Rise From The Ashes (Kakuzu Story)

Chapter 7.

    Yet Kakuzu couldn't helpbut pause, at least for the moment. 

True, it was evident that somehow Suzaku had figured out things about him—though just how much he couldn't tell—and that he wasn't exactly worried she was about to do anything with that information. But there was still a part of him that hesitated. It was just a natural instinct, after all. Their relationship had developed, if that was the right phrase to use, but they were strangers. Not to mention all that had happened to Kakuzu in the last few days. He understood now what the ninja villages were truly like—just how awful they really were. But people overall weren't exactly much better. Even after everything he'd done they had still treated him like that, and Kakuzu understood now that no one could be trusted. Relying on people was not something he would ever be doing again: getting close to people, willing to make sacrifices, or putting them ahead of himself. He'd closed himself off to humanity, and therefore there was no reason for him to give any information to Suzaku.

But still, he couldn't do it. He couldn't simply tell her to shut up and that it was none of her business. He couldn't even turn away, brush it off—dismiss it. Suzaku stood out from the rest, something he'd known from the beginning, and staring back at her standing there, he wondered once more if they had a connection—if that was why it felt impossible to ignore her question. That maybe she understood somehow. Though as that thought crossed his mind, and Kakuzu knew there was no point anymore. As he had begun to consider the idea that maybe it wouldn't be so bad to tell her, that he didn't feel mistrustful about telling her a few details and that Suzaku might be able to comprehend his situation, he had lost the fight. As much as a part of him was desperately questioning as to why this was all happening, Kakuzu managed to drag his gaze away from Suzaku's, looking back down at his food as he responded quietly, but darkly,

"I had a wrong levied against me that I didn't deserve. I put life and limb on the line for Takigakure, and all they did was turn their backs on me—treating me like shit."

"That's ninja villages for you," Suzaku spat, catching Kakuzu off guard again. She didn't seem to hold a particularly high view of the ninja villages either, and just when he was about to ask why exactly that was, she continued bluntly,

"I tried it once, but it didn't work out for me either. At least you got Earth Grudge Fear out of it, though."

Wondering what ninja village she had come into contact with to give her that opinion, his mind quickly passed to the next part of her comment. The fact he had Earth Grudge Fear. It wasn't a particularly well-known jutsu to begin with, considering it was a forbidden jutsu from Takigakure. They weren't meant to be known by other villages—other people. Yet still Suzaku knew of it. But Kakuzu didn't have it on full show; it was better that way. Considering he was still running from Takigakure, it was best to keep it hidden, with the fact it was rather a unique jutsu, they would know it when they saw it, and there would be no hiding his identity then. So he'd kept it under his shirt, only for Suzaku to state he had it straight away. Looking her over once more, he contemplated how she knew, but not coming up with any answers, he simply questioned bluntly,

"How do you know?"

Her response wasn't defensive or dismissive—like she was trying to hide how she knew about it. It was just as blunt as Kakuzu's words had been, asserting firmly,

"I can sense it; I'm right, aren't I?"

Not seeing the point in trying to deny it when clearly she could sense it, he turned round enough to show Suzaku his back as he lifted up his shirt and revealed the masks underneath, along with the numerous stitches adorning his body, causing her to walk forward in order to get a better look. But as he turned back to face her, he noticed a small smirk across her features, and narrowing his eyes at her reaction, and just why she would be smirking at what he'd shown her, Kakuzu questioned as to what she was doing, Suzaku glanced away, her way of shrugging at his question, and responded quietly,

"When I was younger I always wanted injuries—to break my arm or get cut badly enough to have stitches. I liked the idea of having them and then getting the scar afterwards. I'm not like it now, but I still like them."

Kakuzu's narrowed gaze didn't change as Suzaku spoke, not quite understanding why a teenager—hell, maybe even younger—would want injuries like that. And the way she said it...he couldn't help but get the feeling there was more to the situation than the dismissive way she spoke about it. But it was only heightened as she went on talking, saying how she wasn't like it now, only for her to slowly reach out, as if she was going to touch his stitches. A moment later, however, and she jerked back, finally realising just what she was doing, and returned to her position leaning against the counter. But Kakuzu remained observing her all the while, unsure how to react, but as Suzaku settled back into her before position, he moved to lift up his shirt at the front, stating as he did so,

"Well I've got enough for the both of us now."

Smirking again, shrugging imperceptibly, she said nothing in return, but knew there was nothing she could do—she couldn't help but like them.

With that conversation the atmosphere seemed to relax, and both Kakuzu and Suzaku continued on with their breakfasts. Though they were silent for the most part, and the atmosphere between them had never been tense or ominous, it was certainly more companionable than it had ever been to begin with. Now it really felt as if they knew more about each other—that they were at least a little closer, and had sated their curiosity—or at least a bit. There was no chance that they'd be able to get the level of information they'd like to, but anything was better than nothing. It was enough to keep both of them occupied as they went on with their meals, until they eventually finished, with Suzaku reminding Kakuzu of the most important bits of information he would need.

With that in mind, however, and it was evident that it was time for Kakuzu to leave.

Neither of them fought it—it was what had been going to happen, it was what needed to happen, and they weren't exactly attached to each other in a way that would mean it would end in a sad farewell. Sure, both Kakuzu and Suzaku had wanted to learn more about the other, unsure as to whether they shared a connection, but definitely sure they had plenty of curiosity about the other. On the other hand, they remained strangers for the most part, and they both had things to do. Neither of them had expected anything from their meeting, seeing it as simply another occurrence. Though they hadn't ever thought the circumstances would end up as they did, it had happened, and now it was time to move on. They couldn't exactly say they'd miss each other when they didn't know much about them—not that they were particularly affectionate people to begin with.

As such, they both gathered their things and stood in front of the building, ready to part ways. Suzaku hadn't been planning on staying long, and considering the situation with Takigakure ninjas being around, she, too, felt it was best to get of there while she still could. For a moment they simply stood together, their gazes meeting and remaining there—their own way of saying goodbye. There wasn't anything to say or do, and neither of them were about to, so after a few seconds more, Kakuzu began to turn away and head off, only to find something heading his way. Instantly reaching out to catch it as a reflex, he looked down at it to see a small round token; about the size of the handle on a kunai, made of metal, and entirely black. Frowning down at what Suzaku had obviously just given him, not understanding why, as he turned it over in his palm he halted as he saw the other side of it: a phoenix, its feathers a mixture of red and gold, contrasting greatly with the black and making it stand out even more. Still confused as to why Suzaku had given him it, Kakuzu quickly looked back up as she spoke, nonchalantly and almost dismissive,

"Look out for me. We'll meet again, Kakuzu."

With that, she pulled her hood over her head and turned, disappearing into the trees. Kakuzu watched as she did so, unsure how to respond, her words catching him off guard, until he shook it off quickly a moment later. Placing the token in his pouch before setting off as swiftly as she had done, Kakuzu knew he wasn't about to throw it away.

After all, he got the feeling she was right.

Somehow or other...they would meet again.