Today was the day we'll start finding sensei's who are willing to train us for a month. I've also been paired up with some kid named Katsuo for the match. He has no surname, but he's from the Sand village. He looked eager to fight me as well, not sure why, but I didn't think too much about it.

I was currently sitting in a cleared area in the forest. The masked man who calls himself Madara Uchiha told me to meet one of his member here. I waited patiently and after a few minutes, a husky looking Akatsuki member came into view. He looked like he was ready to kill everyone around him if he snapped. I better not get on his bad side.

"So, you're Satoshi Hatake huh? You're nothing but a brat." he said.

'Scratch that, I think I'll get on his bad side.'

"A brat with potential, now let's get on with the training." I said with a slight glare.

"Hmph, in your position, I don't think I like that attitude you have."

"I don't care, you're here to train me whether you like it or not. I just want this training to be over with, so stop stalling and get with it. I don't want to be kept waiting." I said irritated.

"Tsk, you're lucky our Leader needs you or else I'd snap that neck of yours. But I do like how you don't like to be kept waiting as well. Now... let's begin." he said.

Sasori stood in a defensive position while I took an offensive position. He brought out a few of his puppets meaning that I was going to have to block off his puppets in order to attack him. I grabbed a few of my kunai's and ran towards him.

His first puppet sprung into action and blocked off my attack with its own kunai, which I was anticipating. I kicked the puppet back, which made the second puppet, try and do a counter attack in order to stop me. I narrowed my eyes at it and jumped over his attack. I ran straight for Sasori, however, the puppets were gaining on me pretty quickly. I grunted to myself in irritation, and I had to fall back so he wouldn't gain the upper hand.

"Good, at least you know when to stop if the original plan doesn't work." he said. "I think I have a gist of how your brain thinks during a battle, so I don't have to teach you much about strategy."

"So what will we work on?" I asked.

"Seeing that you're quick on your feet, I want to make you faster than how you are now. That way when you fight others, you'll be untouchable since their eyes can't keep up. I'll also work a bit more on your upper body to get it more built, but let's start with speed."

Sasori then took out a summoning scroll and two ankle weights out of it. He then walked over to me and tied them around my legs. My eyes widen at how heavy they were! I could barely life them up!

"Each ankle weighs about 40lb each. You will run 10 miles with them on and once you get used to them, I'll change up the weight each time."

"10.. miles?"

"You heard me, now go!" he ordered.

'He's trying to kill me...'

After my training with my new sensei, Sasori... I no longer felt the muscles in my body anymore. They were either, sore, or numb which means I got a good workout. I limp myself towards my apartment and carefully laid myself on my bed. I groaned as I did that and didn't want to move at all.

I heard someone walk throughout the apartment and knew immediately that it was my brother. He knocks on my door, but, as I said before, I'm not going to move at all. Seeing that I wasn't responding nor did I make an effort to open the door, he opened my door and popped his head in.

"Oh, there you are. You know you could have opened the door." he said with a slight chuckle.

"I wish I could, but my body is either numb or sore, so I'm trying to relax by not moving at all." I replied.

"Sounds like you had a good training. Who's training you?" he asked.

"No one really, I'm training myself. No sensei here can teach me anything since they mainly do the basics and I'm far more advanced than that." I half lied.

"I see, well, why not train with Sasuke and me?" he suggested.

"But you're just teaching him the chidori, you already taught me that nii-san. Besides, I'm able to mold the chidori easily." I said.

"True, but I can try to boost your stamina up." he said.

'He's really trying to make me hang out with the two of them. I can just tell...'

"I'm fine nii-san, really. I'm training fine on my own and besides, I can boost my stamina with my own training. I appreciate your help though."

"Okay... well, just know you're always welcome to train with us." he said sounding a bit disappointed.

"I will, thank you."

He then left my room as I remained stationary. Man... this month's training is going to suck!

A month went by and let me say this... training with an Akatsuki member is harsh! Never in my life have I ever trained this hard before. Well, not sure if an Akatsuki training is more brutal than Gai-sensei's training since I never did that before and nor will I ever try it.

I was at the arena ready to face my opponent and ignored the constant talking of my once former classmates. I sighed as I walked over to a nearby wall and leaned on it. The matches had already begun, but it's not like they were interesting in the first place. However, I was surprised that Naruto defeated Neji. I don't know what to think of it. I guess I'm glad that Naruto won, but I felt sad for Neji. He lost to an idiot who seems like a button masher.

"The next pair is Satoshi Hatake vs. Katsuo!" the proctor said.

"Welp, here we go..." I mumbled to myself.

I casually make my way to the center of the arena as my opponent and I stood face to face.

"Hmph, you're going down Hatake." he spat.

"You seem pretty confident." I said lazily.

"Well a month of training can make a difference in a person." he said.

"Hn, it sure can."

"Alright, are two ready?" the proctor said.

We both nodded our heads as the fight was ready to begin. Katsuo stood in a fighting stance as I stood there impassively.

"And.... begin!"

As soon as the proctor left, Katsuo had already began to try to engage in a hand to hand combat. With every hit he made, I managed to dodge every one of them thanks to Sasori's training. I should thank him, before I would get hit every ten punches... well, it depended on their speed.

"Stay still!" he growled.

"I will if you can manage to actually hit me." I said calmly.

My little comment had made him slightly angry making him more determined to land at least a single hit on me. However, I jumped back, which made him follow my move.

"Earth Release: Bullet Rock Technique!" he shouted.

Just then, a chunk of the ground broke apart as it rapidly tried to hit me.

"Chidori Sword..." I mumbled.

Mychidori immediately covered my hand as it produced into a long sword like energy. I then swiped my right hand making it cut through the rock.

"What?!" he said shocked.

"It's going to take more than an E-Rank technique to physically harm me."

"You think you're so cool!" he growled. "I'll show you!"

Katsuo then slammed both his hands onto the ground and it was like something was in the ground. The ground broke as it rose higher when he got close to me. I was going to jump away, but I couldn't.

"What the-"

I looked down and my legs had been engulfed by the earthy ground. This isn't good... I put my arms in front of me bracing for the impact. His attack hit me, causing me to almost fall back.

"Not so high and mighty now, huh Hatake?" he said proudly.

"Well, I will say, you caught me off guard. But now that I know what I'm dealing with... I won't go easy now." I said.

I then surged my chakra into my legs and feet as electricity sprang out causing the rocks on my legs to break apart. I then ran in a Z like formation. But to others, it would look like I'm body flickering everywhere, but really, it was the lightning that was helping me increase my speed. My tactic in this fight was to get close enough so I would be able to use my fire technique.

"Stop running and fight me!" he said angrily.

"As you wish." I mocked.

I was finally at the right area for me to perform my tactic. I did the necessary hand signs and inhaled a large amount of air.

"Fire Release: Grand Barrier!"

I blew out a huge fire as it swirled around Katsuo. A giant fire barrier has now covered him as the fire kept spewing from my mouth. I then heard muffled breathing as if he couldn't breathe anymore. I smirked in victory and ended the fire as it stayed there for about a minute. Once it finally dispersed, Katsuo was on the ground breathing heavily. He propped himself up trying to get up.

"I'm not... I'm not done with you! I won't lose! NOT TO YOU HATAKE!" he screamed.

He immediately stood up and engaged in taijutsu. I blocked them easily seeing he was still weak from the lack of oxygen. If he keeps this up, he's surely going to die soon.

"Katsuo..." I mumbled.

"WHAT?!"

"Are you willing to risk your life to defeat me?" I asked.

"YES!" he said as he threw another punch.

"Katsuo, I know I have been arrogant this entire exam, but trust me when I say this... this a way you want to die. If you keep this up, your lungs will fail. Your lungs are filled with a bunch of ashes and it's just recovering... you may need immediate medical attention." I said still blocking his hits.

"You just want me to give up!" he said.

"As a shinobi, there will be fights you cannot win Katsuo. Tell me, if you were on a mission... would you continue on with the mission and abandon your comrades, or would you give up the mission to save them?" I said.

"What kind of stupid question is that? Of course I would save my comrades!"

"Then that would make you lose... would it not?"

"It's not a loss if you can save your friends!" he said.

"Then you must know, this is a fight you must give up. If you're gone, who will save those you call comrades?" I said.

"I-....." he stuttered. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because, if you continue this fight... I can guarantee you, this will be the last time you'll walk this earth alive."

"But you killed six people! Why spare me?" he asked confused.

"I was merely defending myself. This, however, is different. This just determines who will be the winner, not survival."

"But... I.. I have to win!" he said determined. "I need to... for my parents. I want to make them proud! I can't have them look down at me and see me lose! That's why... I won't back down! Even if I do die!"

"I see..." I said, raising my hand.

Katsuo got into a fighting stance thinking I would attack... but what I did shocked him and everyone around us.

"I forfeit."

"W-What?" Katsuo said.

"You heard me.. I quit, you win." I said as I began to walk away.

The crowd began to boo at me, but before I could get any further, a hand was placed on my shoulder.

"Just because you let me win doesn't mean this is over." he said.

"You desire what Kosuke wishes?" I asked, looking at him with just my eyes.

"No, I wish for a rematch in the near future."

"No... the next time you see me, won't be like the battle today." I said.

"Well of course, I mean we'd be much stron-"

"You don't understand... just stay away from me in the near future."

"But-"

"I won't say it again Katsuo." I warned.

"Fine... but in all due respect, thank you... Satoshi." he said, releasing his grip.

I merely nodded my head as I walked back up to where the others were.

"WHAT WAS THAT SATOSHI?! WHY DID YOU FORFEIT?" Naruto shouted.

"You don't understand." I said, walking past him.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN?! I'M GETTING REAL TIRED OF YOU BEING MYSTERIOUS!"

"He had something to prove Naruto. He wanted to make his dead parents proud. I won't get in the way of that."

Naruto's eyes widened a bit at my statement and relaxed his posture. Seeing that I shut him up, I took it as an opportunity to leave. I made my way out of the stadium and walked by Sasuke and my brother without giving them a glance.

"Oi!" Sasuke hollered. "Did you win?"

"Actually... I forfeited."

"W-What? Why would you-"

"Because I can, now hurry up to your match before they automatically forfeit for you."

"This conversation isn't over Satoshi..." he said walking away.

"Are you alright Satoshi?" my brother asked.

"I'm fine.."

"Are you sure? I know how much this meant to you. You used to dream of this day when you were younger."

"Some people deserve it more than me nii-san... I can always make my dream happen with or without that rank." I said slightly hurt.

I really did want to win... this meant so much to me. I always dreamed my victory would be flawless, but things change. I too wanted to not only make my brother proud... but make the father I never got to meet proud as well. But the way Katsuo looked at me. He wanted it more than I did. Besides, how could he make his own parents proud if he dies a dishonorable death?

"Satoshi.."

"I'm alright nii-san... really." I said. "Now you should go.. don't want to miss Sasuke's fight now do we?" I said.

Kakashi's eyes softened at me as he gave me an unexpected hug. I tensed a bit, but soon relaxed. I didn't hug him back though... I didn't want to cry right now. I'm stronger than that...

"I'm not quite sure what happened to you... but please know I'm always there for you when you need me most, alright?" he said.

"Alright nii-san." I mumbled.

He released me from the hug and put me at arm's length to look at me for a bit. After that, he reluctantly took his hands off of me and walked into the stadium. I gave out a heavy sigh and stuffed my hands into my pockets. I walked to where my training was when I was with Sasori and there stood the masked man.

"You should have let him die Satoshi." he said.

"I wasn't in the mood." I replied.

"I don't care if you weren't in the mood.. just know if you hesitate to kill, you be punished. Am I clear?" he hissed.

"Yes... Madara-sama." I mumbled.

"Good, now go get your things and I will meet you outside your apartment." he said.

I looked at him confused. "My apartment..?"

"Yes, there will be an attack soon. So they'll be more focused on that."

I nodded my head and teleported into my room. I had already packed for this day in a summoning scroll and just stuffed them into my pouch. I clenched my fists as I looked around my room one last time to make sure the mental image stay.

My room was full of memories... it held many pictures of my brother and me. You could even see how much I've grown in the pictures. There were also some that contained Sasuke and me... even Itachi, before he had left. I sighed and looked away from the pictures hanging on my walls. I then closed my door and made my way out the door. There stood Madara with his arms crossed as a barrier was now over the arena. Loud attacks were heard making me cringe.

"Let's go." he said.

I nodded my head and trailed behind him.

"SATOSHI!" a familiar voice screamed out.

I looked back to where I had heard it... and there in the arena was my brother looking worried in my direction. I look at him blankly which made my brothers face worry even more. Madara placed his hand on my shoulder telling me that we had to go. I look at his hand and looked back at my brother. I narrow my eyes at him slightly and turned around to continue my walk with Madara.

"SATOSHI! NO!" my brother shouted once more as Gai held my brother back from getting hurt by the barrier.

My fists clenched slightly, but still I walked behind the person who now owns my soul.

"Now, let me set something straight Satoshi... I will not be joining you yet." he said.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I have other things to do before rejoining my organization. Now... when I join, you will not call me Madara, am I clear?"

"Yes, but what do I address you then?"

"You will call me Tobi, and act like you've never met me before." he said.

"Sounds easy enough."

"Good, now... we're far enough."

He then came to a stop and turned to face me. All of a sudden his eye turned into the Mangekyou Sharingan and sucked me up into his eye. I was now standing on a square platform and everything looked like a dimension of nothingness. After a few seconds, I was pulled out of that weird place and now stood in what looked like an office in a cave. I looked behind me and there sat an orange hair male with many piercings and a blue haired women.

"So this is Satoshi Hatake?" the orange hair male said.

"Yes, now get him situated. I want him to start as soon as possible." Madara said.

"As you wish Madara-sama."

Once he got confirmation, Madara had left, leaving me with the two strangers.

"My name is Pein... but you will address me as Leader-sama. The one next to me is named Konan." he greeted.

I nodded my head as he continued to speak.

"Here is your cloak and your ring. Konan will introduce you to the other members here."

I put the cloak on and l looked at the ring I would be wearing. It was the kanji word for blood. I put it onto my left index finger and followed Konan. She rounded all the members there as she pointed at each member.

"This is Kakuzu, Kisame, Itachi, and Zetsu. Of course you already know Sasori." she said.

"Another member joining at a young age? Must have potential." Kakuzu said.

"Hm, he does... now, Kakuzu, Satoshi will be your temporary partner for now." she said.

"Don't get in my way kid." he grunted.

"I won't if you don't get in mine." I retorted.

He narrowed his eyes at me as Konan signaled me to follow her. She had shown me around the place and the room I will be staying in. For now I was to have my own room until they find a partner for me. Konan then left me to let me settle in and I sat on my bed and ran my fingers through my hair.

'Let the hatred begin...'