#they have not lost a fight since the regene in book 1

[pearl-kite]

About 3 years ago FHR helped revive my drawing habit by giving me reasons to draw Gale again, and I did a lineup of them over time, as was the trend.

imo it aged poorly, and it was time for an update and an excuse to draw baby infant child

[animeman08]

Wolverine

Wolverine (birth name: James Howlett; alias: Logan and Weapon X) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, mostly in association with the X-Men. He is a mutant who possesses animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, a powerful regenerative ability known as a healing factor, and three retractable claws in each hand. Wolverine has been depicted variously as a member of the X-Men, Alpha Flight, and the Avengers.

The character appeared in the last panel of The Incredible Hulk #180 before having a larger role in #181 (cover-dated Nov. 1974). He was created by Marvel editor-in-chief Roy Thomas, writer Len Wein, and Marvel art director John Romita Sr. Romita designed the character, although it was first drawn for publication by Herb Trimpe. Wolverine then joined a revamped version of the superhero team the X-Men, where eventually writer Chris Claremont and artist-writer John Byrne would play significant roles in the character's development. Artist Frank Miller collaborated with Claremont and helped revise the character with a four-part eponymous limited series from September to December 1982, which debuted Wolverine's catchphrase, "I'm the best there is at what I do, but what I do best isn't very nice."

Wolverine is typical of the many tough antiheroes that emerged in American popular culture after the Vietnam War; his willingness to use deadly force and his brooding nature became standard characteristics for comic book antiheroes by the end of the 1980s. As a result, the character became a fan favorite of the increasingly popular X-Men franchise, and has been featured in his own solo comic book series since 1988.

He has appeared in most X-Men adaptations, including animated television series, video games, and the live-action 20th Century Fox X-Men film series, in which he is played by Hugh Jackman. Troye Sivan portrayed a younger version in the 2009 film X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The character is highly rated in many comics best-of lists, ranked #1 in Wizard magazine's 2008 Top 200 Comic Book Characters; 4th in Empire's 2008 Greatest Comic Characters; and 4th on IGN's 2011 Top 100 Comic Book Heroes.

Powers and abilities

Wolverine is a mutant with a number of both natural and artificial improvements to his physiology.

> Healing and defensive powers

Wolverine's primary mutant power is an accelerated healing process, typically referred to as his mutant healing factor, that regenerates damaged or destroyed tissues of his body far beyond that of normal humans. In addition to accelerated healing of physical traumas, Wolverine's healing factor makes him extraordinarily resistant to diseases, drugs and toxins. However, he can still suffer the immediate effects of such substances in massive quantities; he has been seen to become intoxicated after ingesting significant amounts of alcohol,and has been incapacitated on several occasions with large amounts of powerful drugs and poisons; S.H.I.E.L.D. once managed to keep Wolverine anesthetized by constantly pumping eighty milliliters of anesthetic a minute into his system.

A study by the University of British Columbia states that Wolverine's healing factor resembles the axolotl's ability to regenerate lost limbs. It suggests that a novel protein—which the study's authors dubbed Howlett—found in tissue samples taken from him, and which resembles the Amblox protein found in axolotl but is much more efficient, is responsible for Wolverine's rapid regeneration. His healing factor is facilitated by artificial improvements he was subjected to under the Weapon X program (in later comics called the Weapon Plus program), in which his skeleton was reinforced with the virtually indestructible metal adamantium. While the adamantium in his body stops or reduces many injuries, his healing factor must also work constantly to prevent metal poisoning from killing him. When his healing powers were rendered inactive, Beast synthesized a drug to counteract the adamantium poisoning.

Wolverine's healing factor also dramatically affects his aging process, allowing him to live far beyond the normal lifespan of normal humans. Despite being born in the late 19th century, he has the appearance, conditioning, health and vitality of a man in his physical prime. While seemingly ageless, it is unknown exactly how greatly his healing factor extends his life expectancy.

Although Wolverine's body heals, the healing factor does not suppress the pain he endures while injured. Wolverine also admits to feeling phantom pains for weeks or months after healing from his injuries. He does not enjoy being hurt and sometimes has to work himself up for situations where extreme pain is certain. Wolverine, on occasion, has deliberately injured himself or allowed himself to be injured for varying reasons, including freeing himself from capture, intimidation, strategy, or simply indulging his feral nature. Though he now has all of his memories, his healing abilities can provide increased recovery from psychological trauma by suppressing memories in which he experiences profound distress.

Depictions of the speed and extent of injury to which Wolverine can heal vary due to a broad degree of artistic license employed by various comic book writers. Originally, this was portrayed as accelerated healing of minor wounds, though Chris Claremont, head writer of the X-Men comics from the mid 1970s to the early 1990s increased Wolverine's healing factor substantially, though not nearly as much as later writers would. During the 1980s, Wolverine's mutant healing factor is depicted as being able to heal massive levels of trauma, though his recovery time could extend to days, weeks or months before fully healing; often depending upon the severity of the injuries, their extent and the frequency with which they're inflicted. Wolverine has also stated that his body actually heals faster when the injury is grave or life-threatening. During the 1990s through the modern era, other writers have increased Wolverine's healing factor to the point that it could fully regenerate nearly any damaged or destroyed bodily tissues within seconds. Among the more extreme depictions of Wolverine's healing factor include fully healing after being caught near the center of an atomic explosion and the total regeneration of his soft body tissue, within a matter of minutes, after having it incinerated from his skeleton. An explanation is given in a recent mini-series starring Wolverine for the increase of his healing powers. In the series, Wolverine is referred to as an "adaptive self-healer" after undergoing numerous traumatic injuries to test the efficiency of his healing factor. Wolverine has endured so much trauma, and so frequently, that his healing factor has adapted, becoming faster and more efficient to cope with increasing levels of trauma. The Xavier Protocols, a series of profiles created by Xavier that lists the strengths and weaknesses of the X-Men, say that Wolverine's healing factor is increased to "incredible levels" and theorizes that the only way to stop him is to decapitate him and remove his head from the vicinity of his body.

It is possible to suppress the efficiency of Wolverine's healing powers; for example, if an object composed of adamantium is inserted and remains lodged within his body, his healing powers are slowed dramatically. The Muramasa blade, a katana of mystic origins that can inflict wounds that nullify superhuman healing factors, can also suppress Wolverine's powers. It has also been noted that Wolverine needs protein for his healing factor to generate tissue, meaning that if he was seriously injured and malnourished, his body might not be able to repair itself. His healing factor has also been turned off using nanites.

It has been suggested that Wolverine can be killed by drowning. He has said that he is not particularly fond of being in the water, due partially to the weight of his adamantium laced skeleton, and that he can die if held underwater long enough - his healing factor would only prolong the agony. The two-part story arc "Drowning Logan" finds Wolverine trapped underwater for an extensive period of time. The second part of the story arc hints that this experience weakens his healing factor and future health. Following "Drowning Logan", Beast reveals that an "intelligent virus" originating from the Microverse has shut off his healing factor, though not before it purged his body of the virus, leaving him as susceptible to injury, disease, and aging as any ordinary human.

Wolverine vol. 3, #57 reveals that when Wolverine is injured so seriously that his body actually dies before his healing factor can repair the damage, he returns to life by fighting with Azrael, the Angel of Death, while trapped in Purgatory because Wolverine defeated Azrael in real-world combat during World War I. However, after Wolverine's resurrection and brainwashing by the Hand, he made a new deal with Azrael that repaired the damage to his soul, negated their previous arrangement, and weakened his healing factor slightly - and the next time Wolverine sustains death-inducing injuries, he will remain dead.

Due to a combination of Wolverine's healing factor and high-level psionic shields implanted by Professor Xavier, Wolverine's mind is highly resistant to telepathic assault and probing. Wolverine's mind also possesses what he refers to as "mental scar tissue" created by the traumatic events of his life. It acts as a type of natural defense, even against a psychic as powerful as Emma Frost.

> Other abilities

Wolverine's mutation also consists of animal-like adaptations of his body, including pronounced, and sharp fang-like canines and three retractable claws housed within each forearm. While originally depicted as bionic implants created by the Weapon X program, the claws are later revealed to be a natural part of his body. The claws are not made of keratin, as claws tend to be in the animal kingdom, but extremely dense bone. Wolverine's hands do not have openings for the claws to move through: they cut through his flesh every time he extrudes them, with occasional references implying that he feels a brief moment of slight pain in his hands when he unsheathes them. During a talk to Jubilee, Wolverine reveals that there are channels inside his forearms through which the claws move when he extrudes them and that he unsheathes the claws a few times a day to keep the channels open, similar to pierced ears.

Wolverine's senses of sight, smell, and hearing are all superhumanly acute. He can see with perfect clarity at greater distances than an ordinary human, even in near-total darkness. His hearing is enhanced in a similar manner, allowing him to hear sounds ordinary humans cannot and also hear to greater distances. Wolverine is able to use his sense of smell to track targets by scent, even if the scent has been eroded somewhat over time by natural factors. This sense also allows him to identify shapeshifting mutants despite other forms they may take. He is also able to use his senses of smell and hearing, through concentration, as a type of natural lie detector, such as detecting a faint change in a person's heartbeat and scent due to perspiration when a lie is told.

On more than one occasion, Wolverine's entire skeleton, including his claws, has been molecularly infused with adamantium. Due to their coating, his claws can cut almost any known solid material, including most metals, wood, and some varieties of stone. The only known exceptions are adamantium itself and Captain America's shield, which is made out of a proto-adamantium-vibranium alloy. Vibranium alone is not comparable in terms of durability with adamantium and has been broken by Colossus. Wolverine's ability to slice completely through a substance depends upon both the amount of force he can exert and the thickness of the substance. His claws can also be used to block attacks or projectiles, as well as dig into surfaces allowing Wolverine to climb structures. The adamantium also adds weight to his blows, increasing the effectiveness of his offensive capabilities. His adamantium skeleton makes him highly susceptible to magnetic-based attacks. According to Reed Richards, Wolverine would be unable to move without his enhanced strength due to the additional weight of the adamantium bonded to his skeleton.

Wolverine's healing factor also affects a number of his physical attributes by increasing them to superhuman levels. His stamina is sufficiently heightened to the point he can exert himself for numerous hours, even after exposure to powerful tranquilizers. Wolverine's agility and reflexes are also enhanced to levels that are beyond the physical limits of the finest human athlete. Due to his healing factor's constant regenerative qualities, he can push his muscles beyond the limits of the human body without injury. This, coupled with the constant demand placed on his muscles by over one hundred pounds of adamantium, grants him some degree of superhuman strength. Since the presence of the adamantium negates the natural structural limits of his bones, he can lift or move weight that would otherwise damage a human skeleton. He has been depicted breaking steel chains, lifting several men above his head with one arm and throwing them through a wall, lifting Ursa Major (in grizzly bear form) over his head before tossing him across a room, and hauling a concert grand piano, and the platform it rests on, via a harness, while climbing a sheer cliff. Colossus and other allies use Wolverine's endurance and strength when throwing him at high speed in the Fastball Special.

During and after the Return of Wolverine, Logan has showcased a mysterious new ability where the adamantium in his claws can heat up to incredibly high, yet undisclosed, level of temperatures. The mechanics of this power have yet to be revealed; whether it is a Secondary Mutation, latent Weapon X faculty making itself known or a new power gained upon his resurrection is unclear. What is extent is that it's related to the berserker side of his persona, his Hot Claws as popularly noted being tied to Wolverines rage. This new power comes with the drawback of weakening his healing factor, however, as after using them to ward of the X-Men who came looking for him, he lost consciousness for a few weeks time afterward.

> Skills and personality

During Wolverine's time in Japan and other countries, he became proficient in many forms of martial arts, with experience in many different fighting styles. He is proficient with most weaponry, including firearms, though he is partial to bladed weapons. He has demonstrated sufficient skills to defeat expert martial artist Shang-Chi and Captain America in single combat. He also has a wide knowledge of the body and pressure points. Like many of the X-Men, he is trained to pilot the group's SR-71 Blackbird supersonic plane. He is highly skilled in the field of espionage and covert operations.

Wolverine will sometimes lapse into a "berserker rage" while in close combat. In this state, he lashes out with the intensity and aggression of an enraged animal and is even more resistant to psionic attack. Though he loathes it, he acknowledges that it has saved his life many times, it being most notably useful when he faced the telepathic "Mister X", as X's ability to read his mind and predict his next move in a fight was useless as not even Wolverine knows what he will do next in his berserk state. Despite his apparent ease at taking lives, he mournfully regrets and does not enjoy killing or giving in to his berserker rages. Logan adheres to a firm code of personal honor and morality.

In contrast to his brutish nature, Wolverine is extremely knowledgeable. Due to his longer lifespan, he has traveled around the world and amassed extensive knowledge of foreign languages and cultures. He is fluent in English, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Cheyenne, Spanish, Arabic, and Lakota; he also has some knowledge of French, Filipino, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian, Korean, Hindi, Telugu, Persian, German, and Portuguese. When Forge monitors Wolverine's vital signs during a Danger Room training session, he calls Logan's physical and mental state "equivalent of an Olympic-level gymnast performing a gold medal routine while simultaneously beating four chess computers in his head." Much to Professor Xavier's disapproval, Wolverine is also a heavy drinker and smoker; his healing powers negate the long-term effects of alcohol and tobacco and allow him to indulge in prolonged binges.

Wolverine is frequently depicted as a gruff loner, often taking leave from the X-Men to deal with personal issues or problems. He is often irreverent and rebellious towards authority figures, though he is a reliable ally and capable leader, and has occasionally displayed a wry, sarcastic sense of humor. He has been a mentor and father figure to several younger women, especially Jubilee, Kitty Pryde and X-23, and has had failed romantic relationships with numerous women (most notably Mariko Yashida). He also had a mutual, but unfulfilled attraction to Jean Grey, leading to arguments with her boyfriend (and later husband), Scott Summers. He also married Viper as part of a debt, then later divorced her. It has also been implied that he and Squirrel Girl had a relationship at some point in the past. Wolverine has had an on-again, off-again romantic relationship with longtime teammate and friend, Storm.

[darkdevasofdestruction]

Kakuzu

Name:Shizuka (quiet,summer/fragrance) Uzumaki Nickname:Red Death,Crimson Assassin,Fire Hunter. Age:25 Kekkei Genkai:Enhanced sensory type,Prison-type Genjutsu,Sense-sealing Primary role:Ex-ANBU strategist,Genjutsu master. Secondary:Bounty Hunter

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I was sitting upside down on a tree branch,enjoying one of the books from the A Song of Fire and Ice series (aka Game of Thrones) and while I was deeply buried into the narration,I felt 2 people approaching me,but I made no move.It was no ill intent,just a passive one.

-1-:Ne,Kakuzu,are you sure about this? -2-:Yes.She is the one Leader requested. -1-:But how the hell even?!She's so small and frail and....!Gaaaah!Can't I just use her for my ritual or something?! -2-:Leader won't be too happy about it.She's the one they call Red Death. -1-:Screw the Leader!We'll just tell him she was dead already! -2-:Or not. -1-:Loosen up,old man!C'mooon! -2-:You're lucky you're immortal,otherwise you'd have been dead the second you decided to speak. -1-:*sulks*Daaaamn,Kakuzu....Jashin-sama won't be too happy about it... -2-:Why don't you sacrifice yourself?You'll do a good deed for both him and I,like the good Samaritan. -1-:Fuck you,Kakuzu... -2-:You wish. -1-:Ewww,no way,you relic! -2-:Remember never to stitch you again.Ungrateful pest.

Woaw.Such a nice team.The first one,a silvery haired,purple-eyed,foul-mouthed tall Jashinist,carrying a red scythe,and the other one,an even taller one,with a white hood and a black mask,green eyes,having a...suitcase?Oh well. I poof on another branch going upside down,facing the green eyed one,my long fire red hair falling down like a velvety curtain.

me:*clears throat*As you might have not noticed,I am well aware of your existence.Not that you were too discreet,by any means.So,if I may ask,what would your business be with me? -1-:None of your concern,bitch! me:As I was being the subject of your conversation,I do believe that it is,in fact,MY concern. -2-:Excuse him,miss,his brain doesn't work properly.Our Leader requested to see you.We are supposed to escort you to him. me:Leader...?Who exactly is your Leader?And,for common courtesies,since you already know my name,I suppose...ahem.I am Shizuka.And you? -2-:I am Kakuzu,and this brain dead idiot is my assigned partner,Hidan. Hidan:Will you stop insulting me already?! Kakuzu:No. me:Right...Nice to meet you...both. Kakuzu:Our Leader told us to tell you one specific name,and you will know the person. Me:And? Kakuzu:Uzumaki Karin.

My eyes widened and my book feel out of my grasp as I heard that name once again,after almost more than 1 decade.Karin...My long lost poor little sister... It was like the time stopped,as I was staring dead ahead,and as I snapped back to reality,I looked deep into his eyes,in disbelief.

me:Uzumaki Karin,as in,a red haired young girl,with redish-pink eyes,glasses,a cool regenerative body propriety and sealing jutsus? Kakuzu:Uh...yes.That is her,great description. Hidan:Eh...So the stupid Leader knew her...still can't think why we couldn't just say she had died prior to our arrival... me:Hidan,I advise you shut up,or else you'll wish you never blinked.Anyways,let's go.

As I jumped off the tree,Kakuzu handed me my book back,we headed in (almost) silence to the HQ.Obviously...Hidan couldn't stop talking.

me:Is he always like this? Kakuzu:Unfortunately. me:Can't you kill him? Kakuzu:He's immortal. Hidan:That's right,bitch!I sacrifice idiots like you to the great Jashin-sama,for my immortality! me:You know that I can make you shut up,right? Hidan:No,you can't! me:Wanna bet? Hidan:Yeah! me:How much? Hidan:All of Kakuzu's money!It's in his suitcase! Kakuzu:Don't bet what's not yours,idiot! me:*smirks*I accept. Hidan:And if you lose,I get to sacrifice you! me:Deal. Kakuzu:Stop this infantile bet. me:You'll thank me,Kakuzu~

As I said that,I raised 2 fingers to my eye level,I channeled my chakra to my palm,and said 'SHIRU'! (Seal) as I slapped his mouth with great force,making him fly away into the distance,making me smirk.

me:That should make him stay away,for a while,and make him unable to speak.You can thank me later. Kakuzu:That reduced a great deal of stress and rage.Thanks. me:Don't worry.He was getting too irritating anyways.

In a few hours,the 3 of us got to the HQ,situated near the border with Amegakure,and as I entered alone in the Leader's office,being greeted by a girl with blue hair and a man with orange hair and the Rinnegan.

girl:Welcome,Shizuka. me:Um...hello. man:My name is Pein and I am the Leader of this peace-bringing organization called the Akatsuki. me:Okay,but what does it have to do with my sister? Pein:Figured you'd be interested in information regarding her existence status,in exchange to your loyalty to our organization. me:Where do you have intel from? Pein:Your sister is the subordinate of an ex-partner of one of the group members.His name is Akasuna no Sasori. me:Akasuna no Sasori...So,you're telling me,she's working for Orochimaru,then? Pein:Precisely.For more information,go ask him. me:Thank you. Pein:Also,Uzumaki Shizuka,welcome to the Akatsuki. me:Thank you.

With that,Konan showed me my room,gave me green ring with the word 'Fox',gave me the Akatsuki straw hat and cloak,and with a smile,she left,leaving me alone,with my thoughts. Peace...Such a heavenly utopia.We all wish for it,yet nobody acts to achieve it.Such a pity.

I got my book and went to the living room,where other Akatsuki members were gathered,chatting or doing something.

I spotted Kakuzu on the couch,with the suitcase on the floor,counting money and I sat near him,saying a soft greeting.He nodded,acknowledging my existence,not breaking the count of the money.

Kakuzu:I suggest you make acquaintance with the red eyed one and shark face.They are the only decent ones. me:Okay...By the way...are you in charge of the money,in this organization? Kakuzu:Certainly. me:Then here.My share of productivity from the last bounty hunts. Kakuzu:You're a bounty hunter? me:Didn't really have what to do after leaving my village.And I never settled in one for real,so I had to live off something. Kakuzu:What for? me:Couldn't kill the current Kazekage...he is a great friend of mine... Kakuzu:Having emotional bonds is a weakness for a shinobi. me:May be so,but I don't care.It's a strength for me. Kakuzu:You were kicked out of your village. me:I left.But even So?I had no ties with the village.And I didn't appreciate being mocked,thrown around,and being used.But with having an emotional bond with someone,it gives you a reason not to give up,and to keep on fighting. Kakuzu:If you say so...

Suddenly,the red eyed male with long black hair,tied in a pony tail,having a calm,passive expression on his face approached me,asking about the book I was reading. I found out his name is Itachi,and his partner's name is Kisame,and so,we started chatting about books and other philosophical subjects.All was well,and I felt like I belonged here,until a certain Jashinist decided to barge in the room with his sky the and an angry expression,glaring and pointing at me.

Hidan:YOU!YOU,BITCH!HOW DARE YOU?! me:You're polluting the air,Hidan. Hidan:SHUT UP!I'll so Kill you right now! me:I want to see you try.

He charged forward,throwing his weapon at me,while I was happily sipping from my cup of tea.Was I worried?Nope.Why?Because I knew the outcome.What was it? Kakuzu dashed forward,caught the scythe handle before it touched my neck,and with his detachable fist,he punched Hidan.

Kakuzu:Leader prohibited the use of weapons or any kind of damage. Hidan:Fuck Leader's orders! me:Kakuzu,don't bother with someone like him.I'll solve it.

I went near him,stepped on his neck and made him look me in the eyes,muttering "Shirugan",imprisoning him in my Genjutsu Jail,making him shut up and cower in fear,away from here.

me:Done. Kakuzu:Can't you be my partner instead? me:Gladly.

After that,I found out that the others' names were Deidara,Sasori,Tobi and Zetsu,and we got along quite well. I even managed to briefly get across the surface of the subject regarding Karin,with Sasori. And tomorrow,was my first bounty hunt with Kakuzu and Hidan.We were supposed to hunt down a monk called Chiriku,in the Land of Fire. Thankfully,Hidan also decided to accept me as his partner,and is only bothered with making countless sacrifices to Jashin-Sama,and Kakuzu doesn't find me annoying enough to want to kill me.All is well~ We arrived in front of a huge iron wall,that was separating the outside world from the temple.

me:Okay so...How do we proceed? Kakuzu:Allow me.

He used his steel release on his left arm and punched the Wall,fully breaking it.I whistled in surprise,watching the wall pieces fall around. Impressive~ What was also impressive was how all the monks started scattering around frantically,calling for their leader,Chiriku.

Hidan:It doesn't look like these guys want to convert to the Jashin religion.None of these guys do... me:All the more sacrifices for you. Monk:That cloak...It's the rumored..No doubt about it!It's the Akatsuki! me:Oh hey,you're right.

Just then,a serious looking monk,Chiriku,started descending on the stairs.

Hidan:We have another virtuous looking one... Kakuzu:He's not just virtuous.He's also got a 30 million ryo bounty on his head in our Bingo Book. me:*whistle*Now that's a lot of money. Hidan:Hey...You're not after money,are you?You'll go to hell if you kill a monk for something like that. me:Wasn't it obvious though? Kakuzu:Money is the key that opens all doors.That's just what I want. Chiriku:I don't know what you guys want,but please leave quietly. Hidan:No meaningless slaughter,huh?But it doesn't work like that in my religion. Kakuzu:The Temple of Fire is the greatest Shinobi Temple in the Land of Fire.And it is said that all the monks control the special power known as the Gift of the Sages.And the 30 million ryo man is a Ninja who was once chosen as a member of the Guardian Shinobi Twelve who protected the Feudal Lord of the Land of Fire.And the proof is the breech-cloth with the Land of Fire emblem on it. me:I think I saw it before... Hidan:Oh,really?Is he that incredible? Kakuzu:Don't get careless.You'll die. Hidan:Don't give me that...!

With that,Hidan started charging forward,Kakuzu following his lead,as I stayed behind to observe his mysterious jutsu. As they approached the monk,he went in his stance,creating a huge holy aura that resembled a golden Buddha with infinite arms. The waves of holy light and chakra were radiating around him so much and in complete balance,that it hit me,being left awestruck at his technique. What is this exactly?!It's leaving me so confused at its holiness,it's amazing!

Kakuzu attacked first,going to punch Chiriku's face,but he got parried twice,and the holy Buddha suddenly became demon-like,as the infinite hands transformed into fists and started attacking him,making him fly and fall to the ground with a great thud. Same happened to Hidan. With a sigh,I approach those 2 and looked at their collapsed bodies.

me:You may be the immortal duo,but you sure don't like to analyze things.But it's good for me,I don't have to get beaten to a pulp,just to test the ground,like you guys do.

The monks started to chant happily "Lord Chiriku Won!" as the Demon Deity became peaceful once again,then fading away.The great monk maintained his fighting stance,while staring at me,trying to think of my future intent,as I smirked

Chiriku:Leave,and I will make their funeral. Hidan:Who would accept a different religion's funeral?I'd receive divine retribution from Jashin-sama...Now I'm mad...Hey...If this guy isn't a Jinchuriki,I can defend my commandments,right? Kakuzu:Do as you like,but his body is worth money.Don't go overboard,make sure his recognizable... Hidan:Exchanging life for money isn't something for people to do.Hey Kakuzu,stay out of this! me:I'd like to hear more about this faith vs money war,but I'm busy. Chiriku:Chiriku of the Temple of Fire will not lose to wicked man like you!*activating his Demon Buddha jutsu* me:Sorry but~I'm no man.

With that,I started throwing random kunais around the monk with a certain seal on each of them,so that I can travel in an instant to their location,and avoid the Buddha Punches. I'm not called the Red Death for nothing.All you see is red,before you die. Fast and swift,I take advantage that he doesn't move his position,and I travel from kunai to kunai,and throw explosive seals embedded with different elemental chakra power. Explosions have amazing destructive power,but what's better?Elemental explosions!

I create a Kage Bunshin and start to do different combos with her,like Fire and Wind or Lightning and Water. And since the immortal duo decided to fight too,in a matter of minutes,Chiriku was dead,the temple was in ruins and most of the followers were sacrificed to Hidan's God. Soon enough,we left for the Bounty Exchange Point closest to us,to get our well-deserved money. Although,that couldn't have been done without those 2 fighting over nothing...Both with words and with fists,but Kakuzu just can't be bothered with it.

At the Exchange Point,I was greeted with the familiar corpse smell and Hidan went out,annoyed with it.It might have gotten to his clothes... Oh well,it's not pleasant for sure. There,the man gave us the money suitcase and advised us to get rid of Hidan.Well,it'd be a wonder if we could. Before he could open the door to go outside,I stopped Kakuzu,by grabbing his wrist.

me:Better be careful,outside there are lots of shinobi outside. Kakuzu:Like that could bother us. me:Just saying...

He nodded at me,and when we got outside,Hidan was already in the midst of the fight with some Konoha shinobi. With that,he went to destroy the platform where the Shadow User was sitting,to break his jutsu,and as the other one with the Breech-cloth same as Chiriku came,also known as Sarutobi Asuma,high in the Bingo Book as well,told the other 2 to fall back,I jump next to Hidan,twirling around,making red Genjutsu butterflies appear around me as I giggle mischievously and I pull out the weapons from his torso.

me:Man,they hit your vital points on fleek~!Lucky you're immortal,or else,you wouldn't stand a chance.No wonder Konohagakure has the best strategists in the 5 countries~ Hidan:Man,that sure hurt like a bitch!Godamn,you're so going to pay for this! me:Too bad~!Good luck in this fight. Hidan:What?!You 2 idiots won't help? me:Nope.*twirling around to Kakuzu*Too bothersome,dealing with them.The boy is a genius,and Sarutobi Asuma is really strong.As you see,they work well together.Also...seeing you struggle is quite fun~! Kakuzu:You mess too much while fighting.You'll get killed. Hidan:Eh..!Like that's gonna happen!

They started fighting again,and Hidan didn't even bother to dodge the shurikens. Asuma managed to use his jutsu to catch Hidan in a great explosion. But it was too late for him.Hidan licked his blood,and most likely transformed.

me:Hey,Shadow user boy. boy:Huh? me:I'm sorry for your leader.It sure is a pity,this senseless fighting.This world is messed up.Fighting,killing,making wars,in their false pretext of gaining peace.There is no peace through war,there is only destruction and sorrow.Unfortunately,the Akatsuki is no different. boy:You sure remind me of someone I know... me:Who is it? boy:Uzumaki Naruto. me:*shocked*Wh-who...? boy:You know him? me:I-...I'm not sure...But we share the same surname... brunet:Oh,that's right.You're Uzumaki Shizuka.High on the Bingo Book,but also a well known assassin and bounty hunter. me:I do what I can to survive.Regardless...I'd love meeting an unknown relative. boy:*muttering*So there are sane people in the Akatsuki too...

After this,the smoke cleared,revealing a transformed Hidan,in his ritualistic circle,unharmed.Unfortunately,the jutsu backfired on Asuma,and now he has great burns on his body. Ouch...

Asuma's team wondered how did he get burnt,and I explained to them how the ritual works.Kakuzu started saying how this is going to be 35 million ryo more...I can't let him get his body too...not in this conditions... Hidan used his sharp metal pole and stabbed himself in the stomach and left leg,making Asuma fall on the ground. The other 3 were trying to figure out what to do to stop the tragedy from happening,and I see t he smart boy using a shadow jutsu,and I sent a butterfly above it,making more shadow for him to use and sent another to circle Hidan's ritualistic circle.Hopefully,this way he'll understand what to do.Concentrate,boy...

Kakuzu:If you don't kill them already,I'm going to do it myself.I'm not letting this money go. Me:Nooow now,Kakuzu...let's give Hidan a chance...right?Don't be rash... Hidan:Fuck off,Kakuzu!I can deal with these pussies on my own! me:You masochistic,ritualistic freak...

Come on,kid.Figure it out already.I know you can. His eyes widened and started slowly moving backwards,then his teammates asked him what was he doing,and he started explaining it all. That's it!He got it!I'm so glad...Kakuzu wasn't as happy though.Just thoroughly impressed by the boy's cleverness. He managed to get Hidan out of the circle,immobilized him,and Asuma cut his head...but in vain. Despite Kakuzu and I making fun of him,he wasn't done for.Just a talking head that surprised everyone.Kakuzu went to grab the talking head's hair and he kept complaining about the pain and other garbage. Please don't attack anymore... But just after trying to tell Kakuzu to go back to the HQ,he jumped faster than the eye could see and attacked Asuma really badly. Godamn...

me:Now,Kakuzu,don't bother to stitch him together...he's just going to be a pain.Let's just go.I can carry his body,no problem- Kakuzu:I'm not leaving without my bounty. Hidan went to finish his ritual and Kakuzu attacked the other 3.Me?I can't do anything.If I help the boy,I'll be called a traitor.Otherwise,I won't get the chance to see the Uzumaki boy. me:Kakuzu...Let them live.Hidan's already got your..um...bounty.Let's just go. Kakuzu:That heart of yours...is going to be the death of you. me:I'm fine with it.But please,let's just go!Let them mourn their leader in peace!

With that,more of their team mates started flooding the place,and we had to retreat. Finally. Kakuzu and Hidan weren't too happy about it,but whatever.And back at the HQ,I had a long talk with Kakuzu that ended in me promising not to get in with their 'meaningless slaughter'. But promises are made to be broken.And hopefully,Kakuzu doesn't hate me.He said he doesn't.He said I'm the only one he can really get along with. Sharing some common views,despite our differences,exchanging war stories and so on. He's like...90 years old,so he has really interesting stories to tell.Like how he was kicked out of Takigakure because he wasn't able to kill the Shodaime Hokage,Senju Hashirama. I also told him about my sister,Karin and how I had to run away from that village,because they were exploiting my mum thanks to the family jutsu,which contains being able to regenerate a person's health back,if they bite our flesh. Our mother died because of this,during war time.But I pride myself with letting being bitten only once,and that was to save a friend's life. In vain,though. From the information that I've gathered from Sasori and other reliable sources,he promised to help me get in contact with my sister and save her. Maybe he doesn't understand or feel it,but the 2 of us managed to form a bond that I haven't had since I met Gaara.

##########

During the last months,I managed to sneak out of the HQ

(being called the Akatsuki Ambassador by the Leader)

and met up with the Konoha and Suna shinobi,discussed fiery about alliances and mutual helping,I confessed my condolences for the casualties that occurred,like the Kazekage kidnapping,the death of a Suna elder and of Asuma.

It was a lot of negotiation,but I managed to make some sort of agreement between Konoha,Suna and the Akatsuki.

Glad that Tsunade and Gaara are more open-minded.

We offer them protection when needed,and they come to us for the most difficult missions and so on.More work,but also,more money and relations,which is crucial in these days.

One of the missions we had to do was kill some shinobi at the border of Kusagakure and Takigakure. Reason? Intel gathering. My partner? Kakuzu. Since Amegakure is a neighbour of Kusagakure,we arrived to our destination soon enough,without wasting much time,and chatting here and there. Target-spotted. No enemies in the next 5 km.I prepare myself for the Silent Kill Assassination,making my Genjutsu butterflies fly around the target,then sent a silent seal kunai behind the victim,teleported in a blink of an eye behind the target,and slit his throat,blood falling silently as he fell on the ground and I put the target in a transport scroll,handing it to Kakuzu.

me:Mission accomplished.That was quite easy,don't you think?I bet even a Chunin could handle this... Kakuzu:Too easy indeed...Behind you!

I turn around quickly and in the next second,I was flying away,hitting the tree that Kakuzu was in.Ouch,that hurts so much... Kakuzu:Shizuka,are you okay? me:A-alive...But that was a... -?-:A decoy indeed,dear sweet and smart Shizuka. me:Who...?How...? -?-:Already forgotten me?That's just plain sad. me:You are...! -?-:Indeed.Your team's squad leader. me:But how...?!I thought you were dead!I saw you die... Yuzuki:That power of yours that you have sure is amazing,Quite like your mother and sister,right?Like any Uzumaki,you have a tremendous life force,but that can also be stopped.Just like your mother did. me:She died for Karin... Yuzuki:Yes!Not for you!Because you abandoned them!You abandoned us all! me:I didn't mean to!I didn't want to die!I had to get them out of there,and I returned to get them back- Yuzuki:But it was too late.Your mother died,having her life bitten out of her.And your sister?With Orochimaru now.Nobody can get ahold of you.And now,there was you.Greatest bounty hunter,relations everywhere,then got involved as an Ambassador of the Akatsuki,making ties with Konoha and Suna...You were unreachable as well. me:That's why...You planned this mission...to capture me...and use me like they used her...? Yuzuki:There are so many wounded in the village,you couldn't begin to imagine.Your poor sister had bites everywhere.For such a small child,I was surprised she hadn't died the next day. me:No...I'm not tied to that village anymore...I'd rather die then let you do that! Yuzuki:*tsk tsk*But dear,you don't have choice.And not you,nor your partner can help you get out of this mess.But you should feel great.Kusagakure's martyr,dying to save the lives of so many others,so selfless,sacrificing her body... me:NO!NEVER!SHUT UP,YOU BASTARD!THAT'S NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN! Yuzuki:Watch me,kiddo.

With that,hundreds of shinobi started crowding my vision,but how?!I was sure I sensed no chakra in this radius!At this rate I'm really going to get captured...dammit! Kakuzu...even if I don't make it..he has to run away! I used my butterflies to explode around,dealing massive damage,then used lighting chain seals on people,and one little pink butterfly made its way to Kakuzu,telling him to run away and save himself. That was it. Despite our strength,there were way too many people to deal with.Accepting my fate,I tried commit suicide,but even that was in vain,as I felt a huge blow to the back of my head,letting me fall on the ground,motionlessly,darkness taking over me.

~~~~~2 weeks later~~~~~

How did Karin survive this pain?With each bite,it hurts even worse...to endure such abuse...poor mum...and to think I was foolish enough to fall in this trap...HIS trap...

Pain is the only feeling surging my whole body,arms,legs,neck...everything is pain and depression.

Everything is blurry,I can barely sense any presence,but I can hear them coming in the room,and feel their dirty hands and bites,and then they just leave me there,on the cold ground,my hands shackled,humiliated,the bottom underwear being the only cloth covering me.

The rest of my body is covered by bites anyways.

But it's fine. I can feel it.

Life is being drained away at a fast rate,and I will pass away soon enough.No more pain,no more sorrow,no more...friends...and...no more Kakuzu...

No,don't be so vain.They'll be fine without you.Comrades,friends,they all die,somehow,no big deal.And Kakuzu is immortal and has Hidan.He won't miss me.

I didn't realize how much I was wallowing in misery and self-pity until I heard war cries,shouts,explosions and other sounds from outside. It doesn't concern me much,since I'm in here,waiting to save those idiots once again.Maybe this time will be the last? Hopefully. With a sigh,I let the dizziness and half-consciousness take over me once again,as I let my head hang,my long red hair covering my face. Slowly,the door to my cell room was opened and I heard a thud in front of me,but I couldn't see or sense who it was. In a matter of seconds,my shackles were opened,and as I was falling forward,a pair of strong warm arms brought me close to them,letting me lean on their chest.

-?-:What have they done to you...

It was Kakuzu. Wait,am I dreaming? Is this true? Or did I die? Genjutsu? What is reality and what is dream? I cannot differentiate anymore...

Kakuzu:Shizuka...I let them do this to you...for so long...Don't die on me.Not today.I'm taking you back home and Tsunade will save you.I promise..

Having heard this promise,I managed a small smile and tried to mutter "Thank you",as darkness took over me. When I woke up,I was in a room full of light,making it difficult to open my eyes and see properly,this room seems familiar... That is the symbol of Fire... Konoha's Hospital room?

-?-:Good grief,I thought you wouldn't make it.Im glad you're awake. me:Sakura....chan...? Sakura:You can talk?That's a great improvement.But please don't force yourself,or the vocal chords might malfunction,or the muscles may strain. me:O...kay. Sakura:Also,you have a visitor.He hasn't left your side this whole time.Until...he had to chase the other one away.He was making too much noise...

Smiling at me,she left,letting Kakuzu enter back in the room.Unlike usually,his hoodie,mask,cloak and forehead protector were removed,letting the stitched face and brown long hair be shown.

Kakuzu:Finally awake,I see.*sitting on the bed* me:Thank you...Kakuzu... Kakuzu:No need for that.It was my fault you got caught.I couldn't save you. me:Shut up.

I put 2 fingers above his nose,where the brows meet.

me:Stop frowning.You'll get wrinkles,old man.

His face relaxed,letting a low chuckle,but then got serious again,one hand tracing me,from my face,my neck,to the waist,then let a 'tsk' sound.

me:20 years I thought so that I wouldn't have all these humiliating marks on my body,and one small mistake,and I almost die. Kakuzu:Tsunade said they will disappear in a week. me:So I'm going to hide for a week.Sounds fair. Kakuzu:You need to go out.Fresh air,the sun light and warmth...You need those. me:I can't go out like this.Plus,I can't walk on my own. Kakuzu:Mask or a scarf,jacket and regular pants.Those should do,should you feel uncomfortable with your body at the moment. me:I do... Kakuzu:I am here for you,until you get your full health and strength back. me:And after that?Will you still be here for me? Kakuzu:If you want me to,then yes. me:Then I do.I want to have you by my side.Always. Kakuzu:Then so it shall be.

manage to pull enough strength to raise myself and hug him weakly,having a small smile on my face,muttering another 'thank you'.He embraces me lightly,trying not to hurt me,and playing with my hair.

Kakuzu:If I ask you to,will you also stay by my side? me:Yes. Kakuzu:Why? me:Because I love you. Kakuzu:...What?

I smile bashfully,blushing and looking away,nodding softly.With a low chuckle,he put his hand on my cheek and made me look at him,then he smiled softly.

Kakuzu:That's good,because I love you too and I don't intend to lose you ever again.I don't want to outlive yet another youngster. me:Oh,dear-!Come one,don't say that!It makes you look like a paedophile...*giggles*But,you look great for someone your age,old man~ Kakuzu:Glad to know my appearance is to your liking. me:Not only your appearance,but you,in general. Kakuzu:If even someone like me can find love...you must truly be an angel. me:D-don't flatter me...I'm noone special... Kakuzu:You are.For the villages,for the Akatsuki...and for me,especially. me:Then...I'm glad. Kakuzu:Your loving heart and caring self is what makes you,you. me:You said it will be the death of me. Kakuzu:I was wrong.It will be the death of me.My cold self. me:So...you found something more important than money? Kakuzu:Not something,someone.Someone special,worth fighting and protecting.Someone I love.You.

Letting me slowly back on the pillow,he started kissing me softly,his hand still caressing my cheek,and mine in his hair,when I heard a gasp,followed by a curse,then yelling and a great thud on the ground.Looking out,we found out that Hidan wanted to see us,and was greatly surprised by our act of kissing and fell on a bush of roses with lots of thorns,all while cursing furiously.Well...That is a great sight to see.At least he won't bother us anymore~

Dear Kakuzu, I love you.