#but it's an important turning point for Hidan and Itachi's relationship

[fireflylitsky]

Hiiiiii @natsbatscats thanks for picking a bajillion things laksjdflasjdk

Zabutema answered here

Akatsuki Heist answered here

Alrighty so just Main Fic and T4T KakuHida *cracks knuckles* (I will do them in separate posts so it's not insanely long)

I'm sure I've talked about this before but my Main fic (Oh Honey, There Goes Your Bastard) is unquestionably my biggest failure and greatest triumph. It is the reason I got into writing, suffers very much from first fic syndrome, and it is very apparent from reading the beginning that I had started it when I was a teenager. I can hardly bring myself to read anything in the first like 75k words, it makes me want to crawl under a rock 💀

Still, people seem to make it through and enjoy it well enough sometimes, and I appreciate their willpower.

The fic is really just an ode to my love of the Akatsuki and centers around a young woman named Izumi (an OC, not canon--that is how long ago I created this OC, Izumi Uchiha did not yet exist) that finds herself thrown into the middle of this emotionally constipated group of murderers, and treats them like real people deserving of love and affection for perhaps the first time in their lives.

They try very hard not to get attached. (They don't try that hard) It's a lot of shenanigans. (334k words so far to be exact)

I'll share an unpublished snippet where Itachi is begrudgingly helping Hidan figure out what exactly Jashin is by revisiting the cave in the Valley of Hell where Hidan first came into contact with it. (Jashin in this AU is a parasitic entity, the source of Hidan's psychosis, and something he is trying to separate himself from.) Itachi is only inclined to help because he needs Hidan to be able to protect Izumi (she's not a fighter) after he himself dies, and right now Hidan cannot be trusted while he's entwined with Jashin.

“Welp, this is it." Hidan fanned a hand in front of his face, nose scrunching unpleasantly.

“The smell is certainly… pungent.” Even Itachi’s features fell out of alignment.

“Yeah, fucking reeks like greasy dog water.”

It wouldn’t have been the description Itachi arrived at personally, but he supposed Hidan wasn’t too far off the mark. He and Izumi had that in common—spouting off peculiar things. Izumi just happened to be about a thousand times more endearing about it.

“And yet, you were drawn to it…” Itachi mused under his breath with a sigh, staring at the mostly hidden cave entrance.

Hidan caught that and offered up a one-fingered salute. “There were a bunch of dead bodies,” he sneered. “I was fucking checking it out, you prick. Doing a goddamn good deed, or whatever."

Itachi’s interest was admittedly piqued. “Bodies?”

“Yeah, a fucking clan massacre. Pretty sure you’re familiar with the term?”

Blinking back his annoyance at the less-than-subtle jab, Itachi asked a clarifying question, and maybe, perhaps jabbed back a bit. “Oh? A massacre you weren’t involved in?”

“Fucking no,” Hidan drawled. “I wasn’t. It was a massacre neither of us were involved in if you can fucking believe it. This was before I picked up the habit, not sure what your excuse is.”

“I’m only gathering the facts,” Itachi asserted blandly, wishing he were anywhere else.

“Well the fact is, Uchiha, it smells like fucking piss and shit here, so can we hurry this the fuck up?”

“Gladly… lead the way.” Itachi gestured to the obscured cave entrance looking less than welcoming.

Hidan cocked a brow, folding his arms over his chest. “Scared to go in first? You a pussy or something?”

Itachi took a moment, breathing in deeply through his nose, willing himself to think of nothing but Izumi as a reminder of why he was doing all of this. He exhaled just as slowly. “Yes. You nailed it. I am that. Nothing to do with the fact that you’re the one familiar with the area. Now go.”

Hidan snorted—evidently pleased with Itachi’s bending of the knee—and muscled his way through the offending wildlife.

“Alright, follow me, I’ll give you the grand tour.” His voice echoed out from the cave mouth. As if hearing Hidan’s grating voice just once wasn’t bad enough.

At least they were moving. Itachi fell into step behind him.

“So here we have the fucking… I dunno… cave foyer or some shit,” Hidan rambled, walking backwards and gesturing to the small chamber around them. “And through here is some other shit probably, maybe the ritual roo—”

“You don’t actually need to describe the cave… Just take me to where it happened.”

Hidan threw his arms up, rolling his eyes. “You’re no fun, Uchiha. I don’t know what the hell Izumi sees in you.”

“Likewise,” Itachi muttered under his breath, still loud enough for Hidan to hear within the cavern walls. They seemed to amplify everything to an annoying degree. Itachi absently wished it would amplify his patience, or perhaps Hidan's brain cell count.

“Pfttt,” Hidan spewed, shooting Itachi an incredulous look. “Least I’m pretty.”

“Well, I’m—” Itachi fizzled out abruptly, cutting off his knee-jerk reaction to argue that he, too, was pretty. He needed to stop letting Hidan push him into bizarre corners…

“You’re what, Uchiha?” Hidan pressed with a knowing little grin, tongue poking at his cheek.

“I’m done with this conversation. Can you focus, please?” Itachi was not about to argue over which one of them was prettier. That would be absurd...

It was clearly him, right? It... it had to be…

[ladykissingfish]

Very Random Akatsuki Headcanons

Sasori would 100% have a garden, and most of the stuff he grows would be illegal or highly toxic. He would ask Zetsu for tips a lot and force Deidara to help him weed it even though Deidara will LOUDLY complain about it the whole time. Sasori will gently sing to/ talk to his plants when he thinks no one is looking.

Kisame the type to nag others about how important it is to drink water and stay hydrated but. He has never fully finished one single bottle of water. Any place they are, you can immediately tell that Kisame’s been there because every surface area will have plastic water bottles sitting on it with various levels of water in them.

Hidan has many, many bad teeth, mostly in the back of his mouth. Missing, chipped, cavities or straight rotting. Always in some level of pain but never seeks out help because you know, Lord Jashin encourages personal suffering. Was finally tentacle-held to a chair by Kakuzu and forced to let Sasori do what repair work he could after the others got tired of hearing him curse and grumble all night over his mouth pain. Absolutely loves his new smile afterwards but never admits it.

Every single member of the Akatsuki has at some point had a crush on Konan. Including Zetsu. But it went away once each member started seeing her as a sister or mother figure. The only one it didn’t go away for is Nagato, but he’d never admit his true feelings because he values their friendship and working relationship too much.

Itachi likes to collect rocks. He’s an amateur geologist and enjoys finding different types of stones when he’s out on missions. The others learn this about him and will sometimes take the time after missions or when traveling to pick up “pretty” rocks to bring back to him.

Deidara has a lot of anxiety and restlessness, and keeping himself busy alleviates that. He prefers doing things with his hands which is why he’s always making little sculptures with his clay. If no clay is available he’ll tap or drum his fingers on things or fiddle with his hair. The faster his fingers move it means the more anxious he feels. Sasori would get annoyed by this behavior so he created for Dei what would essentially be a ninja world version of a fidget-spinner. Deidara loved it and he makes sure to pack it with him whenever he leaves on missions.

Nagato’s fingers are often bloody because he’s a nail-biter to the extreme. He’ll chomp those things down right to the quick of the finger. The others will “gift” him gloves to try and prevent this from happening, and it’ll work for while, but sooner or later he’s right back at it again.

Deidara once gained ten pounds in two months because Tobi kept convincing him to stop at sweets cafes while they were out traveling, and then to have seconds and thirds of whatever they were eating.

Kakuzu figured out that Hidan didn’t know how to read when Hidan would avoid looking at the map on missions and kept giving Kakuzu wrong information about sign posts along roads. After a lot of convincing that he wasn’t “making fun of him”, Kakuzu finally got Hidan to let him teach him basic reading and math skills over the course of a year.

When Orochimaru was a part of the Akatsuki, one day he managed to get Konan alone and was hitting on her in a very creepy Jiraiya-esque way. Turns out that he was merely trying to get her to trust him so that, when he ultimately left the Akatsuki, he would be able to convince her to follow so he could study her body and paper-jutsu. Having had no close experiences with women other than Tsunade, who always responded favorably to flirtatious behavior, he’d assumed that this was how ALL women would react. If Itachi hadn’t driven Oro away, Konan would have blindsided and killed him first.

Nagato (in a Pein body) gave the sex talk to Deidara, Hidan and Itachi. All three of them hadn’t the slightest clue about how anything worked in that regard. Sasori gave him diagrams out of his medical books to aid in his talk. Nagato kept having to add on to his talk because of the questions. “What if you’re a guy who likes guys? How does that work?” “What if you don’t like anyone like that, or you don’t want to ever do those kind of things; is that okay?”

In strong sunlight:

Konan burns bright red.

Itachi and Hidan brown.

Zetsu withers.

Nagato dehydrates within two minutes. As does Kisame.

Deidara sprouts freckles.

Sasori smells like a fire.

Obito and his Hashirama cell DNA photosynthesize like a damn tree.

Kakuzu also turns into a freckle-factory but because his skin is already so dark, it’s unnoticeable.

Sasori has fairly moderate misophonia and especially can’t stand the sound of people chewing. It was one of his primary reasons for turning his body into a puppet; so he no longer had to endure the sound of himself eating. He thought he’d died and gone to hell when he found out that Deidara chews food with all three mouths.

Deidara likes Tobi to read to him at night. It gives him a very comfortable sleepy feeling. The more Deidara nods off the more Tobi lets his voice become more natural/Obito. This is pleasant to Obito because doing the “Tobi voice” all day puts a huge strain on his throat, so it’s nice to be able to break character once in a while and speak normally.

Hidan is extremely sensitive to the cold and will do anything to avoid having to travel or do missions in the winter.

Konan has kept a diary of her life ever since she was a child. She picked up the habit of writing during the period when Jiraiya was staying with/watching over her, Nagato and Yahiko.

Deidara developed a hell of a crush on Kakashi after “meeting” and getting his arms blown off by him and the Konoha nin. He’d gush about Kakashi for days afterward … to Tobi. Tobi who had to grit his teeth and not start screaming over how Kakashi unintentionally attracted everyone that Obito was ever interested in.

Best Smelling to Worst Smelling:

Konan

Tobi/Obito

Deidara

Kakuzu

Kisame

Zetsu

Itachi (would be higher but often smells like strong, bitter medicine and night-sweats)

Nagato (his actual body, not a Pein body)

Hidan and Sasori tie for worst because both smell like blood and corpses

Obito never killed his grandmother during the Uchiha massacre. He used a very powerful jutsu to erase her memory and then relocate her to a place in a village far away that took care of the elderly. He pays the facility with the money he earns/steals during missions, and every so often he’ll go and visit her at night, when she’s alone in her room. She doesn’t know who he is and just thinks that he’s a nice young man that’s there because he’s visiting somebody else.

Kisame loves to bake. It started because he was worried over Itachi being so thin and never seeming to want to eat anything other than desserts. So Kisame taught himself how to make cakes and pies and cookies, etc. Over time it became a zen-like activity to him that helps him relax and clear his head when he’s stressed out.

Kakuzu is as vain over his hair as Deidara is over his own. At least once a week they’ll get together and give each other trims and deep conditioning treatments. Sometimes Itachi will join if he feels up to it. Hidan mocks them for this but is secretly trying to grow his hair longer so that he can join them.

[sharkymothfaby]

Hiii,

Rinto sounds so interesting, can you talk more about his relationships with the Akatsuki members? Also, can he shapeshift into anything? Or is there any kind of limitation?

Have a great day!

Hello! Hope you are having a great day too!

About his relationships with the members of the Akatsuki, i will try to explain to the best of my ability:

Kisame and Itachi: They are the ones he pairs up with the most. He respects them a lot, and does have a protectiveness towards these two in specific. Rinto met Itachi when the Uchiha was still a kid, and had met Kisame once, after Rinto became a rogue ninja. So from all rhe akatsuki, he has a closer "bond" with them.

Tobi/Madara: Is the one that found him after he had become a rogue ninja. He saw potential in Rinto's ability and how it could help the Akatsuki, and invited the foxy ninja to join. Rinto do respect him, as he knows he is nowhere hear the masked man, in terms of power.

Pain and Konan: Is the leader and one of the founders of the organization, so Rinto respects them and their abilities. He only talks to them during the Magic Lantern Body Technique, so he doesnt know that much of them.

Sasori: is neutral about the puppet master, but he does like his talent with the puppets.

Deidara: Rinto doesnt hate him, but he does dislikes his explosive clay. Rinto's ears are sensitive, especially when in any fox form,so fighting alongside deidara was always a pain to him.

Kakuzu: is basically the reason Rinto doesnt like having a set partner. He was almost killed by Kakuzu if he hadnt dodged in time. At least he got a haircut /jkjk

Hidan: they sort of clash when it comes to religion. Rinto prays to the kami Ō-inari(Inari Okami), so he has his own beliefs. They dont see eye to eye, and Rinto prefers to avoid Hidan as best as he can.

Zetsu: he gets a weird feeling from him, but he still treats Zetsu with respect, since he is also an important member of the organization.

Orochimaru: He thinks he is gross. Powerful, but gross.

About Rinto's shapeshifting abiliy:

Rinto can shapeshift into other people, and into animals. He also can shapeshift into a small white fox, that he uses for faster escapades, and into a "Battle Fox" that is a horse sized monstrous fox form, that he uses to end fights and enemies more quickly. He cant change into objects with his kekkei genkai.

Rinto can also partially change his body parts into fox parts, like a "kemonomimi mode" that enhances his hearing, speed, and sense of smell.

To limitations to these forms:

When turning into other people, he can stay transformed during long periods of time, since the forms are human and with minimal bone structure changes.

When turning into the tiny fox form or animals, since there is bigger changes on size and structure, he cant spend more than a day transformed, or his body will ache.

The Battle Fox form takes a lot on his body, due to the big size and the structure of the body, alongside the fighting. He cant use this form for more than 2 hours or his body will ache to the point he cannot move. It can render him imobile for some time due to body fatigue.

I hope this explains a bit about my fox boy <3

[watermelonsloth]

Sakura’s Character Motivations

I want to talk about the obsession/crush/love Sakura has towards Sasuke, specifically why I think it garners as much hate as it does in comparison to the other characters. Yes, other characters, and not just female ones. There are plenty of characters motivated by men in the Naruto series(though not women, but that’s a-whole-nother post). Naruto wants to bring Sasuke back, Sasuke wants to kill Itachi, Hinata wants to be like Naruto, Gaara wants to be like Naruto, all of team Taka is motivated by Sasuke in some way, Shikamaru wanted to kill Hidan then to carry on Asuma’s legacy, Deidara wants to fight Orochimaru and Itachi, etc. The Naruto series is about the bonds between people, so, go figure, a lot of characters are motivated by the relationships they have/had. However, people within the fandom almost exclusively talk about how Sakura is motivated by Sasuke. I’m gonna try answering why.

Sexism

To be clear, I’m not actually accusing anyone of anything here. I see a lot of people (on Tumblr) accuse the people who hate Sakura/Hinata as simply being sexist. I don’t know these people’s experiences nor do I know what part of the internet they’re on, but my experience with the male side of the Naruto fandom is them being really into power-scaling. Yes, I’ve come across the occasional objectifying joke, but those are more of the exception than the rule some of these posts may lead you to believe. Of course women can be sexist too, even towards their own gender, but those cases are also the exception. That’s all to say that people’s sexism may be a factor, but it seems to be greatly magnified by certain parts of the fandom.

Now that I’ve checked off my tangent for this post, let’s get to my point.

I think people, primarily women, hate Sakura’s love for Sasuke as a response to past experiences with sexism and poorly written female characters. A lot of women already enter male-directed series with extremely low expectations for the female cast and it trains them to be on the lookout for red flags in the female character writing. So, when the heroine we’re supposed to root for is introduced with her position in the love triangle, followed by her being a vain brat(even if she promises herself to be better), and then it’s revealed she’s motivated by her crush on a boy, a lot of women roll their eyes and pull back. Yes, being motivated by your crush at twelve is realistic. Yes, a lot of male characters in this series are also motivated by men. But the issue is over saturation. When a male character is motivated by a man, it’s just another of the many motivations a male character can have. When a female character is motivated by a man, it is a rehash of a motivation already done to death that is associated with damsel in distress heroines.

Of course many female fans don’t care about Sakura’s subplot with Sasuke, they’re sick of female characters having the men in their lives be the most important part of their character.

Lack of Depth

Something else that makes Sakura’s relationship to Sasuke stand out as easy to hate is it’s noticeable shallowness. Let’s compare it to Sasuke and Naruto’s motivations for a second:

Sasuke’s brother killed their entire clan for seemingly no reason. Because of this, he swears to avenge and restore his clan. So, for the entire series Sasuke is either motivated by killing Itachi or carrying Itachi’s legacy with him(literally represented by Amaterasu). Throughout the series his motivation is given more depth, it changes with Sasuke, it carries him through twists and turns, it asks questions about humanity and society.

Naruto grew up in social isolation that caused him to resent his home village while also craving its attention. Multiple characters are relevant to this part of his character, but Sasuke is the most important. Sasuke was one of the first people to openly acknowledge Naruto and that made him incredibly important to him. Because he’s so important, Naruto doesn’t want to see him get hurt or spiral, so Naruto does his best to prevent both. Throughout the series, this motivation stays mostly stagnant but it stays interesting because Naruto has to change his methods to both fit Sasuke’s changes in motivations and to juggle the other responsibilities he tries to take on. This relationship also asks most of the most thematically relevant questions of the series.

So, how does Sakura’s motivations hold up? What makes Sasuke so important to her? How do her motivations or methods change throughout the story? Uhhhhhh… To put it mildly, they don’t hold up(or at least for the most part, but I’ll get to that). We never get a canon reason for Sakura to “love” Sasuke. No, attraction is not love and it doesn’t explain away the lengths she goes for someone who clearly doesn’t reciprocate her feelings. No, Sasuke being a decent teammate isn’t a reason either. You don’t “fall in love” with every peer that’s decent towards you(are you trying to marry whoever pulls their weight in a group project???).

I’ve heard arguments that her lack of explicit reason is to symbolize “unconditional/pure love.” I’ve also heard that it’s following a Japanese cultural belief that love without reason is pure love. I don’t wanna shit on a whole culture but I also don’t trust SasuSaku fans that say that because 1. SasuSaku fans have lied about Japanese culture in the past to make their ship look better and 2. I have found this idea nowhere else. So I’m just gonna ignore that in this post, but feel free to site a source or explain this to me if I’m wrong.

Not giving reason behind Sakura’s “love” is just plain bad writing. It shoots her motivation in the foot before she goes to run a marathon. By not giving her motivation reason behind it, it limits the amount of people that will get invested in her character, it limits what can be done with her character, and it characterizes her as a shallow person motivated by shallow things. And I can’t imagine that Kishimoto was trying to make her a shallow character because that part of her character is never addressed in the story.

But maybe this isn’t a Sakura thing, maybe it’s a female character thing. After all, Naruto is one chapter away from being known for the bad writing of its female characters. Except the other female characters do have more complex motivations. Hinata wants to be like Naruto because she wants to overcome her inferiority complex caused by years of abuse by her family. Tsunade carries the legacy of her dead loved ones because of the expectations placed on her by the village and years of grief. Konan wants to achieve Yahiko’s dream of world peace because she grew up in an active war zone and watched him die and Nagato lose his mind trying to save her.

Sakura has no reason to have this simple of a relationship with Sasuke, especially when she’s supposed to marry him at the end.

Lack of Other Things Going On

Sakura is a main character, but she doesn’t have anything going on outside of her male teammates(at least in regards to motivations). Naruto wants to become Hokage, Sasuke wants to restore his clan, Sai is trying to understand his identity and others, Yamato is trying to build a life of his own. Sakura wants to become strong enough to not be a liability for her male teammates(a goal that is also debatable in how well it was achieved). Sure, Kakashi also doesn’t have much of anything going on outside of his teams(he wants to help Naruto achieve his goals and to move on from the tragedy of Team Minato). Except, both of his goals have depth while Sakura’s goal related to Sasuke doesn’t and her goal related to strength isn’t given enough time or attention to grow(ha ha, get it). If both, or even one with how low the bar is, did get the depth they deserve, I’m sure she’d be treated much more similarly to Kakashi by the fandom.

Failed Potential

If there was one way to describe Sakura’s character writing, it would be with “failed potential.” There’s a lot of things set up for Sakura’s character(genjutsu, Inner Sakura, her rivalry with Ino, getting bullied in the past, parallels to Kakashi’s teammate that killed herself and the Fifth Hokage who’s motivated by her grief, etc.), but most of it doesn’t get any proper pay off. Her motivations could be interesting, but they’re never given the chance to. Case and point: the Five Kage Summit arc.

Although I have a past of loathing the Five Kage Summit arc, I now find it to be one of the most interesting arcs of the Naruto series. In this arc Sakura is forced to face the fact that both Naruto and Sasuke are spirally and, despite her want to help, she hasn’t been able to do much of anything for them, just like she feared. On top of that, Sasuke now officially has a kill order on him, meaning that she now has to choose between her feelings for him and her loyalty to her village. And what makes it more interesting: she chooses the village! Since the bell test, the series has been building up the idea of prioritizing friends over orders and Kakashi was trying to ingrain that in his students and Sakura subverts that expectation! And it’s not because she’s insensitive, it’s because she’s empathetic. She asks the question that should’ve been asked a long time ago: “What right does she and Naruto have to prioritize Sasuke over everyone else?” She realizes that Sasuke has moved on to hurting people other than herself and Naruto and those people didn’t choose to take on that pain like them. In the Five Kage Summit arc almost all of team 7 fuck up in some major way, but it’s Naruto who’s being the selfish one in this regard. He’s choosing Sasuke’s life over justice for his victims and he’s making that decision without treating it with the nuance it deserves(yes he’s trying to stop the cycle of pain but he isn’t taking the need for justice into account). But Sakura is taking the needs of the victims into account and she’s trying to prevent Sasuke from hurting himself and others any more.

Then, when she tries to go through with it, she chokes. People shit on her for this, but it’s realistic. Since the Land of Waves arc, the series has been trying to say that shinobi aren’t tools, they’re human beings. And human beings can’t just shut off their feelings for others even when they think it’s the right thing to do.

Sakura is acting more in character than ever before and she hasn’t been this interesting since the Chunin Exams! This is the Sakura we could’ve have gotten! This is the Sakura Kishimoto is capable of writing!

This is why I and at least a few others have such mixed feelings towards Sakura. We like what we see when we get glimpses of what she could’ve been, but we know that’s not what she is.

[darquedeath4444]

The Pain We Share

Chapter TEN

It was just as Sasori had thought, and Nagato had his desk cleared the moment he revealed the reason behind his visit with Sakura by his side. The man had been one of the most vocal with his agreement to give Sakura the time to reveal information willingly, for Sasori's sake, but he could see the relief as they made themselves comfortable.

Sasori relayed everything Sakura had told him, with the pinkette nodding from time to time to confirm his words. Nagato did not write anything down but Sasori had no doubt every word coming from his mouth was properly remembered.

"Sasori, I will schedule you and Deidara for the scouting job tomorrow," Nagato said.

"The one along the north border?" Sasori asked, wondering where this had suddenly come from. Missions were usually assigned days in advance, and it was unusual for anyone to be handed one so abruptly.

Nagato nodded. "I know Kakuzu and Hidan were scheduled for it, but I will relay this change to them. Check out the Snake's hideout again. Take Sakura with you."

Sakura's head snapped up at the same time his leader's words registered in his mind. "What?"

Nagato pulled out a file Sasori recognized to be one of many salvaged from Orochimaru's base. "Take Sakura with you and check through the Northern Hideout again," he said. "She is, after all, the one with the most knowledge on the area."

Sasori glanced over at Sakura, gauging her reaction. The pinkette's face had been free of any expression since she had taken a seat before Nagato's desk, and she continued to show no reaction.

"What are you hoping to gain from this?" Sasori asked curiously.

Nagato closed his eyes and linked his hands in front of his face. "We gained tremendous amounts of data from the raid," he said. "The surprise element clearly allowed us to gain information Orochimaru would have otherwise prioritized the deletion of. We will soon be moving onto the next part of this operation." He then turned away from him and fixed his gaze on Sakura. "You, Sakura, are a major trump card we have. Nothing about you has been disclosed to anyone outside of the Akatsuki. I doubt anyone, let alone Orochimaru, even knows if you are dead or alive. However, there is a major problem with using this advantage we have."

Sasori watched his Soulmate slowly raise her head to meet Nagato's gaze. There was a hesitation he always saw about her, but she did not look away. "You don't trust me," she said.

Nagato smiled faintly. "I want to," he admits. He does not say why, but from the way Sasori receives a quick glance tells him enough; it is, again, for him. "But you have been Orochimaru's for a very long time."

Sakura bit her lip. "That is reasonable," she said slowly. "I don't know what else I can do but to tell you that I will do anything to free us."

Nagato nodded. "Show me," he replied. "Carve us a path towards the Snake's takedown."

Sasori saw the way Sakura tilted her head in his direction, met her gaze with his. Something appeared to click in her mind, for she bit down on her lower lip once more before she met Nagato's gaze. "Okay."

Nagato nodded. "Is that alright, Sasori?"

Sasori had noticed something during the times he spent with Sakura. Whenever she talked about her experience under Orochimaru, as rare and brief as they were, she often said 'us' as opposed to 'me' or 'I'. He had a feeling the chains that kept her bound to Orochimaru were threats than endangered those who had been her companions back when she had still been one of the Snake's pets. He didn't know if 'friend' was an appropriate term, considering the circumstances, but he thought it was close enough.

In fact, perhaps they were more.

He could recall how Itachi had once told him the Soulmate bond tied together the lives of two people in a physical manner, and that acted to enhance the emotional connection upon meeting. Perhaps relationships born in the deepest pits of suffering tied people together in ways others did not understand.

People wanted to be understood, after all. That was why Soulmates was a concept that dictated the lives of some, and how could one who had suffered a life of servitude as a victim of kidnapping and human experimentation hope to find understanding from someone who had lived a completely different life?

Images of the countless numbers of scars that had marred his body at one point or another flashed before his eyes. The scars faded as the wounds on the Soulmate faded, and Sasori now knew why his had vanished much faster compared to the scars his friends shared with their Soulmates. Still, there had to be something in the moments where they had shared the pain, right?

He glanced over at his Soulmate who was looking expectantly at him, and he remembered that Nagato had asked him a question. "Understood," he said.

Sakura was bound to others with a bond forged through years of suffering together. He had hurt with her too, but he knew it wasn't the same. He wondered if what he had with her was enough.

Nagato did not seem to notice his dilemma, and he nodded. "I trust you can relay the plan to Deidara?" He asked. "I am aware the notice is short, but you have the rest of the day to prepare and since we are no longer to lay low you will probably be able to arrive at the destination before the sun completely sets. There is a slight chance Orochimaru's men might be lingering, but I highly doubt it. Regardless, Deidara can fly you all there so there is no risk of Sakura being seen."

Sasori nodded, glad there was something for him to focus on. "Especially with the way we followed up the invasion with such a large scale search," he pointed out. "Even if the operation wasn't made public, people are sure to notice something. The Snake probably won't risk anything that might have him traced."

"Even if you do come across his men, the hideout is so isolated there is no risk in engaging in combat. You and Deidara are capable of taking down anyone you may come across, and I doubt Sakura will have problems protecting herself."

"We'll just have to eliminate any enemies we come across," Sasori said easily.

"You want to keep my survival a secret, and yet you are sending me outside the walls of your base," Sakura said slowly.

"Keeping your fate unknown is largely precaution," Nagato told her. "We have no way to know just how much value your hold within Orochimaru's twisted mind and there is no reason to recklessly attempt to find out. However, risks are also necessary. Our goal is to bring down Orochimaru, and while it is preferred we do it quietly and without fuss, we can only hope for the best and prepare for the worst. We cannot attempt to avoid all problems before they occur, we must eliminate them as we come across them. Problems are a part of the process, after all."

Sakura nodded.

"If there anything we should know of before we commence this mission?" Nagato asked.

Sasori watched the way Sakura rubbed at her wrist. She was nervous.

"You said no one knows of my fate," she said after a moment. "That is probably wrong."

Sasori narrowed his eyes. "Why do you say that?" He asked slowly.

Sakura did not reply for a while. "It doesn't matter, I think," she finally said.

"It will matter if this knowledge sabotages our plans," Nagato said.

"Orochimaru will not find out," Sakura said, and a hand slowly moved up to settle above her heart. "This knowledge will do nothing but bring relief to those who care, and they will not sell me out."

Sasori glanced over at Nagato, who seemed to be deep in thought. If she were trying to deceive them, there was no reason for Sakura to tell them this, and if not, there was no reason for her to lie about it.

"We had a way of keeping track of one another," Sakura explained. "But that contact was lost sometime during the invasion."

"So essentially, no one knows," Sasori concluded.

The edge of Sakura's mouth twitched, almost as though she were about to smile. "I guess so."

"What does that mean for us?" Nagato asked patiently.

"Nothing much, honestly," Sakura admitted. "But, you may find more help within Orochimaru's labs than you may think."

In that moment, Sasori understood one thing. Just like Nagato did not fully trust Sakura yet, Sakura did not trust them with her former companions either, and just like how Nagato was giving Sakura a chance to play a role to build the trust, she was giving them a chance to gain hers.

Apart from the snippets they were given, they would not receive any more information about those she considered important to her unless Sasori could prove that his words from before were true. Still, he wondered, what did vocal promises of protection mean to a girl who had been suffering her entire life?

Sakura dropped her hand from her chest to hang loosely by her side. "We don't want to hurt anyone-"

Sasori knew those words-"-but you will if you must," and he found himself completing the sentence he had heard before.

Sakura turned to him, eyes a little wider than usual, but she nodded firmly. "We will if we must," she agreed.

Sakura did not complain when Sasori told her to wait for him in his room while he hunted down Deidara; he was not in the mood to face baseless taunting from the blond, and he knew that having Sakura with him would simply give his friend more material to work with. He walked her back and sat her down on his bed before he headed out towards his partner's room.

With Sakura's soft footsteps no longer chasing him like a shadow, Sasori found that he could think.

Sakura did not trust him. He knew it was to be expected, that it was a good, reasonable and cautious reaction on her part.

The childish part of him did not care. It thought it was unfair.

The Soulmate bond only connected physical pain; Sasori had no way of knowing if the girl was as emotionally taxed as he was. She did not know of their bond, so she probably wasn't. Or did she feel something, just as he did, even if she didn't know where exactly the feelings originated from?

In fact, why did he feel compelled to take care of the girl? Was it the bond forcefully making him feel the need to protect his Soulmate? Was it the pressure from all his friends, who seemed adamant on him being by her side whenever he had the time?

Regardless, he decided that he did not appreciate being forced to take care of a girl. The Soulmate bond itself was one major headache. He wondered why people thought it was a nice idea. Romantic, he had often heard. It allowed two people to understand each other in ways no one else could ever hope to.

Sasori could do without such understandings just fine. After all, he didn't think there was anything romantic about not knowing if anything he felt for someone was genuine, or was compelled by some unknown force.

He had a feeling most of the opinions came from people who had never met their Soulmates. They must have been written by those who did not understand the pain of being stabbed multiple times a day. He knew his case was special, and Sakura was an extreme example. but the idea of it did not change.

The bond relayed pain because somewhere, one's Soulmate had been hurt. Sometimes, he thought people forgot that.

Chapter ELEVEN>

<Chapter NINE

Chapter List

[laceymorganwrites]

The weird People

Word Count: 2,529

Pairing: Hidan x Reader

Warnings: um just the regular cursing

It didn´t happen everyday you stepped out of the shower to find a man bleeding out on your floor. It has been a very long and rough day so far, you didn´t have the energy to react properly, so you just raised an eyebrow in disgust, shook your head and sighed. This was when the man noticed you. He sat up abruptly and yelled out in shock before turning his head to the wall, averting his eyes from your naked form. “Would you mind putting some fucking clothes on, bitch?!” he shouted in anger. You scoffed. “Would you mind not bleeding out on my fucking floor, asshole?!” you bellowed, grabbing a shirt and pulling it over your head. “There. I´m dressed. Now would you be so kind and tell me why the fuck you´re bleeding on my floor?” you were heavily annoyed at this point. He slowly turned his head to face you again with a raised eyebrow. Then he proceeded to stand up and stare into your eyes without blinking for an overly long amount of time. You felt his gaze upon you, his eyes darting through your body, roaming up and down you, it made you beyond uncomfortable. “Could you stop staring at me and explain what in fuck´s sake is going on?!” you screeched, he flinched. Before he could answer, the door to your room opened. “Hidan, are you still not healed yet?” Kakuzu came in and commented on his state, not even noticing you and your confusion. “Kakuzu, honey. Would you mind explaining why a stranger is bleeding out on my floor?” you asked through gritted teeth, you had a weird habit of calling people nicknames when you were pissed off. “Oh, (Y/N), you´re back already. This is Hidan, my new partner. He joined a week ago. I told him not to bleed all over the base, I´m sorry.” he told you and you just nodded. “Hidan, let´s go” Kakuzu grabbed Hidan´s cloak and dragged him out of your room. “Sorry again, (Y/N)” he said before the pair left your room. You opened your mouth and then closed it again, shaking your head. “Fuck´s sake, Kuzu, you really know how to catch the weird ones...” you whispered, turning your back to the door and taking off the shirt. You didn´t notice Hidan´s lasting view.

You got used to him quite quickly, he was the kind of attention seeking person that you could ignore so perfectly. It was just too convenient that he always complained, cursed, prayed to his god and it was just amazing that he never directly spoke to you. You thought he was weird at first, Kakuzu told you he was just like a puppy, always prying for attention and biting when he didn´t. You had to chuckle at how true the thought was. Hidan was with Akatsuki for only a month, but it felt like he was always there. Maybe you just felt this way because the leader always sent you on missions together. Even though you spent so much time together, you barely knew him. All you knew was that he was crazy religious, immortal like you and swore worse than your aunt. He made it a habit to bleed out in your shower rather than on your floor now, you questioned why he didn´t do it in his room, but he didn´t bother you, so why should you? Hidan knocked on your door to get you for the next mission. “Where´s Kakuzu?” you questioned as you three always went together. “Bastard´s got another mission, it´ll just be us this time, so we should better get it over with” Hidan shot, glancing sideways. He never looked at you, you just shrugged and got along with it. “Okay then, let´s go” you closed the door behind you and walked to the next village to hunt the jinchuriki. Hidan was silent on the way, he started to concern you, he never shut up. “Hey, you alright?” you asked, raising an eyebrow. “Why the fuck do you care?” he grumbled, staring ahead stubbornly. “Fine, I won´t ask again...idiot” you mumbled, you started to get infuriated and just couldn´t keep your mouth shut. You abruptly stopped to face Hidan. “You know what? I fucking care, that´s why I asked! But why the fuck should I care about a guy who is just driving me mad all the time?! You´re an asshole. You know?” you told him, waiting for his angered expression, him calling you names or attempting to kill you, but nothing happened. “Of course I know that, I´m not stupid. But apparently you are, girls like you shouldn´t care about guys like me, it´ll only break your heart” he said through gritted teeth, walking ahead. You walked behind him until you reached the village. You got into each other´s way a lot due to wanting to save the other. That only resulted in unnecessary reminders of your immortality. You walked back to the hideout, strong emotions building up inside you, leading you think it was hate. Hidan just kept annoying you with his attitude and so you refrained from going on missions with him. Your job was now to help your leader with the paperwork, you enjoyed it very much, it was quiet and peaceful. And the leader didn´t call you a bitch, which was a nice change. “Her highness is worried about you” Pain let you know, making you look up from your paperwork. “Is there a reason?” you continued with your paperwork, trying to think about it. Pain sighed. “I thought you had already talked about it...” he mumbled. “Talked about what? With her highness?” you thought about what you could´ve talked about with her that was this important that your leader reminded you of it. Nothing came to your mind, you talked about the usual stuff, missions, her empire and girl stuff. Girl stuff. Shit. “Is it about Hidan?” you asked, placing the paperwork in front of you and doing a break for a while. Pain nodded. “Her highness told me about your feelings for him” he bluntly told you, watching your face flush red. You remembered the night a few months ago, when her highness and you were alone in the hideout and drinking, talking about boys. You were drunk and accidentally confessed your feelings you tried so hard to oppress. Her highness just laughed, stating it was obvious you were attracted to the Jashinist. All the things you were bottling up were spilled and her highness just held you that night and listened. She didn´t have to worry about anything, her relationship with the leader was perfect. “Why would she do that?” you asked, embarrassed about your weakness for Hidan. He didn´t even like you, he´d never be with a girl like you. You were nothing special. “She´s on a mission now that´s been going on for a while and she told me to tell you to confess before she comes back or she will do it” he chuckled. You couldn´t believe it. “That´s so typical! Her highness is such a fucking matchmaker, I swear...” you exclaimed. Pain chuckled. “So what are you going to do now? Are you going to confess?” he smirked. “Hell no...I don´t even stand a chance” you grumbled, it was so stupid. You could get any guy, but not the one you wanted. It was frustrating, you had to get him out of your head. “I wouldn´t be so sure of it...” the leader whispered. “Don´t you think it´s better to confess to him directly and get it over hit instead of her highness confessing for you?” Pain observed. You didn´t know how to feel about your leader giving you relationship advice. “Can we just forget about it? I will not confess. I just want to forget about him” you told him, hoping her highness wouldn´t confess for you. Pain nodded and you two continued the paperwork, this time in silence. A few hours later her highness entered the office and you two bowed. “Did you do it?” she asked you, referring to the topic of your conversation with Pain. “I did not and am not planning on it” you made your stand. “Well, I wouldn´t wanna force you...but I´ll say you´ll have lost something if you don´t confess” she warned you. “Don´t get my hopes up” you said through gritted teeth. “Don´t you see the way he looks at you?” her highness asked, crossing her arms. “He doesn´t waste a glance on me, I know he hates me...” you said. Her highness shook her head. “He doesn´t hate you...but if you´re uncomfortable confessing you don´t have to. I just thought it´d make it easier for you” she remarked. In the evening there was a party in the hideout, as always when all of you were present. You just wore a little black dress and boots. With the games you played and everyone talking to each other you actually managed to enjoy yourself. As you played never have I ever, all of you got drunk quite soon. It was your turn to ask a question. “Um...never have I ever had sex and didn´t cum” you giggled in your drunk state and watched as most of the guys including you gulped down their shot. Hidan, Itachi and Tobi didn´t drink. You reckoned Tobi was a virgin, but you could be wrong. As for the other two, your guess was that having sex didn´t leave them unsatisfied. “Lucky you...” you slurred, referring to the fact. As the game went on you noticed that Hidan never drank when anything remotely sexual or relationship wise was asked. Suspicious. “Guys, we need to sober up! Onto the next game!” her highness announced. You played truth or dare next. Hidan was dared to take off his shirt, you stared a bit too long at his muscled body and had to bite your lip to focus again. You didn´t notice the bottle landed on you. “Truth” you said. Hidan had to ask you a question. “What´s your favorite word?” he asked, taking you by surprise, you never thought of that. “Babe” you answered, not thinking about it. “Mine´s massacre” he told you, grinning. You giggled. “How fitting...”. “Well, yours is not so fitting, last time I checked you didn´t have a boyfriend” he growled. You frowned. “That´s none of your fucking business!” you shouted. Konan  spun the bottle and it landed on you again. She smirked. “Dare” you said. “I dare you to kiss Hidan” she stated, her highness choked on her drink and you choked on air. “Not happening” you said. “Well, you chose dare, now you have to do it” Konan slyly mentioned. You were getting angry. “I will not kiss a guy who fucking hates me and calls me a bitch all the time!” you yelled and stayed in your spot. “Just give me another dare” you spat. Hidan also started to get infuriated. “So you think that lowly of me, huh?” he yelled at you and you balled your fists. “It´s because I don´t think lowly of you that I won´t kiss you! It´s not as if you want to kiss me” you told him off. You hated being dragged in those situations. “It´s against my religion...” he mumbled. Why did he always have to pretend he acted the way he did because of his religion? “Yeah sure...you know what, Hidan? Just fucking tell me if you have a problem with me! Because I don´t buy that religion shit! Just tell me straight up you don´t wanna kiss me, it´s fucking fine! It´s not like I´m losing my head over you or anything, for fuck´s sake!” you bellowed, it got silent around you, everybody was watching you two intently. “You´re pissing me the fuck off, you know that?! Why the fuck should I have a problem with you? I´m sick of you always thinking you understand everything better than you actually do! I do want to kiss you, but my religion isn´t about that love stuff, it´s about slaughter! And it fucking drives me mad!” the room got quiet, all you could hear was your heartbeat quickening. You felt numb suddenly, light, as if you were about to fly away if you didn´t hold onto something. You were thinking about doing stupid things, stupid, stupid, stupid things. But before you could act before you think, you got up and hurried to your room where you tried to clear your mind. Trying to calm yourself down you walked around your room until you stopped at your bathroom. You looked into the mirror and smiled through your confusion, you never had problems with your looks but ever since Hidan came into your life you were always worried about not looking good enough. But that didn´t matter now anymore, it would never work with the two of you. Maybe it was better like this, you were better off without him and he was most certainly better off without you. You pulled faces in front of the mirror until you laughed, immediately feeling better. Stretching your arms, you were about to go to bed. Then it knocked on your door, you bet it was her highness, scolding you for rushing off like that. “They told me to go after you. Can we maybe talk without us yelling at each other?” Hidan looked sideways, unable to meet your eyes. You sighed, stepping away from the door to let him in. You sat down on your bed and gestured him to sit next to you, but he stayed standing in the entrance awkwardly. Hidan sighed, obviously struggling to find the right words. “Why do you hate me?” he asked, looking like a wounded dog. You stood up and walked towards him. “I don´t...why would you think that?” you whispered. “You never fucking talk to me” he said. “Well, you don´t want me to talk to you, you don´t want me around so I´m not” you explained. “That´s bullshit. You´re an angel Jashin sent me, of course I want to be around you. I was just too stupid to get it” he finally looked into your eyes. “I´m not an angel, I´m just me, nothing special” you mumbled. “You´re special to me...” he said. “Hidan?” you looked up to him. “Y-yeah?” you smiled warmly at his little voice break. “Can I kiss you now?” you watched him blush, mumble something to his god and nod. You stood on your tiptoes and leaned in, meeting his lips halfway. You almost lost your foothold and Hidan grabbed your hips, pushing you up and holding you around his waist, you pressed your legs against him. The sudden impact made you yelp slightly and Hidan took the opportunity to push his tongue inside your mouth, making you smirk. Your tongues swirled around each other, your hands were messing with Hidan´s hair while his rested on your waist, pushing you closer. A few minutes later you pulled away, in desperate need of air. Hidan let you down again. “So, are you mine now?” you cockily asked. “I think I made that pretty clear now...” Hidan mumbled, closing the door.

[553butterfly553]

Second Chance (An Itachi Uchiha Love Story) 1

Where Everything Begins

Things in the world were going great in the ninja world. Peace was finally achieved. It was already 5 years since the 4th Great Ninja War ended. So things were as peaceful as they possibly could be. Until one day, the Akatsuki members began to awaken in newly given bodies. It wasn't like Kabuto's reanimation jutsu at all. They were just back to life in new bodies. They were just as confused as the members of society were. Instantly, they were taken away and put on an island in the ocean near the Land of Water under the watch of all the Kage and their closest ninja. That is where this story starts. “So you mean to tell me, that I have to babysit a bunch of dead people brought back to life?” I asked Lady Mizukage, Mei. She just smiled at me and nodded her head. “Yes, I have chosen you, my left-hand woman, to watch over them with the other chosen ones.” Lady Mizukage responded. “Why can't Chojuro do it?” I asked the question, but I knew the answer. He wasn't as spineless as he once was, but he was still pretty much a pushover at times. “Never mind. I got it. I'll watch over them, but I won't like it!” I stormed off away with Chojuro yelling after me. “Good luck, Adryn!” I didn't turn around or anything, just waved him off. I got along with him quite well, I was just pouting right now. I couldn't help but wonder who else would be there, but then again, I probably would just find out in a few minutes. The past criminals were held in a room as the Kage talked about what to officially do with them. They could leave that room, as they all were wearing chakra resistant bands, some wearing more than one to hold back their chakra, but they all seemed to want to be around each other. It was a comfort to them secretly I guess. Some familiar faces to be confused with. Once I got to the room they were all in, I could hear some yelling going on. Slowly I opened the door to see the blond one, Deidara yelling at my friend, Sasuke. We met originally when we were both living in the snake's den, meaning when we were with Orochimaru. I helped train Sasuke when the snake was too busy for him. It's a wonder I'm still alive, but I'll get to who I am more later. That isn't important right now. “How can you be alive, I killed you, un!” Deidara yelled out as he stood practically in Sasuke's face. Since the war, Sasuke has calmed down. He wasn't a psychopath any longer. He was pretty cool now. “I keep telling you, Deidara, you're an idiot. That's how he is alive.” The redhead, Sasori muttered as his former partner turned to them yell at him next. I just continued to stand there in the doorway as I watched the situation play out until a girl approached me. “Are you the Mist's ninja who is supposed to join us?” It was the Tsuchikage's granddaughter, Kurotsuchi. Her words brought most of the room's attention onto me. “Unfortunately.” Was my only response as I entered the room and closed the door behind me. Other than the former criminals, there were multiple ANBU in the room from various countries and other ninjas from the 5 Great Nations. Sakura was one of them, and when she saw me, she just glared at me and turned away. “What's your name?” I just looked at the girl in front of me and blinked. “Come on, our nations get along now and we will be here watching over these guys for who knows how long, so we might as well try to get along.” That was a good point I guess. “My name is Adryn.” “That's a boy's name, isn't it?” Oh great, another one who has to point that out. As if I never knew that before. “It is, but it's not my real name. It's my name given to me by Lady Mizukage.” “I see. That's a little odd. What was your name before?” “Arcadia.” I could see out of the corner of my eye Itachi perk up. He recognized me. However, so did a few others as well. “Wait, Arcadia? That's you?” Kisame stood up from his seat next to the Uchiha. “I go by Adryn now, but yes. Hello Ki.” I smiled at the tall blue man happily. He and I once knew each other when I first came to the Mist Village. He and Zabuza were my mentors at one point. Kisame and I got... a little closer than that though later on in my life when I was older. “Ki? You are still calling me that?” Kisame approached me and wrapped his arms around me. “I figured after we got so close you'd stop calling me by that childish name.” I just laughed and hugged him back. “I'll never outgrow that name, it's too cute, just like you.” I had a teasing smile on my face, as we began to hear gagging sounds. We pulled away from each other and turned to look at the noise. “Seriously, that fucking freak, cute? Is there something wrong with you, Adryn?” It was Hidan who's spoken up in his annoyed voice. He called me by my name surprisingly. He knew me though. Kakuzu and I were quite acquainted once before. Come to think of it, I knew a lot of the members of the Akatsuki. “Shut up Hidan.” Kakuzu snapped at the purple-eyed man. “Don't cover for your girlfriend, Kakuzu, she's flirting with that fish fuck!” “Kuzu and I were never dating, Hidan. So calm yourself.” Oh boy, I knew what was coming next, I shouldn't have said that. “So you two were just fucking each other then?” I sighed and turned a little pink while the other girls in the room just stared at me. I think I was losing their trust now. “Are the Kage aware of your... relationships to the Akatsuki?” Sakura questioned instantly. I never had her trust in the first place. “For the most part,” I responded, smiling at the girl who just glared at me back. “I don't trust you, Adryn, Arcadia, whatever your name is.” Sakura was walking closer to me now. She was clearly showing signs of wanted to punch me or kick me out of the room. So I did the only thing I could. My eyes went Sharingan and I glared at her. “You wanna fight me, little girl?” “Sakura, enough.” Sasuke finally turned his attention onto us. He instantly scolded his girlfriend. “Sasuke, she was in bed with at least two of the Akatsuki members. Why should we allow her to be anywhere near them?” “Because if one of them breaks their chakra bracelets, I'll be able to stop them.” I snapped instantly. “I don't believe that.” “Wanna see how I'd do it, sweetheart?” “Adryn!” Sasuke instantly brought out his Sharingan eyes and stood in front of Sakura. If there was anyone who could stop my eyes, it'd be him. Since I actually had his eyes implanted into my body anyway. Of course, they would be inferior to his brother's within him. “What is going on here? How does a ninja of the Mist have those eyes? What is so strange about you, Adryn?” Kurotsuchi questioned as she hesitantly got in the mix of things. It was clear by the number of eyes on me that I needed to explain things and fast. Otherwise, I'd have the ANBU coming after me. Well not my ANBU anyway, they were loyal to me, but the other ones are what I meant. “What is this? Storytime?” I condescendingly questioned. I just got a glare from Sasuke in return. “Fine fine, I'll explain.” I moved over to grab a chair and moved in to be in front of the group. “I'll only say all this once, and it doesn't leave this room, got it?” “Sure, trust a bunch of criminals to keep a secret,” Hidan grumbled as he was pulled back into his chair by Kakuzu. Kisame went to take his seat next to Itachi as the other ninja moved to the sides. “I am Orochimaru's daughter.” Multiple eyes went wide at that, but I ignored it and continued. “I was made from his DNA and Tsunade's DNA, along with Madara Uchiha's DNA. That is how I have these eyes. However, a few years ago, I became blind and Sasuke gave me his old pair of eyes, in hopes that they might work for me and they do. So now I can see again and I have the eternal Mangekyou Sharingan. So that explains my eyes.” “So, you're telling me that the 2 tails jinchuriki is also an Uchiha?! Doesn't that seem a bit dangerous? Not to mention you were a criminal until a few years ago.” Sakura snapped out. “I wouldn't say I'm an Uchiha, though I did live with them a little before they all died. I just have their eyes.” “Eyes you were about to use on me!” “Sweetheart, I wouldn't waste my eyes on you, you aren't worthy to put under a genjutsu.” “Adryn.” Sasuke's tone was warning me to be nicer to his little girlfriend. So I sighed and leaned back in my chair. “So that must mean you knew Itachi before he slaughtered everyone, right?” Hidan questioned as he looked between Itachi and me. I just nodded my head. “Has he always had that stick up his ass?” “Hidan!” Kakuzu snapped warning his former partner to calm himself. “Not like that is any of your business, is it?” “Listen here bitch, I asked you a question!” “Yeah? And how about you fuck off with your stupid question.” My eyes went back to Sharingan. I was warning that boy to calm the fuck down before I sent his ass into a coma. “I'd like to know how little Itachi was too,” Kisame spoke up, smirking at Itachi who just kept a straight face. “Fine, I'll tell you one thing about Itachi. Okay?” That seemed to put Itachi on edge and made Kisame smile wider. “Itachi was the cutest little thing ever. Not that that's changed much. He's the best looking out of all you sorry folk.” A chorus of offended “hey”s rang out from the younger more attractive members of the group, meaning Deidara and Hidan. I couldn't help but laugh. “Come on, tell us something serious,” Kisame grumbled, probably offended by my words. “Why is story time's topic now on Itachi? I liked being the center of attention.” I was almost pouting now but Itachi then shattered that facade I had put up. “I remember you being a shy and quiet little girl. Where'd she go?” I looked at Itachi, shocked. I was at a loss for words for a moment, before I smiled at him. It was almost like he'd been teasing me, but I was honestly thrown off. “She died when I left the village,” I muttered

but kept staring into Itachi's eyes. I then smiled a bit softer than before. “It's certainly nice to see you again, Itachi. It's been longer for you, but I was there the day you died. So it's nice to see you alive and well, unlike then.” “Adryn...” Sasuke was hesitant in his voice. He knew how much I died that day. I had been in love with Itachi for many years of my life and to watch him die in front of me, without being able to do anything to help, truly killed me, and Sasuke knew it. “Wow bitch, the way you just looked at him, it looked like you were in love with him.” Hidan chose that moment to be very smart. At Hidan's words, I turned fully red. I couldn't form a response and I saw Itachi's eyes widen ever so slightly. “Hidan you idiot.” Kakuzu snapped at him and whacking him upside the head. “What?! Was I wrong or something, because it sure as fuck looks like I'm right!” I closed my eyes and at that moment wished I was dead. Unfortunately, that wasn't how things go, so when I opened my eyes, I kept them on the floor. Until I heard Kisame laugh. I then looked up at him confused and no longer blushing. “What's so funny Ki?” I questioned instantly as he chuckled to himself, confusing more than just me. “I just remembered a conversation we once had back in the day. I understand now. The guy you were talking about was Itachi.” “Oh my god, stop. I literally can't handle this any further.” I put my hands over my face and wanted to die all over again. I just hoped that Kisame would stop talking before revealing an even more embarrassing side of me. “Wait, so it isn't Sasuke that you like?” Sakura asked in a soft tone. “That's gross Sakura. You thought all this time that I liked him?!” “Well you're always hanging around him when you get the chance and you talk about him so fondly...” “That's because he's practically my little brother. I have always kept him safe and I got attached to him, just not in the way you think. I've always been in love with-” I stopped myself instantly as my face went back to being red. “Uh, never mind.” “Seriously? You loved Itachi even after murdering all the people you once knew in the Uchiha Compound?” Sakura's question pissed me off. “I'm pretty sure Sasuke has tried to kill you before yet you still love him. So how about you don't judge me, okay, sweetheart?” “So the bitch admits her feelings for Itachi!” Hidan began to laugh as I realized what I just admitted without actually admitting it. “I'm leaving. Goodbye.” With that, I walked right out of the room. “Wait, you can't just leave us! It's your job to stay in this room!” Kurotsuchi called out to me as I fled the room. I could hear Hidan laughing at me as I ran away. That was way too embarrassing. I mean it was never a secret that I was in love with Itachi. I mean I had a few fights with Izumi over him at one point when she was still alive, but I never allowed myself to show any feelings like that around Itachi. I mean he totally knew I loved him, right? Even little 5-year-old Sasuke knew at the time. Maybe he didn't, judging by the shocked look in his eyes. “Great, now I'll never be able to look at him again,” I grumbled as I went to find Chojuro to take over for me. I eventually found him, in a meeting with Lady Mizukage. “Oh, Adryn... Are you alright? Your face is seriously red.” Lady Mizukage commented as soon as she saw me. “Chojuro, can you watch the criminals for me? I can't be in there a moment longer today.” “Sure, but are you okay?” Chojuro was a sweetie. He always was worried about me when I needed it most. He was truly one of my closest friends. “They all found out about how I'm in love with Itachi Uchiha. So no, I'm not okay. I'm dying of embarrassment. I can't face them, not after revealing so much of myself to them.” “It makes you sound like you went in there and stripped down for them.” Lady Mizukage stated with a small smile on her face. “I wish I had, that would have been less embarrassing than them figuring out that I love Itachi.” “Very well, Chojuro, keep an eye on them for the day, tomorrow, Adryn will take over once again.” “Yes, ma'am.” Both I and Chojuro spoke in unison as we straightened up. So with that figured out, I was released from embarrassing myself further. I had a feeling that they would ask all types of questions to Chojuro but I knew that he wouldn't tell them anything about me. I trusted him, and he trusted me, for the most part anyway. It was quite difficult to trust me in any circumstance when you find out how I fell into bed with a few Akatsuki members, metaphorically and physically. What do I mean by that you ask? Well, let's go down the list of the members that I know. I know Kisame due to my time living with Zabuza and Haku. I met him when I was younger and as I grew older, I made moves on him until he couldn't deny me any further and that's what led us to become friends. I was very torn up when I heard he died. I know Kakuzu due to my time as an informant. I'd help guide him to where the bounties were that were affecting the Mist Village. I ended up sleeping with him a few times. He was very rough and took advantage of my regenerative abilities too much. I know Hidan through Kakuzu. He and I never got along in the first place. He didn't like that I was screwing around with his partner and he didn't like that whenever I showed up, he had to go on a bounty hunt with Kakuzu. I know Sasori because of my time as Kabuto's assistant. I would occasionally go to their secret meetings together. It was mostly so I could spy on them for Orochimaru, to be honest. Other than that, I don't completely know him all that well. I never even knew what he looked like until I saw his dead puppet body. I know Obito because I was using him to keep tabs on Itachi. He was using me to keep tabs on Sasuke anyway due to him all along wanting Sasuke to become one of his members. We never really talked too much. He just allowed me to follow him around to the hidden bases to ensure Itachi was still alive and mostly well. I never really interfered with the Akatsuki business. I mostly remained loyal to the Mist Village. I knew Nagato and Konan because of the same reasons. I was keeping an eye on Itachi and they caught me one day. So Obito and I had to explain everything to them. They weren't too thrilled about it, but they let me do whatever I wanted as long as their leader was okay with it. Finally, the most important one of all. I know Itachi through my time spent in the Leaf Village. I was adopted by Shisui's aunt who was taking care of him. Therefore, I knew Itachi quite well. That is also how I met Sasuke. I would follow Itachi and Shisui around like a little lost puppy. I was only a few years younger than them, but not nearly as young as Sasuke. Even though they treated me like I was his age. They never really let me be a part of their group, but sometimes, they would let me join in their training with Sasuke. It was always fun. I truly miss the old times we had together before everything fell apart. So that's all the members I knew personally. Of course, I have heard and seen stuff of all of them. They were a serious threat to my village, so of course, I would be watching them anyway. I just had some personal connections to some of them. Before I was allowed to be enlisted as an official Mist ninja, I had to tell everything to Lady Mizukage and in turn, she told the other Kage about my connections to the Akatsuki members. They were only allowing me near them to hopefully keep them calm and earn their trust. It was unclear why, but I had a feeling that they were wanting to one day use the Akatsuki members as their little army against the various dangers in the world.

[rcris123]

NAGAITA: A SHIP ANALYSIS

It’s been 3 years since I wrote my first ‘rant analysis’, which has recently started circulating around the site again. I thought of remaking it with an updated view, more comprehensive and less ‘ranty’. There will be links to manga/anime screencaps, because uploading a 3000 word analysis with pictures will crash tumblr.

As such I have decided to split this up in 4 parts:

                1.      Direct canon, interaction or mentions of one another, or slimpler said: THE CANON part.

                2.      Indirect canon, or what might be inferred from the canon of both characters, based on their personalities, actions, past or morals. The things that could have happened, but didn’t on screen. This will be the CANON DYNAMICS part.

                3.      Speculative canon, meaning scenes, lines or interactions from canon that could be interpreted as in favor of the ship based on the dynamics of both characters.Thus the INTERPRETATIVE CANON part.

                4.      And last, some of my personal headcanons and dynamics regarding their canon interaction or that can be derived from canon interactions. The HEADCANON part.

1- THE CANON.

It’s true, there is little canon interaction to support the ship. But the little that we were offered can be just as valuable, especially since both Itachi and Nagato are well developed characters, with well established personalities, moral codes and pasts. However now I’ll only be looking at direct canon interactions or mentions.

When thinking Nagato and Itachi one will obviously associate it with the Edo Tensei arc, where the two were teamed off. And while brief it is telling of their relationship.

The two are obviously friends: helping each other and talking amicably about their past and current situation. It may seem that the two have met each other in person before. Notable is also the fact that, at least Nagato, seems to be recognizing Itachi’s jutsus before he uses them.

Two more important scenes are as follows:

“I’M SORRY, ITACHI.”

After being forced to fight Naruto, Bee and Itachi, the fight ending with Nagato caught by the spirit sword of Totsuka, Nagato’s first words towards the three are: “I’m sorry, Itachi.” It is an apology for forcing Itachi to fight him and ultimately ‘kill’ him. And although it may seem that Nagato and Naruto are closer for their bond as pupils of Jiraya, Nagato does not apologize to Naruto for having to face him again. Itachi is the only one that he apologizes to, before his demise, somewhat reminiscing of Itachi’s parting with Sasuke. After being nudged by Itachi to say goodbye to the rest, Nagato does so with his speech to Naruto. Then he is sealed and portraits of the three being shows in the meantime: Naruto and Bee are looking forward, Itachi is looking backwards as Nagato says one last ‘goodbye’, presumably to the one looking at him: Itachi.

From this scene we can say that the two are indeed close.

 “I’M LEAVING WITH NAGATO.”

While not technically canon, since it was featured in a filler episode of Shippuuden(Episode 420), it is still very much tied to canon as part of Tsukoyomi dream sequence arc, where everyone imagines a perfect ending. And that is very telling; in his Tsukoyomi, Bee, who met both Itachi, Nagato and Kisame, chose to give Itachi his happy ending alongside Nagato, as the two basically elope in the scene, setting the canon groundwork for what might have actually been more than a friendship.

 2-CANON DYNAMICS

This looks at their personality, backstory and beliefs and how well they mesh together. And first and foremost will come their similarities.

Nagato and Itachi are two characters that are quite similar: both experienced war at a young age (Nagato lost his parents when he was younger than 10, and according to Shinden, Itachi witnessed war before Sasuke’s birth, so before he was 5!) and as such want peace and to protect those closest to them from war (Nagato towards Yahiko and Konan, Itachi towards Sasuke). They both have powerful eyes (sharingan and rinnegan) that would allow them great power, which they harnessed at a young age, in order to protect those they love, trying to bear the world on their shoulders (Itachi taking on himself to kill the entire clan and become the ‘ultimate evil’ and Nagato taking the mantra of ‘the chosen one/the child of prophecy’ trying to save the world). They both had a ‘friend mentor’ figure that the two were very close to, maybe even getting to romantic feelings (Shisui and Yahiko) and they both died tragically having a significant impact on them. Ultimately they are two very lonely people, broken inside due to their past, ill (Nagato is anorexic and unable/struggling to walk and Itachi is suffering from a heart/lung disease) and aware that they can’t bring peace to the world, living their lives under a false identity (Nagato as the God Pein and Itachi as the Psychopathic Criminal.)

They share a lot, from similar pasts to similar philosophies so the two could get very much along together, supporting each other through their illness as they’re the only ones in Akatsuki with so prominent health issues. The only obstacle a proper friendship/romance would face in this situation is the two having created alter-egos that do not let their vulnerabilities and true intentions shine through.

Lastly I want to outline an opinion that might be a bit controversial in the fandom: that Itachi’s is not as good at hiding his emotions as we’ve been led to be. It is supported in several instances in canon by the people Itachi is relatively close to. First it is Shisui that points out that his expression betrayed him and that he is ‘good at fooling himself’, it is true that Itachi couldn’t have been older than 10 then, but in the next instance he is in Akatsuki, when he should be technically already wearing the ‘mask of the criminal’. If Itachi Shinden is to be considered canon, then Juzo’s death is a prime example that teenage Itachi was still easy to read: Juzo notes before dying that Itachi has regrets and someone he wants to talk to before dying. The last instance is when Kisame points out that Itachi seems to be crying and tries to comfort his partner about his brother’s death; by this point Itachi managed to master hiding his emotions as noted by Kisame as him being ruthless, however Kisame still picks up on how Itachi might be feeling.

As such, if these people could pick up on at least some of Itachi’s emotions it wouldn’t be a stretch to say others would too, maybe even someone like Nagato.

 3-INTERPRETATIVE CANON

Most of the scenes that I will be analyzing here have at their base the assumption that Nagato and Itach know each other and that they have a deep bond on friendship at least.

In cronological order here are the following:

OROCHIMARU’S EXPULSION FROM AKATSUKI

If we follow the narative pushed by Itachi Shinden, Orochimaru and Itachi had been in the organisation since ‘the very beginning’ and at some point Orochimaru is thrown out of the organization. And it is because of several reasons: he’s spying on the Akatsuki and leaking information and because he attacked Itachi. However it sounds nonsensical to throw a member out because he’s being antagonistic to another member (Kakuzu killed several of his partners and would keep doing so if Hidan wasn’t immortal), however I think Tobi/Madara/Obito (I’ll call him Madara because that’s who the characters think he is) needs Itachi alive and well either as a person he can manipulate or as a bridge to Sasuke for further manipulation, or because the leader has a preference in his members. Both can be considered to be quite a stretch however why would Orochimaru be thrown out of the organization almost immediately after the incident. More on the interpretative side (however this is what this section is for) I believe Madara didn’t yet have plans to manipulate Sasuke as he still relied on Nagato to do his dirty-work, instead it is Nagato trying to protect Itachi, a boy who he read (see part 2) as being distraught and traumatized still by the events of the clan massacre decided to give him a little help and protection. Nagato cares for the members of his organization (trying to find a suitable partner for Kakuzu, pairing Itachi a second time with a defected Swordsmen of the Mist nin, just like Juzo who Itachi was getting along with and mourning Deidara’s death).

AFTER ‘SASUKE’S DEATH’

Returning to the rainy scene mentioned before where Itachi ‘seems’ to be crying in the rain, it is noteworthy to mention that Madara, Pein/Nagato and Konan knew Sasuke wasn’t dead, just before the aforementioned scene took place. It is still raining, an unusual thing, and Itachi goes out to meet the rain, looking up at the sky.

Itachi doesn’t mourn the loss of his brother for too long and shortly after this  incident Sasuke and Itachi have their showdown, Itachi knowing full-well that Sasuke was coming his way. In other words someone told him that his brother wasn’t in fact shortly after – maybe even in this scene, as we know Nagato can infuse rain with his own chakra and sometimes help loosen it up, or on the contrary make it last longer. Here it could be read as Nagato making the rain last longer, as comfort (allowing Itachi to ‘cry’ in the rain) and maybe as a message to Itachi that his brother isn’t dead yet.

NAGATO’S TURN TO THE ‘LIGHT’

Nagato’s turn after Naruto’s infamous ‘talk-no-jutsu’ is legendary in how poorly it has been written as Nagato seems to switch sides at the press of a button. My interpretation of this scene and the entire ‘invasion arc’ hinges a lot on my shipper feelings.

The invasion arc happens after Itachi’s death – and if you think their relationship happened, now Nagato’s lover is gone and buried leaving him with no moral support. An all out revenge attack on Konoha, the village Nagato thinks it’s to blame for everything (his parents and Yahiko’s death, and to a degree maybe even Itachi’s) isn’t that implausible. However after meeting Naruto and being explained that they’re both students of the same master, sharing the same goal, Nagato realized there’s someone to carry on the fight he has been through his entire life. So now he can let go, die, meet Itachi again, and, by reviving the village, repenting his sins, forgiving the village that took everything from him while at the same time giving him Jirayia, his mentor, and Itachi, his lover.

“SO THIS IS HOW IT TURNS OUT…”

Just a little tid-bit of dialog after Itachi manages to release himself from Kabuto’s control, in my interpretation, noting with sadness (ellipses and expression) that now he will be forced to fight Nagato, maybe even ‘kill’ him, a thing that he’s reluctant to do and didn’t wish to happen this way. Nagato’s line “I’m sorry, Itachi” encompasses that indeed Itachi didn’t want to fight, yet was forced to, and Nagato apologizes for putting him in this situation.

“I’M SORRY, ITACHI�� (REPRISE)

A very important canon scene for these character’s development and if interpreted further it can be a mirror to this Itachi Shinden line, where Itachi asks Juzo if he has any last words, in this case similar to how he asks if Nagato has any last words. In the first scene Juzo reads through Itachi’s line as him having regrets and wanting to say goodbye to someone, in that case Sasuke. However in the latter, Itachi has already said his goodbye to Sasuke and he has no idea he will be meeting him later at Kabuto’s lair, however Itachi hasn’t said his goodbye to Nagato or he’s waiting for Nagato to part with him in a more meaningful manner than with a simple “I’m sorry”. But Nagato doesn’t, “I’m sorry, Itachi” being his last words towards him (if the “Goodbye” afterwords is not counted). However a simple “I’m sorry” is reminiscing of Itachi’s parting to Sasuke and it is the most meaningful parting the two could have had.

THE CRACKING OF ITACHI’S EDO TENSEI FORM

After sealing away Nagato, Itachi’s edo tensei form becomes cracked, maybe as a way to tell that having to fight and ‘kill’ his friend/lover Itachi feels broken, or not whole. On the other hand a cracked edo tensei could mean coming to terms with one’s self, becoming at peace and detaching spiritually from this world (how Sasori did after being captured). In a sense Nagato becoming sealed inside Itachi can lead to the thought that the two have become one and that eternity is theirs to spend together.

NAGATO AND SHISUI SHARED IDEOLOGIES

This entry is a bit more speculative than the others however I believe one of the reasons Itachi would be comfortable around Nagato is that he and Shisui shared ideologies and morals. In this panel Itachi refers to  Naruto as possessing Shisui’s feelings (probably referring to a world of peace where people talk things out before jumping to violence). Before Yahiko’s death, Nagato too believed talking things out was the way to solve conflict, only to have those expectations shattered when Yahiko was murdered unjustly. As a result Nagato realized there can’t be any discussion if violence isn’t carried out first, because only then can the ‘the small ones’ speak and be heard. However maybe a part of his old beliefs still remained in his time in Akatsuki even if not directly stated.

However even more telling in linking Nagato and Shisui is that Nagato and Naruto are fellow students that share a good portion of moral code, and in this scene Naruto has been shown as sharing Shisui’s feelings too. So maybe Nagato, like Naruto, shares those feelings as well.

(BONUS) THE HEART

Nothing more to add here then, maybe, just maybe there’s a heart on the ground in this panel.

 4-HEADCANONS

This part focuses more on ‘what-if’ scenarios, symbolism and relationship headcanons.

WHAT-IF’S

-        What if the older Nagato gets the more he can read through Madara’s manipulation of him, since Madara came to him tempting him just after Yahiko’s death, when Nagato was still an emotional mess. What if seeing Itachi being brought in by Madara clicks in his head as this Masked Man manipulating another young grieved shinobi and he tries to protect Itachi from Madara, protecting him from going down the same terrible path as him.

-        What if Nagato shows his true self to Itachi as a means of showing that he is no threat and that he’s trustworthy and because of that Itachi realizes that Nagato is just as broken and suffering as himself. And Itachi realizes he can’t let him struggle alone as he helped him through Akatsuki as well

-        What if Nagato thinks of himself not as a God of Bountifulness and Good but a God of Death and Pain and he fears that anyone he loves will inevitably end up dying in his arms, which happens with Itachi too.

-        What if it is Itachi that falls in love with Nagato first, the more he realizes that he is a man that shares Shisui’s intentions, at the same time offering Itachi a shoulder to lean on in need. Nagato reciprocates the feelings as Itachi becomes a constant presence in his life

-        What if the two start discussing the world around them, about the meaning of life, of the shinobi, of the village, of peace and how the latter can be achieved at all, or if the very human nature prevents such peace. What if they realize peace can only be achieved at a personal level and they wish to achieve their peace together.

SYMBOLISM

-        The dog and the crow: Itachi is undoubtedly linked with crows, they act a meaningful symbol, the birds that are harbingers of death and at the same time scavengers, picking up what’s left behind, intelligent and cautious. Nagato’s symbol animal is the dog, Chibi, the loyal one, protecting those it loves even if it claims it’s life, facing its struggles and fighting till the bitter end. And he can be considered Madara’s lap-dog for seemingly obeying his orders, or a stray dog that sruvived despite the hardship faces, always loyal to his cause. Both Itachi and Nagato were saved when young by their symbol animal (Shinden crow and Chibi)

-        You are my eyes as I am your legs: they are both vulnerable in their own way and alone that can be debilitating, however together they are stronger, supporting each other through their vulnerabilities and hard times.In the Edo Tensei arc Itachi helps Nagato walk, and Nagato helps Itachi ‘see’.

-        The Devil and Death: Nagato thinks of himself as the God of Death, one of misery and pain, his appearance somewhat resembling that of the Reaper with an exaggeratedly thin body and the ability to take life away with a touch, while Itachi is the Devil for mercilessly murdering his clan and taking up the mask of a psychotic ruthless criminal, the Devil incarnate.

-        Atlas and the Sacrificial Lamb: Both Itachi and Nagato tries to bear the world on their shoulders, one tasked protecting his village and brother from the shadows, unseen and unheard to the point of killing his whole clan for it, and Nagato  made out to be the one to save the world and bring peace, bearing the sins of the world on his shoulders. Both are Atlas, bearing their burdens alone and ultimately failing to do so, and both are Sacrificial Lambs, trying to save the world by offering up themselves, at the end both dying

-        Flowers for blood: Both Itachi and Nagato are ill and suffering and the symbol for suffering is blood. However their suffering is poetic and meaningful and in each other’s presence the blood turns to flowers, just like the flowers their graves will bear because they were ‘unspoken heroes’.

RELATIONSHIP

-        The two love spending silent moments together, where they don’t have to share words, yet at the same time enjoy the company of someone they feel comfortable with.

-        “I’m sorry, Itachi” is a phrase that is much more common in Nagato’s thinking and speech and it is meant to symbolize that he wouldn’t want to hurt Itachi in any sort of way, even if it is inevitable that he does so, because they will inevitably die and the other will suffer greatly.

-        Illness is something ever present in their lives, with the ever-looming presence of inevitable death, the two have acknowledged that their existence will come to an end soon, that every bond they had was doomed from the very beginning. They cherish every moment, taking care of each other, hoping it all lasts longer.

-        They bring little useful gifts for each other, things that may cheer each other up, a package of dangos and medicine sneaked in Itachi’s room, a warm sweater or coat for Nagato who seems to always be walking naked, or some interesting new brew of tea or poetry book.

-        Nagato knows how much Sasuke means to Itachi and he sometimes wonders how would it be possible to reunite them without having the two murder each other, in the end prolonging both their lives and sparing most of their suffering.