Howl of Konoha Book II

Initiate phase 1

I could not stop staring at my gift from Leader. The ring that adorned my finger had me under a spell. The small shifting of light when I turned my hand made the orange colour shine like a tamed flame. I was finally a true member of Akatsuki, this ring was proof. And the kanji that represented my place amongst these criminals could not of been more perfect.

Taps resonated from the old wood of my bedroom door bringing my attention away from the piece of jewelry and back into the real world.

"It's open!" I called out. I sat up on my bed, crossing my legs and resting my hands in my lap.

I expected Sasori to come in and was surprised when it happened to be the 'lady of the house' entering instead.

"Pein has called a meeting for all members." Her voice as flat as ever.

I nodded and pushed myself up to stand. "Understood."

We exited my room and made our way silently into the dinning hall, the last of the members filing in and taking up a seat at the dinning table. Pein sat at the head of the table, fingers laced together as he waited for us to settle down from our morning chit-chat.

I took my seat halfway down the table next to a giggly Tobi. As the meeting was called to order, a quick scan of the faces present made me realize Deidara and Sasori were absent.

"Leader-sama, where's Sasori and Deidara?" I asked the peirced man.

"I've called this meeting to distribute roles between my fellow members of Akatsuki." Pein took charge in saying, avoiding my question in the process. I scowled in Leader's direction while he made the introduction. Pein's rippled gaze soon fell on mine as he continued, "As I'm sure many of you have noticed, Sasori and Deidara are elsewhere. As we speak, they are currently working on supplying us with the one-tail's jinchuuriki; Gaara of the Sand. I have received word from them that all is well in the capture."

Well at least he didn't ignore me completely.

Smirks broke out amongst the faces of the other members. I, on the other hand, plastered on an emotionless mask. I had no idea how to react under a situation like this. Sure, I had done my fair share of killing but something of this caliber was completely new to me. I should be happy, damn, I should be over the moon! Yet I couldn't bring myself to be. I was uneasy with the plan Akatsuki had going since it was announced. Yeah, it would be a huge step towards our goal but I wouldn't be happy until both boy's were back and in my grasp. Until then, it was far too early to be celebrating.

Pein continued on with his plans and ideals for the success of this operation. The meeting dragged out for a good hour more or less before Pein began to conclude it, "Once I receive word that the jinchuuriki is within our custody, I will have the rest of you report to the extraction chamber and wait for orders. I have to leave for the Hidden Rain so I leave Konan in charge."

We nodded in understanding and watched Pein retire from the room.

"That'll be all for now. Stay close and ready." Konan said and the meeting was adjourned.

I stood up and stretched out my stiff muscles and joints. The boys moved into the living room and turned on the TV. I was bored and tired out of my mind. The problem with being on standby for a mission is that you have to deal with not having anything to keep yourself entertained.

I grabbed a bag of popcorn we had stored away and sat on the single seater. I had no idea what was playing on the screen, nor did I care so I found entertainment in flinging popcorn at Hidan and Kisame. They're reactions were the most amusing.

"Oi, Natauki. Cut that shit out! It's annoying as hell," Hidan snapped glaring at the bag of popcorn in my hands.

"That's the point," I said and flicked another piece.