Chapter 2: Part Two
It took him an agonizingly long time to start recovering. His body felt as though it had been shattered into countless pieces, each movement both a struggle and a torment. The absence of his eyes left him in an oppressive darkness, intensifying the sense of helplessness that enveloped him. Yet, through the haze of pain and despair, there was one unwavering light: Her. She was his steadfast companion, refusing to leave his side.
"Would you truly abandon me and our child to face this alone?" she told him while he was refusing to eat. His heart raced, not just from the intensity of her emotions but also from the weight of her words.
"Yes, you heard it right. I am with child, and you, my dear Uchiha, will be a father. So brace yourself!"
A gentle smile broke through the mask of agony on his face, and tears began to well in the corners of his eyes. He could scarcely believe that amidst the chaos of his condition, joy could still pierce through like a ray of sunlight.
Ayumi poured her heart and soul into caring for him with fervent dedication. She was like a nurturing guardian, tirelessly attending to his every need. The aroma of rich, nourishing meals wafted through the air as she prepared food with loving hands, all while secretly ensuring that he received her life-giving blood—a precious lifeline in his dire circumstances.
Each night, when the world outside faded into silence, they would find each other, their bodies instinctively drawing close. As they lay together, wrapped in a cocoon of warmth, they would embrace, their limbs entwined as if they were two halves of a whole. In those quiet moments, the outside world ceased to exist, and their love became a balm for their wounds. If Shisui were to inquire about the current situation in Konoha, Ayumi would likely become overwhelmed with frustration. She would erupt in anger, expressing fervently that they were no longer connected to Konoha and that their focus should solely be on themselves and their child. "Let the others handle it; it's not your responsibility," she would insist, her voice laced with urgency. Shisui would remain silent, fully understanding the depth of her anger. It made complete sense to him; after all, Ayumi loved him deeply, and the weight of his circumstances only compounded her distress.
Shisui felt like a shadow of his former self. Bound by the limitations of his injured body, he found it difficult to move his limbs, his once-cherished eyes taken from him, leaving him in darkness. The thought of not being able to see Ayumi or their child, let alone protect them, filled him with dread. Every night and every morning, she would whisper, "I love you," wrapping around him like a warm embrace, a reminder that he was still cherished, even in his broken state.
They had settled in Yugakure, aptly named the Village of Peace, a place that Ayumi had longed for. Here, they had found a semblance of tranquility that had been elusive in their previous lives. Ayumi poured her passion into her craft, mastering intricate frameworks and needlework. She infused her creations with her spirit, adding stunning water statues and delicate water portraits, which quickly earned her a reputation throughout the village. Her shop blossomed into a beloved destination for villagers and visitors alike, a testament to her talent and hard work.
Shisui cherished these quieter moments shared with Ayumi, often sitting by her side as she read him various books aloud, her voice weaving stories that transported him to faraway worlds. He listened as she played soothing melodies on her musical instrument, the soft notes floating through the air like a gentle breeze. Together, they roamed the lush landscapes of nature, taking in the vibrant colors and tranquil sounds that surrounded them. He often pondered when he last felt this relaxed, this at peace. For so long, his life had been dictated by his duties and the tumult of his past—Konoha, Itachi, the clan, and Danzo had all consumed him. Yet now, all of that seemed distant; his time in those tumultuous circumstances had come to an end, and he had played his part.
As months slipped by seamlessly, the couple found immense joy in the arrival of their two little twin boys, who filled their lives with laughter and love. Their presence was a reminder of the happiness and hope they had fought so hard to grasp. In a moment of sheer bliss, Shisui proposed to Ayumi, capturing the essence of their bond in a simple yet profound gesture. They exchanged rings; one that Ayumi wore was crafted from precious water, symbolic of their life together, while the other, steeped in Shisui's family legacy, represented the strength of his ancestors. In that moment, surrounded by the tranquility of their new life, they felt as if they had finally carved out a place in the world just for themselves.
__II__
Despite the idyllic life they led, a lingering sense of hate and displeasure clung to her like a shadow. They were all four living independently, cocooned in their own little world, untouched by the chaos that existed beyond their intimate bubble. In their sanctuary, it seemed as though nothing mattered except for each other and their family; there were no clans, no obligations, and no external pressures — just an existence defined solely by their bonds.
Yet, beneath this tranquil surface, it felt as if something was amiss, as if they were merely in a holding pattern, waiting for an inevitable change. The sight of Shisui struck a particularly painful chord within her. Once a fierce and passionate individual, his vibrant personality had been swallowed by a profound silence. Now, he sat before her, blind and still, a shadow of his former self. The fire that once burned within him had been extinguished, leaving behind an unsettling calmness.
He had transformed into someone oddly serene and gentle; while there was a hint of happiness about him, it felt hollow—devoid of the life and enthusiasm that once radiated from his very essence. This happiness felt like a mask, a façade of contentment lacking the depth and passion that was uniquely Shisui. It was a bitter reminder that even in a world meticulously crafted by their ideals, deeper wounds still festered, casting a long shadow over their fleeting happiness.
One day, with no warning, she decided it was time to leave. She didn't utter a single word to him about her destination, but an undeniable urge stirred within her, compelling her onward. Though she maintained her silence, she was acutely aware of the turmoil that swirled around them. The tragic genocide of the Uchiha clan, the painful loss of the Third Hokage, and the ominous threat of the Akatsuki loomed large in her mind. All these events weighed heavily on her, but they seemed trivial compared to her foremost concern: her family.
Shisui was staying with Shino and Rin, and she took solace in knowing the boys were growing up so fast. They were already well on their way to becoming skilled shinobi, absorbing their father's teaching. Watching their laughter and camaraderie was a refreshing for her troubled heart; they were a living reminder of hope and resilience in a world that felt increasingly fragile.
However, as much as she cherished those moments, she couldn't ignore the fact that leaving everything behind felt unjustified. Numerous loose ends from their past still needed to be addressed. Whether it was unresolved conflicts, emotional baggage, or personal obligations, she knew all too well that her departure left many important issues unsettled.
...............................
"Here you are!" she exclaimed, her voice a sharp and sudden interruption as she marched towards the old man who lounged carelessly on a weathered bench. He appeared to be utterly oblivious to her approach, lost in his thoughts .
"Who are you? What the—" he stammered, his confusion evident as he looked up to face her.
Before he could fully register her presence or muster any coherent response, she gripped his arm with fierce determination. His eyes widened, momentarily powerless against her assertiveness. "I knew you would be here, you vile old man," .
"Remember me?" With a swift motion, she removed her hat, allowing her long hair to cascade around her shoulders. Danzo 's eyes widened in shock as he registered her face, a face well known to him who hadn't changed at all after those years , it was just more beautiful.
'' I understand you thought you could just walk away with something that doesn't belong to you," she continued, her voice steady, each word laced with unyielding purpose. "That eye you have? It rightfully belongs to my husband. I've come to reclaim it."' She reached for his eye and took it off quickly, it didn't belong to him, it had to go back to its rightful owner. As she spoke, her voice echoed in the damp, cavernous chamber, the flickering light from the enchanted torches casting eerie shadows across the stone walls. He felt the weight of her words settle heavily on his chest; the reality of his situation was as suffocating as the thick, humid air around him.
"You can't move, not a single muscle," she taunted, her eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and malice. "And the best part? You're invincible. No harm can come to you from outside forces, but inside... that's a different story."
The water monster spell had been woven with intricate precision, a curse of fluidity and despair. Each minute, he could feel a tangible part of himself—his memories, his thoughts—beginning to dissolve and swirl away into an abyss of darkness. It was a creeping sensation, as though tendrils of liquid shadow were wrapping around his limbs, pulling him closer to an unknowable fate.
"You're a clever one, aren't you?" she continued, her voice lilting in a sing-song manner, almost mocking in its familiarity. "But cleverness won't save you now. You have 38 minutes—just enough time to figure yourself out, to piece together the fragments of your mind before they slip away forever. Imagine that! Losing every cherished memory, every secret and regret... all because you couldn't face the truth."
Her laughter lingered in the air, echoing like a haunting melody. "What a poetic end for a dirty old man like you," she finished as a cruel smile was dancing on her lips. And with that, she turned on her heel, disappearing into the shadows, leaving him alone.
__III__
She finished her meticulous task with one eye, savoring the small sense of accomplishment it brought. Now, with only one more left to retrieve, her mind raced with anticipation. She knew exactly where to find the second eye—hidden in plain sight, as it so often was in their quiet world.
No time to waste. She moved with purpose, each step a blend of excitement and determination. The quicker she wrapped this up, the sooner they could shift their focus to what truly mattered. A few moments of diligence, and they'd all be free to embrace the next chapter of their lives.
.............
Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Sasuke Uchiha—found themselves on a mission with their sensei, Kakashi Hatake. The mission was to : investigate rumors of Akatsuki activity near the outskirts of the Fire Country. However, none of them were prepared for what awaited them.
As they approached a serene, forested area, a chill ran down Sasuke's spine. He froze in place, his Sharingan activating instinctively.
"What's wrong, Sasuke?" Naruto asked, noticing his teammate's sudden change in demeanor.
"He's here," Sasuke muttered, his voice laced with anger and dread.
Before anyone could respond, a figure stepped out of the shadows. Dressed in a black cloak adorned with red clouds, his long, jet-black hair framed his pale face. His crimson Sharingan eyes locked onto the group, and the air grew heavy with tension.
"Itachi Uchiha," Kakashi said with a grave voice. He stepped forward protectively, signaling the team to stay on guard. "Stay close and don't act recklessly."
Sasuke's anger erupted like a storm. "Itachi!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the forest. Without hesitation, he charged at his older brother while preparing his chidori.
Itachi stood motionless, his expression calm and detached. With a flick of his wrist, he effortlessly parried Sasuke's attack, sending the younger Uchiha tumbling back.
"You've grown, Sasuke," Itachi said in his cold, measured tone. "But you're still weak."
"Shut up!" Sasuke roared, his Sharingan spinning as he unleashed a barrage of attacks. But Itachi evaded each strike with minimal effort, his movements graceful and precise.
"Naruto, Sakura, stay back!" Kakashi ordered, pulling up his forehead protector to reveal his own Sharingan. "This isn't an opponent you can face head-on."
"But Sasuke—" Naruto began, his fists clenched.
"Trust me," Kakashi interrupted. "Itachi isn't someone you can take lightly."
"Sasuke's our teammate! We can't just watch!"
Meanwhile, Itachi raised his hand, forming a single seal. "Enough," he said, his voice carrying an unyielding authority. Suddenly, the world around Sasuke shifted, plunging him into a nightmarish genjutsu. Crows surrounded him, their cries echoing ominously as Itachi's image loomed over him.
"Sasuke!" Sakura cried out, but Kakashi's hand stopped her from rushing in.
"Don't move," Kakashi warned. "Itachi's genjutsu is unlike anything you've faced before."
The tension in the air gradually eased, giving way to a sense of calm between Itachi and Team 7, who stood on the opposite side of a barrier that had just moments ago separated them.
"Long time no see, Itachi," said a melodic voice that pierced through the silence, accompanied by a light, amused chuckle. "And I must say, I'm genuinely delighted to see you again, Kakashi. You both have grown remarkably handsome; it's truly impressive."
The laughter lingered softly in the air as Kakashi murmured, "Ayumi..." his voice tinged with surprise.
"Who is she, Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Before them stood an enchanting woman, radiating an otherworldly beauty that held their attention captive. Her long, flowing red hair cascaded down her back like molten copper shimmering in the sunlight. Her dark, sweet eyes sparkled with a youthful vigor, while her skin was flawless, exuding a delicate softness that made her appear almost otherworldly. She adorned herself with an array of elegant accessories that caught the light beautifully—a blend of delicate gold and vibrant gemstones that highlighted her grace. A flowing white dress, exquisite in its simplicity, wrapped her figure perfectly, imparting a sense of purity and serene elegance.
"Ayumi Senju," Kakashi said while, a warm smile was illuminating her face. "she disappeared five years ago, and many assumed she was dead. But it seems she simply chose to leave for a while."
As he spoke, her eyes twinkled with a gentle kindness, radiating a sense of peace. "Now, I am Ayumi Uchiha for you all," she continued, lifting her hand to reveal a ring that glimmered on her finger. "I'm happily married now and a proud mother of two. Hehe," she added, her laughter resonating with joy and contentment.
"Married? Wow, that's some significant news!" Kakashi exclaimed. It seemed that his focus was more on this revelation than anything else that had been discussed. "So, are you and Itachi married now? Given that he's one of the last two surviving members of the Uchiha clan!" Ayumi chuckled lightly, rolling her eyes. "Oh, what a dull joke, Kakashi. Of course not! I've been happily married for quite some time now. Itachi is just a friend of Shisui's, which makes him my friend too. Right, Itachi?"
"Long time no see, Ayumi. You still look as stunning as ever," Itachi replied, but her presence had surprised him. He had searched for her all over the country and after all those years here she was unscathed.
Ayumi beamed at the compliment, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Oh, you know I'm a sucker for flattery! Thank you, thank you—heh! But sorry to break up this brotherly reunion." She gestured playfully towards the two Uchiha brothers. "My goodness, Itachi! Your brother has grown so much! He looks just like you, doesn't he?"Itachi fixed his gaze on her. 'So, what brings you here? I think we've had enough of this pretense, haven't we?'
She couldn't help but chuckle softly at his bluntness, though it quickly faded as her expression morphed into something colder, more calculating. This unexpected shift caught Sakura off guard, but Kakashi seemed unfazed, almost as if he had anticipated her reaction.
'I need something that rightfully belongs to me,' she declared. 'You might both think I'm chasing shadows, but I assure you, Shisui is very much alive. We have two sons, you know.It's been years since that terrible incident, and that's precisely why I'm here. I want his eye back. He entrusted it to you, Itachi, so it's only fair that you return it to me.'
__IV__
"I think you should go back, Ayumi. There is no place for you here," He turned his back to her, preparing to walk away, but before he could take another step, Ayumi stepped in front of him, blocking his path.
"It might be true, but that doesn't change my request, does it?" she replied, a smile dancing on her lips as she reached out, attempting to grasp his face tenderly. In an instant, Itachi exploded into a shower of shimmering particles. Of course, it wasn't truly him; it was merely a manifestation of water, a technique she had employed to distract him.
"Come on, Itachi. I want to give that eye to him," she insisted, her tone shifting from playful to earnest. "Then it's for him to decide once more if he wants to give it to you or not."
Itachi remained silent. In a moment of desperation, Ayumi attempted to ensnare him in her Water Prison technique, her brow furrowed in concentration. "I am serious," she pressed, her voice firm.
Yet, despite her efforts, she could not trap him. Itachi felt a lingering resistance within himself, straining against the urge to fight back. Deep inside, he recognized this moment as a promise made long ago to a dear friend."I need to go now, Ayumi. I have no time for games," Itachi 's frustration was palpable as he turned to Kisame. "Let's go." But as he attempted to stride away, an invisible force held him in place, rendering his body immobile. The unsettling reality dawned on them: nobody could move.
Ayumi stepped forward, a smirk dancing on her lips, her eyes glinting with triumph. "Well, well, I've got you now. Not for long, mind you, but just long enough to get what I need." Her malicious grin sent chills through the air.
"What happened?" Naruto blurted out, the question echoing the confusion of everyone present.
Ignoring Naruto, Ayumi glided closer to Itachi, who, despite his formidable power, found himself utterly helpless; even his Sharingan was ineffectual against whatever bind had been placed upon him. She leaned in, a provocative glimmer in her eyes, and kissed him with a fervor that was both unexpected and intense. The contact sent a rush of energy between them, and in that brief moment of intimacy, Itachi felt the weight of her intent.
As their lips met, Ayumi harnessed an insight into his psyche, precisely locating the hidden secret she sought. Pulling away, she looked into his eyes, her voice a whisper filled with a mocking sense of victory. "Now my job here is done. I must admit, I can never truly win against you. But I've profited from the fact that you were unaware of my little trick. So, I believe I win this time."
She reached into her pocket and produced a small, intricately designed red bottle. Holding it up for Itachi to see, she continued, "I'll be sure to tell Shisui you said hello. And you can keep this." She paused, a glimmer of sincerity piercing through her playful demeanor. "It will help you—drink it when you feel at your worst. Now, act as if you never met me," she commanded with a sly smile, her presence beginning to dissipate into the shadows from which she had emerged.
__VI__
As she had mentioned, it took them only two minutes to regain their composure after the unexpected turn of events. What had transpired was peculiar, yet in contrast to the others, Kakashi and Itachi were not entirely taken aback. Ayumi had always been an enigma to them. On the surface, she appeared fragile, but her true capabilities remained a mystery, shrouded in secrecy.
"She used her blood as a trap," Kakashi explained. "Essentially, Ayumi has the unique ability to control water without the need to infuse any chakra into it. This isn't something learned or cultivated; she was born with this gift. Depending on the situation, any part of her can transform into water, allowing her to manipulate it freely. In this case, she used her blood to ensnare us." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "Her blood is said to possess healing properties or even poisonous effects, depending on the intent of its wielder. This information was once classified, known only to a select few."
"It seems you can indeed say that," Itachi replied. "She took full advantage of the surprise value that her sudden appearance created." With that, he turned away, his presence fading entirely as he and Kisame disappeared.
Sakura, filled with curiosity, turned to Kakashi . "Sensei, who is she?"
Kakashi hesitated for a moment. "She is the great-granddaughter of the Second Hokage and the beloved of Shisui Uchiha, a true prodigy in his own right."
Sasuke's expression shifted to one of disbelief. "Shisui's lover?"
"Yes," Kakashi nodded . "Her abilities were of great interest to the village in the early days, especially given her potential. However, she chose not to pursue the path of a ninja. Her only desire was to be Shisui's wife. Tragically, he died many years ago, or at least that's what we've been led to believe. The truth of his fate remains a mystery. Now, we must return to report this incident and gather more information."