Author's note: Thank you to everyone who reviewed, favorited, and followed the story! I really appreciate it! This chapter and the next are going to be slightly different. The Leaf is seen as having kind shinobi while the Mist has a reputation for being ruthless, Bloody Mist. So this chapter will include more of Shisui/Leaf (Light) and the next will be Manami/Mist (Dark), instead of interactions between the two. Please review and let me know what you think! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. I own Manami Terumi.


Light

Without a doubt, Konoha was the village filled with the most light out of the five great nations. It was a fact that Manami never failed to remind Shisui whenever she saw him, which was becoming increasingly common.

Shisui had always responded with a smile and a cheerful, "Of course! I'm here!" which caused Manami to playfully roll her eyes.

However, now as Shisui laid out on the grass with Manami hundreds of miles away from him, he carefully contemplated the meaning of her words.

Literally, the Leaf was filled with light. Though he made sure to differentiate between light and heat. If he was thinking about heat, Sunagakure would inevitably win that title. Though Shisui was sure heat was not what Manami was talking about.

As Shisui laid on his back staring at the clear blue sky, he deeply inhaled the crisp spring air. All around him, life exploded in the form of plants, animals, and people. Everyday, the Leaf was growing, improving, solidifying alliances with clans as well as other hidden villages.

Shisui also noted that there was a lot of light in the village, most days were sunny and bright, even during the colder months. A unique characteristic of his beloved village that Shisui knew Manami was not so secretly jealous of.

He certainly was thinking about her more than often today as he recalled a conversation they had the first time she returned since the alliance between the two villages was finalized.

"You know, you're so lucky to be able to call this village your home." She had said, they were sitting on top of Hokage Mountain watching the sunset.

Shisui hummed in agreement, onyx eyes remained focused on the setting sun in front of them.

Manami turned to face him entirely, "I mean it Shisui. There's something about the Hidden Leaf village that is just so different from any of the other villages. Everything here is just so kind and warm and noble. You're dedication to your comrades is truly an amazing quality." She mumbled the last part quietly, undoubtedly thinking about her own village and how its morals belief sharply contrast his village's morals.

"Being in Konoha," She barely spoke above a whisper now and Shisui had to lean closer to hear her clearly, "Only strengthens my determination to reform Kiri and restore it back its former glory, where all Mist shinobi will value their comrades like they once did before Lord Yagura's reign." She said with determination blazing in her eyes.

Shisui smiled softly at her, "You will. I know you can do it."

Thinking back to that conversation, Shisui found himself smiling like a fool. So little time had passed since they had that conversation but the Fifth Mizukage, Manami, and the other Mist shinobi had made such progress that it was astounding. Staring up at the sky, he made a vow that as long as Manami worked hard to restore peace and light in Kirigakure, he would work just as hard to maintain peace and light in Konohagakure.


Author's note: This was a hard chapter for me to write for some reason but it must be written. I know it might not be the best but I hope you like it. Sorry for the long wait, thank you for reading and please review!