The Way Of The Shinobi

Chapter Twenty-Six: Deal

(Mayumi's POV)

   The Akatsuki hideout was about a day and a half journey on foot. The whole time I was traveling my mind raced with ideas on things I could do to convince Itachi to aid us in our fight against my father. My father had accumulated a large amount of power in the last few years.

       Taking someone of his power down would take a lot of planning and teamwork. The hideout was located near Mount Myōboku in the Hidden Sand Village. I put my hands on the sides of my hood, trying to keep it on my head. The wind blew violently as I approached the gates of the hideout.

      A deep breath escaped my lungs as I activated my Kekkei Genkai. Multiple paths lit up before me, but only one of them turned green. I could feel part of me screaming to turn back and leave. I knew this had to be the dumbest thing I had ever done. But I also knew if I hadn't, we would have no chance of beating my father.

    I used the high winds and the sand that was being picked up as my cover to quickly sneak through the entrance of the hideout. The empty entrance of the cave was dark and appeared empty. I raised one of my sleek white eyebrows in confusion as I peeked over a huge boulder that sat in the corner of the hideout.

       Suddenly I heard the sound of footsteps approaching the main entrance of the hideout. With panic coursing through my veins I silenced my breathing and did the best I could to stay completely still. After a few moments of silence a deep voice spoke.

     "You may be able to silence your breath... but you can't silence your chakra flow.. I know you're here, Mayumi." Suddenly I felt Itachi's presence directly in front of me. My skin began to crawl as I stared into Itachi's eyes, his bright maroon iris paralyzed me with fear.

     "I-I come in peace..." I muttered, knowing that if I made any sudden movement, he would most likely kill me. Itachi raised an eyebrow slightly, taking a few steps back from me.

   "Have you finally thought over my offer to join us?" Itachi questioned. After explaining to him the situation with my father, Itachi sighed deeply.

    "Look Itachi...I spoke with Lord Hokage...He told me about your history with my father, and what he forced you to do. I need your help to take him down." I stated, knowing that having his help in this could turn the tides in this war.

   Itachi paused for a moment, his long black hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, with a few strands framing his surprisingly gentle face. Itachi kept his sharingan eyes locked on me as he pondered to himself for a moment.

     "So, you're asking for my help to kill your father? Is that correct?" He asked. I nodded slowly for a second as I sighed.

     "He's experimenting on children, Itachi..." I mumbled, hoping that horrific fact would be enough for Itachi to make up his mind.

   "And if I assist you in this matter? What do I get in return?" He questioned. Leave it to a man to always want something in return. I knew that having to give him something in return was always a possibility but, I was hoping that Itachi would help out of the kindness of his heart.

      "If you help me...I'll join you. I know the Akatsuki are after my Kekkei Genkai, and the only way you are going to be able to get your hands on it is if you have me." I offered, knowing that this wasn't the smartest idea I've ever had.

    A bead of sweat slid down the side of my face as I nervously waited for Itachi's answer. After a few moments of antagonizing silence Itachi smiled slightly, his gentle smile throwing me off guard. In an instant, Itachi had me backed against the rough boulder that I had been hiding behind previously. I could feel his chiseled abs against my abdomen. My cheeks instantly went flush as my bright green eyes met his stern gaze.

    "I-Itachi?" I muttered, taken aback by his sudden attitude change. His strong and calloused hand wrapped around the back of my waist, causing a deep maroon blush to creep across my cheeks.

    "If I get you out of this, then we have ourselves a deal Mayumi. I'll speak with the other Akatsuki members and try to see how many of them I can recruit for this mission." Itachi explained as I slowly nodded, still feeling somewhat awkward with his hand firmly holding my waist.

      "O-Okay...I should get out of here for the time being. Send a messenger hawk when you have everything set up on your end. I'll continue to gather as many people as I can for this. We have to stop my father at all costs." I explained as Itachi nodded in agreement. Itachi raised his hands up and pulled the black hood of my cape up, hiding the soft details of my face.

      I looked up at Itachi, who was a couple of inches taller than me. The corners of his mouth curved into a mischievous smile as he slowly stood up, taking a few steps away from me. I nodded and turned, heading towards the entrance and back to the Hidden Leaf Village.