Rain To Wash The Blood Away (Nagato x reader)

4. Evolved

You woke up to the sound of another explosion, followed by yelling and finally silence. A knock came from your door, a singed Konan poking her head around it.

"Dinner is ready, sister," she called before leaving. You stood from your lying position on the bed, combing your fingers through your hair to tidy it before you left your room. The blonde from earlier was screeching at a man with an orange mask, throwing pieces of clay at him. They exploded around the masked man but he was able to dodge each one, giggling like a satisfied child as he managed to avoid injury. When the masked man saw you, he ran over and used you as a shield, his gloved hands resting on your waist.

"Nice to meet you, lady," he greeted, "Please keep Tobi safe." His voice was very childish as were his antics but you couldn't help but enjoy his company already. Smiling softly, you began to walk with him behind you, ignoring the young blonde who glared back at Tobi.

"Tobi, get out here, un," he growled, pointing at the orange masked man. Tobi shook his head before suddenly picking you up and sprinting with you towards the dining room. His hand brushed your left arm causing you to let out a small whimper of pain. Tobi paused and set you down, beginning to worry that he had hurt you. But it didn't take much to assure him that you were okay, after that he linked his arm with your right one and continued to lead you towards the dining room. It was very plain, having only a large table in its center which was surrounded by chairs.

Thousands of pieces of paper covered the table, flying away to reveal a large amount of food in its place. A bell sounded and others began entering the dining room as well, taking their seats and beginning to eat without a word. Tobi lead you to the right side of the table, sitting down and helping you into a seat beside him. The other Akatsuki members noticed that you sat at the table, a majority of them taking a moment to fully examine you.

"What would you like for dinner today, lady?" Tobi asked, gesturing to the table. You placed your hand over your mouth as you quietly laughed.

"Just (Y/n) is fine," you tell him. He nods and begins talking about his favorite foods as he fills both of your plates, not asking what you wanted. It didn't bother you though, you didn't care what you were going to eat, just as long as it was something warm. Over the last week or so all you had been able to eat were wild vegetables you had foraged and small animals you had hunted. But nothing was as good as food cooked in a proper kitchen.

You hummed quietly as you ate your first mouthful, enjoying it. The food was a little bland but it didn't matter, it was much better than what you had been living off of.

"Is it good?" Konan asked, talking the empty seat beside you. Not wanting to offend her, you nodded your head.

"You've learnt a lot over the years," you compliment her. She blushed as she began to eat quietly, occasionally looking up at you. You knew she was looking but ignored it, she needed more time to get used to your presence again. So if her staring at you helped, you'd give her all the time in the world to do so.

After eating you wished to return to your room but it didn't seem like Tobi was done hanging out with you yet. He latched onto your arm and begged you to stay, nuzzling his masked face against your shoulder.

"Please stay with me, (Y/n)-chan," he begged. Heaving a sigh, you agreed and sat in front of him in the living room. You both occupied a mat on the floor, Tobi pulling out a pack of cards and dealing them so you could play go fish. A few other Akatsuki members entered and sat in the couches around the room, occasionally glancing over at you and the masked man child.

You didn't mind accompanying him, growing up with younger siblings gave you the experience to properly handle him. Currently there was a man with long dark hair, tied back in a low pony tail, his onyx eyes focused on the book he held in front of him on one of the couches. Next to him was a man with a blue complexion, marking on his face giving him the appearance of a human shark. He seemed to grin, revealing the sharp teeth which where previously hidden behind his sealed mouth. Then there were two more. One with long blonde hair and another with slicked back silver hair, those two looked to be the younger ones of the Akatsuki, their eyes moving to where you and Tobi sat more often than the other pair. So far, you hadn't been introduced to any of them and decided to wait. You knew that Pein would eventually do something about it, that is if he even thought it would be necessary.

"I win, (Y/n)-chan!" Tobi cheered, showing off the pile of paired cards he had, this being a lot more than yours. Sending him a small smile, he froze up.

"Congratulations, Tobi." He nodded awkwardly, looking down at the floor as a light blush covered his hidden cheeks.

"Would (Y/n)-chan like to play with Tobi again?" he asked. You opened your mouth to respond, planning to say yes, unfortunately the sound of a deep demanding voice sounded from behind you.

"(Y/n)."

You turned and were met with the familiar purple ringed eyes of Pein, his pierced face harboring a neutral expression.

"Come with me," he instructed, turning and beginning to walk away. You did as he asked, sending Tobi an apologetic nod as he pouted behind his mask. Pein walked one of the many corridors, entering through the only set of double doors. He pushed one of the doors open and entered, leaving it open for you to follow. You did so, entering a very spacious room, the only furniture in it being a desk and chair on the other side of it as well as book shelves that lined the walls. He continued walking, stopping when he was in the room's center.

"The Akatsuki has evolved since you were apart of it, (Y/n)," he announced, turning to face you. He was so different than how you remember, you knew immediately that this wasn't the Nagato you had fallen in love with all those years ago.

"How so?" you questioned, holding eye contact with him. Pein didn't falter, his rinnegan staring right back at you.

"All of our old members have long passed, this is the new era of the Akatsuki. Our group is now made up of the strongest shinobi, all of our members now being S-ranked missing nin from villages all over the ninja world. We are much stronger than we used to be, power is essential if we wish to change anything. Our old methods were foolish, so when Yahiko died I changed our ways to ones which will actually cause change. We have a new path to destroy the endless cycle of death and hatred, this is the path of pain," he explained. You watched him, smiling softly, holding your own hand for support.

"If this is what you want, I will stand with you until my body gives up and I can no longer move. I told you a long time ago that I would do everything in my power to give you what you desire, even if that means I have to die for it," you expressed. He remained quiet as he stared blankly at you.

"That is the reason I came back, I am forever loyal to you, Pein." You bowed, raising your head a moment later to see his response. He let out a deep hum, seeming satisfied with what you had said.

"You are now officially apart of the new Akatsuki and will serve along side the others as a loyal member. They are all skilled shinobi but none come close to what I know you are capable of. Also they often have personality clashes, I hope that you don't take part in this. You're welcome to get to know them but I'll interfere if I believe something else is going on." You smiled up at him, not caring that he didn't reciprocate it.

"Thank you." He then walked away without saying another word, taking a seat at his desk. You took this as him wordlessly telling you he was finished with you. Turning, you walked towards the door, feeling his eyes watch your back.

"Good night," you called out to him before leaving his office, closing the door behind you. You knew that this wasn't the Nagato you once had known but you still loved him, willing to do anything he asked of you.

Sorry for not updating in a bit. I've been distracted with the Monster Musume manga, I love you if you've watched the anime or read the manga btw >.< Thanks for reading!