21) in the Akatsuki, what color would you paint your nails?

Well...depends on my character- am I a sassy Akatsuki member? Bright red.

Mellow and collected? Probably white. Cool and mysterious like Itachi- baby blue.

So I would carry those three with me wherever I go...oh! And only on my natural nails, I don't like acrylics.

What type of gang gang nails would you guys have? What color?

Also this one shot is less about the romance part but more of the bonding- sorry if it's not that good!

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Why should you continue going after your dreams?

Because seeing the look on the faces that said you couldn't....are priceless.

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You have always been a "weak" child. Your mother wanted you to stay that way, and wanted to keep you safe. She used to tell you, "fighting only makes your heart pitch black with not a bit of kindness and only an instinct to kill." Or maybe "your pretty face should never have to see the horrors of what shinobi do."

So why was it hard to follow her wisdom?

Your mother owned a well known clothing shop specifically for the weather in Suna. With only you guys, it was common for your mother and you to be working together in the store. At the age of fifteen, you were oblivious to what was to come. You've always been hidden from reality because of your mother goose.

The door chimed opened to reveal a common customer; Matsuri and her family. "Hello Y/n!" she called out to you, your soft (hair type) moving as you looked over at her. You showed a kind, warmth filled smile to her as you waved at her.

Indeed, you were a sight to remember. Most of the Suna's old relatives knew about you, and the families that were local. They always thought you were a happy child, without a care in the world.

Matsuri seemed to be choosing a new outfit, one with loose cotton fabric and a scarf made from wool, and shorts that were thin.

As her parents (and your own mom) talked from a table away, you were the one dealing with the outfit.

"So, what's with the change of style?" you asked in a gentle voice, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm going to train to become a shinobi! Every kid was offered special training by the Sand Siblings!" she told you, her eyes lighting up.

After she payed, and her family left, your mind was humming with curiousity

_.+._

The scents of the kitchen were strong, and your stomach grumbled quietly with acid waiting patiently. Until the table was set, and food was on the table, this was the time you and your mother talked.

"Food's done!"

Sitting across from her, you ate one big bite, chewing slowly as you watched your mom eat too. Once consuming your savory bite, you smiled at her.

"Matsuri is going to become a shinobi, Mama." you told her, a happy tone.

Your mother's face paled, glaring at you.

"Poor child. She'll be wasting her life, just like-" she was saying, stopping mid sentence.

"-like who?" you repeated, blinking slowly.

"Your father. Foolish man was killed in war. This is why you will NEVER become a shinobi under this house. You're smarter than him. You are prettier than him. There is no reason to risk yourself."

"B-But I was really wondering if maybe I could...." you were whispering, feeling a pain on the fragile skin of your hand. Your mother digged her nail into your hand, so much it left markings upon it once she removed her hand. She seemed hesitant to apologize, stabbing her food as she looked at the floor with a glare.

"Never. I don't want to lose you."

_.+._

"Matsuri!" you called out, your e/c eyes sparkling as the sun was rising.

"EH?! Why are you wearing a hood over your hair? You look like a complete stranger." she told you, frowning suspiciously. "Because, I'm coming with you! Please, take me with you." you told her, a smile forming on your face.

"I don't know...."

"I promise you free socks for three months!"

"I could get in a lot of trouble..."

Pursing your lips, your eyes became droppy. Or more like "puppy dog" eyes.

"pwease?"

Matsuri giggled, grabbing your hand.

"Alright, deal!"

_.+._

"This is sparring training. Choose the ninju that fits you best among these."

Matsuri and you were neck and neck, both nervous. Temari was explaining what was happening, so you and her were listening like everyone else. That was, until your best friend raised her hand.

"Matsuri what are you doing?" you whispered.

"Yes?" Temari had already called out loud, people looking over at the area she was in.

"Um...must we choose?" she had asked, your stomach clenching in confusion. Even Temari, the most well known sibling, was shocked like her brothers.

"What do you mean?" the one in black spoke, your heart beating fast from nervousness. "We'll harm others if we use weapons. We may even kill them."

Killing. Harming others.

"Fighting only makes your heart pitch black, with not a bit of kindness with only the instinct to kill."

.

"A weapon..." Gaara said, staring straight at your friend. Hesitant, he stopped.

"Missions aren't child play."

"You'll get yourself killed if you enter the battlefield with that kind of attitude. The three of us will lead the sparring session. Join your class of choice."

Everyone began moving, some saying "Gaara", others saying "Temari", and a few saying "Kankuro."

"Matsuro let's go to-" you were saying, looking for her

...only for her to be gone.

You watched as someone's shadow slightly went over you, causing you to jump and squeak.

"Huh. You're really scrawny, but you're also around my age." Kankuro's voice said, your body turning around. There, his arms were crossed, staring into your eyes. It was awkward, both of your staring at each other until you looked away. "I-I'll join your team..Kankuro." you mumbled, walking over to the table of weapons.

Nothing was attractive much. However...what did interest you were the kunais. They were medium weight, easy to carry, and didn't seem hard. Picking the pouch up that they came in, you walked back to his small group.

As the small group of about eight joined in, Kankuro examined each and every weapon. He even talked to them one on one, given instructions and tips on each weapon.

So, you took this time to try something yourself.

"Your pretty face should never have to see the horrors of what shinobi do."

With shaking hands, you pulled out one of the kunais. You were so scared to touch it, like you were committing some big crime. You were always told to not do EXACTLY what you were doing.

"Kunais, huh?" he said, tapping your shoulder. Just like before when you jumped, but this time...with the sharp blade falling out your hand.

_.+._

Kankuro sat next to you on the walls of the training arena as he was observing everyone in the group, while giving simple first aid to you. It was awkward, watching your bandage wrapped around your foot soaking up the fresh blood.

"Is your foot okay?" he asked you in a low voice, leaning towards you. Feeling the hairs on the back of your neck stand, you looked away from his defined face, nodding.

Moving your injured foot a little, you stared at it. "It's not as injured as my confidence though." you said, adding a smile on your face.

Chuckling at your small joke, he leaned back on the wall. "I remember touching my first weapon. At first, I was a bit nervous that I would hurt someone. How stupid of me," Kankuro told you, a smile appearing. "You know, you'll be a good fighter one day. Your parents will be proud of you. My dad was, at least. Until he died, that is." Kankuro told you, your eyes widening.

"Mama." you whispered, standing up quickly. Your foot stung a bit, your face crinkling in cringe. "Hey, what's with the sudden mood change?" he asked you, his soft toned eyebrows digging into his scalp.

"I shouldn't be here, Kankuro. My parent would never support me. This was stupid of me, I should just behave like a good kid! I'm leaving now, thanks for my high hopes-" you were saying loudly, beginning to walk away.

However the grip on your wrists gently stopped you. Kankuro's grip pulled your back in a polite manner.

"Why should you stop chasing after the hope of being a shinobi?" he asked you, glaring.

You glared back at him, that small flare of anger at him starting to heat up.

"Because, all she is doing is trying to protect me. She loves me." you told him.

"So protecting your child is forcing them to believe in something that the child doesn't believe in themselves? That they should never shoot for the stars? I say f*ck it! One day, you WILL be a shinobi, unless you don't want to. And when you do, your mom's reaction will be priceless. Don't let anyone get in the way of your dreams Y/n!" Kankuro said, releasing your wrists.

But you didn't listen to him, speed walking away with your severely pierced foot.

Temari was watching the whole time, groaning as she walked up to Kankuro.

Placing a hand on his muscular shoulder, the older sister pinched him. "You tried at least, you know." she told him, walking off.

In confusion, he chased after her. "What did I do wrong?"

_.+._

The door opened with a roar, the house dark inside.

"Mom?" you called out softly, closing the door shut.

You could hear the footsteps, her quiet crying, the lights turning on.

There your mother stood, with her e/c eyes bright red from crying. "Where were you Y/n?! I closed down the store to look for you-" she said, looking down at your foot. Gasping, she walked faster to you, mercilessly just grabbing your leg and foot for inspection.

"Who did this to you?" she asked you, another sob reaping from her.

"Mom, I did it for myself. Or rather....I did this on accident while trying to do something."

"-You weren't trying to practice ninjutsu...were you?"

Keeping your lips shut, your lips trembled as your eyes watered up.

"I-I'm sorry...but I did!" you exclaimed, not too soft. Just enough to be loud for her. "I did it for me! All my life I've wanted to be just like dad, not cooped up in some clothing store with you! I'm not a normal child.

I'm a daughter of a well known shinobi who wanted to protect you and I, just like how I want to protect you."

Kankuro watched the other children leave, time passing time as he wondered about you.

Never once did he ask your name. Or which part of town you lived in. It was almost sunset, and training was finished. Once clean up of weapons and empty bottles of water was done, he excused himself of his two siblings, his new mission of finding you.

"You can't!"

"Yes I can mom, this is my decision."

"Then have fun on the streets, because I don't know who my own child is anymore." your mother said, pushing your towards the door.

"What're you doing?!" you asked her, trying to fight her pushing back on you.

"Y-You can't be my child!" she told you, opening the door. Finally, the last push got you out, giving an even harsher push on you.

Closing your eyes and waiting for impact to the rocky ground, you let your body fall. That was until something held you body up.

"You're abandoning your own child?" Kankuro said in a deeper, much threatening voice. Your body felt less tense against his chest, relaxing yourself to know you were in safe arms.

Your mother, quite flabbergasted by him, froze in shock at the door. "This dream of hers is only going to kill her. You have no right to speak your mind to an adult older than you." she told him.

"Well I'm pretty sure you don't have the right to force your child into doing something she doesn't like." Kankuro told her, his hand moving to your arm. Looking up with dry eyes, you smiled.

In a quiet whisper, you whispered to him, "Thank you, Kankuro."

The door slammed, leaving you two in silence as you could hear your mother sobbing behind the door.

He didn't let go of you.

You didn't let go of him.

Looking down at you, his eyes showed soft affection. "You can stay with my siblings and me." he said, moving his hand to your hand. "And we'll be with you every step to make you become a fine shinobi. And as brothers..or sisters, we have your back." Kankuro said.

Turning your body around, you leaped to wrap your arms around him, giving him a tight hug.

"Thank you, Kankuro. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

He ruffled your hair in a gently manner.

"No problem, Kid. Though I think your mom needs some therapy."