Before you guys read this chapter, I just want to apologize for my long, long, LONG absence since the last chapter. It has nothing to do with not wanting to continue with this story; quite the opposite actually. I was just trying to make a backlog of chapters so that I wouldn't have to feel the need to type and post a chapter all together. Also, I didn't want to rush through anything doing that method. So, just keep that in mind when I'm MIA for a super long time: I'm just typing up more than one chapters at the same time.
Okay, now that I've got that out of the way, ON WITH THE CHAPTER, READERS!
Just a reminder: I don't own all things Naruto.
Chapter 29: Stuck in the Dark (Part 3)
Kabuto's POV:
Luckily, Lord Orochimaru immediately gave us the thumbs up to go search for Katsumi after recruiting Sasuke. However, there were conditions he laid for us: after two days of searching we must head back to the hideout to recuperate, we avoid any combat with meddling ninja, kill off any contact with our enemies, and we shouldn't move too far from the hideout. If we had come up with nothing, he would send out his henchmen to aid the search. Right now, we were going a bit soft on the search so other villages wouldn't be suspicious with our actions and interpret it differently.
Currently we were travelling through the tree branches in high speed towards the last known destination the ravenette was in. Hana was securely on my shoulder during the travel while Sasuke moved side-by-side with me with no visible emotion.
"I wonder what Sasuke thought process is…" Hana mused softly so that he wouldn't overhear.
"Not sure." I answered lowly, looking straight ahead. "I mean, I doubt he forgot about his distaste towards my relationship with her, but I don't think he's as mad as he was before…"
"Maybe that's the case." Hana cooed thoughtfully. "Maybe he isn't sure what to feel now that he learned his sister was kidnapped."
"That makes sense." I commented considerably.
A brief moment of silence was upon us until Hana cooed once again to me.
"I wonder how long it will take until he learns that Itachi was the kidnapper."
"Let's just hope he doesn't." I replied firmly.
It was soon after we were out of the forest scene and travelling on the surface water. I was making a mental plan on how this mission could be accomplished, until an unlike source of voice broke my train of thought.
"What was this mission Katsumi was assigned to?" Sasuke asked stoically as he ran slightly behind me.
"Bringing classified documents from the Southern Hideout." I answered straight-forwardly. "The mission itself isn't really difficult which is why Lord Orochimaru sent Katsumi on her own."
"Does Orochimaru suspect who may have been behind it?" He then asked interestedly this time.
I was hesitant to answer the question because the last thing I wanted was another Uchiha going AWOL. But I couldn't just say nothing or else he would be suspicious which could lead to the realization that it was Itachi.
"He doesn't have a specific identity, but he believes that rogue ninja were behind of it all because they knew she no longer has allegiance with the Leaf." Hana answered swiftly, sounded convincing as best she could. "They… probably want her Sharingan or to force information out of her…"
"But, they couldn't be just any rogue ninja." The Uchiha boy critiqued. "Katsumi is physically strong enough to fight almost anyone in here path. Plus, her intelligence is beyond her age… she can maneuver through anything."
I found it quite endearing that the stubborn, self-conceited, stoic male spoke so highly about his own sister. Just the thought of that forced a small smile on my tanned lips.
'I only wish you could hear him praise you…' I thought happily, forcing myself to run even faster to our location.
"Maybe they were highly-skilled shinobi." Hana's soft voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
"But why were they lurking around the area?" He questioned stressfully in a low tone.
"We're not sure." I answered vaguely, wanting to point an end to the conversation before suspicion arose. "But whoever we may face, we must keep our guard up."
"Hmph." The Uchiha male huffed in defeat.
'Good.' I sighed in relief mentally. 'As long as he doesn't press on more questions, we're fine.'
After that thought, we were arriving at the Southern Hideout. It was very dead silent after the sky darkened, however security hadn't faltered even the slightest thanks to Karin's vast and powerful Sensory Ninjutsu. Speaking of her, there was no doubt that she turned in for the night which meant that we had to wake her up in order to gain any more information than we already obtained.
"It's awfully quiet here." Hana remarked weakly, already losing hope.
"Karin resides here." Sasuke stated monotonously, lifting his gaze to see the upper portion of the building. "She's probably asleep."
"What are we going to do?" Hana asked curiously, glancing at me for an answer.
"This is where you come in, Hana." I answered encouragingly, prompting her to sit on my forearm. "Locate the window leading to Karin's room and notify her that she has some visitors."
"Alright then." She accepted kindly and immediately took flight from my arm.
I watched as she flew higher and higher until she swerved around the hideout, searching each window she came into contact with. Meanwhile, Sasuke and I stood there in silence as we watched the graceful dove moving from window to window. I hoped she knew Karin's physical appearance to pinpoint her. Just after making that prayer, she landed on a particular window and started pecking on the glass.
'Yes, she found it.' I cheered in thought as the window opened.
Both Sasuke and I didn't know what had been said in their conversation, but luckily it didn't drag on too long when the window was closed and Hana flew back down towards us. I beckoned her to land on my forearm and she happily did.
"So?"
"Right now, she's a bit dazed and wary." Hana informed briefly. "But she agreed to talk nonetheless."
"Good job." I complimented in appreciation.
The next thing I knew, a loud click from the door instantly grabbed our attention to the door. With the door now opened, there was Karin standing behind the door. By the lack of glasses and the bags seen under her eyes, she had just been sleeping soundly before we interrupted. She didn't seem too bothered by it, but she wasn't thrilled either. She was either completely drained from today or her mood wasn't the brightest of moods.
"What do you want, Kabuto?" The redhead questioned firmly. "And what's with you summoning a dove to wake me up? Do you know how late it is?"
Karin then pulled out her glasses and placed them properly. The moment she glanced back at us, her cheeks turned as red as her hair from excitement and adoration specifically at the stoic male standing next to me. I didn't need to look at Sasuke to know that he regretted ever tagging along with us, given that he didn't know we would actually talk to Karin. As Karin proceeded in drooling over her crush with a hand on her hot cheek, I cleared my throat to gain her attention back to me.
"We're on a mission and we need your assistance." I answered quickly. "This is Hana, Katsumi's summoning."
"Sorry for bothering you this late." Hana cooed in guilt, bowing her head apologetically.
"Why is a dove that Katsumi summoned here with you guys?" She asked in confusion, cocking an eyebrow.
"Katsumi disappeared." Sasuke answered flatly, reluctant to say too much to the girl. "We're trying to locate her whereabouts…"
Right way, the redhead flinched hastily with wide eyes that showed horror.
"Katsumi's gone!?" She exclaimed incredulously. "Why, what happened!?"
Both Hana and I silently agreed not to say too much to Karin either. Even if we hinted what happened specifically and the Uchiha male doesn't catch on, there was no doubt the oblivious redhead wouldn't understand right away that some things don't need to be mentioned when around certain people. The safest thing to do was to keep it broad as possible so they wouldn't suspect us hiding anything.
"Enemy ninja were lurking around the area and encountered her when she least expected it." Hana explained carefully. "They were too much for her to handle… and they took her limp body away."
Karin lowered her gaze sadly with a hand on her chest in grief.
"I can't believe this is happening." She sulked disappointedly, then she laid her red eyes on her crush with sympathy. "I'm so sorry, Sasuke. I can't begin to think how overwhelming this is for you."
Surely, Sasuke was overwhelmed that his sister was in the palm of an enemy's hand, but everyone knows that he wasn't as good at showing his emotions as he was a skilled ninja. It was no surprise that he simply blinked at the girl's concern for him. He knew that she was just saying that just because she was so obsessed with him.
"Karin, we're here because you were the last person who saw Katsumi before she was kidnapped." I stated sternly, wanting her to take her mind off of her petty crush. "We're wondering if you sensed something amiss after she left this place."
Karin shook her head. "No, I was too busy using my Sensing Technique to monitor the prisoners and possible enemies as usual. I didn't sense anything wrong after she took her leave." She briefed casually, recalling today's events.
"Did she take a different route when she left?" Sasuke inquired in bore, signalling his desire to get the conversation over with.
Karin blushed endearingly at the boy. "I wouldn't know. I don't know which direction she came from. What I do know is that she travelled directly towards the lair she came from." She answered shyly, trying to make herself as cute as possible to woo the boy.
If she knew the Uchiha boy for a while, she would know that nothing would woo him.
"Do you mind checking if she's around the area now?" I wondered impatiently.
Karin shook her head and closed her eyes, using her excelled Sensing ability. Sasuke, Hana, and I waited anxiously as she scanned the greater area. It wasn't until a moment later when she fluttered her eyes open, looking at us broadly.
"Did you find anything?" Hana asked curiously on my shoulder.
Karin slowly shook her head sadly. "I don't sense her anywhere around the perimeter of this area. Unfortunately, I can only sense so far…" She answered disappointedly.
"Wait, let's not lose hope just yet." Hana encouraged determinedly. "Katsumi might have used a lot of her chakra during her fight, so maybe you can sense remnants of it."
I was impressed that this dove was as intelligent as she was kind.
"I can try." Karin responded unsurely.
Karin closed her eyes again, this time tightly to really focus on detecting any traces of Katsumi's unleashed chakra. After waiting with anticipation, she lightly gasped; she must've found something. She opened her eyes once again, showing a glint of hope in her crimson eyes.
"It's not much, but I still sense traces of her chakra." The redhead informed in a huff.
"Where is it located exactly?" Sasuke questioned hardly.
Once again, Karin's cheeks turned as red as her bright locks at the Uchiha male while Hana and I watched said raven resisting the urge to roll his eyes at the obsessed girl.
"Northwest from here." She answered flirtatiously, biting her lower lip. "Eight miles."
"Thanks, Karin." I acknowledged respectfully. "Now that that's done, we won't bother you any longer."
"You're leaving?" She rephrased disappointedly. "Can't you just stay for a little longer, it gets boring being here on my own. You must be tired!"
"Thank you, but we shouldn't be wasting time when Katsumi needs us." Hana declined kindly. "Besides, you need your sleep."
"I'm fine, really!" She exclaimed reassuringly. "Wait, I'll come with you!"
"No, we're leaving." Sasuke cut in sternly, already getting a head start.
After briefly watching the raven speed-walk from the hideout, I turned my attention back to Karin and with a curt nod, I too left the redhead by the door. She held her hand out, signalling us to come back. Seeing this was pointless, she huffed in defeat and closed the door hastily.
"What's going on between you and Karin, exactly?" I asked conversationally as I caught up to him.
"Nothing at all." Sasuke firmly stated, disinterested to talk about the topic chosen.
"We should turn in for the night soon." Hana suggested gently, looking up at the moon. "It won't be smart searching in the dark when we're vulnerable to possible enemies."
"Good idea, Hana." I agreed mannerly. "What do you think, Sasuke?"
"Hmph." He grunted in response, which I figured that meant "whatever".
It had come to my attention that if it weren't for me being with Katsumi, I would've had no respect whatsoever for this boy.
'No wonder she couldn't tell him about us…' I sighed pensively as Hana cooed.
Katsumi's POV:
I didn't know if I was dreaming, but I couldn't help but think that I was—somehow—near a tiny waterfall. I could hear water pitter-pattering in the background, causing me to reach the surface of consciousness. I refused to wake up just yet, so I stubbornly squeezed my eyes shut and force myself back to sleep. But, alas, I was one of the few who couldn't sleep when I wanted to all the time. I huffed in frustration by this and slowly opened my eyes. Though I was mostly covered by the bed sheets and comforter, I was able to see through a small hole what time it was.
'8:15?' I whined mentally, then threw the covers over me completely. 'Why at this time?'
As I shunned myself from the real world, I was suspicious when I could no longer hear the water falling.
So, it wasn't a dream.
I then heard a door "magically" open and footsteps after that. Cautiously, I activated my Sharingan to determine the presence of this stranger. It was then realized that I was the only person on the bed. I mentally face-palmed for being so tense about something that was so petty.
'Why does he feel the need to always be so smooth?' I thought irritably, deactivating my Sharingan.
I sat up from the bed as I slowly removed the covers from my upper body. Sure enough, the first thing I saw in the room was my oldest brother rummaging in his drawer with his back towards me. He was currently wearing pants, no shirt, and had a towel wrapped around his neck. The raven pulled out the wanted shirt and turned around as I was the first thing he laid eyes on. We both stared at each other, not intending to say anything.
"What time did you wake up?" I finally asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
"Just before you." He answered monotonously as he took the towel off of his neck.
'No s**t…' I scoffed in thought at his answer.
Throwing his shirt on the edge of the bed, Itachi used the towel to dry his damp hair until all of the excess water had been removed. To keep myself busy, I released my hair from its ponytail and gave myself a scalp massage. I then reached over for the brush and slowly brushed my hair as Itachi applied his shirt on. Placing the brush aside, I ran my fingers through my hair as I watched my brother tying his usual low, loose ponytail.
'God, he moves so slow when getting ready.' I complained mentally, huffing through my nose.
I hadn't realized I was zoning out from boredom until I heard the raven's voice calling for my attention.
"Katsumi." He called firmly, causing me to flinch by his use of tone.
"What?" I frowned.
"I have a quick errand to run for Lord Pain." He simply stated, tying his headband tightly.
"What does that have to do with me?" I questioned sourly, folding my arms.
"I'm giving you permission to go to the kitchen and make yourself breakfast on your own." He briefed, then gave me an icy look. "However, if you so much try to escape, I won't hesitate to punish you."
I rolled my eyes at his threat. "Didn't I already promised you and 'Lord Pain' that I would behave? What else do I have to prove to you?" I responded defensively.
"Nothing at all. I just wanted to make sure. And as a precaution…"
I cocked an eyebrow when he suddenly stopped talking and instead, made a few hand seals. I blinked in realization when I recognized them as a formula for a Summoning Jutsu. Once he made the final hand sign, a puff of smoke appeared on the bed before my feet and out came a black crow. I hummed in question as the crow and I made eye contact; we were both questioning what was happening or what was going to happen.
"This crow will keep an eye on you while you're unsupervised for the time being." He clarified momentarily as he walked over to his closet. "I'll be back around 11."
"I don't know how this bird here is gonna prevent me from 'escaping'…" I commented bluntly, eyeing it thoroughly.
Itachi grabbed one of his Akatsuki cloaks and casually slipped it on while walking back towards the bed.
"This isn't just an ordinary crow, I can assure you." He corrected. "My crows are capable of casting genjutsu on those who I decide."
Out of the blue, this crow obnoxiously flapped its wings and flew towards me. It settled comfortably on my shoulder and as I dared myself to look at the dark coloured bird, its coal-like eyes were locked on mine, solid.
"So I have to have this with me?" I scoffed incredulously; it hadn't been a minute and I was already uncomfortable with crow here.
"Until I return." Itachi specified grimly.
The raven then exited the bedroom before I had the chance to retort. Huffing annoyingly, I glanced at the bird who made itself at home on my shoulder, snuggling against my neck, cheek, and hair.
I rolled my eyes and got up from bed. After a quick stretch, I treaded to the bathroom to wash myself up. I scanned the smaller room, looking for a toothbrush I could possibly use until a packet laying on the counter of the bathroom sink caught my eye: it was a new toothbrush just for me.
'Did he purchase this just for me?' I asked myself dully as the crow on my shoulder had its eyes on the brush too.
Slowly picking up the toothbrush, I removed it from its packaging and tossed it in the waste bin. I immediately started bushing my teeth as I tried to ignore the crow who watched me intently with my reflection. Once I was done with my business, I exited the bathroom and then the bedroom entirely. I strolled through the dark hallways, thinking to myself about anything other than the bird's nails digging into my flesh on my shoulder.
'I swear to God, that weasel did this on purpose just to torture me.' I grumbled accusingly as I expressed my frustration with a frown.
I then abruptly halted my footsteps and stood there, dumbfounded, at the long hallway.
"Dammit, I'm lost." I groaned out of frustration.
I glared at the crow who mockingly pecked on my head at my misfortune. Of course, my "dear" older brother chose that one crow who thought of themselves as mightier than the others, including humans. I swore that if this crow ever so tried to piss me off, birdbrain would be Itachi's next meal.
But right now, I was hungry and was in need for food.
"Make yourself useful and lead me to the kitchen." I requested curtly, eyeing it expectedly.
The crow snapped its head up cockily as I resisted the urge to choke the flying rat out. Eventually, crow flapped its wings, flew from my shoulder and glided down the hallway. It took me a second to process what I was supposed to do, and immediately started following it. Following a few twists and turns through the large hideout, I noticed a door up ahead that was vaguely familiar. I was relieved that the crow had enough loyalty to actually guide me to the kitchen and not trick me for its own amusement.
Once we had approached the door, the crow came back to sit on my shoulder once again. I opened the door that first led to the grand living room of the hideout. I expected no one to be present, and casually walked in, minding my own business as I headed to the kitchen door until a voice suddenly acknowledged my presence.
"Well, look who it is." The oh-so familiar, smug voice announced.
Damn, just when I was about to open the door and leave. I slowly rotated my body and sure enough, there, sitting on the couch with that egotistical smirk of his. That blonde-headed jerk—the one named Deidara. He slowly stood up and ambled his feet towards me as I stood there frozen with a raised eyebrow, questioning his intentions. The crow cocked its head to the side, not catching up on what was going on while I waited cautiously for the blonde to speak or do anything. His smirk then stretched wider, looking a bit wicked. Meanwhile, the look he was giving me switched my curiosity to suspicion, narrowing my onyx eyes at him.
"Good morning, hm." He greeted, observing me interestedly.
I cocked both of my eyebrows, kind of shock that Deidara of all people would say that to me. But, then again, I shouldn't be surprised because earlier implicated indicated that this guy was the type who would say one thing but think oppositely for entertainment; he fed off of any reaction made by another.
"Good morning?" I replied questioningly.
"What's the matter?" He pouted playfully as his overall face radiated amusement. "Are you still touchy about yesterday, hm?"
"Touchy, my ass." I snapped grumpily. "You crossed the line yesterday, flapping your gums with that ignorance of yours."
Deidara held out his hands in a defending matter, surrendering for what he had said.
"Still sounds like you're touchy to me." He commented, keeping the amusement on his face. "I was just concerned about the Akatsuki trusting someone who works for our mortal enemy, hm. Can you blame me for being cautious?"
I rolled my eyes then sighed understandingly. "Well, you don't have to worry about a thing—for now, at least—since birdbrain here has its eyes on me."
"That's one of Itachi's crows." Deidara commented assumingly, staring dully at said bird.
I nodded in confirmation. "He's busy at the moment, and thinks that I can't be left on my own for a few hours." I groaned in bore.
"Well, you have me now so don't worry about it, hmph." He announced proudly with a bright grin.
"Whatever." I rolled my eyes and walked into the kitchen.
I heard footsteps close behind me, hinting that the blonde was entering the kitchen as well. Dismissing this, I walked over to what seemed to be a pantry and grabbed a loaf of bread, frosted flakes, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon powder. Placing these ingredients on the island counter, I moved towards the cabinets and grabbed a big bowl and a large pan. I placed the pan on the stove and turned on the stove to low heat. I spun around and blinked at the blonde's presence as said boy sat on the island counter, scanning the ingredients with one blue eye attentively. I ignored this and placed the large bowl on that same counter.
"Get me milk and eggs, please." I requested, respectfully enough for the boy to accept.
After thinking over my favor, Deidara shrugged carelessly, hopped off of the counter and headed to the refrigerator. After grabbing the rest of the ingredients, he returned and graciously placed them along with the other items. I nodded a thanks as he jumped back on the counter, watching me do my magic.
"French toast?" He guessed nonchalantly as I cracked the eggs.
"Yep." I confirmed flatly, adding the milk.
"I see." He commented, smirking intriguingly at the bowl. "Can't wait to try it."
"And what makes you think I'm making you breakfast?" I scoffed assertively, adding vanilla into the mix.
"It's not my fault you performed amazing yesterday with your culinary skills." He remarked complacently. "It's been a while since I've had good food, hm."
"Well, if good food is what you desire, then you shouldn't have never joined this organization." I remarked bluntly while measuring the sugar and dumped it into the mix.
"It's not like I had a choice…" He informed lowly, sounding a bit down. "I was actually forced to join…"
This information brought my attention to the blonde, pausing me from adding the cinnamon powder. Even the crow that remained sitting on my shoulder turned to look at the boy as his eye was glued to his knees. I furrowed my eyebrows curiously and then I eventually placed the final ingredient into the bowl. I grabbed a manual mixer from the side and started mixing the ingredients together, thinking about Deidara's comment. Normally I wouldn't push anyone too far to tell me their personal stuff, but just hearing that he was in this group against his will was mind-blowing. It made me wonder if the others had a choice or not to be a part of it.
"Why were you forced?" I asked carefully, thoroughly stirring the mixture.
The blonde's response was something I least expected: he let out a loud scoff.
"Ask your damn older brother because he's the reason why I'm here, hmph." He hissed darkly, giving me a piecing glare.
I glanced at him and quickly turned to grab a tray from one of the cabinets and salad tongs from one of the kitchen drawers along with a bread knife. I returned to the occupied counter and made perfect slices of bread from the once complete loaf. Using the tongs, I picked up a bread slice and placed it into the mixture as I let it soak for a bit.
"How did Itachi forced you?" I asked in genuine curiosity, flipping the soaked slice on its opposite side.
"After Orochimaru left the Akatsuki, they needed someone to replace him and I happened to be the one who caught Lord Pain's eye." Deidara recalled dryly, folding his arms. "When they first proposed, I declined because I wasn't that working-with-others-and-following-orders type of guy. But of course, that damn Uchiha doesn't understand the word no if it hits him upside the head, hmph."
'Tell me about it…' I groaned in agreement.
"He came alone?" I inquired, removing the bread slice from the mixture and placing it on the tray.
He shook his head. "Kisame and my man, Sasori, came along on the mission too." He stated.
"Let me guess: Itachi assured them that he can take care of the situation himself with his f**kin' genjutsu to mess with you." I hypothesized rhetorically, picking up the second last bread slice from the bowl.
"And how did you come up with something like that, hm?" Deidara smirked, impressed by the accuracy.
"That's his go-to when someone tries to act stubborn in front of him..." I briefed dully, placing the last slice of bread into the sweet mixture. "I should know… because he used that trick on me and I fell for it, dammit."
After subconsciously smiling at me, Deidara continued on with his story.
"Well, that's the gist of it. Basically, the deal was that if I could beat Itachi, they'd leave me be. If I lost, I'm a part of the Akatsuki, hm." He clarified, softly playing with his long hair. "As you can see, because of Uchiha and his damn Sharingan eyes, I'm here bounded in this gloomy place, forced to work with other shinobi freaks, hm."
I snorted humorously. "And what makes you think you're anyway stronger than Itachi?"
"It's doesn't hurt being confident of your own abilities." He retorted defensively.
I rolled my eyes at his response and placed the last soaked bread slice on the metal tray.
"Besides, you were also confident about beating the man too." He added assumingly.
I glanced at him sharply at his statement as the blonde sat there, unfazed.
"That's different." I argued defensively, softening my look then I eyed the tray in front of me. "It's common for the younger sibling wanting to be better than their older sibling."
With that, I picked up the tray carefully and walked over to the stove where the pan I placed earlier was heated and ready to use. I used the salad tongs and placed one of the soaked bread slices on the hot pan as it sizzled the second the two met. I quickly rummaged in each drawer and found a spatula. Grasping it tightly, I returned to the stove and carefully pushed the slice around the pan. As I minded my own business, I felt the blonde headed male approaching. From the comer of my eye, I watched him jump onto the counter next to the stove and continued watching me. Nothing was said and we respectfully remained silent for the sake of our own peace, until a question decided to greet itself to my ears.
"Why did you defend Uchiha yesterday?" He blurted abruptly.
This made me flinch in surprise, almost causing me to drop the baked slice that I was about to flip on its uncooked side.
"Excuse me?" It was the first thing I could say as his question came out of nowhere.
"Drop the clueless act, I know you know what I mean, hm." He frowned displeasingly. "Why did you stand up for him when you feel the same way I do about him?"
I huffed at the blonde as I successfully flipped the toast on its raw side, earning more aggressive sizzling from the pan. I could feel Deidara heavy stare weighing on me and it seemed to get heavier the longer I said nothing. Huffing once again to relieve some of the pressure off of me, I slowly glanced at the male next to me who gave me a patient look.
"First of all, you disliked me immensely when I first bumped into you solely because I was an Uchiha." I frowned. "And from what you've told me just a moment ago, you dislike me and my clan solely because Itachi screwed you over with his eyes."
Deidara sat there, giving me a monotone yet icy look.
"Simply put, your issue with me is that I'm the closest relative to the man who's the reason why you're stuck in this group, am I wrong?" I added daringly, waiting for him to rebuff. "Your perception is that everyone in the Uchiha clan is like Itachi…"
'He's not entirely wrong though, though…'
"You're half right." He critiqued firmly, resting his eyes. "The main reason why I detested you is because I theorized those from the Uchiha clan are all the same: stoic, self-conceited, cocky, arrogant, egotistical shinobi that are hopeless if they never inherited that Sharingan in the first place."
I resisted the urge to throw a death glare at the blonde because the one pet peeve I had was people telling me or even worst, assuming that was like all of the Uchiha members, which was far from the truth. If anything, I don't really consider myself an Uchiha because their morals didn't align with mine. Not to mention the fact that don't see me as one of them in the first place, since they despised me. I was curious to know what more the blonde had to say because his way of thinking on this certain topic was a bit closer to home.
"I carry so much hatred for Itachi for taking away my freedom without any remorse... and I sort of took it out on you..."
"So, what you're implying is that you realize that I was much different than what you've perceived and felt bad about it." I summarized flatly, physically ordering the crow to move a bit to release the strain on my shoulder and patted its head. "And this is your way of apologizing?"
"More or less, hm." He semi-agreed with a nod.
"Well, hold your tongue because I completely understand what you're feeling." I assured nonchalantly, lifting the golden bread slice from the pan. "Ever since we were young, Itachi only does what he's told without giving any sort of f**k about hurting anyone else. A mission is a mission for him and it's his only priority, which is why he did what he did to you. He was simply ordered to do it by that leader of yours."
Deidara swiftly shifted and turned to me with a clean plate in his hands. I blinked bemusedly at him as I held the French toast with the spatula. Realizing his intent to lend a hand, I nodded a thanks then placed the golden slice carefully. I turned to put another soaked slice as the blonde held the plate with that one toast on his lap, assisting me in a small role.
"I get it, really. He's the main reason why I'm here against my will. Even when it comes to family, he doesn't care at all. I mean, he did kill the whole entire clan except for Sasuke and myself..." I continued slowly, wanting to break the long, awkward silence. "But I don't really hold anything against him for that. There's a deeper reason... why I hate him..."
The blue-eyed blonde blinked at me in disbelief. "So, you're not even angry at him in the slightest for literally murdering your parents and the whole clan?" He questioned incredulously, almost in awe with my words.
I shook my head slowly, flipping the now semi-golden bread slice as I heard the loud sizzling.
"Why?" He interrogated curiously.
I waited until I placed another readily cooked French toast on the plate he was holding to respond. I then did the most out-of-character thing ever in front of someone I barely knew: I smiled at him. Not a fake smile nor a sad smile, just a small, friendly smile. I then turned my attention to the pan almost immediately after making that weird expression out of nowhere.
"No offense, but I'm not comfortable in talking about it with someone who I barely knew and was kind of a douche to me from the start..." I stated coyly, quickening the process of preparing breakfast.
"I guess that's understandable, hm." He responded flatly.
I said nothing after as I continued to cook the remaining slices and stack them neatly on the plate still held by the blonde. The second I placed the last slice of toast on the top of the entire stack of French toast, I took it off his hands and quickly made my way towards the island kitchen counter. Deidara followed suit then stood beside me as he watched me swiftly placing a piece of butter on the very top of the tall stack. Picking up the first two slices and placing them on an individual plate, I searched through the pantry for whipped cream and syrup and snatched the two toppings off of their respectful shelves. I started drizzling the sweet, viscous substance lightly on the plate then added as much whipped cream as I could until it was next to unreasonable. I took a small piece from my toast and fed it to the large crow that was still sitting on my shoulder, watching me intently. I exhaled loudly as I placed the tall can on the counter, earning the attention from the blonde who he too took a plate of French toast himself.
"I don't need your pity, Deidara." I finally told him in a sigh. "Don't worry about me. I hold no resentment towards you."
I then rotated my body until I was completely facing him, looking him in the eye as I continued.
"Besides, I too assumed you were nothing but a good-for-nothing blonde with a big mouth." I murmured admittedly.
"What about now, hm?" He wondered wryly.
"Well, I guess you're more bearable than the rest of the Akatsuki." I answered crisply. "Then again, I won't know for sure until I get to know you better as a person and not a criminal."
The blonde's lips curved upward at me. "I like the sound of that, Uchiha. It'll be interesting getting to know you too, hm."
"Katsumi." I corrected firmly, frowning at him. "My name is Katsumi, not Uchiha."
Deidara shortly nodded and followed me towards the kitchen table. We sat in silence that wasn't as awkward as it was comfortable. We ate our breakfast in peace until the blonde's head shot up, to which I reacted by a jolt.
"Your hands must me dusted with fairy dust..." He chirped, staring at me with his bright blue eye. "This is delicious. Literally the best thing I've ever had..."
"That speaks volumes." I replied calmly, nodding in thanks. "But, I highly doubt you guys consume decent food here."
"You're absolutely right, hm." Deidara nodded in confirmation, stuffing his face. "Now that I know you can cook my stomach will have something to look forward to."
"I didn't say I was gonna cook for you, blondie." I grunted stubbornly, folding my arms. "The only reason why you're eating right now is because you happen to come at the right time. Do you know how awkward it is, making yourself some food as someone watches aside, drooling?"
Deidara responded by laughing softly until we jolted by the sound of the kitchen door slamming harshly against the wall. We both spun our heads to see no one but the vulgar Hidan holding his strange weapon and his loud mouth with him.
"Something smells f**kin' good!" He exclaimed eagerly. "Toast?"
"French toast." I amended sourly, displeased in the male's encounter. "Help yourself."
"Hell yeah!" He cheered egotistically, running toward the poor French toast stack.
"Not ALL of it, you IDIOT!" Deidara snapped impulsively, shooting up from his seat. "She made that for all of us!"
'That was never my intention.' I thought to myself, looking up at the blonde. 'I mean, these guys seem to always be around me when I'm near a stove.'
Hidan stopped midway from grabbing the while plate and slowly rotating his head to stare daggers at us. We both stayed there on the table blankly, unsure what to make of from the grey haired male's reaction.
"You're s**tting me right now." He blurted disbelievingly. "This b***h actually made this!?"
"Why's that so hard to believe?" I questioned coldly, frowning at the man.
"I thought yesterday was just a one-hit wonder, y'know?" He answered ignorantly, shrugging his shoulders as he made his way to the cabinets to get himself a plate. "Didn't thinking you're actually a good cook."
I rolled my eyes at the guy's comment, not bothering in having a verbal dispute with him, especially considering what had happened after I got on Hidan's nerves the first time. If it was absolutely necessary to piss the man off, I should at least have Itachi present to come to my aid if Hidan's killing instincts kicked in. I just about to take bite from my plate when I did a double take in response to Hidan reaching for the entire stack.
"What did the blonde JUST said?" I rebuked steely, scolding him with my fork.
"I'm f**king starving!" He spat in rejection. "It's not my fault you're too f**king stupid to think about the rest of us!"
My attention was briefly pulled from the angry man when I heard soft caws from the crow that sat nervously on my shoulder, right against my head; Hidan's tone was even scaring Itachi's summoning.
"If she's gonna f**kin' cook, she could at least cook enough for all of us especially since she's living under our f**kin' roof." Said vulgar male ranted, evidently getting pettier and pettier.
"That's not my job to feed you guys." I monotonously remarked, patting the bird's back in assurance. "You guys seem to coincidentally come in when I pick up a pan."
I figured being stoic and monotone would be an easier ticket in getting out of this scenario. It usually worked for both my brothers, so why don't I give it a try and see if it would work for me?
"You're serving us, meaning you f**kin' serve our needs." He stressed coldly, glaring at me with his sharp purple eyes.
"She's not entitled to do house duty like she just said, hm." Deidara pitched in calmly, sitting back down on his chair. "Remember: she's our medic, not our 'maid'. You have to stop mixing up the two."
"Shut up, I wasn't f**kin' talking to you, blondie!" Hidan snapped impulsively, glowering at him as he sat there, expressionless. "Just keep your bulls**t to yourself!"
"YOU'RE the one that needs to shut up! Nobody wants to hear you run miles with your vulgar mouth!" The blonde shot back hostilely.
Acting as if nothing was said, I got up from my seat, walked over to the kitchen, and grabbed a tall glass.
"Why the f**k are you defending the b***h anyway?" I heard Hidan ask in utter confusion. "She's related to that stuck-up a**hole, Itachi! And she works for that twisted bastard, Orochimaru!"
After briefly standing on the tiled floor, watching the two go back and forth about me, I proceeded to the fridge and picked up a large carton of milk. Placing the two items on the counter beside the fridge, I cleanly opened the milk carton and slowly poured the cold beverage in the tall glass up until the halfway point.
"Oh, and that automatically makes you more of a saint?!" The blonde countered hardly. "As if you or anyone in Akatsuki have any grounds to judge."
Hearing this made me jolt in surprise; despite his facts, the blonde was actively defending me. It was baffling to say the least because hours ago, he hated my guts. And now here he was, taking initiative for me.
As quickly as possible, I tried to relax my stiff body before any of the two noticed my reaction. I felt utter relief that I didn't spill or even worse, dropped the whole carton on the ground. However, I couldn't shake off the feeling that it could happen, so I immediately put the thing back in the fridge and closed it shut. I leisurely watched the two continuing their petty dispute about me and my obligations.
It was at that moment when Hidan was about to throw his crass words once again, another Akatsuki member entered the kitchen.
Namely, Itachi's own partner.
"What's with all the yelling?" The swordsman questioned in annoyance. "I could literally hear you guys from my bedroom near the other side of the place."
"Stay out of it, gill face!" Hidan spat impetuously.
Seeing as though asking two of the most explosive and impatient beings in the group, Kisame glanced at me as I walked back to my seat with my glass of milk.
"What the hell happened?" He asked in a gruff, moving a bit closer to me.
I shrugged. "Not entirely sure at this point. From what I can tell, it all started with Hidan getting all cranky about me not making more food for him to have. He started b***hing about it and implied that I was your guys' 'slave' and that I should cook only because I'm forced to work for this organization." I summarized nonchalantly, paying more deserving attention towards my breakfast.
"Then why is Deidara involved?" He inquired then eyed at said blonde whose cheeks were red from anger.
"Just the sound of Hidan's loud voice irked him to the point where he had no patience for him left and snapped." I replied evenly, sipping my milk with no care.
What I had told the Mist rogue was enough for him to snap his glare at the exasperating hotheaded male.
"Hidan, for once stop being such a bother to everyone in the damn hideout." He ordered solidly, earning both the blonde's and said male's attention. "You're thereason why we get busted for pissing off Lord Pain."
"What the F**K am I doing that's so bad!?" Hidan barked, eyeing the large man deadly.
"You're disobeying his orders. He specifically told us to not harass the girl and you're doing the complete opposite." The swordsman remarked coldly. "Unless your dream is to get beheaded, just shut up and let the girl have some peace."
I don't know what was more shocking: these men fighting about me or fish sticks here also defending me after the blonde. Maybe my stay with the Akatsuki wouldn't be as hell as I thought. I was secretly entertained by their conversation so I remained silent and enjoyed my breakfast as the show went on.
"Why are you s**t talkin' me when blondie is a jackass to her too!?" Hidan proceeded in his barking spree.
"That was yesterday, you idiot!" Deidara cut in defensively. "I haven't done anything wrong today!"
A smirk stretched on my lips in amusement as I lifted my feet and placed them on the table and leaning back on my chair. I folded my arms as I sat there comfortably, watching this entire moment unfold.
"WHERE the f**k is Itachi!?" Hidan shouted furiously, slamming a fist on the counter. "He's supposed to keep an eye on her but the jerk isn't even HERE! If anybody is disobeying boss's orders, it's that prick!"
My amused smirk instantly disappeared the second I heard my brother's name.
"Which is why the kid has that crow on her shoulder. It will automatically cast a genjutsu on her if she tries anything fishy." Kisame informed tetchily. "Don't question Itachi's judgment; he knows exactly what he's doing."
I applauded tuna roll for being a loyal to his assigned partner, despite being a blood-thirsty shark. 'I wonder if he's actually Itachi's friend though...'
Then, another member of the formidable organization waked in between the three's conversation.
"I can't even do basic counting thanks to you idiots, raising hell in this hideout!" Kakuzu ranted aloud, carrying a silver briefcase.
He took a moment to give me a long, calculating look. I was aware of the other's personal thoughts of me: Deidara was crusty on the fact that I was an Uchiha but seemed to softened up a bit, Hidan downright loathed me, Kisame might like me but saw me as a little kid thanks to his huge height, from what I could tell, Zetsu's personal opinion was legitimately spilt, Pain probably thought I was a spoiled brat, and Itachi doesn't blink about my existence unless someone ordered him to.
Kakuzu was the selective few in the whole group that I wasn't sure what he thought of me. From his aura that radiated off of him, he more likely indifferent all he cared about was his money. It merely took a fool with a decent IQ to figure that out. I also noticed that he got super agitated and crabby if someone either got near his green stash or disturbed him from counting the amount. I assured myself that he wasn't as bad as he looked and he was the only person besides Pain who could make Hidan shut his trap. Hopefully he would do just that.
"Hidan, what did you do now?" The old man questioned accusingly, glaring at his partner.
"I didn't do S**T, Kakuzu!" Said partner snapped prickly.
"It's evident that you did something by the tone of your voice." He groused lowly, expressing his annoyance.
"That's because this Uchiha b***h is walking around like she owns the place!" He countered, pointing an accusing finger at me.
Hidan's point earned me a piercing look from the man. It was then I noticed his eyes were blood red while his irises were as green as grass. His strong gaze was enough for me to purse my lips under pressure. Other than that, my body language overall showed that I wasn't intimidated by Kakuzu's presence.
"Why isn't Itachi with you?" He questioned menacingly. "Pain told you you're not supposed to be left unsupervised."
"That's what I'm f**kin' SAYING!" Hidan yelled obnoxiously, earning cringed faces from almost everyone in the room.
I made sure I didn't lose my sense of hearing before I could answer Kakuzu's question.
"Itachi had something to do, so he summoned this crow on my shoulder to keep an eye on me while he left me unattended." I explained bluntly, lazily looking up at him. "He warned me that the bird will automatically cast a genjutsu on me if it becomes suspicious of me."
"The dude is f**kin' lying!" Hidan interjected accusingly.
"Hidan, for once in your life, just shut up!" Kakuzu hissed irately. "I can hear you loud enough; stop shouting as if I can't."
I was impressed that the old man could shut the boy's mouth just like that. The stingy male glanced back at me as his tall form towered over me, his shadow blocking any light that shined on me.
"And as for you, don't think you have immunity just because you're Itachi's younger sister. If anything, I can rip you apart and use your youthful heart as my own, adding it to my collection." He warned venomously, staring through my soul.
Though I kept my stoic facade on, my heart palpitated quickly, and my chest clenched itself anxiously from the man's threat. Even Itachi's crow was intimidated by the man's presence and leaned towards my head nervously.
"Kakuzu, don't say stuff like that to the kid." Kisame nagged lowly. "Itachi won't be too pleased, you know."
"Just giving her the caution, that's all." Kakuzu muttered and treaded towards the kitchen counters.
He along with Hidan took one French toast each in silence as everyone else prepared to settle into their seats. However, another member cheerily skipped into the kitchen, which stopped all of us from what we were doing.
"I smell French toast~!" Tobi singed in glee, skipping his way to the cabinets.
"Don't take all of it, Tobi." I notified strongly.
"Yes, Katsumi!" He nodded in salute then he continued his mission to retrieve a plate for himself.
Everyone proceeded to seat themselves on the kitchen table as Tobi followed suit happily. I almost forgot about my own meal and shoved a huge piece in my mouth then picked up another piece for the bird on my shoulder.
"Wow, Katsumi!" Tobi exclaimed brightly, throwing his arms around me from behind. "That was soooooo GOOD! You're the best cook! And the prettiest!"
If the child wasn't choking me, I would've probably blushed at his compliment and thanked him with enough genuineness.
"T-Tobi, I can't breathe!" I choked as I tried to loosen his grip around my neck.
"TOBI!" The blonde's loud and sharp voice made both the boy and I jump.
"Yes, Deidara?" He responded impressionably, still holding onto to me tightly.
"Let go of her before I blow you up, hmph!" He threatened as his bright but dangerous eye glared at him.
Hearing this instantly retracted Tobi's arms away from me. I started coughing from lack of oxygen and made sure that I hadn't accidentally swallowed anything potentially fatal. Sipping the last bit of milk from my glass, I coughed a bit more to clear out anything that could've been blocking my airway. It didn't come to my realization that another cup filled with water was hovering by my side until I opened one eye just enough to see it. Not only that, it came to the surprise that it was the swordsman of all people who was offering it to me. I raised an eyebrow, immediately questioning the man's motives.
"Thought this might help..." Kisame justified nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders.
Though I was still skeptical about his intentions, I nonetheless took the glass out of his large hands and chugged most of it. This however was interrupted by a certain raven haired, monotone male who casually walked into the kitchen.
"And look who decided to show up!" Hidan declared aloofly to which the man he was referring to paid no attention.
Instead of saying or even looking at the grey haired male, Itachi approached me smoothly. I eyed him as I slowly straightened from chugging the water. I moved the glass slightly away from my parted lips, waiting for my brother who was standing over me to speak.
"Have you eaten?" He asked stoically, being as stale as possible.
I glanced at my plate and saw that only one sweetened toast was on the plate out of the two I picked up. After blinking at it, I glanced back up at the raven dully.
"I'm not done, though." I simply stated.
Saying nothing afterwards, he leaned over and took the crow he summoned off of my shoulder and with one single-handed hand sign, it disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"Hey, Itachi!" Hidan's egotistical voice called out rudely, earning no reaction from said raven. "Word of advice: be a better role model to your little sister. She's just as f**kin' bad as you, plus the attitude. She shouldn't look up to a heartless, no-life like you."
"Mind your own damn business, zombie." Kisame grumbled in exasperation. "You're the last person to judge a 'no-life'."
"What's that supposed to mean!?" He snapped impulsively.
"He means you should just zip it and never speak again." Kakuzu cut in abruptly, impatient with everything and everyone in the same room he was in.
"F**k you all!" He grumbled venomously, turning his back on us. "You'll see. The day will come when you're all sacrificed by the name of Lord Jashin."
"What's with this guy and 'Lord Jashin'?" I thought aloud in confusion, looking at the man weirdly.
Luckily for me, the dense male didn't caught on to what I just said, saving me from getting an unnecessary headache.
"Itachi..." Kakuzu spoke again, this time towards said raven. "I'm not questioning your judgement, mainly because the way you look after your kin is none of my business. That being said, you're the fine line that separates the girl from the Akatsuki and you seem to overestimate it. My only suggestion for you is to be more careful and keep a better eye on her. Not because I suspect that she would pull anything, but there's a possibility her insolence will get herself killed by one of us, particularly Hidan."
Itachi merely looked at the old man with no interest. But knowing my older brother, he got the message loud and clear.
"Why did you f**kin' call me out, Kakuzu!?" Hidan snapped, sounding offended. "What makes you think I'm gonna kill the b***h anyway!?"
"You, out of all of us, have the impulse to see, smell, and taste blood, shred flesh and sacrificing people for your 'god'. It's no surprise you'd do the same for her, hm." Deidara explained dryly. "Besides, you don't like her to begin with, so you would be more than happy to get your hands on her, hm."
"You're all a**holes, choosing the b***h's side when you barely know her! When she's supposed to be our f**king enemy!" He ranted defensively.
I rolled my eyes at his pity then jolted when I felt a strong hand grabbing mine forcibly. Its grip pulled my up from my seat, almost losing my balance before I could register anything. I threw a piercing glare at the man who was responsible, expressing my disapproval of him touching me.
"We're leaving." Itachi instructed tonelessly, his eyes boringly looked into mine.
"What for?" I questioned as I tried to loosen his grip on me with my free hand.
"For your purpose in being here in the first place." He answered which left me confused.
I eyed him with annoyance, signaling him that his English wasn't clear for the average person.
"It's time for you to starting working as a medic." He clarified lowly. "I'm expecting a lot from you."
"Don't worry, bro." I assured sarcastically.
"Hn." He grunted in bore as he used his grip on my hand to lead me towards the kitchen door.
Once we had left the others in the kitchen, Itachi and I walked down the gloomy, dark hallways in silence. If I had to guess, we were heading to the medical lab Pain mentioned yesterday. At least that was the most labor I was receiving from these guys. Plus, being in a lab of any sort was something I oddly enjoyed and not only because I was a medic ninja; you get to put two-and-two together to get the result you were expecting and that sort of experiment entertained me.
Question was: how long did these people expect me to work here for?
By now, Kabuto was flipping his s**t about being late while Orochimaru too was curious to know my whereabouts. And Sasuke... well, unless if someone notified him that his precious sister was MIA, he probably hadn't really noticed anything. I wouldn't be too surprise if their plan of action was to go and look for me. Appallingly, I hoped they didn't mainly because I wanted to get out of this predicament alive and peacefully. As disappointing as it sounded, I wouldn't be able to fight one of these guys myself let alone the whole troupe. Pain disclosed that I wouldn't be stuck living with them forever because it would cause unnecessary conflict and further tension between them and Orochimaru while Sasuke would've done nothing but attack ruthlessly for revenge simply because that was a trait he somehow inherited.
But how long was he expecting me to stay here for? More importantly, would he keep his promise that I would eventually get my freedom?
Then there was Itachi. All feelings aside, the raven had no plans in getting rid of me from what I could tell. Also, he seemed to not resent me as much as I thought. But I don't want what happened between Kabuto and me to happen to me and Itachi. Not literal, just the change in perspective of another.
Kabuto and I never really were considered "friends" because all of his "friends" ended up in large, human, test tubes, half-alive. Also, he was someone that was unethically, and psychologically twisted. Now, he was a completely different person, to me at least. In fact, he became more human than ever since our relationship blossomed. From hatred to love: it was the best way to describe our entire relationship. I was really happy to have someone like Kabuto in my life, despite believing that he was the least significant person in my life.
Getting to my point, my main concern was becoming attached to the monotonous raven again after breaking all of my emotional connections with him. With him being my caretaker throughout my stay with the Akatsuki and the amount of time we were forced to spend together, it was likely that the fine line between our personal life and shinobi life would become even finer. It wouldn't be a problem for Itachi because the jerk doesn't have any feelings, but I was worried that I was going to get sucked into his protective, unpredictable demeanor.
As much as I hated him for the pain he caused on me and everyone I cared, I secretly missed him deep down inside. I missed the old, kind, gentle older brother Sasuke and I once knew and loved.
I wondered if he missed his old self too. Does he miss his little brother and sister?
I gazed softly at our hands that were glued together by our entwined fingers.
'Funny. I never thought I would mind Itachi holding my hand as if I was still that innocent, impressionable, active little girl...' I thought deeply, seeing my fingers subconsciously gripping his. 'It's still warm and strong, like I remembered.'
And this concludes another chapter. Sorry if this seems a bit, meh, but I just needed to get this chapter done and over with. I apologize again for the long wait, just got caught up with a lot of stuff. Let's hope and pray I post the next chapter sooner than later. Wish me luck!
Keep an eye out on more because a lot of things are gonna happen in the next few chapters.