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Chapter 06

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The towering figure of the Gedo Statue loomed over them, its colossal fingers spread across the ground like ancient, cursed fingers of a demon, each member of the Akatsuki perched on one. The wind howled, but there was no sound of life; just a steady, ominous atmosphere that thickened with every passing moment.

Naruto—Nanashi, she reminded herself—stood at the edge of one of the statue's fingers, her crimson eyes scanning the faces of the gathered Akatsuki members. They watched her closely, their gazes cold and calculating. From the shadows, Tobi's voice carried over to her. "I'll watch,"

Pain, the leader, surveyed the room and announced, "The Akatsuki is here."

With a sweeping motion, he named each member, his tone neutral yet filled with authority:

"Deidara," he began, his voice dipping as the explosive artist stood, hair like golden silk blowing in the wind, his ever-present clay bird perched beside him. "A master of art through destruction."

"Sasori," Pain continued, his eyes turning toward the stoic figure standing beside the statue's wrist. The red-haired puppeteer, expressionless and cold, stood like a shadow of death, his mechanical arms folded across his chest. "A puppet master who makes life and death his creations."

"Hidan," Pain's voice was sharp now, directing attention to the manic figure on the statue's pinky finger. The long-haired man stood, eyes wide with fervor, an eerie grin curling on his face as he reveled in the thought of bloodshed. "A follower of Lord Jashin, whose thirst for sacrifice knows no bounds."

"Kakuzu," Pain moved on, his gaze fixating on the masked man with the unnerving green stitching across his body. Kakuzu's arms crossed, his quiet intensity palpable. "A mercenary, for whom money and life are interchangeable."

"Kisame," Pain's voice softened, his eyes shifting to the behemoth of a man wielding a sword twice as large as himself. The shark-like Kisame stood, an ever-present smirk on his face, his blue skin gleaming in the pale light. "A warrior of the sea with the strength to match his hunger."

"Itachi," Pain's tone darkened, a shadow crossing his features. Itachi, cold and calculating, stood silently beside Kisame, his Sharingan eyes flickering with an unreadable emotion. "A man of strict measures."

"Zetsu," Pain's gaze flickered, his eyes scanning the white half of the plant-based figure who slithered up from beneath the ground. Zetsu's eyes gleamed with quiet intelligence. "A spy, always hidden in the shadows."

"Konan," Pain finished, his eyes landing on the only other woman in the group. Konan stood with an air of calm authority, the embodiment of serenity in contrast to the chaos surrounding her. "A master of paper and a heart loyal to the cause."

Pain paused and turned to face Nanashi, his gaze unwavering. "And I, Pain."

He then looked out over the gathered members and added with a measured tone, "This is Akatsuki."

Before anyone could say more, Hidan's loud voice rang out, full of mockery and curiosity, "Who's the chick? A sacrifice for Lord Jashin?"

Nanashi's eyes narrowed. "No. And I'm no one's 'chick,' either."

Itachi, his eyes sharp as ever, turned toward her, narrowing his gaze as he spoke in a quiet, almost detached voice. "An… Uchiha. Like me."

Her heart skipped a beat. Itachi was the last person she wanted to encounter, but there he was, his eyes filled with quiet intensity.

Pain nodded, acknowledging Itachi's words. "She is Nanashi Uchiha. Sealed by Hashirama Senju decades ago. I unsealed her, and now, she is here to join us."

"Join you?" Kisame's deep voice growled with incredulity. "Isn't she just a brat? Can she handle the carnage?"

Nanashi snorted, folding her arms. "Oh, I was born before your old man, Shark-face. So maybe you should shut up."

Kakuzu's expression, typically unreadable, twitched slightly in amusement. "I like her already. Anyone who's survived Hashirama Senju's wrath is on a league of their own."

Pain took a step forward, his voice smooth and filled with condescension. "Orochimaru abandoned the group a few years ago, and we have a spot for you, Nanashi Uchiha."

Nanashi's fingers tightened around her cloak, her jaw clenching. "I—"

"Nanashi-san," Itachi interjected, his tone colder than before. "What do you seek? Revenge?"

She inhaled deeply, her heart heavy with the weight of what she'd lost. "I definitely want to kill the Senju brothers. That's for sure. Although, they're already dead. I want to destroy everything they created. But," she paused, her voice growing stronger. "I don't want to hurt anyone who is innocent and has nothing to do with disturbing peace. I'll help you obtain the Tailed Beasts, but I'll do it my way. And you will not stop me."

Konan's calm voice broke through the tension, soft and measured. She stepped forward, her hand holding something carefully folded. "Nanashi Uchiha," she said as she handed her the cloak of the Akatsuki. Nanashi slowly unfurled it, the cloak falling gracefully over her shoulders as it wrapped around her like a dark, flowing shadow. The red clouds of Akatsuki emblazoned the fabric in a powerful statement, each one a silent declaration of her new path.

Then, Konan handed her a ring, the amethyst stone gleaming faintly in the dim light. Nanashi slipped it onto her left ring finger, where it fit perfectly. The word "Six" was inscribed on it—an indication of her place among them.

"Welcome to the Akatsuki," Konan said, her voice laced with both warning and acceptance.

Nanashi stood tall, the cloak billowing around her like a living shadow, her expression unreadable as she adjusted the ring on her finger. Her eyes—once filled with uncertainty—had now hardened into something colder, something more dangerous. She was a part of this now. And no matter the cost, she would see her goals through.

Pain's steely eyes surveyed the group, his expression unreadable as he turned his attention back to Nanashi. His voice was calm yet commanding as he made the announcement.

"Nanashi Uchiha will join the duo of Itachi and Kisame. They will operate as a team of three."

A loud, indignant scoff broke the tense silence. "A team of three? That's stupid!" Hidan barked, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "Why does she get to join a duo? I mean, c'mon, what's wrong with pairing her with someone else? Hell, I'll take her if it means keeping the numbers even." He grinned maliciously, his bloodlust barely concealed. "She'd make a nice sacrificial buddy for Lord Jashin."

Kakuzu groaned, massaging his temples. "Shut up, Hidan."

Pain ignored the interruption and continued, his voice steady. "Zetsu works alone. His role in the Akatsuki is unique and requires him to be unencumbered by a partner."

Zetsu's white half chuckled softly. "Exactly. I don't play well with others."

Pain went on, his piercing eyes locking onto the others one by one. "The remaining members either lack compatibility or would be ill-suited to keep Nanashi in check. Itachi and Kisame, however, are the best choice."

Itachi's eyes flickered toward Nanashi briefly, his face impassive as he digested the decision. Kisame, on the other hand, smirked, his sharp teeth glinting under the dim light. "Oh, great. Another Uchiha to babysit," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "Though this one's got a sharp tongue. Should be fun."

Nanashi narrowed her eyes. "Better a sharp tongue than a dull brain, Shark-face."

Kisame let out a deep chuckle, clearly enjoying her bite. "Oh, I definitely like her."

Itachi finally spoke, his tone measured. "If this is Leader's decision, I will comply. However, I will not tolerate recklessness."

Nanashi met his gaze, her crimson eyes flashing. "I don't need your tolerance. Just stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours."

Kisame leaned toward Itachi, smirking. "I think we're gonna get along just fine."

Hidan muttered under his breath, still disgruntled. "Tch, favoritism."

Pain's voice cut through the bickering like a blade. "Enough. Nanashi will join Itachi and Kisame. This is final."

Konan nodded in agreement, her expression firm. "It is the most logical arrangement. Nanashi's abilities will complement their strengths."

Nanashi crossed her arms, glancing between her new "teammates." She didn't trust either of them, but it wasn't like she had a choice. For now, she'd play along. If nothing else, she could use this team to keep an eye on the Akatsuki's plans—and maybe figure out what her own next move should be.

Pain's gaze settled on the three of them one last time. "Your first mission together will come soon. Be ready."

With that, the meeting moved forward, leaving Nanashi to silently assess her situation. Working with Itachi and Kisame… This was going to be interesting.

Û~Û

Kisame wasn't one to take no for an answer, especially when it came to what he dubbed "team bonding." Grinning like a shark ready to bite, he grabbed both Nanashi and Itachi by their collars and marched them down the rain-slick streets of Amegakure.

"We're going to eat like a real team!" Kisame declared, his booming voice drawing the cautious stares of the villagers.

Nanashi wriggled against his iron grip, growling, "I can walk on my own, Shark-face!"

Itachi sighed, his voice as calm as ever. "Kisame, this is unnecessary."

"Unnecessary?" Kisame barked a laugh. "Come on, Itachi. We're supposed to be a team, and I'll be damned if I let this little Uchiha brat sulk around like some war relic!"

Nanashi glared at him but said nothing, unwilling to waste her breath.

The villagers they passed were strangely respectful—too respectful. They bowed, whispered, and scattered like leaves in the wind, giving them a wide berth. Kisame, used to the deference, reveled in it. Itachi remained indifferent, his gaze fixed ahead. But Nanashi's discomfort was evident. She hated the way their eyes lingered on her, as if they were waiting for her to snap.

Finally, Kisame kicked open the doors of a high-end restaurant with the confidence of someone who owned the place. "VIP table for three," he announced, flashing his toothy grin.

The staff scrambled to accommodate them, ushering them to a private spot with a view of the rain-soaked streets below. Nanashi sank into her chair, crossing her arms as she muttered, "What a waste of time."

The waiter approached nervously, offering menus. Itachi ordered sushi with his usual stoicism. Nanashi ordered a bowl of miso ramen, and Kisame, ever the carnivore, demanded meat, gohan, and "whatever's the most expensive on the menu."

As they waited for their food, Itachi turned his sharp gaze to Nanashi. "You were sealed during the Warring States era. What are your thoughts on it?"

Nanashi stiffened, her crimson eyes flickering to him. She hesitated before answering, choosing her words carefully. "It was… brutal. Endless bloodshed, alliances broken over a single insult. Shinobi were tools for their clans, nothing more." She stopped there, unwilling to delve into her own experiences—the beatings, the betrayals, the isolation.

Itachi nodded, his expression unreadable. "A dark time for all of us."

Kisame, sensing the tension, decided to lighten the mood with his usual bluntness. "So, Nanashi, what's the deal with your powers? I mean, you've got the Mangekyo Sharingan, right? Can you do anything special, or are you just another knockoff Uchiha?"

Nanashi smirked and leaned forward, activating her Mangekyo Sharingan. The swirling pattern in her eyes caught Kisame's attention immediately.

Kisame whistled, impressed. "Not bad. And you don't even look tired. Guess you're not coughing blood every five minutes like Itachi here."

"I'm stronger than him," Nanashi said matter-of-factly, earning a small chuckle from Kisame.

Itachi remained composed, unfazed by the statement.

The food arrived, and the conversation shifted again. This time, Itachi's voice carried a subtle edge. "If given the chance, would you destroy Konoha for revenge?"

Nanashi paused, twirling her chopsticks in the ramen bowl. She glanced up, her face betraying nothing. "Yes," she said, her tone casual, though her mind was racing. She didn't mean it—she wouldn't kill innocents or anyone for that matter—but there was no need to tell them that.

Itachi studied her for a moment, then gave a faint nod. "I see."

Kisame grinned, sensing an opportunity to stir the pot. "Well, since you're both Uchiha, why not rebuild the clan together? Think about it—a little army of red-eyed brats running around!"

Before he could finish, Nanashi's foot shot out, catching him square in the chest. Kisame went flying through the restaurant window, crashing into the pool outside with a loud splash.

"Tea, please," Itachi asked the waitress, completely unbothered.

The staff gasped in horror, but Kisame only laughed, floating on his back as the rain pelted his face. "Itachi's too quiet and serious, but you—oh, you're going to be fun!"

Nanashi calmly sat back down, lowering her leg as if nothing had happened. She resumed eating her ramen, her voice cutting through the awkward silence.

"More ramen here, dattebayo!"

Û~Û

Nanashi stared out of the large window of the apartment Konan had brought her to. The rain cascaded in endless streams, creating a soothing rhythm against the glass. The apartment itself was spacious and warm, a stark contrast to the cold stone chambers of her past life.

"You'll be staying here from hereforth," Konan had said simply before handing her the key.

Nanashi had barely responded, but the moment the door closed behind Konan, she couldn't help herself. She darted around the space like a child seeing snow for the first time.

There was a box called a TV with glowing buttons that promised entertainment, a radio that hummed faintly with distant voices, a heater that pushed warmth into every corner of the room, and a fan that spun lazily overhead. The kitchen gleamed with shiny metal appliances, and the fridge, a magical box that kept food cold, was stocked with essentials.

"It's like I'm in the future," she muttered, her excitement barely contained. She opened every drawer, touched every button, and marveled at the advanced machines, grinning like an idiot.

After her exploration, Nanashi moved to the bathroom, where a large mirror greeted her. Stripping off her Akatsuki cloak and other clothes, she stood naked in front of the reflective surface, her expression shifting to one of contemplation.

Her body was a stark contrast to the warm, modern world around her. Scars crisscrossed her pale skin, a testament to the brutal battles she had fought. Burn marks scorched her back, scorch marks from jutsu gone wrong marred her arms, and deep gouges along her legs spoke of countless narrow escapes and abuses shesje had endured.

And then there were the shackles—round, metallic rings encircling her wrists and ankles, remnants of the ancient seal Hashirama had placed on her. Even Sasori, the puppet master, had failed to remove them. They gleamed faintly, a constant reminder of her past imprisonment.

Nanashi frowned as she examined herself. "I'm seeing a naked girl… but I'm not feeling aroused." She tilted her head, observing the curves of her body with detachment. "Odd, but I guess my mind as Naruto has accepted the reality of my situation. A girl."

She examined her curves. "Still a kid, I am probably seventy-three years old and yet, I am still a kid, I am not sure if I should be laughing at the irony or crying at my fate."

She touched a particularly deep scar running down her abdomen, the memory of the pain it once caused flickering in her mind. Her expression darkened briefly before she shook it off.

Turning away from the mirror, she filled the bathtub with steaming hot water. The heat rose in wisps, fogging the room as she climbed in. The water embraced her like a comforting blanket, and she sank into it, her muscles relaxing for the first time in what felt like an eternity.

Nanashi leaned her head back against the rim of the tub, closing her eyes. The rain continued its endless patter outside, but here, in this moment, she found a fleeting sense of peace.

Û~Û

The quiet hum of the restaurant was broken only by the clatter of plates and the faint murmur of rain outside. Nanshi sat at a corner table, her Akatsuki cloak folded neatly beside her as she poked at her plate of rice and chicken. The food was good, but the stares from the restaurant staff and patrons were unsettling. The same excessive respect followed her everywhere in Amegakure.

Her plate of rice and chicken was half-finished. She wasn't in the mood to cook tonight, nor to deal with the excessive respect the villagers heaped upon her.

She was lost in thought when a man with bandaged eyes approached her. His presence was calm but carried a weight of conviction.

"Lady Nanashi," he greeted, bowing slightly.

She looked up, narrowing her eyes. "Do I know you?"

"No, but I know you," he replied. "I am Mezu, a follower of Lord Pain. It is an honour to meet someone who has joined his vision."

Nanashi tilted her head. "Pain's vision, huh? What do you want?"

Mezu took a seat across from her without asking. "I wished to speak to you. Lord Pain has entrusted you with joining our mission. It speaks volumes of your strength and resolve. His dream for this world is extraordinary, and I believe you can play a pivotal role in it."

Nanashi leaned back, crossing her arms. "His dream? You mean this whole 'pain leads to peace' thing?"

"Exactly," Mezu said firmly. "The world is broken, Lady Nanashi. The idea of peace is an illusion—a fragile, temporary state that masks the chaos brewing beneath. True peace can only be achieved when all understand the cost of conflict."

Nanashi frowned but didn't immediately argue. She had seen the world's flaws, lived through war and strife. The so-called peace that people claimed to seek had always been built on lies, betrayal, and sacrifice.

"I get what you're saying," she said slowly, picking at her food. "People are delusional about peace. They think they can get it without sacrificing anything. But in the shadows, there's always someone paying the price. And yeah, it needs to stop. But..." She met his bandaged gaze. "I'm not sure his way is the only answer."

"Perhaps not," Mezu said carefully. "But it is the way that will work. Pain brings understanding. Through shared suffering, people will learn the value of peace."

Nanashi sighed, her fingers drumming on the table. "I won't say I fully agree, but I get where he's coming from. Too many people turn a blind eye to the real cost of peace. Maybe..." She hesitated. "Maybe I'll help him. But I'll do it my way."

Mezu nodded, rising to his feet. "Lord Pain's vision is broad enough for many paths, Lady Nanashi. I believe you will find your place in it."

As he walked away, blending into the rainy streets, Nanashi leaned back in her chair. Her thoughts swirled as the rain drummed a steady rhythm outside.

"The world's a mess, and maybe Pain has the right idea about people needing to wake up," she thought. "But I can't let it be about destruction for the sake of destruction. If I'm doing this, it'll be on my terms."

She pushed her plate aside, leaving the restaurant, her Akatsuki cloak swaying gently in the rain.

Author's Note: Naruto joins the Akatsuki. But what is she truly after? She is not sure herself. We'll find out soon.

Keep reading and you will find out. Trust me. You'll love it.

Make assumptions, theories and ideas for the future. Drop your thoughts in the review section, and let me know what you think! Your words inspire me to write faster, better and larger.

Till next time!.

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