Hardened Hearts(Kakuzu fanfiction)

Chapter 20

After falling asleep last night, I woke up this morning rather happily and calm. Learning about Matatabi was a huge relief; it was a weight off my chest. Now that I knew what my condition was about, I can work on controlling it and shaping it to my advantage. I can also work on moving that chakra to a different place as well.

I smiled and got out of bed to take a shower. After my shower, I put on a simple Kimono and some nice new sandals I bought and stepped outside. I completely forgot about the training I was scheduled for this morning but by the sound of the silence, seems like everyone else did too. "Hirada, why are you up so early?" Hidan asked from behind me. I turned to see him in a ukata with blood rolling from the hole in his chest. "I was up for training. And it's not early, it's 11 already. I was told to be up for training this morning by Itachi." I explained to him. He sighed and put a hand on his forehead. "Today is an off day. Konan ordered it to let us rest from all our work we usually do. Nobody told you about this?" He asked in disbelief. "NO!" I gripped my hair. Hidan laughed and shook his head. I could still hear him laughing as he went back into his room and closed the door.

I growled and stomped to Itachi's room. I jiggled the doorknob but it was locked. "Son of a-grrrrrr!!!" I stepped back and kicked the door open. I surprised myself and looked to see a blue fire like aura disappear from my foot. "Where are you, you little liar. Why did you make me wake up early Itachi!?" I watched carefully as he lifted his head from under the blankets and stared sleepily. "Hirada, I want you to remember that note I wrote to you about not trusting anyone including me. I just thought I'd remind you of it by telling you a little fib. Now be gone with you, I must rest." He said calmly before laying down again.

Within seconds I heard his soft snores and determined he must be exhausted. I sighed and left the room, closing the door behind me. "Pshh, jerk uchiha." I mumbled to myself while walking through the hall. I found myself stopped at a familiar door. I also found myself debating on whether or not I should go inside. "Oh come to your senses Nami! There's lots of other things for you to do right now. You need to send a sign that you're OK, alive, and well." I told myself. I sighed and turned away from the door...Kakuzu's door.

I looked around me, wishing I had byakugan or anything that could help me make sure I wasn't being followed. Im relying solely on instinct and my other senses. At least Matatabi's chakra heightens my senses somewhat.

I determined that there was no one following me so I continued on my way, far from the skydiving hideout. My path was not straight, just in case anyone would think to follow me. In the time of half and hour, I made it to a great spot. Soon enough, there was a familiar voice beside me. "Well, it seems you did well enough to sniff me out." I reached over and hugged his furry body tightly. "Paccun!!!" I shook him around excitedly. "Whoa! Hey girly, easy with the shaking and try to calm down. You don't want anyone to notice you, so we gotta make this quick." I nodded and rubbed his head. "Paccun, I'm doing just fine. I've managed to make it this long but you can tell Tsunade that the jig is up. I know all about my tailed beast now. I don't know when I'll have the intel ready but here..." I grabbed a small scroll of gathered info and attached it to the messenger bird that followed Paccun here.

"Does anyone miss me?" I asked sadly, thinking of my mom and my friends. Paccun smiled kindly and rubbed my leg with his paw. "Of course they do. That hyuga boy misses you the most." He chuckled. "Neji?" I asked in surprise. Paccun nodded in confirmation. "Oh...yknow, now that I think about it...he's literally always been around me since we were kids. I can't wait to see him again. Tell him that OK?" I stood up and looked at Paccun for understanding. He nodded and turned away. "Good luck." He told me before leaving. I smiled and headed back to the hideout.

When I made it back, I went straight to the hallway and knocked on Kakuzu's door. He opened it and I couldn't help but stare. His eyes widened and quickly slammed the door back in my face. I stood there, still amazed by why I saw.

Kakuzu without a mask or any head coverage on. His jawline I must admit was perfect. His face was beautiful despite the glasgow type effect that his mouth stitches gave off. His hair was so long a lovely. There was no there way to explain him. I didn't even know what to do with myself after that.

I heard the sound of things being shuffled around before Kakuzu opened the door again. This time his face was covered up like usual. I couldn't help but to pout while He stepped aside and let me in. He closed the door behind us and I kept my back to him for a good bit before turning to face him. I crossed my arms and furrowed my brows. "Kakuzu, I don't see why you would want to hide your face looking like that." He growled and sat on his bed. "Looking like what, a monster?" He glared and laid back on his bed. I sighed and decided to let go of the whole thing. I made my way to the bed and laid down on my back as well.