chapter 10

2 months have passed since I joined the Akatsuki. In that short period of time, I was surprised that I got along well with the other members. I trained with Hidan when he wasn't on a mission. Kisame also helped me train because we're both water element users. I feel like I've gotten a little stronger, and I'm happy with that.

Deidara likes to invite me to fly with the giant bird he made and I often accompany Tobi to play. The other members thank me for that because they can be free from Tobi's interference. Personally, I don't really mind being around Tobi.

I'm not that close with Sasori, but sometimes I help him take care of his dolls. Sasori also often asks my opinion about the poison he made. Once a week, I'll go grocery shopping with Kakuzu. He doesn't talk much, and despite his creepy appearance, he turns out to be quite nice to me. He insisted on carrying all the groceries and only let me carry light items.

I rarely meet Zetsu, Konan and Pain. They never came to eat with us, although I doubt whether Zetsu ate the same food with us or he still wanted to eat me. I only met them when the weekly meeting was being held.

And with Itachi... I know I've only known him for a while but... I like him, more than i should. He's smart. Strong. He's always respectful and kind with other members of the Akatsuki, even if they didn't. I feel nervous whenever he's around, that's why I kept my distance from him. He's super good at reading people and predicting them. I'm afraid he'll find out. I thought romance isn't his thing, so I didn't hope for anything and trying to let go of this feeling.

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"Why do these people seem so rushed?" I asked when I was on my way home after grocery shopping with Kakuzu.

"Looks like people are busy preparing for the festival" Kakuzu answered, apparently disinterested.

"Ooh! There's a festival soon!" I exclaimed. "How exciting!". I looked at those people who prepare the festival and pay less attention to my surroundings. Suddenly, I bumped into someone and I would fall if Kakuzu didn't hold me.

"Be careful, kid" Kakuzu warned.

"Yeah, I'm sorry" I smiled at him. "Thank you, Kakuzu""Looks like you really like festivals" Kakuzu said.

I nodded. "I do! The atmosphere, the food, the games, everything!" "Do you want to come to that festival later?" Kakuzu asked.

I frowned. "I want to come, but I'm not sure Leader will let me go to the festival"

"I'll talk to him later"

I looked at Kakuzu. "It's okay, you don't have to do that! Besides, I didn't bring any clothes suitable for the festival" I grinned.

"How about that dress?" Kakuzu points to a modern yukata in one of the shops that we passed by. "I think you'll suit that dress. I'll buy it for you" Kakuzu said as he walked towards the shop.

I grabbed Kakuzu's shirt. "Wait! You don't have to buy me that dress!" I said quickly.

"Why? You don't like it?"

"It's a beautiful dress" I admitted. "But isn't it a waste of money?"

He paused for a moment. "It's not"

Kakuzu led me into the store. I walked silently at his side, my hand latched onto the sleeve of his arm.

"Hello, sir! What may I get for you and you daughter?" the saleslady asked kindly.

"Actually, he isn't my dad" I corrected her. z

"Oh, i'm sorry! So is he your-?" She was about to say something but got cut off by Kakuzu.

"Brother" he said. "I'm her brother"

I looked at him and smiled, then turned to the saleslady. "Yes, he's my brother"

The saleslady escorted me to the fitting room and helped me put on the yukata. "You look beautiful!" She said. "Let's show it to your brother"

I nodded and approached Kakuzu. "Kakuzu? What do you think?"

"As I thought, you suit that dress" He commented and turned to the saleslady. "We'll take it"

"Thank you, please come again!" said the saleslady as we left the store.

"Thank you, Kakuzu" I smiled at him.Kakuzu only glanced at me and simply nodded. Soon, we arrived at the hideout.

"Sarah is here!!!" Tobi yelled and hugged me when I entered the hideout, made me stumbled. "Did Sarah buy candy for Tobi?"

I smiled at him. "Yes, I bought it. But, I'll give it to you if you help me carry this groceries"

"Okay!!!" Tobi took all the groceries from my hand. "Tobi will help Sarah!" he said as he ran to the kitchen. Kakuzu let out a sigh and walked to the kitchen, then put the groceries on the counter. I thanked him before he left the kitchen.

"Where's Tobi's candy??" Tobi asked.

I smiled and handed him a bag of candy. "Thank you, Sarah!!" Tobi said, jumped up and down happily.

I grinned. "Don't be too loud, okay? Sasori and Deidara have just returned from a mission so they need to rest"

Tobi nodded eagerly and ran out of the kitchen. A few minutes later, I heard Deidara shouted Tobi's name angrily and several explosions.

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