The Diamond Family
Chapter: Trial
Perspectives: Snow and Kakuzu
Thank for taking the time to read my story.
Snow's Perspective
As we approached the hideout it grew more obvious that something was bothering, Kakuzu. I gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Nothing", said Kakuzu.
He's lying to me. I can take a lot, but I can't stand it when the man I love lies to me. I stopped where I stood.
"Are you coming?" he asked as he looked over his shoulder.
"Tell me what's bothering you", I said.
"I've already told you", said Kakuzu.
"You haven't", I said.
"What bothering me is you refusing to move", said Kakuzu.
"Stop lying to me. You said it yourself I can ready better than anyone else", I said.
"Yes and it's become an annoying habit", said Kakuzu.
"Please, I can something is troubling you. Tell me so I can help you", I said.
I sat on the ground.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"I won't move from this spot until you tell me", I said.
"You're being childish", said Kakuzu.
"The reason I'm like this that you frustrating me", I said.
"I'm in no mood to put up with this", said Kakuzu.
That was a warning, but I didn't budge.
He walked over to me and threw me over his shoulders.
"PUT ME DOWN!" I yelled.
"Will you behave if I do?" asked Kakuzu.
"What do you think?" I asked.
Kakuzu sighed. He continued walking. I didn't want to do this, but he's forced my hand. I dislocated his shoulder and used his surprise to force him to the ground.
Kakuzu's Perspective
She dislocated my shoulder. I tried getting up, but she forced me to ground. I tried again using more strength. She was able to keep me down. When did she get this strength? It doesn't matter. She's stronger yes. More challenging, but still I could handle her. After a few moment of struggling, I flipped our positions. I held both her dainty wrists in one hand. By all reason, I should be angry with her, but I didn't have the will to. If this were any other person they'd be dead.
"Why are you acting like this, Snow?" I asked.
"You're hiding something from me and lying to my face. It makes me feels like you don't trust me", said Snow.
There was such hurt her in her voice. What she doesn't understand is I'm doing this for her own good.
"You want to know what's bothering me", I said.
"Yes", she said.
"You're being a child", I said.
She shot me a look of pure anger. Snow may be angry now, but she'll understand later. I don't want her going through break down. I walked away hoping she would follow. Something hit me on the back of the head. I picked up the rock she'd thrown.
"Is this your attempt at trying to get my attention?" I asked.
"It worked", said Snow.
I took a breath.
"You'll be tested again", I said.
"Oh",
She steadied herself against a tree and slowly slid to the ground. I took a seat next to her. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.
"Why?" asked Snow.
"To see how greatly your abilities have grown since leaving us", I said.
"I understand", said Snow.
"I trust you more than any other", I said.
"Then why didn't you tell me?" asked Snow.
"I was worried about how you'd react", I said.
"Ren was right you truly are my protector", said Snow.
"Ren?"
"My student", said Snow.
I could see her enjoying being a sensei.
"She's right", I said.
She gave a weak nod. There was more. Snow told me little of the time she spent in the Hidden Diamond Village. And I'd asked little of it. This must be her way of leading into it. We have time. We only have to reach the hideout before morning.
"We held a somewhat similar past so we had an understanding of each other", said Snow.
"How so?" I asked.
"She was abused by her father. I save her from a life misery. Want to know the sad thing?" asked Snow.
I nodded.
"When I was her age, I would have killed to be in her position", said Snow.
Sometimes I forget just how savage her life was.
"My supposed father tried to suffocate me in my sleep when I was an infant", said Snow.
That was brutal even to me.
"He may not even be my father", said Snow.
"Then who is?" I asked.
"I can't say for sure. The elders of the didn't want me to have children because they seemed to fear my lineage. They were worried about history repeating itself. It would explain why some my family members were so frightened of me at first. What that has to do with my bloodline I don't know", said Snow.
"I don't care of you bloodline", I said.
She smiled.
"And your mother?" I asked.
She laughed. It was bitter.
"A slave rescued by the Hidden Diamond shinobi", said Snow.
"It doesn't matter who parents are. You have people who care deeply for you. You aren't the only person to have shitty or absent parents", I said.
"You?" asked Snow.
"Yes, I was never good enough for them. When I failed their expectation, the punishment was harsh even for that time", I said.
I haven't thought of those bastards for more seventy years. She calmer.
"What if I fail?" asked Snow.
"You'll continue your training until your capable of going on missions of our level. That would be a difficult feat for most ninja, Snow. All of the members of the Akatsuki have been trained from childhood to be a weapon. You had a late start, but you have the advantage of a powerful bloodline, which gives you an edge", I said.
"I'm a weakling compared to the ten of you", said Snow.
"Most ninjas are", I said.
Her eyes focused on the ground. I said the wrong thing.
"You're the strongest woman I've ever encountered", I said.
"I am?" she asked.
"You shouldn't think so little of yourself, Snow. You've overcome what most would think impossible", I said.
She smiled. The fear and worry left her expression. Something seemed to have changed in her. There was more confidence in her eyes.
"I'm sorry about shoulder", said Snow.
"I've survived worse", I said.
I'd forgotten about my shoulder.
"Let me help", said Snow.
She popped my shoulder into place without warning.
"Why aren't upset with me?" asked Snow.
"No", I said as I got up.
"Why?" asked Snow.
"I find it difficult to be upset with you", I said.
Snow took my hand in hers. The rest of the way back to hideout went smoothly. When we reached the entrance of the hideout, Snow tensed slightly. We went to Pain's office.
"Snow, I considering making you an official member of the Akatsuki. In your village you were amongst some of the elite", said Pain.
"I wouldn't go that far", I said.
"I would. Zetsu kept an eye on you", said Pain
Snow's Perspective
"That was dangerous. What he got caught?" I asked.
Zetsu laughed.
"I'm more than capable of protecting myself", said Zetsu.
Tomorrow was the day of the test. I didn't fear the outcome. Pain had me leave his office so he could talk to Kakuzu. Part of me wanted to ease drop but decided not to. I went to my room. I dumped my bag on the bed. My forehead protector fell underneath the bed. I picked up. Do I really want to put a slash through it? I worked so hard for it. I'm not sure if I want to throw away what I made there. I don't think I can if I wanted to.
I took a breath I wasn't becoming a member anytime soon. Kakuzu is right. The members the Akatsuki are the most elite in their village has to offer. I'm not that. Compared to them I'm merely a child. I opened my journal. I ran my fingers over the photo of them. Leaving them is something I truly regretted. I wanted to see them go to the chunin exams. I sighed. That's not my life. A knock the door brought me from my thoughts. Kakuzu let himself in. I shut my journal. He took a seat next to me. His hand gently brushed my hair away from my face.
"Do you regret your choice to leave?" he asked.
"I didn't think it would be so difficult leaving. I don't regret choosing to be with you", I said.
"It's alright. Come downstairs with me", said Kakuzu.
I got up from bed.
"I'm happy with you", I said.
I also miss them. I can't throw away what a made there. It was too important.
"Give me that", said Kakuzu.
"Why?" I asked.
My grip around my forehead protector tightened.
"You no longer belong to them", said Kakuzu.
He's right. I gave it to him without another word. There's no point in fighting over this. I made my choice. I followed him downstairs. The other members were sitting at the table. I took a seat next to Kakuzu. I held his hand under the table. He didn't make eye contact, but he gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
"Do you know why we called this meeting?" asked Leader.
"You're considering me as a member", I said.
"Are you up to the task?" asked Leader.
"I don't understand", I said.
"What is there not to understand?" asked Leader.
"I'm far from the most powerful jonin in my village. My strength hardly matches up to yours and the others", I said.
I wasn't being rude. It was only the truth.
"You must have more confidence. If I didn't believe you were ready do you think I'd make this offer? You're a far better shinobi than you think. How many s and a ranked missions did you complete in your short time in the Hidden Diamond Village?" asked Leader.
I counted in my head.
"Twelve a-ranked and five s-ranked missions", I said.
"How many were successful?" asked Leader.
"All of them", I said.
"Were there any causalities besides your intended target?" asked Leader.
"No", I said.
"Impressive considering your lack of training and short time there", said Kisame.
"I liked the higher ranking mission not only because of the challenge they posed, because it allowed me to spend time with my sisters", I said.
"So that sadistic bitch with the blood fetish is your sister?" asked Hidan.
"Yes, Mari is my sister. She's an odd one. I don't understand her attraction to you", I said.
"What's not to like", said Hidan.
"A multitude of things", said Kakuzu.
"Maybe she's interested in serving Lord Jashin", said Hidan.
"She only sees you as an everlasting sex toy", I said.
"Let's return to our topic. You must understand I can't just allow you to join without you proving yourself", said Leader.
"I understand", I said.
"You're opponent will be Kakuzu. I expect you to treat him like your enemy", said Leader.
My eyes widened. I would be difficult, but I would try my best.
"When will this test be?" I asked.
"Tomorrow at noon", said Leader.
"Okay", I said.
The rest of the group either went to their rooms or went out somewhere. None of them would stray far. They were all curious about the outcome.
Kakuzu's Perspective
Snow tugged on my cloak.
"Are you worried?" I asked.
"Not worried excited. I want to show how I've improved", said Snow.
She smiled brightly. There was no fear in her eyes. Why is that?
"What if you're injured? I won't go easy you. I will treat you as my enemy", I said.
"You're more worried about this than I am", said Snow.
"You may be right", I said.
"Can we get ramen?" asked Snow.
"Yes, we can go", I said.
She grabbed my hand and we were in the village in a few seconds. We took a seat in the ramen shop. Snow happily slurped up her ramen. How can she be, so happy? My thoughts were clouded.
"Kakuzu?"
I was brought out of my thought when Snow threw a noodle at my face. I wiped it from my face. I thought we passed this childish behavior.
"Why did you do that?" I asked.
"To get your attention", she said.
Snow's Perspective
"I was thinking", said Kakuzu.
"I wish you would stop thinking and talk to me", I said.
Kakuzu paid in left. As always he'd refuse to leave a tip, so I left one. I caught up with him took his hand.
"Talk to me", I said.
"I'm afraid", said Kakuzu.
Never has he said.
"Of what?" I asked.
"Harming you", said Kakuzu.
"I'm not the delicate girl you found bleeding out on the floor, Kakuzu. I'm stronger than you. Nothing you could do to me could ever kill me", I said.
He stopped.
"You're immortal", said Kakuzu.
His doubt was clear.
"I'm not truly immortal. Only a blood relative can put an end to my life. There's no need for you to worry", I said.
"Are you sure? Eiji could have lied to you", said Kakuzu.
"He'd never lie about that. Never about the curse. I'll admit I had my doubts at first", I said.
"What assure you of this curse?" asked Kakuzu.
"Are you sure you want to hear this story?" I asked.
He nodded.
"Let's sit", I said.
We took a seat underneath a tree.
"Think about me being immortal explains a lot. Look at the injuries I've survived most would have died from them. You have to admit that much", I said.
He shook his head in denial.
"Explain me surviving after Hidan's scythe going through my chest", I said.
"Miracle", said Kakuzu under his breath.
I nearly laughed.
"You aren't the kind of person to believe in miracles", I said.
"Yes, but how else do I explain you", said Kakuzu.
I went red. I shook off the thought.
"On a mission, I fell from a cliff into a frozen river. When I made impact with its surface, I thought I was dead. But no. My eyes opened. Water filled my lungs. I couldn't breathe. Every time I tried I only swallowed more water. A week past before I was finally found", I said.
"By who?" asked Kakuzu.
"A fisherman I got caught in his net. I nearly gave the poor man a heart attack, when I opened my eyes. My skin had turned blue from cold. I spent a week in the hospital", I said.
I shivered violently. I couldn't breathe. I was drowning all over again. Kakuzu took me in his arms and held me close. He knew what was about to happen.
Snow's Flashback
I was assigned a mission with my sisters. Missions with them helped us bond. Kameko was nervous. She didn't want to go on this mission in the first place. She's a mother now, of course, she doesn't want to be here. Out of the three of us, she's the only one who isn't immortal. She has more to lose than Mari and I. This mission is a high A-ranked mission. We can't make any mistakes. I will make sure Ren still has a mom at the end of this mission. I can't stand to see a family broken up in such away. Mari kept lookout.
"Don't worry, Kameko. We are here for you. We won't let anything happen to you", I said.
"Well, nothing serious", said Mari.
I rolled my eyes. Mari stuck her tongue out at me.
"I promise I'll bring you back to Ren", I said.
"That's a big promise. Are you sure you can it?" asked Kameko.
"I keep my promises", I said.
At least I try. An hour later things had gone to shit. Mari was losing a blood rapidly. Even with her immortality, she could pass out from blood loss. Kameko could barely walk. I'm the only one with enough chakra to fight. Two ninjas were quickly approaching us.
"You two need to leave", I said.
"Why the fuck would we do that?" asked Mari.
"We aren't leaving you behind", said Kameko.
Diamond chains wrapped around them both of them.
"What the hell are you doing?!" growled Mari.
"I'm doing this for your own good", I said.
"Snow, you don't have to do this", said Kameko.
"I do. Like I told you before I alway keep my promises", I said.
White sparkling mist appeared around them.
"DON'T DO THIS!" yelled Kameko.
I waved goodbye. They disappeared. I was backed onto a cliff. My heels hung off the edge. I used the little chakra I had to send Kameko and Mari back. If I could do this over again I would make the same choice.
"Out of chakra little one?" asked the ninja.
He was the leader. If I get rid of him the rest of the group should back down.
"True, but I still have enough in me to kill you", I said.
I wrapped my arms around his waist. The two of us fell backward off the cliff. My skin turned to diamond. The fall should kill the both of us. I'm not even sure if this immortality thing is real and I've never tested it this far. Please, forgive me Kakuzu if this fails.
"You stupid bitch you'll kill us both", said the ninja.
"I won't die, but you will", I said.
The impact sent a shudder went through my body. It felt like I was hitting rock not water. The sudden cold made me freeze. The ninja in my grip struggled for breath. He tried punching me, but it had no affect on me. I watched as floated to the surface. My body sunk.
The freezing water took effect. I struggled for breath, but only water filled my lungs. My body refused allowed me to lose consciousness. Is part of my immortality? Eventually, my body gave in. I passed out. My eyes opened again when I landed on the deck of a boat. An old man stared down at me. I lost consciousness. When I woke, a cotton sheet covered my face. I pulled down the sheet. Water rushed up my throat and spilled out onto the floor.
"Holy fuck you're alive!" yelled a fisherman.
He had a white beard and tan skin. He had his hand over his heart. This fisherman seemed to calm down.
"Are you some kind of mermaid?" asked the fisherman.
"No, only lucky woman", I whispered.
My throat hurt. The taste of river water and throw up stuck in my mouth. The room smelled of fish. I felt bare. When I peeked under the covers, I saw I was naked. Where are my clothes?
"Who are you? And where are my clothes?" I asked.
"My name is Fin", said the fisherman.
"Minori", I said.
"I had to strip you of your clothes. It easy take em off. Not so easy putting them back on. I didn't do anything. Even if I wanted to wouldn't dare risk. Your husband would kill me", said Fin.
"You know of my husband?" I asked.
"Everyone knows your husband, my dear", he said.
"I want my clothes", I said.
"Sorry dear but there's nothing left of them. You can borrow some of my clothes. They smell of fish, but they're warm", said Fin.
"Thank you for saving me", I said.
"Not a problem, but you should rest me lady we are almost to your village", said the fisherman.
I dressed and fell back asleep. I was nudged awake.
"My love I was so worried about you. Don't ever scare me like that again", said Eiji.
"Don't worry I won't do anything like that again. Hypothermia isn't exactly my idea of fun", I said.
He picked me up and I cuddled closely to his warm chest. Eiji walked me to the hospital. He carried me to our bedroom. A doctor walked into our room.
"She needs to slowly be warmed up", said the doctor.
"What would you suggest?" asked Eiji.
"Strip her down, heating pads, body heat, and a lot of bed rest", said the doctor.
The doctor left. My fingers were too numb to undo the buttons of my shirt. My hands were shaking uncontrollably.
"Let me", said Eiji.
"But, but", I stammered.
"Please Snow", said Eiji.
I nodded. He swiftly undid the buttons. His eyes never left mine. Once I was undressed, Eiji stripped.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Warming you up", said Eiji.
Thankfully, he kept his underwear on. He joined me. He pulled my bare body close to his.
"Your skin is ice", said Eiji.
"You're hot", I said as I snuggled close to him.
His skin was so warm it almost hot.
"Thank you, Snow. Your body is quite beautiful too", said Eiji.
"That's not what I meant", I said.
"I'll still take it as a compliment", said Eiji.
Someone was shaking me, but it didn't help me come out of my flashback.
"Snow",
Kakuzu's voice brought me out of my thought. My skin was frozen. Kakuzu took off his shirt and pressed me against his warm skin. He wrapped his cloak around the both of us. I huddled closely to him. I pressed my fingertips against his skin. He shivered.
"Any other near death experiences I should know of?" asked Kakuzu.
"None you don't already know of. You don't have to worry about harming me", I said.
His big hands wrapped around mine. He nuzzled the crook of my neck.
"If were a normal girl. I would have died a hundred times by now and that was only my time with my master", I said.
Kakuzu's grip around me tighten.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"You aren't a normal you're my treasure", said Kakuzu.
I relaxed into his protective nature.
"Will you be angry if I hurt you in our fight?" I asked.
Kakuzu smiled. He doesn't think I will be a challenge. I glared at him, but he didn't understand how angry I was. I elbowed him in the ribs. I got out of his lap and ran back to the hideout. I will show him just how strong I am. I didn't want to return to the hideout just yet. I wanted to see the waterfall. It was a beautiful night. Not a cloud in the sky. The stars were shining. There's nothing special about this waterfall it wasn't even all that big. It was peaceful. The water waterfall fell into a river and traveled smoothly over black stones. White flowers covered the stone walls. Kakuzu is probably throwing a fit right now. He doesn't have the right to underestimate me! He's supposed to believe in me.
Kakuzu's Perspective
Snow had broken one of my ribs. What did I do? Things were going so well. I healed my rib with chakra. I knew where she was. She sat on the shore of the stream. She threw small diamond into it. Snow always comes here, when she frustrated. I took a seat next to her.
"Go away", she said.
"I'm sorry for whatever I did", I said.
"Do you even know why I'm upset with you?" asked Snow.
"No, you didn't give me an explanation. You broke my rib and ran off", I said.
She started crying. Rubies fell from her eyes.
"You are supposed to believe in me. I can take it from anyone else but not you", said Snow.
"What?" I asked.
"Doubt, I have difficulty believing in myself. When you underestimate me it hurts", said Snow.
I cupped her face gently in my hands.
"Please don't cry", I said.
She sniffled and collected herself.
"You were the one who taught me never to underestimate your opponent. You're going against your own teachings. Do you not believe in me?" asked Snow.
"I believe in you know, but I can't help wanting to protect you. It's in a person's nature to protect those they hold dear", I said.
Her face went pink.
"You are angry with me", I said.
"I should be more upset with you", said Snow.
I pulled her close she didn't resist. I pulled my down mask and started kissing her neck. She gave a soft moan. Her anger faded. I will most likely not end up with another broken rib. She pushed me away.
"No, I'm still angry with you", she said.
"What do you want from me?" I asked.
"A real apology", said Snow.
"Snow, I'm sorry I doubted you. I never meant to hurt you", I said.
She relaxed.
"Can I sleep with you tonight?" asked Snow.
"You know I will never object to that", I said.
"You are one of a kind, Snow", I said.
"No, I'm not. There are many like me in my village", said Snow.
"I wasn't speaking of your ability", I said.
"Then what?" asked Snow.
"I was talking about your personality. Never have I met one like you", I said.
"I love you", said Snow.
"Love you too", I said.
She nuzzled closely to him.
"You are your one of the few people to ever say that to me and mean it", I said.
"Didn't your parents say that they loved you?" asked Snow.
"No, I remember little of my parents the few things I do recall I wish I could forget", I said.
A memory from long ago started to come to me. Memories of my childhood came back.
Kakuzu's Flashback
I crept through the window of my house. Please, let them be asleep.
"Where have you been, boy?" asked Father.
He was drunk. The man smelled of stale beer and cigarettes. I hated it. Father is one of the most powerful ninjas of the village. He was a hopeless drunk and horrid parent. Father glared at me. What did I do this time?
"Selfish boy hiding money from your family", he said.
He held my jar of savings. It was empty. He wasted all my money on liquor, again. The front door opened. I tensed when I saw Mother. Things will only get worse from now.
"What did he do this time?" she asked.
"Hid money from me", said Father.
She wasn't upset with me for the money. Mother would look for any excuse to beat me.
"Ungrateful brat!" she yelled.
She tackled me. I slammed against the wooden floor. The impact nearly made me blackout. Her red eyes glared down at me. What punishment does she have in mind for me? Supposedly she used to be a kind woman. That changed, when I was born. She hates me because I wasn't a girl. Her hatred for me only grew, when she discovered she could no longer have children. I never figured out why he hated me so greatly. If I were a girl he would hate me, but he would have to get through mother.
"I hoped for a cute girl, but instead I got you", said Mother.
The pressure on my chest grew. I couldn't breathe. My ribs were breaking. She's too heavy. The woman isn't overweight I was just too thin.
"Get off!" I growled.
"He's not a girl, but he sure does whine like one", said Father.
I gasped when she got off me. She grabbed my arm. Mother dragged me toward a bolted door. She shoved me inside. The space was too small. I could hardly sit in the small space on the floor. I will free myself from this hellhole. I'll prove them wrong and get rid of the emotions that so weaken me. I channeled my chakra to my feet and kicked down the door of the closet.
I'm six years old, but my talents are above the average age average child. My parents refused to believe it. I only became a ninja in a hope my parents would actually care if I succeeded. My achievements did little to impress them. It only took me a year to graduate from the academy, but that didn't matter to them. On the counter was my empty jar. He'd wasted all my money so quickly. I took my most prized possession with me. My forehead protector.
I have spent a week on my own and, so far it's been the best week of my life. I'd become a successful pickpocket. I've built up a small fortune. As walked through the village I saw a man opening a wallet filled with hundreds of dollars. I couldn't pass up a chance like this. He walked into ramen shop I got closer to the man I was about to grab his wallet when he turned around and grabbed my arm. My eyes went wide. I was on the verge of panic attack. The motion brought back to many memories.
"Got you", said the man.
My heart was racing.
"Shh, easy I won't hurt you", said the man.
I didn't trust him.
"I won't go back to them! You can't make me. I'd rather die than go back to them", I said.
He brushed my hair away from my face, revealing my black eye.
"Shit", he said.
He raised the sleeves of my shirt. The grab bruises on my arms. Next, he raised the side of my shirt. I winced as he pressed gently on my side.
"You shouldn't say such things", he said.
"Why does it matter you?!" I growled.
"I would hate to see such talent die", said the man.
I just gave him confused look no one has ever spoken to me like that before.
"I'm not taking you back to your parents, Kakuzu", said the man.
"How do you know my name?" I asked.
"I've kept an eye on you", he said.
"Who are you?" I asked.
"Aden", he said.
"What do you want with me?" I asked.
"I want you to be my student. I've already gotten approval. What do you say?" asked Aden.
"Yes", I said.
I became his student. He treated me like an actual person. I never thought I would be treated like this. I would protect him with my life. Because he's the first person to give a life.
"Kakuzu?"
Her soft voice broke me from my thought. I can't believe I remember Aden until this moment.
"You okay?" asked Snow.
"Caught in a memory", I said.
"Good or bad?" asked Snow.
"Both", I said.
"Do we have to return right away?" asked Snow.
I shook my head.
We looked up at the stars. She yawned, before resting her head on my shoulder.
"Ready to leave?" he asked.
She nodded. I took her hand and led her to the hideout. She curled up in bed. I ran my fingers through her hair. Snow gave a peaceful yawn, before closing her eyes.
"Goodnight", she whispered.
A few hours later I joined her in bed.
Snow's Perspective
I woke. Kakuzu was still in a deep sleep. I kissed him on the forehead.
"Love you", I whispered.
I went to my room and showered.
"Want to get breakfast?" asked Konan.
"Sure", I said.
"Ramen?" asked Konan.
"If that's alright with you?" I asked.
"As long as you pay", said Konan.
I order two large bowls of ramen.
"How are you feeling?" asked Konan.
"Nervous but also excited. I want everyone to see how much I have improved", I said.
"That's how I thought you would feel", said Konan.
"Konan, do have any idea where this battle will take place?" I asked.
"There a large clearing a few miles from here. No matter how violent the battle becomes no one will be harmed", said Konan.
"Do you think I will pass?" I asked.
"Yes", said Konan.
It was soon time for us to return. Most of the group had left for a mission. The only one left here were Deidara, Tobi, Kakuzu, Hidan, and Leader. I followed them out to the clearing. I am going to fight my lover. I have to pretend he is my enemy.
"You'll fight until one of you is incapable of doing so", said Pain.
The others went to a safe distance. I waited for Kakuzu to make the first move, so I could learn his strategy. Neither Kakuzu nor I made a move.
"Will one of you fucking move!" yelled Hidan.
In a flash, Kakuzu stood in front of me. I grabbed his fist before it could make an impact. The force sent me back a few inches. Taijutsu first. Then I'll see if I have use more serious jutsu. We jumped back from each other. Our speed matched. I was capable of blocking or dodging most of his attacks. I aimed for his joints, but none of them made any impact. His kick caught me off guard and sent me crashing into a nearby tree. My skin turned to diamond just in time to absorb most of the force. I got up from the ground.
"Fire style Bleeding Embers",
Fire surged from my and along the chakra thread I connect to Kakuzu. His cloak caught fire. Before the flame could reach him he threw off his cloak.
"Smart girl, but you'll have to be smarter than that", said Kakuzu.
I should have used ninjutsu earlier. Physical attacks have no effect on him. I need an advantage. He could outnumber me with his hearts if he wants.
Kakuzu's Perspective
Her taijutsu has improved immensely since I last trained with her. Her skill almost matches mine. Her agility was impressive too. The ground earth rumbled as diamond blades jutted from the earth. She's giving herself an environmental advantage. Where are you hiding, Snow? Her skin kept her well hidden. I searched for any signs of motion. I have draw her out.
I have to get her out of her comfort zone. I'll only release my hearts as the last resort. I don't want to risk harming her. Her chakra approached. Time to get her out of this habitat. My threads tangled around her. I dragged Snow from her diamond crafted habitat. The pressure made by threads cause her know pain because of her protective skin. Seconds after being captured her body dissolved into diamonds. A substitution. She shot out of the ground.
"Dragon's Breath",
White hot flames spewed from her mouth. Can't dodge it. My skin hardened in time to protect me. The attack caused me no harm. The earth around me glowed orange from the intense heat. I chased her into the forest. She jumped to air. Snow twirled rapidly in mid-air. Diamond senbon shot out in random directions. This was only a distraction. She returned home advantage. I need to force her into using more powerful attacks.
Snow's Perspective
I was at a safe distance, but for how long? Kakuzu stepped into my diamond forest. I shouldn't be this close. He's probably sensed my chakra. Kakuzu took a breath. His hearts rippled angrily under his skin. The four beasts ripped out of his skin. I hoped that didn't hurt. His skin repaired once they left his body. The lighting mask worried me the most, but that one and his earth mask were the one I to target. The idea of destroying them bother med. Why destroy what is mine?
If I wanted to destroy that heart I will have use lighting jutsu. I suck at lighting style jutsu. I know what technique I have to use, but I might end up becoming a human lightning rod. If anyone else used the technique they would be killed. The earth began to rumble again as more of my diamond blades came out of the earth. The tallest blades were needle shaped and went fifty feet into the air.
Before could finish preparing for my attack a jolt of lightning went through my body. Even though my diamond skin had reacted in time I felt the impact of the attack. The attack sent me crashing into a diamond blade. Thankfully my diamond skin protected me completely from the impact into the diamond blade.
"I hate lighting!" I growled as I got up.
"You are far too comfortable in your environment Snow", said Kakuzu as he approached me.
I have to move! I forced myself to get up even though my muscles were aching. I stood in-between the two needle shaped diamond blades. I'm going to be quick about this. Kakuzu was running toward me.
"Summoning jutsu electric storm",
I have to get out my diamond forest before the lighting strikes. The sky darkened with heavy black clouds. Before I could escape Kakuzu's threads wrapped around my waist. SHIT! This will hurt. Lighting came charging down from the sky and traveled through the rods, toward us. My skin went to diamond. The storm faded and Kakuzu grip around me tightened. The pressure was unbearable.
Kakuzu that was holding me turned into steam. My light hit me full force. Kakuzu held me was only a water clone. His heart him with a bolt of lighting. I crashed to the ground. Five different chakras surrounded me. Their jaws cracked open. The will hurt.
Kakuzu Perspective
I shouldn't have hit her with all my elements at once. I waited for the smoke to clear. When it cleared I saw ten diamond dragons had wrapped themselves around Snow. Their wings were spread forming and they had formed a dome around Snow. The diamond dragons started moving and charged right at my monsters. Snow was still going strong.
"Summoning jutsu", said Snow before she made a deep cut in her hand.
The earth began to shake as a giant dragon erupted from the earth. The dragon towered above Snow's diamond forest. Its scales sparkled like diamond. One of the dragon's eyes was gold and the other was silver. It had a pipe in its mouth.
Snow's Perspective
"It's been twenty years Eiji since you've last call upon me", groaned my dragon as he stretched out.
His ancient bones creaked.
"I'm not Eiji you old fart!" I yelled.
"Sorry, deary you have to speak up. I'm a little hard of hearing", said Chikyu.
Most of my family would be honored to summon Chiku, but in truth, he was senile old fart most of the time. I'm one of the three of my family that could summon him.
"IT'S ME, SNOW!" I yelled.
Summoning him doesn't leave the best of imprisons. He may be old, but he's powerful.
"My little Snow. How my pumpkin doing?" he asked.
"Please, don't call me that", I said.
"You're like a child to me. How can you no expect me to call you that. You've grown since you've last summoned me", said Chikyu.
I heard the others laughing from bellow. Even Leader had a smirk. My face grew warm.
"I'm the same size as before. You just can't remember", I said.
"Are those people making fun of you, pumpkin?" asked Chikyu.
"Little Bitch that's your big summoning jutsu", said Hidan.
Chikyu grabbed Hidan and him close to his face.
"Young man that's no way to talk to a lady. You're lucky I don't eat you for that because you might give indigestion. Pumpkin, do you want me to kill him?" asked Chikyu.
"No, I don't. Believe it or not, the immortal bastard is my friend. Please put him down", I said.
Chikyo dropped Hidan to the ground.
"So who do you want me to kill?" asked he asked.
"That won't be necessary I've made my decision", said Leader.
A toothy smile appeared on Chikyo.
"Is this stitched up boy is your mate, Snow?" asked Chikyo.
"Yes, he's my mate. I love him", I said.
"Does he treat you well?" asked Chikyo.
"Very well", I said.
"Goodbye pumpkin", he said before disappearing in a large puff of smoke.
I watched as Kakuzu's hearts settled back into his skin. We walked silently back to the hideout. I wish Leader would get it over with already. I'm not one for suspense. When reached the hideout, Leader walked toward his bedroom.
"Wait, did I pass?" I asked.
"I thought the answer was obvious. You passed, Snow", said Leader.
"Thank you", I said.
"There's no need to thank me, Snow. You accomplished this on your own", he said.
Leader returned my forehead protector along with a ring. Kakuzu took my hand and lead me to his bedroom. As soon as the door closed he picked me up and placed me in bed.
"Strip", said Kakuzu.
"What?"
"I want to look for injuries", said Kakuzu.
Kakuzu's Perspective
Snow stripped to her undergarments. I carefully searched of her small frame for injury. Her pale skin was spotted with deep purple bruises. I caused the marks on this perfect skin. A soft hand gently touched my face.
"It isn't that bad Kakuzu. I heal quickly. In a few days these bruises should be gone", said Snow.
Snow dressed and sat back in bed with me. She played nervously with her Akatsuki ring. She'd yet to put in on.
"What does the symbol mean?" she asked.
"It means devotion", I said.
I took the ring from her.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"I don't deserve this", said Snow.
"If I fought any other person like that they would be dead. You handled my attacks full force and came out alive. That isn't a small feat, Snow. In fact, you're completely capable of killing me if you chose to do so", I said.
"I'd never", said Snow.
Just the implication of her hurting me had brought such an expression of pain to her. I kissed her the expression disappeared.
"Give me your hand", I said.
She gave me her left hand. I slid it onto her ring finger.
"There a perfect fit", I said.
She smiled.
"I belong", said Snow.
Guilt hit. Shit, I thought I was over this! She wants to stay her I won't push her away. Never again. As long as she wants to stay with us she belongs her. If she ever wanted to leave I'll let her. I'll find a nice safe place for her stay and makes sure taken care of. I should start up a saving fund for if that happens.
"Kakuzu?"
"Lost in a thought", I said.
"About what?" asked Snow.
"I want you to wear a mask, while on missions", I said.
"Why?" asked Snow.
"If anything were to happen to me I want your identity to be safe, so you could start over again if needed", I said.
"Okay", said Snow.