The Forgotten Ones

Chapter 6

I breathed heavily, my lungs burning with each breath. Pain had ramped up my training, wanting me to get better so I could defend myself. My stab wound still hadn't fully healed, but I couldn't let it slow me down.

Pain came at me again, I dodging him and countering his attack. We were focusing on hand to hand combat, as most of my jutsus were used for healing.

"Good," Pain said, "you're getting better."

I smiled some, trying to catch my breath, "thanks."

"Remember, if you're ever in real battle, don't hold back like you are right now." Pain said, handing me a bottle of water.

I took a sip, making a face, "I'm sure you'd be fine if I didn't hold back."

"I've seen what you can do to Hidan. I'm not stupid, Yui." Pain said.

"You're the leader, shouldn't you be the strongest of all of us?" I asked him.

"Maybe, but I'm still human. Even psychical strength can be stronger than jutsus if used properly." He answered, turning his eyes towards the door.

I turned to see where he was looking, Konan eyeing us.

"We'll pick up again later. I have other business to attend to." Pain said, hurrying towards Konan.

I watched them leave, doing my post work out stretching. Hidan and Kakuzu were off on a mission, and I was left at the base alone. I didn't mind being left behind, but I wanted to go out on a mission one day.

I finished my stretching, heading to get cleaned up. I fixed my bath water, getting undressed before slipping into the water. I sighed, letting my aching muscles relax with the heat.

I thought about Hidan's mission. He had told me that they were after the jinchuriki, but I didn't understand what that meant exactly. As a matter of fact, I wasn't sure what the Akatsuki even really did.

I hadn't been told much, just that I was needed here at the base more than on missions. I scrubbed myself clean, getting out and wrapping myself in a towel. I combed through my hair, my black strands even longer than before.

I had never really cut my hair, just trimming off the split ends. It reached down to my knees, but it never got in my way much. I got dressed, making my way towards the main room of the base.

Everyone was out on a missions and Pain and Konan were no where to be found. I decided to clean up some, that way when everyone returned the place would be nice for them. I swept the floors, dusting the tables and chairs off.

I heard footsteps, turning my attention towards the door. I hoped to see Hidan, but instead it was Deidara.

His usual carefree demeanor was gone, and he looked rather beat up.

"Deidara, what happened?" I asked, rushing over to him.

I let out a small gasp, noticing that both of his arms were missing.

"Tell me what happened." I said, quickly assessing the damage to his missing limbs.

"Long story, but Sasori and I captured the sand brat. Lost my first arm to him," Deidara said, coughing some, "second arm was...I'm not really sure. Some gray haired guy used a jutsu and next thing I knew my arm was gone."

"Well I can't grow you new arms, but I can at least try to heal what you have left." I said, starting to tend to Deidara's nubs.

"Is Sasori alright?" I asked him.

Deidara looked at me with sad eyes. My heart sank to my stomach, "did he..." I said, unable to finish my sentence.

Deidara nodded, I feeling myself tear up. I hadn't known Sasori well, but I still felt sadness over his death. I felt tears roll down my cheeks, Deidara trying to comfort me.