Two and a half months seemed to go by in a blur. Thanks to the help of the many skillful ninja and villagers, the reconstruction of Konoha is making headway. The Hokage residence, along with the majority of the clan's quarters have already been reestablished. The academy, as well as the majority of the shops have been rebuilt and so has many of the villager's residences. Everyone has worked tirelessly to make Konoha home again.
During this whole process I have been working alongside Lady Tsunade to come up with a solid plan to defeat the Akatsuki. With great reservation, she and many of the council have decided that it's time to be in contact with the fellow surrounding nations. What happened to Konahagakure could easily happen to others. It's time for everyone to pull together. The Sand is already our ally and now the Hokage is preparing to make contact with the Raikage. Having the Sand and Lightning at our sides, the other lands were sure to follow. Unfortunately, the Land of Lightning had already been in contact with our Hokage. They intend to take out a serious threat who stems from our village. This serious threat also happens to be someone I hold dear.
"Are you listening, Shikara?" Lady Tsunade asked.
My head hung low as I tried to process the information. My voice a whisper as I struggled to respond. "The Raikage wishes to dispose of Sasuke...?"
"That's right," she gently confirmed.
A sigh left me. "And it will be discussed further at the Kage Summit?"
Her eyelids drooped a little, knowing there were many who still care for Sasuke, despite continuing his criminal path. "Because of his affiliation with the Akatsuki, he has opened communications between our lands."
I stared at Lady Tsunade for a moment, eyes narrowing with slight irritation. "You mean the Lightning believes us to be incompetent and irresponsible for not capturing Sasuke and dealing with him ourselves, therefore, they feel the need to step in and correct our negligence." I tilted my head in thought. "That doesn't sound like a good start to an alliance."
Lady Tsunade exchanged glances with her assistant, Shizune. The situation has become more difficult the more it's discussed. The truth is we would have to deal with Sasuke ourselves in order to regain even a sliver of respect from the Raikage, if there was a sliver to be had from the get-go. No one knew where to start looking and most of the shinobi of our village were incredibly busy. Apparently, Sakura had already tried to take Sasuke out herself around the time Sasuke rid this world of Danzo. It didn't go well.
"Well..." I placed a hand on my forehead to try to relieve myself of the headache forming. "I can't say it will be easy...but I'd like to try to find him myself and speak with him before someone like the Raikage has his way."
"You've only just started using the Sage Mode. You could be putting yourself in danger, so I decline." Lady Tsunade said firmly.
"Sasuke is like a brother to me...is a brother to me." I knelt down before the Hokage. "Please allow me to at least try before I'm faced with something far worse. This could be a good opportunity for me to practice."
"As my right hand, I need you here while I'm away, to protect this village and it's people."
A sigh left me. The Hokage was not going to budge despite how close we've become. She could do me no favors, she didn't have the man power right now to give any. I had to bite my tongue for now and accept things as they are. "As you wish."
Lady Tsunade placed a hand on my shoulder. "Rise, Shikara." I did and looked to her solemnly. She gave a reassuring smile. "I'll do my best to persuade the Raikage to spare him, or at least buy us time."
I blinked and tried to hide my doubts. "Thank you, Lady Hokage."
She turned and paced towards her desk, resting a hand on some documents. "These here are missions for those who will be returning soon. When they've rested, please assign them accordingly. It's time for me to ready myself for the summit." Her eyes met mine again, she seemed uneasy. "Please...take care of everyone for me."
I bowed. "My lady, rest assured the people are in good hands." I looked up again with confidence, "plus, I have a pair of talented, powerful shinobi at my sides."
Tsunade chuckled, "this is why I'm leaving you in charge in my absence. There isn't a single shinobi in this village who wouldn't have your back and I know the feeling is mutual." She stepped towards me, "you've done well to regain the trust the people have for the Uchihas."
A small, cleaver smile spread across my lips. "They did this on their own, my lady, I had very little hand in their accomplishments."
She placed a hand on my shoulder again, approval emitted from her eyes. "I'll return soon before this so-called Madara returns."
"Yes my lady, I look forward to your return."
"Until then." Lady Tsunade excused herself from the office to prepare for her trip. Shizune gave a nod before disappearing with lady Hokage.
When the door shut behind them I let out another sigh. "I'll do my best." But first, I must clear my mind. My gaze fell upon the Hokage's desk. Paperwork and applying assignments were not my thing. Luckily lady Tsunade never left massive loads of documents and paperwork to be completed. There was just a small insignificant stack to be finished throughout the week. She is truly amazing that way. I'll step out for now and return with a clear head.
Having a breath of fresh air didn't rid my ailments as I walked through the bustling main road. What if Lady Tsunade can't convince the Raikage to turn a blind eye? What if he chooses to kill Sasu-kun? These thoughts continued to haunt me as I turned towards the ramen stand. Soon my senses were over-come my the inviting aroma and my feet froze in place. How long has it been since I've eaten? The rumble in my stomach caused mass discomfort. My mouth began to water just by the thought of the many ingredients of an ultimate ramen.The fresh hand-made noodles, the warm soothing chicken broth, the uzumaki, the hard boiled eggs, the garlic, ginger, shiitake mushrooms and the succulent chicken. A blush tickled my cheeks as the rumbling grew louder, my insides protested against me taking another fleeting step.
"My dear, you look famished."
I jumped to the sound of my husband's deep voice and made a swift turn before bowing. "Shisui-sama!" My blush deepened with embarrassment. I had been avoiding him for the past few weeks.
His eyebrow arched in amusement, a slight smirk curled upwards. "Have I startled you?" His eyes narrowed causing a spark to run through my spine.
"No!" I chimed, fully straightening my posture. "I just..." I'm at a loss for words.
Shisui-sama and my half self, Angel, never joined together in the sacred ritual of marital sexy time and it's caused my whole self to have strange mixed feelings towards him. That entire time there was nothing more than sweet kisses and a warm hug from time to time, which caused much frustration to build up. Part of me wanted to jump on him and the other wanted to turn and run. He had been entirely serious about his vows when it came to loving and being loyal to me -all of me- and had no intention to fully take me as his until I myself was whole. I've been fully myself for quite some time now, however with there being pressing matters at hand, I not only have avoided him but also Itachi-sama.
He leaned towards me with those deep, gorgeous dark eyes, peering into my soul. "I haven't seen much of you lately. I figured I could treat you to some ramen, while I have the chance..." he guided a hand toward Ichiraku, "if you'll allow."
I fidgeted before exposing a forced, shy smile. "O-of course I will..."
He rolled his eyes, placing an arm around my shoulders and guided me in. "That's good, I was beginning to think you've been avoiding me."
We took our seats and while I eyeballed the menu I curiously asked, "oh? What makes you think that?" I could see the returning smirk from the corner of my eye as Shisui observed my dismissive behavior for the subject.
He propped his head up, elbow planted on the countertop, leering at me. "There is one thing."
My eyes scanned to meet his own. "What is it?"
"Ever since you've mastered Sage mode, you've been absent. Why is that?"
I spared another reassuring smile. "I've been busy."
His eyes narrowed further. If I wasn't so hellbent on not showing how nervous I felt I would have shrunk back in shame. Shisui sighed after a moment before tilting his head in a sweet, innocent kind of way. "I'd like to see more of you. Things haven't been the same without my beautiful bride around to liven things up." His eyes turned to the counter top and his voice became hushed. "Maybe I'm to blame, though."
I blinked in confusion just as our favorite shop owner came to take our order. After making our choices and were no longer within earshot I turned my gaze back to my sweet husband. It's true that Angel hadn't felt that she was good enough for him alone because he refused to seal the deal, so to speak, however it didn't effect how I felt for him now. "Shisui-sensei?"
His eyes widened before he turned to face me fully. He's so boyishly handsome, it's hard not to melt under his gaze, especially when it's full of excitement from such a simple title.
I had to clear my throat to gain control of myself. Again, I wanted to pounce him right here but this is a public place and it would be insanely indecent. Especially for a Sage. "My absence is not your fault...at least not entirely..."
His eyebrow arched again. "Not entirely?" He repeated.
I felt my face growing hot. "It's true...I've been busy, though I no longer run with my old team, I've been training and preparing for the Hokage's departure...amongst other things..."
"Such as?" He pressed.
"Such as an approaching danger, of course."
"Yes, that is troublesome," Shisui sighed. "And what about the part where I'm at fault?"
I shifted uncomfortably on the stool. "Well..." it's hard to find the right words, "I just struggle because we haven't..." I sighed in defeat. This subject is difficult to address in such a public area.
A low chuckle escaped from the sexy man at my side. I eyed him curiously. He seemed amused by my torment. "Shikara..." there was a twinkle in his eyes as he spoke my name, "why don't you come home with me tonight? Leave the Hokage's work for just tonight."
My face became hot again as our ramen finally found it's place before us. I quickly marvled at the smell and display before locking eyes with Shisui again. "Let's eat!" I declared with a large grin.
"Don't think you can dodge the subject afterwards." The smirk returned to his lips and he gave a wink before turning his attention to the large bowl in front of him. Of course I didn't think I could dodge this forever. He wouldn't let me if I tried but for now this ramen is calling my name.
As usual for our ramen outings I had to throw the towel half way through the bowl and offered it to Shisui, who of course couldn't refuse. I rested my elbows on the counter and laced my fingers together, then let my chin set on top while observing Shisui. Some thing thankfully never change. A small smile played across my lips. He was the only person who ever seemed to stay the same and it brought me peace.
Shisui sighed happily before pushing the second bowl away and grinned. "As always, it was the best ramen I've ever had."
I covered a giggle with my hand. "You never cease to amaze me, Shisui-sama."
"Oh?" He questioned teasingly, "says the woman who seems to have no limits."
I blinked to hide my amusement, "I have had many limitations throughout my life, being a Sage is no different."
"Limitations you say?" He was earnestly curious by what I meant.
The corners of my mouth turned up. "I'm not immortal, nor all powerful..." my eyelids slightly dropped, remembering moments where I could not stand on my own. "I've been captured, defeated and humbled many times."
Shisui's head tilted, he seemed perplexed as he reached to place a hand on my arm and gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "You're much stronger now and you have many who stand with you."
I beamed a smile. "I know, I'm very blessed this way. I have many strong allies and friends...and above all a very powerful, caring husband...or two." I blushed at the fact.
Shisui raised his hand to lovingly stroke my cheek. His warmth caused me to lean into it. I love his touch and he knows it. "Do you think I'm strong enough to protect you from this so-called Madara?"
The look of doubt seemed to fill his features and it pained me to see it so plainly. Shisui still blames himself for my split in the past and has begun to lack confidence in himself. He's always so encouraging to everyone else but seems to tear himself down. I took his hand into both of mine and raised a brow at him. "Shisui-sensei?" He looked into my eyes again with question. I continued, "You're the strongest man I know. Because of you I never gave up and I couldn't accept my limits, so I always pushed myself further. Don't ever doubt yourself and the strength you have."
He blinked a few times in surprise. Did he not know how much I admire him? Then suddenly, he leaned forward to kiss my forehead and whispered, "thank you."
...
Her words melted his heart of the doubts he had. She was right, he couldn't afford to doubt himself, not when she looks to him for strength and comfort. With Itachi gone many miles away to scout for the Hokage, Shisui is the only one left for a while to support Shikara any way necessary. He couldn't imagine what she must be going through, having to stand in for the Hokage while she's away and knowing that just around the corner is a person who threatens to return and destroy everything she loves if she doesn't submit to his request. The thought alone makes Shisui's blood boil, though he would never show her, fearful it would only add to her stress.
He sighed before giving a slight smile. "Stay with me tonight, Angel."
She seemed a bit reserved before replying. "I have some work to do..."
"Leave it for tomorrow. I'll accompany you and help with anything you need."
She tilted her head. "I'm not sure..."
Shisui took her hand, he didn't want to be alone inside their home again. Instead of rebuilding the entire clan's quarters, they only rebuilt their own home, shared between the three of them. The house is enormous with plenty of rooms and space to get lost in, making it difficult to ignore the loneliness it came with. At least until they chose to have families of their own, god knows how long that could take.
"Please, spare one night, just you and I."
...
