Heart's Treasure
Chapter 2: Unexpected
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Perspectives: Eiji, Snow, and Kabuto
Eiji's Perspective
I rushed Snow to the emergency room of the hospital. The nurses took her from my arms. She instantly started struggling against them.
"What happened?" asked the doctor.
"She was complaining of cramping in abdomen and she might have some smoke inhalation", I said.
Before she could be wheeled off. She grabbed my hand tightly.
"Please don't leave me alone", said Minori.
There was pure desperation and fear in her eyes. Her fear didn't seem to be for her own health, but for fear her children losing the only parent they have left. The nurses allowed me to stay to keep her calm. They put a breathing mask over her mouth. The cramping episode seemed to be over. She lay calmly in bed in a deep sleep. The doctor brought in and ultrasound machine.
"Can you tell me where she had the cramping?" asked the doctor.
"Her lower belly", I said.
The doctor raised her shirt and put a gel on her stomach. I kept my eyes on her.
"That explains it", said the doctor.
"What?" I asked.
"She's ten weeks pregnant", said the doctor.
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Yes, look for yourself", said the doctor.
On the monitor was a small human shaped blurb.
"Why was she fighting in her condition?" asked the doctor.
"I don't think she knows. She isn't showing. With all that's been going on her life I don't think she noticed the symptoms. What caused her cramps?" I asked.
"They weren't cramps. She was suffering Braxton Hicks contractions brought on by stress", said the doctor.
"Is the baby healthy?" I asked.
"Yes, it's perfectly healthy. Congratulations Eiji", said the doctor.
"The child isn't mine. You're a doctor you should know timing is off. She only been here eight weeks", I said.
The doctor gave me a doubtful look.
"Call me when she wakes. I'll leave it to you to tell her the news", said the doctor.
I sighed. Part of me wished the child was mine, but it's unrealistic to think she would give in so soon after losing the man she loved so dearly. I've been in her same position, so I will not force her to move on quickly. I wouldn't be that cruel to her.
Snow's Perspective
My eyes slowly opened and saw that I was in hospital bedroom. Eiji sat by my side. He smiled when he saw I was awake. I sat up.
"What happened?" I asked.
He looked around to make sure no one was around.
"I'm going to be honest with you Snow because I don't know any other way to approach this. You're pregnant", said Eiji.
My eyes went wide.
"You didn't know", said Eiji.
I nodded my head.
"If I knew I wouldn't have fought", I said.
Sapphires, emeralds, gold, and pink pearls fell from my eyes. What am I going to do? I started hyperventilating. Eiji took my hand in his.
"Deep breaths",
I managed to get over my shock and started taking deep breaths soon I broke from my panic.
"What am I going to do?" I asked.
"I will help you", said Eiji.
"You will? But it isn't even yours", I said.
"Your baby and children are my family. I'll be in their life as much or as little as you want me to be", said Eiji.
"I'm so grateful. Hopefully my mood swings won't scare you away", I said.
"They can't be so bad", said Eiji.
I smirked. He has no idea what he's in for.
"While I was pregnant with twins I threw Kakuzu and multiple others through walls for the smallest of reasons", I said.
"That won't scare me away", said Eiji.
"Yet", I mumbled.
I realized how much danger I put my baby in. I placed my hands protectively over my stomach.
"Is it healthy?" I asked.
"Yes, your baby is perfectly healthy", said Eiji.
The doctor came in.
"Nice to see you are awake", said the doctor.
I nodded my head.
"Like Eiji said your baby is healthy. You have to take it easy. No fighting unless under extreme circumstances. I also want you to avoid stress", said the doctor.
"That's difficult", I said.
"Don't worry Minori I will take of duties until you are ready to return", said Eiji.
"Lady Minori I want to keep you over night for observation", said the doctor.
I groaned once the doctor left.
"What's wrong?" asked Eiji.
"Nothing, I hate hospitals that's all. And who will watch my kids while I'm here?" I asked.
"I'm sure Kameko would be happy to", said Eiji.
"Wait, where are my kids? I probably scared them half to death", I said.
"MOMMY!" they yelled before they jumped into the bed.
"Are you okay?" asked Saizo.
"Yes, I'm fine I just have to stay over night so the doctors can make sure", I said.
Hazel was crying uncontrollable. I hugged her close.
"I thought you were gonna go like daddy", said Hazel.
"I'm staying right here", I said.
"What made you so sick?" asked Hazel.
"This is why", I said as I showed them an ultrasound picture.
"You ate a baby that's why you are sick", said Hazel.
I started laughing for the first time since losing Kakuzu. I nearly peed my pants I was laughing so hard. Eiji smiled and softly chuckled. I know it wasn't that funny, but I needed a laugh. Saizo and Hazel were both confused.
"This is your new little brother or sister", I said.
"How did it get inside you?" asked Saizo.
I looked at Eiji for help he shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, an amazing thing happened between me and your daddy. A seed from daddy and an egg from me joined together in my tummy to make a baby", I said.
That seemed to satisfy them, which I was grateful for.
"Why did the baby hurt you?" asked Hazel.
"You're little brother or sister was getting stress from the battle and wanted it to be over", I said.
After awhile they fell asleep.
"You handled that well", said Eiji.
He pulled papers out of his pocket. Eiji handed me them. I read over them.
"These are annulment papers", I said.
He nodded his head.
"Why are you giving me these?" I asked.
"I thought you would want them", said Eiji.
"I don't see the point. My husband is gone", I said.
"It took me years to say the word too", said Eiji.
I can't say Kakuzu is dead it's too painful.
"How long did it take you to get over it?" I asked.
"I never truly got over, but to the point where the heartache mellowed it took seventy nine years", said Eiji.
"That long?" I asked.
"But you have three helpers to get you through it", said Eiji.
"Yes, but one of them will never know their father", I said.
"That doesn't mean you can't tell your child about him", said Eiji.
A week went by. I was forced to council meeting after council meeting. This one was particularly boring, but it was better than staying alone at the house for hours. I looked at the clock I have to pick up the twins from kindergarten soon.
"One question before we end council", said one of the elder.
Eiji nodded his head.
"Lady Minori are you pregnant with Eiji's child?" asked the elder.
The question caught me completely of guard.
"That was sooner than expected", said another.
Once I got over my shock it was quickly replaced with anger. I threw my chair at the elder. The ancient looking man easily caught it.
"There's no reason for such immaturity", he said as placed the chair down.
I tried charging at the old man, but Eiji trapped me in his arms before I could attack.
"You have to calm down Minori. Anger isn't good for the baby", said Eiji.
I tried calming my rage, but couldn't. Eiji turned me around so I was looking into his eyes. He pulled me so close that I was forced to rest my head on his. Eiji didn't hold me with enough force to harm my baby, or me but with enough to stop me from struggling.
"Deep breaths", said Eiji.
I took deep breaths trying to calm down.
"Who does it belong to?" asked the elder.
Rage started flowing again. I tried pulling away from him, but Eiji refused to let me go.
"Eiji, I swear if you don't let go I'll rip your arms off!" I growled.
"The child isn't mine, but it is a member of family and that's all that matters", said Eiji.
What he said is true. All that matters are my children are part of this family and they are safe.
"This matter is finished I will hear no further discussion of it", said Eiji.
The elders filed out of the room.
"You weren't exaggerating about those mood swings", said Eiji.
He was smirking.
"That was nothing compared to what I put Kakuzu through", I said.
His smirk quickly turned to a frown. I could help smiling. I left to pick up my kids. They were the only ones there. Hazel was holding some kind of weird creature in her arms.
"Hazel, what is that in your arms?", I asked.
"It's a doggy can we keep it?" asked Saizo.
Now that I got a closer look at it the thing was a dog. The dog had pointy ears, sandy wiry hair that went in every direction, and in one of its eye it was blind. It's tongue hung out of its mouth.
"Pretty pretty pleeease mommy", begged Hazel.
"Are you two going to take care of it?" I asked.
"We'll take care of it", said Saizo.
I know for a fact they wouldn't, but it would be nice to have some company, while they're at school.
"We can keep it", I said.
"Thank you mommy", said the both of them.
"What's his name?" I asked
"Noodles", said Hazel.
"No, his name is Spike", said Saizo.
They looked like about to fight. I never understood why they fought so much. Hazel is so much like me and Saizo is so much like his father I thought they would get along.
"How about we flip a coin?" I asked.
They both agreed.
"I want heads", said Saizo.
"No fair you got heads last time", said Hazel.
"It doesn't matter Hazel. There's an equal chance of getting either side", I said.
"Fine", said Hazel.
I flipped the coin.
"Looks like his name is going to be Spike", I said.
I sat with Spike in my lap as I watch the twins playing on the swing set. I couldn't help smiling at the odd dog with the pink sequin collar. I saw Eiji coming walking toward me.
"What is that?" asked Eiji as he pointed Spike.
"This is Spike my dog", I said.
"That's a dog?" asked Eiji.
"I know you didn't come here to question me about my new pet. Why are you here?" I asked.
"I'm here to warn you", said Eiji.
"About what?" I asked.
"The meeting tomorrow is with the Leaf. I know you have a rightful grudge against them", said Eiji.
My hands turned to fists and Spike jumped down from my lap.
"Why do I have to go?" I asked.
"You're expected to be there", said Eiji.
"Fine", I said.
I dread tomorrow morning. Leader hadn't told me who kill my Kakuzu. All I know is they were Leaf ninja. Leader didn't want me to have a life obsessed with revenge. Morning came far too soon. I walked my kids to school.
"Be good you two", I said.
"Okay mommy", said Hazel.
"I'll try", said Saizo.
I watched them run into school with their friends. Even Saizo with his bad temper managed to make a friend his own age. I walked to Eiji's office. As I opened the door I saw a blonde big-breasted woman sitting at the table with Eiji.
"Minori, this is Lady Tsunade the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf", said Eiji.
There were four other ninjas standing behind her. I recognized the silver hair ninja. Itachi was disguised as him when I was first tested. That felt like a lifetime ago. The teenage girl with pink hair and greenish eyes stood closest to the hokage. I recognized Naruto from the first time we met. A pale teenager with black hair. He smiled at me. His smile made me uneasy.
"Who are your friends?" I asked.
"I'm Sakura Haruno. It's nice to meet you Lady Minori", said the pink haired girl.
"I'm Sai", said the boy with the fake smile.
"You remember me don't you?" asked Naruto.
"Yes, I remember you Naruto", I said.
"And you?" I asked the ninja in the mask.
"Kakashi Hatake. And who are your companions?" he asked.
"My sisters Kameko and Mari", I said.
"What brings you here Tsunade? Need help paying off your gambling debts again", said Eiji.
That earned a spiteful glare from Tsunade.
"Not this time", said Tsunade.
"Then what brings you to our village?" I asked.
"An organization called the Akatsuki", said Tsunade.
I felt my heart sink. I took a seat next to Eiji.
"We know of the Akatsuki. We are on the look out for them, but I don't see why they would have any interest in us. My village doesn't have a jinchuuriki. We've encountered one of their members though", said Eiji.
"What member?" asked Kakashi.
"She went by Compassion. She stole some documents. Mari you know more about her than I. You faced her in battle", said Eiji.
"She was a pain in the ass. That bitch blinded me for a week", said Mari.
"What did she look like?" asked Tsunade.
"Pink hair, short, and summoning tattoos on both her arms", said Mari.
"Are you sure this woman was a member of the Akatsuki?" asked Kakashi.
"She wore a black cloak with read clouds on it. That what your village told us to be on the look out for", said Mari.
"There are man unknowns about the Akatsuki would be so surprising if they had member that you do not know of", I said.
"No, not all. Did anything stand out about?" asked Tsunade.
"She had a heart. Her name fit her well, even though it sounds like it should belong to a stripper", said Mari.
"Can you be more clear?" asked Tsunade.
"Well, she said something about only killing one person. That seemed to bother her", said Mari.
"Is it possible she was self-conscious? Each of the Akatsuki have a massive death toll connected to each of them", said Sakura.
"No, it was like that. She seemed to feel guilty that she had taken a life in the first place. Compassion didn't want a fight. She wanted a peaceful conclusion", said Mari.
"She saved my daughter", said Kameko.
"I have to admit her behavior is odd, but that isn't important. What about her abilities?" asked Tsunade.
"She has a rip off version of my family kekkie genkia. She had almost all our talents except she controlled earth not diamond", said Mari.
"We should make it our goal to capture this Compassion. She might be the weak link of the group. It will be easier to get information out of her", said Kakashi.
"Agreed, do you have any new knowledge on the organization", said Eiji.
"Yes, they're down two members", said Kakashi.
"What were their names?" I asked.
"Kakuzu and Hidan they killed one of my friends", said Kakashi.
"How did you defeat them?" I asked.
"I had to use my most powerful attack take out that five hearted bastard. Even after being hit by it Kakashi sensei had to finish him off with his lighting blade", said Naruto.
I felt I unbelievable rage, but I forced it down. The two people who murdered my husband are sitting right in front of me and I can't do anything without putting everything at risk.
"May I be excused? I'm feeling a bit nauseous", I said.
"Of course", said Eiji.
I ran as far I could away from the village. When I made it to the outer forest I collapsed. I screamed in anger, frustration, and pain. It isn't fair! I took out every ounce of pain and aggression I had out on my surroundings. When I finally calmed down I was surrounded by destruction. I just lay on the ground staring at the blue sky. Gems streamed down my cheeks.
Eiji's Perspective
I had no idea how Snow managed to control herself, when her husband's murders were in front of her. The poor girl must be in unbelievable agony.
"I apologize for the disruption", I said.
"It's alright. I should be congratulating you", said Tsunade.
"Congratulate me on what?" I asked.
"Your new baby", said Tsunade.
"The child is not mine. It belongs to her late husband", I said.
The return of Minori and her story is well know. So was the story of where she disappeared. She went off to find her true love a wandering bounty hunter. As soon at the article was released the press wouldn't leave her alone and she became a celebrity over night.
"What happened to the father?" asked Sai.
"He left to catch a bounty and never returned. He most likely died on a bounty hunt", I said.
"Poor girl", said Tsunade.
We continued our conversation for a while. I sent Kameko to pick up Saizo and Hazel from school. Snow is in no position to face them right now. The meeting came to an end.
"Thank you for the information Tsunade. Please enjoy what my village has to offer", I said.
I tracked Snow down to outer rims of the forest. She was sitting against a tree with her hands on her stomach. Snow was surrounded by destruction. I carefully approached.
"It's safe I'm not going to hurt you, Eiji. I got rid of most of my aggression as you can see", said Snow.
"I shouldn't have never put you through that", I said.
"Do you think they knew?" asked Snow.
"No, you didn't give any noticeable signs of what you were going through", I said.
She has to be one of the strongest people I know. I don't think I could survive what she's gone through.
"Why are staring at me?" asked Snow.
"You are an amazing woman Snow", I said.
"I'm not all the amazing if I were my husband wouldn't be dead and my children wouldn't be without a father", said Snow.
"It wasn't your fault. You cannot blame yourself Snow. Blaming yourself will do nothing good it will only bring you misery", I said.
I helped her from the ground.
"Eiji?"
"Yes"
"Will you come with me to an ultrasound appointment today? I don't think I can handle going alone", said Snow.
"I'll go with you", I said.
I went with her to the appointment. She was calm as a gel was put on her stomach, but as soon as she heard her baby's heart beat she went into tears.
"I'll leave you two alone", said the doctor.
"Why are you crying?" I asked.
"It makes things feel so much more real", said Snow.
I have to get her mind off things.
"What names are you thinking about?" I asked.
"Meira if it's a girl and if it's a boy Kotaro", said Snow.
"Meira that's your mother's name", I said.
"I know", said Snow.
"You were an infant when she died how did you know her name", I said.
"Long story", said Snow.
Snow's Perspective
I wasn't ready to see Saizo and Hazel yet. I need a little while longer. Eiji took me to a private part of the park.
"What were my parents like?" I asked.
"I'm surprised it took you this long to ask", said Eiji.
"My focus wasn't on learning about my family when I was last here", I said.
"Your father was one of the strongest members of this family. He was a quiet man who wasn't one to start a fight. He smart, protective, and stubborn. The thing he craved the most was a peaceful life, which never got until he met your mother ", said Eiji.
"That's odd from what Mari told me Jun was very different from that", I said.
I had caught him off guard, but I didn't know why my question would have that affect. I decided to ignore it and move on with conversation.
"What about my mom?" I asked.
"She was a lot like you kind, sweet, compassionate, protective, and determined. You take strongly after her both in appearance and behavior. But you have her temper", said Eiji.
"I have a temper?" I asked.
Eiji recognized this could be a dangerous situation for him if he didn't play it off right.
"Your mother didn't have short temper. It actually took quiet a lot make her angry, but when she did it was something horrible. She had wonderful talent of seeing the best in anyone like you. The major difference between you and her is your stubbornness that came from your father", said Eiji.
"How did they meet?" I asked.
"He was sent on mission to rescue slaves from Tomi. On the way back to the Hidden Diamond the two became close. Eventually your mother was with child", said Eiji.
"Why are you caring for me? I thought you would hate me", I said.
"I couldn't hate you Snow. It hurt when you left, but you did as gently as you could", said Eiji.
"How can you be so understanding?" I asked.
"It comes with age", said Eiji.
I took a deep breath.
"When you reach ninety you'll understand", said Eiji.
"That's a long way away", I said.
"Have decided what age you will stop your aging?" asked Eiji.
When a member of my family becomes immortal they could decide, which age they want to stay at for the rest of their life. The age couldn't be from years past. It either had be the year they received immortality or one years after it.
"I'm almost twenty nine that seems like good age. Not too old not too young. It age old enough to be respected and young enough to have children if I want to", I said.
"Why not thirty? That's age I decided to stay at", Eiji.
"A ninety seven year old in the body of thirty old. Only in this family is that possible. I guess I just want to stay in the body that belongs to someone in their twenties. Beside many wonderful things happened to me in my twenties", I said.
"This family has many oddities to it I won't deny that", said Eiji.
"I should be getting home Saizo and Hazel are probably wondering where I am", I said.
"Are you sure?" asked Eiji.
"I'm sure. I want to be with my children", I said.
I walked back home. My children were playing with their cousin. Kameko was holding her youngest in her arms.
"Saizo, Hazel", I called.
They looked up from their play and came running toward me. I hugged them both close.
"Mommy you can let go", said Saizo.
"You two know I love you right?" I asked.
"Yes", said Hazel.
"Now can we play?" asked Saizo.
I let go of them and they continued their game. I took the seat next to Kameko on the bench swing.
"Thank you for taking care of them. The shape I was in couldn't let them see me like that", I said.
"It was no problem at all", said Kameko.
We ate dinner at Kameko's house. Night came soon enough. I first put Hazel to bed and then led Saizo to his room.
"Mommy I didn't get to spar with Toshi", said Saizo.
"It's late Saizo there's always tomorrow", I said.
Kakuzu told that only a few days before he died. Saizo didn't seem to remember his father saying that.
"What's wrong?" asked Saizo.
"I was only thinking about your dad", I said.
"What about him?" asked Saizo.
"About how proud he would be of you", I said.
It wasn't a lie. Kakuzu would be so proud of both of our children and progress they've been making. I couldn't tell Saizo that I was hurting so much from only repeating a few words that his father has spoken.
"Goodnight Saizo", I said.
"Night mommy", said Saizo.
I sighed loudly and stared out the window of my room. I craved the feeling of Kakuzu's arms around me. I got into my bed that felt far to large for me. After a lot of tossing and turning I finally fell asleep.
Kabuto's Perspective
I had made myself comfortable in a new hideout. I pulled out one of the morgue drawer. There lay the frozen body of Kakuzu. I've been making improvement to his body so the jutsu would be less difficult. Now all I have to do is get a strong body he can take over.
"You will be of great use to me", I said.
It was miracle I got his body so easily.
Author's Notes
I want to clear up the time line. Snow became pregnant in chapter 28 of "The Akatsuki Treasure Returns", but she doesn't find out this chapter. She spent two weeks with the Akatsuki and eight so far with Eiji. That adds up to her being 10 week along in her pregnancy.