Author's note: I have a horrible habit of starting new things before finishing old ones, but I've been in such funk that everytime I try to write something, I just end up staring at the screen for hours. Instead of writing a multi-chapter story or a long oneshot, I am forcing myself to limit each chapter to a maximum of 1,000 words. I was inspired by Criala's drabbles about Shisui and am using the same version of the 100 Theme Challenge she is using. ShisuixOC drabble with the OC from Kirigakure, I'll try my best to correlate each chapter but no promises. Non-massacure, Shisui is 17 years old and Manami is 15 years old. Hopefully, this will get the creative juices flowing! Please enjoy and review!
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. I own Manami Terumi.
1. Introduction
The Third Hokage blew out a puff of smoke from his pipe as he carefully scrutinized the Mist kunoichi in front of him. Beside him, Ibiki Morino and Inoichi Yamanaka glared disapprovingly at the young girl, both considered this meeting a complete waste of time.
The Mist kunoichi kept her head bowed as she waited for Lord Hokage's response. Though it was clear Morino and Yamanaka distrusted the Mist, Manami Terumi knew the Hokage was seriously considering her aunt's proposal despite the Mist's previous bloody and strained relationship with the Leaf.
After a few more minutes, Lord Hokage cleared his head, causing Manami to raise her head in anticipation.
"So, the Fourth Mizukage's bloody reign is finally over, I see." Lord Hokage spoke in his raspy voice.
Manami bowed her head and responded, "Yes, the assassination attempt executed by Kirigakure's elite ANBU and jonin squad was a success. His successor is Mei Terumi, who along with the majority of Mist shinobi and civilians are determined to do whatever it takes to move forward from the Bloody Mist era."
The next person who spoke up was not the Hokage but the head of Konoha's Torture and Interrogation Unit, Ibiki Morino. "So, now that the previous Mizukage is dead, you expect everyone is forget about the bloody, despotic reign of terror and death he created?"
Manami continued staring at the hardwood floor, she had been expecting this, "Of course not. The Mist fully takes responsibility for its previous actions and will utilize every resource we have to atone for our mistakes. We know it will take time for other villages to trust us, and Kirigakure is undergoing internal reforms as we speak, but I hope as the Mist begins to heal itself, it can also heal relations with others as well." She responded.
Silence followed her response and Manami steeled herself, preparing for an intense interrogation. However she was caught off guard by the Hokage's next question, "The new Mizukage, she is your aunt, is she not?"
"Yes, she is." Manami responded even though she knew the Hokage was already of that.
He let out a long sigh before responding, "Very well. As the Third Hokage I accept the Fifth Mizukage's request to form an alliance between the Leaf and the Mist village. However, according to your report, it seems your village is still in the process of reorganizing and rewriting its policies, so I will hold off any military intervention until the Mist is stable."
Manami was surprised he had agreed so easily but she knew his response was more than generous. It was true that certain areas in the Hidden Mist remained volatile and unstable, so it was understandable that he would hesitate to send his own shinobi there. Thankfully, the Mist possessed many capable shinobi that had already been dispatched to handle the dissenters in those areas.
She bowed her head lower to express her gratitude, "Thank you so much, Lord Hokage. On behalf of the Fifth Mizukage, and the people of the Hidden Mist, I cannot put into words how much this opportunity to clear our name and rebuild our reputation means to us." She spoke with great sincerity. When she first arrived in the village, she was certain the Hokage would reject her aunt's request but as the hours ticked by, she allowed herself a tiny sliver of hope that he would accept despite Kirigakure's bloody history.
Lord Hokage nodded in response, but Manami could see the looks of distrust and suspicion plastered on Ibiki Morino and Inoichi Yamanaka faces. Manami suppressed a sigh, she could only hope that with time, the Mist would be able to gain their trust.
Lord Hokage cleared his throat, "That settles the matter at hand. Now, will you need a place to stay for the night?"
Startled, she was suddenly aware that she had spend the better part of the day pleading with the Hokage for an alliance with the Mist. However, what really shocked Mariko was the Hokage's generosity, and she was very touched that he would allow her to spend a night in his village despite many considering her to be a threat. It only deepened her conviction that Lord Hokage was serious about improving relations with the Mist and she made it her person mission to ensure his kindness would not go unrepaid.
However, she knew she would have to report back to her aunt as soon as possible and it was a long way back to Kirigakure. Bowing her head in gratitude she responded, "Thank you for the offer Lord Hokage, but I must report back to Lady Mizukage."
Lord Hokage nodded, "I see then. I look forward to further improving the relationship between our two villages. Please allow one of my shinobi to escort you to the village gates, Shisui!"
In less than a second, a young man about a few years older than her appeared, dressed in a standard Leaf shinobi uniform. Immediately, Manami knew he was an Uchiha, more specifically the Uchiha that had scared off Ao and his team during the Bloody Mist era. So this is Shisui of the Body Flicker, she thought as she stared at the man with red eyes. The infamous Sharingan, she noted.
With one final nod from the Hokage, Manami bowed one last time before turning to follow the Uchiha out of the Hokage's office.
As the duo walked out the building and through the streets of Konoha, Manami noticed how alive the village was. The streets were overflowing with people smiling, talking, laughing. Kids chasing each other, others sitting on the grass, some finishing up training, and others were out shopping. Seeing such a lively atmosphere brought warmth to Manami and further intensified her resolve to improve the Hidden Mist so that one day, future generations could be as happy as the people in the Leaf appeared to be.
As Manami took in her surroundings, she almost forgot about the Uchiha walking by her side until he spoke up, "I wonder what it would be like to kiss someone who had jagged, shark-like teeth."
The comment was so random that Manami nearly tripped over her own feet, which caused Shisui to let out a loud laugh. Manami felt her eyes widen, he was not what she expected and certainly nothing like the other Uchihas she had previously encountered.
Still frozen, Manami could only mutter a quiet, "What?"
Seeing her state of shock, Shisui flashed her an easy lopsided grin before motioning her to keep walking. After a couple feet, Shisui said in an easy going tone, "It's just Kirigakure is home to the infamous Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist right? Well, don't all the members have jagged, shark-like teeth?" Shisui questioned, "I imagine they must like or have significant others, which means kissing would be involved. Though how it feels is completely beyond my knowledge." He finished, crossing his arms with a thoughtful look on his face.
Manami gaped at the Uchiha next to her, before recovering her senses, "To be honest, I've never really thought of that but now that our villages are allies, I could ask one of the Swordsmen to come and you could experience it for yourself." She offered with a teasing glint in her eyes.
At that comment it was Shisui's turned to freeze, color completely draining from his face as he hastily responded, "No no no. It was just a thought I swear. I'll do anything but that." He said with a horror filled expression while frantically waving his arms around to emphasize his point.
Manami let out a soft laugh at the sight of the almighty Uchiha in a state of distress, before gently putting a hand on his shoulder, "Relax, I was just kidding." She said before coming to a stop. They had arrived at the village gates.
Shisui let out a massive sigh of relief, muttering an unconvincing, "Yeah I knew that." Which earned him another chuckle from the Mist ninja.
Manami was alarmed at how comfortable she felt with Shisui, and knew she could keep talking to him all day but she had to report back to her aunt. The sky was turning dark and she could begin to see the first stars appear. Around them, street lights flickered on, illuminating the village streets. Turning towards him, she said "Thank you for walking me to the village gates, I hope you find the answer to your shark kissing question."
Shisui gave her another one of his effortless grins, and said "Actually, maybe it's best if I don't know."
She nodded in agreement before giving him a final wave, preparing for the long journey home when his voice stopped her. Standing before, his face softly illuminated by the street lights, he spoke, all sense of humor gone from his voice, "I know this is a bit random, but I just want you to know that I think this forming alliance between the Mist and the Leaf is a good step for both villages and will positively impact both villages. I know it sounds strange, but I'm glad that the Fourth Mizukage is dead, for both our villages sake."
She smiled softly, "Thank you, truly. I know a lot of people in the Leaf are opposed to this alliance and for good reason, but it gives me a great sense of hope that there are people willing to out the past behind them for the sake of the future. Thank you for supporting this Mist's reform."
Exchanging one last look with Shisui, she turned and disappeared into the dense trees, heading full speed towards the Mist.
Shisui stood at the gates until he could no longer sense her chakra, before turning to walk back to the Uchiha district.
Author's note: Okay so this was more than a thousand words, but it was meant to set the scene in a way. I've linked the version of the challenge I am using in my profile if anyone is interested. Please let me know what you think of the story by reviewing!