Feel free to ignore this if you had no complaints about the previous chapter:
First, Itachi is only 12 in this story.
Second, jounin/ANBU can break out of a normal genjutsu.
Third, Itachi had been travelling for five days non-stop only three days before that battle.
Fourth, no matter how much you wish it, Itachi is NOT A GOD. I hate god modding with a passion… even though this is a fanfic… it doesn't matter.
Five, maybe he was just fooling you all! Wahaha…
Just as I'd predicted, I woke to Sasuke's weight resting on my chest once again. But there was also a large hand on my neck. The thumb was putting a gentle pressure on the main artery, positioned to the side of my windpipe. Here, they could either be checking my pulse or be about to attempt to kill me. Once again, it was paranoia that made me snap my eyes open to check whom it was. A throbbing pain passed over my eyes, but I almost breathed a sigh of relief, it was only Kisame.
We were back in the room I had first awoken in. The shutters were still closed, creating that familiar dimness.
"Is your vision ok Itachi san?" he queried, noticing I was conscious. I found he quickly removed his hand. He must've noticed my discomfort and suspicion.
I grimaced, "I can see, but the pain is rather uncomfortable." I replied, closing my eyes again. The pain instantly lessened. "What about the bodies of the two shinobi?" I wondered as memories from last night springing up in my mind.
"Hm, Zetsu san would've eaten them by now." He replied loftily. I knew he was waiting to see my reaction.
For some reason I didn't want to appease him, so I asked in a monotone, "Eaten?"
"You'll understand when you meet him." He replied, deciding not to enlighten me any further. I knew he had that grin on his face. "But if you're ready, we need to go to the third floor. Today you meet Leader sama in person and become an official member of our organisation."
I nodded in response and struggled to my feet. I knew the worries about my health would only extend as far as Kisame in this organisation.
I managed to make it up both of the stairways and into yet another new room. Sasuke followed quietly the whole time. Even a child such as himself could sense the seriousness in this.
I sensed a presence before me. Despite the pain, I pried my eyes open. In front of me was a man with very orange hair and multiple piercings adorned his face.
But his eyes were the most questionable features. What kekkei genkai was that? The strange ringed irises are still prominent in my mind.
Straight to the point as always, Leader announced, "Itachi san, I am Pein, the Leader of this organisation." He slowly approached me.
I bowed politely, waiting for him to say something more.
"You have passed both of the tests and now you can take your place as one of us. Whilst you are on missions, your brother will stay here and his training will be conducted by Konan san. For the next four days you will remain at this base. I suggest you use this time to heal properly and build some trust between yourself and the other members." He paused in his speech to stare around the room. I soon realised that his presence wasn't the only one in the room. The rest of the members must be here as well.
"Now you are also officially a missing nin. Do something about that forehead protector. That is all." He finished, walking past me. He soon exited the room, and everyone else followed suit.
I waited outside the doorway, hoping to get a glimpse of the other members. It would help over the next four days if I actually knew what they all looked like. Kisame and Sasuke stayed next to me. At least I could get names from Kisame.
Kakuzu was the first person to come out. I noticed he had a bundle of clothing resting over one of his arms. "Here." he said, handing over what I now saw to be my new uniform.
"Thank you Kakuzu san." I replied as I took the uniform.
As other members exited the room, I saw Konan, as well as Sasori and Orochimaru who must've returned from their mission while I was gone.
Finally I saw a man who had an odd plant appendage on his head which was reminiscent of a Venus Flytrap. One side of his face was black whilst the other was white.
"Is he Zetsu?" I asked Kisame, guessing Zetsu wasn't the type to make small talk about such things as names. Kisame nodded in response. "He's a cannibal?" I questioned further.
"WHAT OF IT!?" Zetsu demanded, "Plants are people too." I instantly noticed his odd speaking pattern.
"Zetsu san has an extreme multiple personality disorder. You'll get used to it." Kisame supplied helpfully.
"Nice to meet you, Zetsu san." I said, choosing to ignore Kisame's comment.
Sasuke clung to my hand. He was obviously uncomfortable around these people and meeting so many of them in one day must have been unnerving for him.
"Come on, let's go down-stairs." I suggested, tugging on his hand.
Back in the room Sasuke and I had taken over, I changed from my, now quite rank, ANBU uniform into the Akatsuki one. I knew it would take me a long time for me to get used to these clothes. Especially the pant/stockings…
The entire uniform consisted of standard issue shoes, the aforementioned pant/stockings, a mesh shirt, a shirt to go over the top of that which resembled the top half of a yukata and finally the infamous Akatsuki coat.
True to Kisame's word, there were many holsters and spare inside pockets that would soon be used to store all of my weapons and scrolls.
Finally, I removed my forehead protector and put a deep scratch in it with my kunai. I had a slightly emotional moment as the blade passed through the leaf symbol. Now I would have to carry my shame with me. It would be on display, reminding everyone, but reminding me most of all.
I was now officially a member of the notorious Akatsuki and I was ready for my first mission.