After The Storm *Kakashi Hatake* (Naruto Fanfiction)

Chapter 23

I slowly gained consiousness, darkness surrounded me as I struggled to open my eyes. My head was bursting with pain as I began to gain feeling. My eyes fluttered open and I gasped for breathe. After only a few moments, my lungs felt normal again and I glanced around the room. My hands were chained to the wall behind me with chakra enforced metal as I sat analyzing my situation. 

        My head felt groggy and clouded and suddenly I got a wave of nausea, though the feeling passed after I clenched my eyes shut for a few moments. My ankles were chained as well, the only differnece being that these chains could be extended, meaning I could shift my sitting position though I couldn't stand. 

My gaze raked across the room, but all I found was a damp stony ground as well as rock walls, locked by a large door, seemingly made out of metal. I thought back to what had happened, only remembering the boy escaping, then everything went black... meaning... I've been captured by the Akatsuki...

        I tried to tap into my demon chakra but felt a jolt of electricity course through me, causing a burst of immense pain to travel through my skin, muscles, bone, nerves, everywhere. I yelled out in a strangled, dry voice as the pain exploded within me. It felt like my insides were on fire and I could do nothing to stop them from burning away. I yelled out continuously, and a sheen of sweat now covered my forehead. The feeling ebbed slowly, my body still feeling jolts of agony every now and then. I breathed heavily now, my head growing worse as I tried to think of an escape plan. 

There were heavy footsteps and I stood on alert as they stopped in front of my door. 

A few locks slid open, clanging as they moved out of place. The door opened slowly to reveal another cloaked man, though not one of the others from my previous fight. This one had bright orange hair and purple eyes with many piercings. Upon closer look, I realized with a pulse of uneasiness that his eyes were the Rinnegan. 

He observes me coldly. I try to glare at him with what little strength I have left. 

"According to my research... you are not needed for the awakening of your complete form," he starts in a deep voice. 

He must be talking about the capturing of the tailed beasts in order to release the rest of the juubi. I think to myself as slight panic settles in my chest. 

"Though your power would greatly increase that of the juubi... you're abilities are useful in other ways as well," he continues as I remain silent. 

"If you join the Akatsuki, you will not be absorbed into the beast... but you must serve loyally, or we may have a problem," he states coldly. 

My anger flares as my gaze hardens, "Why would I even consider something like that?" I growl. 

He chuckles darkly, "Because, if your power is indeed placed into the complete juubi, your friends and everyone you care about will have no chance at all of defeating us," he tells me. 

My eyes widen a small fraction and I stare at the ground in thought. 

He's right... with out my power, there is a higher possibility of them defeating the juubi... but if they absorb me into it... there is almost no chance... 

I squint my eyes shut in anger and sadness at being forced into this decision. There is a long silence in the room as I think. 

"Fine," I whisper after a while. 

"You agree to join then," he asks in a monotone voice. 

"What else do you think fine means?" I state angrily, pushing my luck a bit. 

His eyes narrow, "I was only clarifying," he tells me as he exits swiftly. 

I bury my head in my lap as a rush of feelings over take me. I've betrayed them... they'll despise me... I might not even see them ever again... The genin, Yamato, Sakana... and Kakashi.

My chest hurts as I think of the way he'd look at me... dissapointment and anger... sadness and betrayal... 

The tears start pouring out of my eyes with out my control, I lean my head back against the wall and let them fall silently. 

"Oh, I know this truly is a happy day, but you don't have to cry about it," a low voice teases.

I look up and find another member standing there, he holds a cloak in one hand and a ring in the other. He is very tall with light blue skin, sharp teeth, and gill like structures on his cheeks. I can't help but think that he closely resembles a shark. 

He bends down and begins painting my nails with purple nail polish. I look at him funny and he smirks, his shiny sharp teeth glinting in the light. 

"Standard protocol of the Akatsuki," he tells me as he already finishes one hand. 

"Why would a criminal organization wear nail polish as part of their 'uniform'," I ask quietly, my tone gaining a hint of a mocking nature. 

"Leader's rules, don't ask me," he answers chuckling, "Looks good on you anyways," he tells me, almost finished with the other hand as well. 

"Thanks?" I answer, "You know, you could've unchained me before doing this," I tell him tiredly. 

His eyes widen a bit, "Um... yeah... I could've... but you see, uh, it's easier this way!" he tells me, stuttering a bit and blushing with embarrasment.

I giggle with out thinking about it, his idiotic behavior managing to bring up my mood a miniscule amount. "And you call yourselves S-rank," I smirk. 

He scowls in a slightly playful manner, "I'm going to unchain you now... so you have to promise not to attack me, got it?" he explains in a careful voice. 

I couldn't beat him in my current state anyways... let alone the rest of the Akatsuki members in this damn hideout. 

I sigh, but nod in agreement. He unchains my feet first, then my hands. I rub at my wrists a bit, and then stand shakily. My head still has a slight ache and the room spins a bit. 

He places a hand on my back, "You all right kid?"

I pause before answering, gaining my bearings, and placing a hand on the wall to steady myself. "Yes, fine," I answer stonily. 

He places a ring on my finger and then hands me the cloak. 

He grins again, "I'm Kisame by the way... Welcome to the Akatsuki."