Sutures || Kakuzu

Ch. 2 - Welcome To Servanthood

Kakuzu stared back at the sandy-blonde female in front of him that was trying very hard to avoid eye contact. It was quite understandable, but then again, it made no sense to him. The answer was simple - she had no money and could not pay him for his services. At least she was facing it somewhat head on. It would've been a pain if he had to play a mediocre game of hide-and-seek.

"I say we go ahead and kill her." Hidan shrugged. "She's already served her purpose."

Nozomi's eyes widened as she turned behind herself to look at the silver-headed male who didn't seem to have a care in the world. "W-wait! You can't kill me!" Her heartbeat was pounding in her chest as she was trying to think of what to say. There wasn't much she could do about her home and belongings so what could she possibly do?

"And why not?" Kakuzu asked, slightly curious of what her answer would be. "We had an agreement and you are unable to keep your word."

"Actually, we agreed on a price, but never the exact time that I would pay you." Nozomi faced Kakuzu again. "All I said was that it would be after the bounty was complete-"

Suddenly, three red blades came into the female's view and stopped mere centimeters from her neck. Nozomi let out a soft shriek of surprise and could feel her soul nearly leaving her body.

"I don't think you realize the position you're in, you little shit." Hidan cocked his head to the side, raising an eyebrow in sick humor. He had appeared at the side of Nozomi, holding his scythe in front of her with the intent to sacrifice her like he had wanted when they had first met. "I think we could get a decent fucking price by selling your body parts at the black market."

"P-Please! I'll do anything!" Nozomi held her bound together wrists up to her chest as she pleaded. "I'll be able to pay you, I swear!"

"What can you do?" Kakuzu stepped forward towards her. Too scared to move, Nozomi stayed in her spot and looked up at the male's towering figure. So this was what it was like to be on the opposing side? Before, she had been getting along with him... well, she thought she was. Suddenly, everything was different.

"Well, I can..."

"You have no shinobi skills." Kakuzu explained, pushing Hidan's scythe out of the way as he finally stood directly in front of her. "You have no money, no home, and no family. So, let me ask you again. What can you do, Nozomi Shidou?"

With each sentence that he said, the blonde physically winced. Sure, everything he said was true, but it felt different when it was said aloud. She barely had any shinobi skills, she was evicted from her home, and all of her family members were deceased. What could she do? How could she be beneficial to him?

"I can... Actually!" Nozomi gasped as a thought crossed her mind. "I know where my father hid some of his money. I can start with that, then work off the rest with whatever task you give me!" Once upon a time, Kakuzu had given her the ultimatum - die now or die later. Right now, anything was better than nothing.

"We don't even have to take her to the black market." Hidan rested his scythe against his shoulder. "I can fucking kill her right now."

"Shut up." Kakuzu warned his partner, not even bothering to look in his direction. Turning his attention back to Nozomi, he spoke again. "And how much is that?"

Nozomi thought to herself. She wasn't sure how much her father had stored away but any amount could at least get her started. "I'm not sure, but I know it's buried in the yard. I can take you with me."

Hidan frowned as Kakuzu was entertaining the idea. Hadn't they already done enough with the girl? Why were they still playing babysitter? This was the worst trip he had gone on yet.