Chapter 4
My eyes scan over the pages of The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi. The character Naruto is awesome. The story has my complete attention. So it isn't my fault that I'm completely ignoring what is going on around me. What would make this experience better is some music playing softly in the background. Oh well, I'm content with what I have now.
Okay, I'm not completely content. There is this shaking feeling coming from somewhere. I ignore it as I try to concentrate harder on the book. Reading is my drug and escape no matter where I am at. I won't read unless I'm asleep or something has caught my interest. As of right now that is neither. Gosh, I really wish the shaking would stop…never mind the shaking has stop now.
With the shaking gone, I go back to indulging myself with the book. Well I am about to until I feel something cold and wet hit the top of my head. I gasp and throw the book into the air to keep it safe. Goes to show how much I care about my safety.
"What the hell," I shout as I jump off the couch.
I grab the book before it could hit the ground to get damaged. Holding it away from my drenched body I turn around. Standing behind the couch is Kisame with his signature sharky grin.
"That got your attention," he says. "If that didn't work, I was going to use a spider."
Damn, I should have never run out my room screaming because of the spiders. Everyone is probably going to use my fear against me. Bunch of jerks, then yet again this is the mafia or something like that so I shouldn't be surprised.
"I'm sorry I was enjoying the book," I reply, slightly annoyed. "And you could have gotten my attention without drenching me. You almost got the book wet."
"I was calling your name and shaking you," Kisame replies. "You didn't respond. Now forget the book, it is time for our training."
"Fine," I reply and go place the book back. I'm going to have to finish it some other time. "Where are we training," I ask turning around.
"Training grounds," he replies. "Now follow."
Kisame starts walking away not bothering to see if I follow. Why do people do that? Maybe I should ask…nah, I'll have the answer one day. Sighing, I take off in a small jog to catch up with his retreating form.
My eyes scan over everything as we walk the maze like hallways at a fast pace. I'm thankful for my good memory, and don't bother to mention this to the mafia/Akatsuki. I get the feeling if they knew, I would have someone constantly escorting me with a blindfold on, and I very much enjoy seeing.
Eventually, about five minutes later, we come to a large doorway. I follow Kisame and it leads to a room like arena. I should explain that better. The room is extremely large, as in so large I wouldn't think it's a room if there wasn't a ceiling, a glass ceiling over our heads. It seems to be divided into different terrains. I guess this would be an excellent place to train.
This should be fun, Fukatemono says, coming back from whatever short lived vacation he was on. I mentally roll my eyes at him. I am going to be laughing at all of your failed attempts at training, Fat Ass.
"My name is Ayano," I say under my breath as Kisame leads us about 100 yards or so away from the doorway. "Not Fat Ass, so stop calling me that."
"Our first lesson is going to be about chakra," Kisame says turning to me. "Is there anything you can tell me about it?"
"Uh…it's chakra," I reply with a nervous smile.
"Do you know what chakra is," he asks.
"No, I lack the necessary importance of what chakra is, how it works and what it is used for," I reply and quickly cover my mouth with both hands. Instead of getting mad he chuckles. Slowly, I remove my hands and smile.
"Well kiddo, chakra is used for almost every technique in this world. It is the molding of physical and spiritual energy. Once molded, it can be channeled through the chakra circulatory system to any of the 361 chakra points called tenketsu in the body; we then use hand signs to manipulate the chakra to create something like a jutsu or an illusion. This jutsu can be the ability of walking on water and the illusion can be a genjutsu."
"That sounds like a bunch of science crap I'm never going to understand," I say looking at him confused. "Though, if I remember correctly from science class… that sounds like energy. I don't remember what the name of the law is, but it states that energy can't be created or destroyed, but can only be changed into one form or another."
I take a deep breath from talking so fast in one breath. Kisame looks at me with his brow raised. There is a slight look of confusion on his face, but I bet that he would never admit to being confused.
"Uh…wait you people can walk on water," I ask as the rest of his explanation sinks in. "Just like Jesus? And what is a genjutsu?"
"I don't know of this Jesus person," Kisame replies. "Let's just worry about what chakra is and how to use it before we move on to more complicated stuff." Kisame then shakes his head and sighs. I hear him mumble about how Itachi should be here doing this instead of him.
"I'm sorry for using terms from my world," I say not sure what to say. "I'll try not to do that again."
"Go ahead just not around me," Kisame replies. "Go to Itachi or Leader, they probably wouldn't mind hearing about your world and how it works."
"Some other time," I reply with a grin. "I want to get back to training."
I listen intently to every word Kisame says. Even though I soon got bored with all of his explanation about chakra and wish I had one of my books with me to read, I made sure I paid attention. I even stop him a few times to ask questions for my confused brain to comprehend the information overload about chakra. The only time I ever really paid attention to anything in school was in English, so Kisame should feel honored. I feel like I'm back at school though. Plus my eventually-will-be-ex-boyfriend kept making rude comments about me being lazy and a fat ass.
"Oi, I bet the bitch is fucking bored," I hear Hidan yell out, making Kisame stop with his lecture. I send a silent prayer of thanks to Hidan for saving me from my boredom. "I know I'm fucking am after listening to your fucking voice drone on about shit that isn't important."
"It is important to learn all of this," Kisame says glaring at Hidan. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be out on a mission with Kakuzu?"
"I wanted to fucking see how the bitch's fucking training is going," Hidan replies crossing his arms and glaring back at Kisame. "And there is no fucking way I'm following that cheap asshole on a stupid fucking bounty mission that he fucking gave to himself."
"Go away, I'm enlightening Ayano about the usage of chakra," Kisame says then rolls his eyes.
"Fucking forget that, she isn't going to fucking remember all of that shit when she fucking ends up into some combat. Instead of fucking telling her just fucking show her and have her fucking learn with hands-on training."
"I never thought I would see the day where I would agree with Hidan," Sasori says walking into the room from behind Hidan.
"Hi," I finally speak up and wave at the two of them to have them completely ignore me.
"I'm training her so I'll do it my way," Kisame says as his hand reaches for the sword handle on his back.
"Hands-on training doesn't sound all that bad," I say. "I heard somewhere that it's easier for the brain to process and other stuff like that."
"It takes a lot of time training with chakra and learning how to mold it," Sasori says; all three men ignoring me completely. "Besides, I don't think it would be a wise choice teaching her about chakra and jutsu. She could try and eventually use this learning experience as a way to escape."
"Humph," I cross my arms over my chest slightly pouting.
Now I finally I understand how other people feel when I ignore them. When I get back home I'll be sure to apologize. Plus, I'm not going to escape right away, that's just too easy for people to understand. If they think I'm too scared to run for my life it can totally play out for me. I probably won't be successful, but that's not going to stop me from trying. Also, this whole chakra and jutsu stuff is confusing and it will take me forever to learn and understand such things. It might be easier to understand if I had grown up in this world, but I didn't and there is no sense in complaining about it.
"I'm not an idiot to teach her high level types of jutsu," Kisame retorts. "Besides, we're not even at that point in the training session."
"Just fucking teach the bitch how to fight. I want to fucking see her fucking punch Deidara again."
"I'll teach her what I want," Kisame growls in reply as Sasori walks out.
Kisame turns to look at me with an aggravated look. I give a small smile to try and cheer him up. Tall, angry people whom resemble a shark are scary. Okay I don't know that for sure, but Kisame sure is giving of this scary will-soon-break-something aura.
Kisame goes back to teaching me about chakra and my smile slowly starts fading. Each time Hidan yawns and says, "boring," Kisame's eye starts twitching. I try to listen to Kisame, but it is very hard with Hidan being a distraction and Fukatemono also talking to me.
My gosh, this guy is so boring, even more boring than you Fat Ass. I never thought a day like this would come. Seriously, all of this nonsense he is talking about makes no sense. Hey, it could be a good thing for you since you would suck and fail at the physical training part.
"Looks like the fucking bitch zoned you out," Hidan says bringing my attention back to what is happening around me. "I don't fucking blame her. You're a boring fucking teacher."
Kisame stops speaking and slowly turns to Hidan with a smirk. Hidan is just grinning at Kisame like a fool. Does he not feel the aura of I-am-going-to-kill-you radiating off of Kisame like waves? I'm just going to keep quiet and watch all of the soon-to-happen events unfold.
"I'm done hearing you talk," Kisame says as he starts walking towards Hidan who just laughs but takes a couple of steps backwards. "I'll be doing everyone one favor when I do this."
"Fucking do what," Hidan asks as Kisame reaches for the sword handle on his back.
"Kill you," Kisame yells then charges to Hidan, pulling the giant sword mummy off his back.
"Fuck no," Hidan yells then starts running away.
"Get back here so I can shred you to pieces and kill you," Kisame yells chasing after Hidan.
"Never," Hidan yells back in reply. "And you can't kill me I'm immortal!"
"Then why are you running away?"
Hidan's mouth opens and closes for a couple of seconds until he stops running. Kisame grins as he quickly catches up with Hidan. Just as he swings the mummy sword down, Hidan pulls off the three blade scythe off his back and blocks Kisame's attack.
They both start fighting, swinging their weapons at one another. My head slightly tilts to the side as I watch Kisame do something with his hands then starts spitting out water. Well, more like a giant wave of water. Hidan jumps backwards to avoid the wave then start running to get behind Kisame.
What kind of freaks are these people. Is this witchcraft or something? They're a lot scarier than you look Fat Ass.
"Whatever," I grumble under my breath. "I think it's cool, thought really weird."
Of course you would think that Fat Ass. You know, it won't be long before they get bored of you and want to get rid of you. I'll laugh when they go to kill you. You're just worthless, fat, and ugly and no one is going to want to.
My hands clench into fist as I look down at myself. Maybe he's right. They just might eventually kill me because of those facts. I don't want to die though. Looking up I see both Kisame and Hidan still engage in their fight. That's fine; I'll just run around this place until I tire myself out.
Turning away from them I start running. I'll show everyone that I can lose the weight. I have to make sure I'm not worthless and that I'm useful. Changing my looks might be a little hard, but eventually I won't be ugly anymore. I don't care if anyone wants me, but I'll make them care enough to not kill me. If they care enough for that, then I can get to live. I'll prove your wrong Fukatemono. Just wait and see.
I run pushing everything out of my mind. I breathe in and out. Inhale and exhale creating a breathing pattern. Inhale, hold, count to four, exhale and repeat. Ignore everything and just continue to run. That's what I do. For how long, I don't know. I heard people call my name but I ignored them. My legs and sides started to hurt, but I push the pain to the back of my mind. I just continue to run around the room, or cut across the room to run across the different terrains.
Finally, after running for so long, my body decides it's time for me to quit. I collapse on the border of the dessert and forest terrains. Slowly, I bring my legs and arms under me and shakily get up. My body starts heaving, but there's nothing for my stomach to empty out. My body seems to realize this and I fall back down face first into the dirt. I clench the dirt in my hands as my body screams in agony. A whimper escapes me since I can no longer ignore the pain.
This is your own fault Fat Ass. After this, when you start feeling better you're going to fall back into the habit of eating a bunch of food. When I mention it to you, you'll get mad then do a lot of crazy exercises to prove me wrong, but you'll just end up eating again. This is an endless cycle you'll never get out of Fat Ass. Because deep down, when you're not reading to get lost, all those emotions you feel start crawling their way to the surface and you turn to food as comfort. I'm right, so just deal with it Fat Ass.
"No," I quietly moan as tears gather in my eyes. Slowly, I unclench the dirt and turn around, but even that causes pain. "I'll break the cycle."
Fat Ass, you'll never break the cycle. Face the facts. You'll always suffer and be alone. I'll let you in on a little secret. A secret you've always known but tried to ignore and run away from. I only started to date you because of a dare and then I felt bad for you.
"Lies," I cry out. "I'll break the cycle and you're lying."
I would never want to be with someone like you. I've told you the reasons why a million times, but you keep ignoring them. Tell me the truth; did you actually plan on breaking up with me? No you didn't, you never were going to, because you are scared of being alone, of no one ever wanting you, of never being good enough so you were going to cling to our relationship no matter how badly I treated you.
"Please stop," I cry digging my nails into the ground.
Not until you face the truth Fat Ass. Face the damn truth and break. You'll never escape anything. Want to hear another secret? It's the secret you've been blocking out. You know, the secret dealing with your best friend Sahara.
"Shut the fuck up," I yell closing my eyes to try and push his voice away. "Shut up! Lies! I don't want to hear anymore! Just stop! Please stop! No more, just shut up! They're all lies!"
Immediately I become quiet. Closing my eyes and holding my breath, I strain my ears to pick up any sounds. Quietly, I roll over pushing pass the pain to stand up. I plaster a smile onto my face and push away all thoughts, locking them up in a safe in the back of my mind.
As I start to walk my legs almost give out on me. I bite down on my lower lip to keep myself from crying in pain and to keep the smile on my face. I continue walking until someone jumps down in my path. Looking up at the person, I come face to face with Itachi. His eyes are red with three weird black marks.
"Hi," I say as I continue to look him in the eyes. Even though I get the feeling I should look away and be scared, some habits are just hard to break.
"Who were you talking to," he asks.
"No one," I reply removing the smile from my face and shaking my head.
Itachi slightly narrows his eyes. As much as I want to look down, I refuse to let my eyes leave his. He can intimidate me all he wants. I refuse to admit anything.
You need to start admitting the facts Fat Ass. Stop running away from things. Face the truth. You're going insane and I still have a secret to tell you. I have so much to say until you break.
I clench my hands tightly into fist, digging my nails into my palms until they break skin. He's lying, just all lies. Nothing is true. I refuse to admit anything.
"I'm not going to repeat myself," Itachi says.
"No. One," I reply. "I. won't. REPEAT. Myself."
Fat Ass, don't get yourself killed yet. As much as I wish to laugh at that fact when it happens, I told you there is more for me to say. Where to begin? Ah, yes, the other secret I was about to tell you.
I shake my head to get rid of his voice. Clenching my jaw I start pulling on my hair. I let the pain that my body is feeling to consume me; anything to get rid of his voice, anything to make it stop.
My knees give out on my and I fall to the ground. A whimper escapes as I continue to pay attention to the pain. I clutch my head between my head and bite down on my lower lip until a feel a trickle of blood. This will pass, it will end, there's nothing to admit.
I look up at Itachi when I see him move. He crouches down looking at me. For just a split second I beg him using my eyes to make it stop. Then just as quickly I look away and glare at the ground. I don't need help I can do this myself.
Taking a deep breath I stand up. I ignore the protest my body screams at me. I push away my boyfriend's voice. I just push it all away as Itachi also stands up. He looks at me for a few seconds then turns around and starts walking.
"Leader wants to see you," he says.
I don't reply and follow behind him. We walk a few minutes and stop when we arrive where I had left Kisame and Hidan. Both of them are still there, but now Leader is with them. I try to plaster a smile on my face, but it quickly leaves seeing the glare on Leader's face.
"Thank you for retrieving her Itachi," Leader says never taking his eyes off me. I stare right back at him. Itachi only nods in reply and moves away from me. My body immediately becomes frozen, waiting for anything dangerous to happen, preparing for the fight-or-flight affect.
"Where have you been," Pein asks, his voice sounding very cold.
"In this room," I reply. Surprisingly my voice isn't shaking, but the fear is evident.
"Doing what? Your name has been called and you didn't show up."
"Gomen," I reply bowing down but still keeping my eyes on Leader. "I was running around for my training."
"Kisame said you suddenly disappeared," he says. I sneak a peek to Kisame. He gulps, so Leader probably doesn't know that Hidan and him were trying to kill each other.
"Gomen if that is what it seemed like," I reply. "I really was just running around the room. I would have told Kisame, but I thought it would be rude if I interrupt the conversation he was having with Hidan."
Leader says nothing to me He turns and glares at Hidan and Kisame. Hidan glares back. Must be nice for him knowing he's immortal so he can disrespect anyone he wants.
"You're supposed to be training her, not having conversations with any of the members," Leader says to Kisame, then turns to face Hidan. "And you should be on a mission with Kakuzu."
"I don't want to fucking go on the stupid fucking bounty missions."
"I don't care, we need the money. Now leave the base and find Kakuzu. When you both come back, you'll be set on a mission to do by yourself."
"This is fucking bullshit," Hidan says as he walks out. "Fucking evil asshole."
"As for the training," Leader says ignoring Hidan's comment. "You can continue tomorrow. Get lunch made for everyone. Afterwards, I'll assign someone to take you to a nearby town. You're going to find a job and help pay for things around here."
"Yes Leader," I reply.
Leader walks out of the room. I stand up straight sighing. Great, I've never had a job before. What kind of work am I supposed to do? I'll just think about it when I have to right now I need to make lunch.
"You lied to Leader," Kisame says pulling me out of my thoughts.
"He doesn't know that," I reply with a very small smile. "Besides, in a way you did have a conversation with Hidan. The conversation just happens to involve some fighting."
"Were you really running," Kisame asks.
"Yes, now what would you two like for lunch," I ask as I start walking out of the training room then stop. "Where again is the kitchen," I ask innocently. Though I still remember the way to the kitchen, I don't think it would be a good idea of letting them know, because they might question things I remember.
"Anything is fine with me," Itachi replies then start walking. I guess he is leading the way, so I start following him with Kisame.
"Some fried shrimp sounds good," Kisame replies. "How long were you running for?"
"Long enough," I reply. "Next training session, can we not do so much talking, or we can do some physical training while you talk to explain things?"
"I'll think about it," Kisame replies.
I nod in reply and once again start looking around making sure everything is correct in my memory. Halfway to the kitchen Kisame takes off to someplace else. I hum under my breath, thinking of songs and books to read so not to listen to Fukatemono. We reach the living room and Itachi points towards the direction of the kitchen.
"Thank you," I say with a slight bow then walk towards the kitchen. I stop in the doorway debating with myself for a few moments. Turning around I look at Itachi. "Myself."
I turn back around and walk into the kitchen. If he's smart enough, he'll figure out what I was talking about. My stomach growls and I ignore it's begging for food and make lunch for everyone that I know is in the base.
Just as I finish cooking lunch, the Akatsuki (Konan, Deidara, Tobi, Zetsu, Itachi and Kisame) walk into the kitchen. I set the plates on the table. When they all sit down I slightly bow to them and walk out. Immediately, I go and sit down on the couch to let my aching body rest before I leave to go and find a job. I'll see if I can get a job that involves a lot of moving. That will help me lose weight. It will all work out, won't have to listen to anymore lies.
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Finally, after a long time I have finished this chapter. It was a little hard to write, but once I finally started it became easy. This chapter had started off the way I planned then went into a totally new direction, but I'm happy with it. Since, my college classes will be ending next week I will be updating more frequently.
Also, yes Ayano is reading Jiraiya's first book. Let's just say that the book belongs to Nagato and was accidently put with the rest of the books in the living room.
The poll for this story is now beginning. Who do you want Ayano to fall in love with? Remember it can be anyone in the Akatsuki, but it can't be Pein or Konan. You can vote in the poll/review/comment/pm.
Masashi Kishimoto owns the Akatsuki and anything else Naruto related. I won Ayano, any other OCs that I create and the plot. Thank you for reading/reviewing and adding to favorites/alerts. Please review and stay tuned for the next chapter. I bid you all adieu until next time. ^.^