sense people approaching you so easily. So it's your own fault", I said.
"What's wrong?" asked Mari.
"Nothing", I said.
"You're lying", said Mari.
"Homesick", I said.
"This is home. You were born here", said Mari.
"That doesn't make it home", I said.
"I don't get that", said Mari.
"Then don't make me explain it, Mari. It's painful", I said.
"Fine, I won't pry", said Mari.
I smirked.
"Do you care for us at least?" asked Mari.
Her voice was soft almost afraid to ask.
"I love my sister and all the villagers, but I crave the ones I was stolen from. The village will always hold a special place in my heart", I said.
"You're too sweet for your own good, Snow. Your kindness has captured Eiji's heart", said Mari.
"I have his heart?" I asked.
"I don't understand love, but I know it when I see it. You'll soon be able to bend him to your every whim", said Mari.
For some reason, I felt a pang of guilt. A week past. During this time I wasn't myself. Keeping up this mask of happiness was tiring, but I kept it up for the sake of the villagers and my students. How many it convinced I didn't know. Late the next night I returned to my bedroom. It was empty. This was nothing new to me. I changed into my sleeping clothes. I pulled the blankets over me. The door opened and Eiji stepped in.
"You're early", I said.
I smiled gently and forced a blush. He changed. Something seemed to weigh heavily on his mind. His eyes gazed at me. What was on his mind? Eiji sighed.
"I know your secret, Snow", said Eiji.
I tensed.
"What secret?" I asked.
"Kakuzu, visited you last night", said Eiji.
I didn't argue. Pressing the subject will only make this more difficult.
"How did you know?" I asked.
"I was outside the bedroom door when he came", said Eiji.
"You're upset with me", I said.
"Of course I'm upset with you, but your expression of pure happiness caused it to fade. It reminds me of the way my wife used to look at me. You've captured my heart. I only want your happiness, but I'm not ready for you to leave yet", said Eiji.
"I've done nothing to earn your love", I said.
I pushed down my guilt.
"You've brought love back into my life. That was something I thought lost in my life. You are one of a kind", said Eiji.
"Thanks", I said.
"Don't leave yet", he said.
"I can't", I said.
I raised my wrist showing the diamond band that he'd placed on my wrists.
"I've planned a story for your leave", said Eiji.
"Why?" I asked.
"From the day you arrived, I've known your stay was temporary. I just didn't how temporary", said Eiji.
I didn't know how to respond.
"You will always be welcome here", said Eiji.
"What if I were with child and have others who need a safe place?" I asked.
"If that were to happen I would make those people swear a blood oath to this village, which would kill them if they did anything to bring harm to this village. Even if you were pregnant with his child that wouldn't stop my feelings for you", said Eiji.
"How would you treat them?" I asked.
"Like they were my own", said Eiji.
There was no deception in his voice. His eyes held such honesty.
"Thank you, Eiji", I said.
I hugged him tightly. I would always be grateful to him. He gave me a second option for my life that I could always fall back on. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me close.
"I only ask one thing in return for this gift", said Eiji.
"What?" I asked.
"All I want in return is if your lover were to die you would take me willingly as your husband and be open to having my children", said Eiji.
It was fair. If something were to happen to Kakuzu it would be impossible for me to stay with the Akatsuki. It was more than fair.
"I will",
He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. Didn't ask what his story for my disappearance would be, but I trust him.
"May I join you?" he asked.
"Yes",
He joined me in bed. His back was turned to me. I feel horrible. Why do I feel like this? I don't understand. If Eiji were the one to rescue me I would have fallen deeply in love with him. There wasn't doubt in mind about that. He's a great man. Any woman would be lucky to have him. He's distancing himself from me to make the goodbye less painful. I don't want the short time I have left with him to be like this. I don't want him to suffer. But Kakuzu was suffering as well. Why do I care for him after what he's done to me? I love him in almost the same way as Kakuzu. I touched his shoulder.
"Look at me", I said.
He turned in bed to face me. I rested my head on his chest and listen to his ancient heart. I could feel his confusion.
"Snow",
"I don't want this short time to be sad. Let try to enjoy it", I said.
"Why do you care?" he asked.
His voice wasn't cruel. Eiji was only curious to the answer.
"You're my friend. I hate to see my friends in pain", I said.
"How can you call me friend after what I've done to you?" asked Eiji.
"Every person deserves a second chance and that includes you", I said.
"Thank you", said Eiji.
Eiji struggled restlessly in bed. A nightmare. Waking him up wouldn't do him any good.
"Akemi, no don't hurt her. Please don't hurt her!" yelled Eiji in his sleep.
He was shaking. I knew that fear. I won't let him suffer. I hugged him. His head rested on my chest. I ran my finger through his silver hair.
"Shh, it's okay", I whispered.
He calmed. His arms wrapped around my waist, keeping me close.
"I love you, Akemi", said Eiji.
"I know", I said.
"I thought I lost you and our son forever", said Eiji.
"We are here with you", I said.
Sapphires and pearls fell from his eyes. He's in such pain. Eiji slept peacefully through the rest of the night. I woke in his arms. His mismatched eyes slowly opened.
"I slept through the night", said Eiji.
I sat up and stretched.
"Yep", I said before yawning.
"What did you hear?" he asked.
"You were calling out for a woman named Akemi. Who was she?" I asked.
"My wife", said Eiji.
I knew it didn't want to go further into the subject. I understood.
"Happy birthday, Snow", said Eiji.
It caught me off guard.
"Today is my birthday?" I asked.
"Yes, let me guess you didn't know your birth until now. You share it with Mari", said Eiji.
He got up from bed.
"I got you something special", said Eiji.
"You didn't have to", I said.
"I wanted to", said Eiji.
He took my hand gently in his. Eiji led me to the entrance of a room I'd never seen before. He opened the door. It was a studio filled with everything an artist would need. A large window overlooked the garden.
"Is this for me?" I asked.
"Yes", said Eiji.
I smiled.
"There's the smile I was looking for", said Eiji.
"Thank you", I said.
Today was my twenty-first birthday. Everyone in the village was in a state of celebration. I didn't want all this attention, but I was happy. I ate cake and allowed myself to have fun. I returned late at night. Today was a wonderful day.
"I have another gift for you", said Eiji.
"The studio is enough. I couldn't possibly accept more", I said.
"Sit", said Eiji.
I took a seat at the foot of the bed. He touched the diamond bands on my wrists they fell away.
"Why?" I asked.
"I want to be happy for you to be that you must be free", said Eiji.
"I won't leave yet", I said.
I owe my sisters a proper goodbye.
"Eiji, may I ask a favor of you", I said.
He nodded.
"Train my students while I'm gone", I said.
"I will", said Eiji.
He was stunned. The next morning I went to find Mari and Kameko. They instantly saw something had changed.
"You're leaving", said Mari.
"Not yet but soon. I owe each of you a goodbye", I said.
Kameko hugged me tightly.
"Thank you for everything you've done for me and my family", she said.
Kameko pulled away and Mari took her place.
"Love you, bitch. I hope I never see you again", said Mari.
I found my students. They were waiting for me at our normal training ground. I know I had an influence over their lives. I hope they one day forgive me for leaving them.
"The three of you have grown greatly since I first took you as my students", I said.
"That's thanks to you, Sensei", said Toshi.
"I see great things in store for you three. Never give up on yourselves and always be there for each other, even when I'm not with you", I said.
"Is something wrong?" asked Ren.
"No, I'm fine", I said.
"Are you leaving?" asked Ryuu.
"One day maybe", I said.
They frowned.
"Hey, I'm not leaving today. There will soon come a day when you no longer need my teachings", I said.
The rest of the week past smoothly. I somehow managed not to cry once. I went to Eiji's room for the last time. He was already there. I took his hand.
"Snow",
"I have a gift for you", I said.
He allowed me to lead him to my studio.
"Why did you bring me here?" asked Eiji.
"It's time for me to leave", I said.
"Is that your gift to me?" he asked.
"No", I said.
"Is that your surprise?" asked Eiji.
"No, that's not it", I said.
"Why now?" asked Eiji.
"It just time and I wanted to give this to you before I leave", I said.
I pulled a large canvas from the shelf. It was a painting of his son, wife, and him together once again. He stepped closer and touched his wife's cheek.
"I know it isn't perfect, but I tried my best", I said.
"How? I threw all the images of them away", said Eiji.
"I found one or two", I said.
"Thank you, Snow", said Eiji.
"You're welcome", I said.
I grabbed my bag from the floor.
"Grant me one question before you leave", said Eiji.
I nodded.
"If I found you before Kakuzu would you have fallen in love with me?" asked Eiji.
"Don't make me answer if I do it will only hurt you", I said.
"Please answer", said Eiji.
"But-"
"Please Snow", said Eiji.
"Yes, I would have fallen head over heels in love with you. I would have loved you more than anything in the world. I would have loved to be the mother of your children", I said.
A bitter smile appeared on his lips.
"Kakuzu, is a lucky man", said Eiji.
"Goodbye Eiji", I said.
"Remember our deal if Kakuzu dies you become my wife willing", Eiji said.
"I won't forget", I said.
I left the village. I only looked back once. The tears I held back fell. A part of me wanted to go back. I can't stay here any longer. I forced myself to move forward. I didn't think it would be this difficult to leave.
"Goodbye", I whispered.
I leave with two homes instead of one. When I thought I was far enough away, I took a seat under a tree. The stars were shining in the sky. Where the hell am I going?! They never gave me the real location of the hideout. Where do I go? I fell asleep. In the morning I spread the map out on the ground in front of me. The closest village is closest to where I am. I would stop there to get a meal. I stopped in front of a small ramen shop. The smell drifting from it was mouthwatering. A child ran into me with full force. I went to the ground. A blonde haired blue eyed boy was on top of me. The boy quickly got off me.
"I'm sorry for running into you. Is any way I could make it up to you?" asked the boy.
"Yes, you can tell me if this ramen shop is any good", I said.
"Ichiraku has the best ramen!" he said.
"Would you like to join me for lunch?" I asked.
"Sure", said the boy.
I took a seat in the small booth.
"Two large bowls of ramen please", he said.
"Who's your new friend, Naruto?" asked the owner.
"Umm, she is. Sorry I forgot to ask you your name", said Naruto.
I pulled down my hood. The owner gasped. A slight blush appeared across Naruto cheeks.
"My name is Minori", I said.
"Your Eiji's wife I am honored to have such a powerful woman in my shop", said the shop owner.
"Whose Eiji?" asked Naruto.
"He's the leader of the Hidden Diamond Village", I said.
"You're married to one of the most powerful ninjas", said Naruto.
"Yes", I said.
"Then why are you in the Hidden Leaf?" asked Naruto.
"I needed a change of scenery", I said.
"Oh just to warn you I'm going to become stronger than your husband and become Hokage", said Naruto.
"How will you do that? And more importantly, why would you want it? It such a heavy burden", I said.
His large smile didn't fade.
"By training hard. The reason why is that if I become stronger people will have to accept me", said Naruto.
"I hope you reach it", I said.
"What's your dream?" asked Naruto.
"To protect the ones I hold most dear no matter what the cost", I said.
"I like that dream", said Naruto.
The owner of the shop handed us our ramen. I slurped up the noodles. This was the best ramen I ever had.
"Mmm this is good", I said.
"I'm glad you enjoy my ramen, Lady Minori. Can I get a photo with you?" asked the owner.
"Sure", I said.
The owner walked out of the booth and put his arm around my shoulder. I didn't want to leave Naruto out.
"Come on get the photo Naruto", I said.
Naruto stood in front of me and the owner and the peace sign with his fingers. The flash of the camera went off. The camera spat out the photo.
"Can I get an autograph?" asked the owner.
"Sure", I said.
I pulled out my money so I could pay.
"Your money is no good here it in the house", said the owner.
"Good luck Naruto", I said.
I need to find somewhere to stay. I can't go to Tatsuo's village. There's too high of running into my sister. I walked to the next village which was the Land of Rice Fields. I saw a help wanted a sign, which read:
Help wanted. Needed female singers and dancers. Pays well. Boarding is offered if needed.
This will have to do. I went to the audition. I was unsure about it. This will only be temporary. There was a large line of girls outside the door. All the women were dressed in skimpy clothes. This is only temporary I repeated in my mind. One by one the owner rejected them. Soon I was the only one left.
"Next", said the owner.
I walked onto the stage and bright lights shone in my eyes nearly blinding me.
"Do you have any experience singing or dancing?" asked the owner.
"I can't dance, but I can learn. I think I'm a halfway decent singer", I said.
"Well sing girl", said the owner.
I sang the best I could and hoped the woman would like it.
"Stop!" yelled the woman who owned the place.
Did I not get the job did I do something wrong?
"Don't worry girl you got the job. What's your name girl?" asked the owner.
"My name is Snow", I said.
"That's your real name?" asked the woman.
"Yes, it's my real name. If you mind me asking what's your name?" I asked.
"My name is Pussy Cat, but you can call me, Kitty. We need to find you a stage name. Do you need to tell me anything before we continue?" asked Kitty.
Kitty had long black wavy hair. Her brown eyes carefully looked over me. She looked in her mid-fifties, but she was in great shape for her age.
"I can't wear anything backless and I need a place to stay", I said.
"Why can't you wear anything backless?" asked Kitty.
"Scars", I said.
"You're hired you can live here. And your stage name is going to be Peppermint", said Kitty.
"Okay", I said.
If I made this place popular and got in the papers Kakuzu or one of the others would find out. I have to look different enough to make sure no one from the village would recognize me and look close enough to myself that Kakuzu and the others could recognize me.