The following day every single hero was called for an emergency meeting at the guild. Everyone was wondering just what the heck was going on and why there were all called here at the crack of dawn.
Wilmarina, sat on her chair that overlooked the table and with a sad sigh, announced to the entire guild that Vermut has been missing since last night. The entire room gasped in disbelief.
"What? But how?" Shisui asked.
"I don't know Sir Shisui. But a search for Lady Vermut is already underway and posters have been placed around Lescatie to reward anyone who has information on where her whereabouts are." Wilmarina answered Shisui.
"Still...that doesn't make sense. How could she just vanish into thin air when she was last reported inside Lescatie?" Shisui asked.
"I wish I knew Sir Shisui. (Sigh)" Wilmarina said.
"Lady Wilmarina, if I may ask, will the Heroes Ball still be taking place?" Luciana asked.
"Yes it will Luciana. I know to some of you it may seem inappropriate given the current circumstances of Lady Vermut's disappearance, but I feel it is necessary for it since it will raise morale and spirits of both the heroes and citizens of Lescatie." Wilmarina explained.
"I see. Thank you Lady Wilmarina." Luciana said.
"Now...does anyone else have any questions?" Wilmarina asked.
The entire room remained quiet, which was a sign that everyone was content.
"Alright then, this session is dismissed. Good day to you all." Wilmarina announced as she departed the room, with the other heroes following suit.
Shisui exited the room with Sasha, and until the exited the building each remained silent.
"Sasha...I'm sorry." Shisui apologised, which bewildered Sasha.
"What are you apologising for Shisui?" Sasha asked the young Uchiha.
"That I...couldn't save Vermut." Shisui said in a sombre tone.
"Why are you blaming yourself for her disappearance? It was out of your power Shisui. It was not your fault." Sasha told him
"It was...I made a promise when I became a hero that I would protect those close to me... yet I failed to protect Marisa...allowed Priemra to get injured and now...Vermut is gone. If I cannot save one person, what kind of hero am I?" Shisui asked Sasha.
Sasha pulled Shisui into a sisterly hug to ease his mind.
"Shisui, you cannot blame every bad situation in life upon yourself. In life bad things will happen to good people and if you always try to pin the reason for their misfortune on yourself the guilt will crush you." Sasha advised Shisui.
Shisui allowed Sasha's words to sink in. It was undeniable that she made a valid point.
"Are you saying that...I must not hold myself at fault if a friend is harmed?" Shisui asked.
"No, quite the opposite actually. What I mean is that when a friend has suffered or is suffering, be the pillar to raise them up and support them in their time of need. I've noticed that while you always strive to be that pillar for others, your pillar has no support for if it gets damaged. What I'm saying Shisui is that there will be times when life will crush you to such a point that you cannot hold it off the boulder that is life by yourself. In life you will need the support of others to help you." Sasha told Shisui.
"I see...thank you...Sasha."
"It is my pleasure Shisui. Do you want to come with me to the Orphanage? Jennifer is eagerly looking forward to seeing you again." Sasha offered.
"Sure, I'd love to." Shisui answered.
"Lovely! Also I have a surprise waiting for you there." Sasha said with a wink as she and Shisui began walking towards the Orphanage.
Shisui followed Sasha to the Orphanage, just what did she have planned for him he wondered. As they neared the orphanage Sasha placed her hands over Shisui's eyes.
"Hey. What the-"
"It's to not spoil the surprise." Sasha whispered into Shisui's ear as they approached the Orphanage.
"Here it is Shisui." Sasha announced as they finally stopped walking and she took her hands away from his eyes.
"Happy Birthday Shisui!" All of the children in the orphanage screamed in joy as they surrounded a large cake with two numbered candles on top that were made to look like the number sixteen.
"Oh yeah I forgot, today is my birthday." Shisui sheepishly said.
"Mr Shisui! How you forget your own birthday!?" Jennifer scolded Shisui as she held her hands by her hips.
"I'm sorry Jennifer. I had a lot on my mind these last few days." Shisui sheepishly tried to explain himself
"Happy birthday...Shisui." A new voice called out, which sounded like...
"Primera!" Shisui called out in shock. The green haired half Elf was looking much better today and to Shisui's delight she was smiling. Something about Primera's attire was off to Shisui, the shoulder pad she usually wore on her right shoulder was now on her left shoulder. Shisui brushed aside the thought as a trivial one and jovially greeted the half elf girl.
"If you're sixteen now, that means you three years older than me." Primera commented.
"Wow really? That's awesome." Shisui replied.
(While Shisui and the orphanage children were preparing to celebrate the young Uchiha's 16th birthday part, back in Shisui's world a certain someone was already putting his chess pieces in place...)
(Meanwhile in the Hidden Rain Village...)
Two men walked through the corridor of a cold metallic building. The windows outside showed a gloomy grey sky with rain that poured onto the village below.
"Jashin...Why did you bring me back here...?" The first man asked.
"For many reasons, my dear Nagato. First is because this is your home, the village Hidden in the Rain, so it would be symbolic that you return here after your rebirth." Jashin explained to Nagato, as they continued walking.
"In case you are wondering, we are heading to your secret room where you stored all the bodies of the six paths. Unfortunately all of the path's bodies were unable to be recovered, except for that of the Deva Path, which was successfully preserved by the white masked individual you fought a while back. His name is Nullus, and he was the one who spearheaded the plan to revive you. " Jashin added.
Nagato listened with rapt attention, why Jashin went out of his way to revive him was raising too many red flags for his liking. And why did this Nullus individual want to revive him when he personally killed his comrade Konan?
"Why?" Nagato asked, wanting answers.
"You see Nullus is a lot like you Nagato. He told me personally that you and him are almost alike and like you has seen this world for what it truly is, a rotten apple to be discarded of. Believe it or not Nullus views you as a major inspiration for his world views, you could say that you are his idol." Jashin explained.
Nagato again listened attentively.
"Hmpf. I am flattered. Tell me more about this Nullus." Nagato asked.
"I would love too. But I feel that Nullus would do a better job at explaining it himself and unfortunately he is currently on a mission." Jashin casually answered as he and Nagato arrived at a large metal door.
Jashin knocked on the large metal door, and a soft "coming" could be heard from the other side as the door was opened by a woman with long white hair the reached her hips and wearing the standard kimono of the Kaguya Clan.
"Yamikura, this is Nagato. Yamikura, this is Nullus." Jashin introduced the two.
"Yamikura, a pleasure to meet you." Nagato said.
"A pleasure to meet you as well...Nagato." Yamikura introduced herself.
"What are you doing in my lair?" Nagato asked harshly.
"Please calm down Nagato. Yamikura is one of the brightest minds of the Kaguya clan, and their third strongest member after Kimimaro and the clan leader Yoshanai." Jashin explained.
This explanation did somewhat manage to calm down Nagato a bit, although his facial expression was this still that of disgust at some lowlife desecration his sacred holy chamber.
"Nagato-san. Do you remember Konan?" Yamikura asked Nagato.
"My former comrade who was murdered? Yes I do. What of her?" Nagato asked.
"Please follow me, I have something to show you." Yamikura announced in a deadpan voice as she led Nagato to one of the pods. Upon reaching said pod she opened it to reveal the still intact but lifeless body of Konan.
"What? But how did you?"
"Konan while dead would still be useful for our plans. Hence why I ordered Nullus to bring her body here to preserve it for future use as another body for your paths." Jashin explained.
"What are you saying? That I convert her body to one of the six paths of Pain?" Nagato asked, suspicious of Jashin's intentions.
"Precisely Nagato. It would be rather symbolic don't you think? The bodies of your dead to help you achieve your vision of world peace from beyond the grave." Jashin stated.
Nagato nodded in agreement. There was truth in Jashin's words.
"But what is your end goal Jashin? Surely you did not revive and restore me to full health just because you were feeling remorseful." Nagato asked him.
"You are most correct Nagato. There were ulterior motives for me reviving you, but not for the reasons you think. I revived you because truth be told, I actually sympathise with your cause and beliefs. And also...because you and I have a common enemy." Jashin stated.
"A common enemy? In who?" Nagato asked him.
"The Chief God, a.k.a the being that was instrumental for your world and especially the Hidden Rain Village for being so miserable. Her justification for causing unparalleled suffering on humans is to ensure a Yin Yang balanced is ensued. It is rather ironic she calls me a monster when she is no different from me." Jashin commented.
Nagato's mind was in overdrive...was this really the cause of all his pain and suffering his whole life...was his hatred misplaced? To many questions swirled in his mind and he did not know where to start.
"Tell me...more." Nagato requested in a low tone.
Jashin smirked, all his plans were neatly coming together and soon both the Chief God and Lilith will be in for a world of shock.
A few hours passed and Jashin had finally finished explaining the history of the Chief God and monsters to Nagato, and just as anticipated, Nagato was brimming with anger.
"...And that is why I want you to join me. As your beliefs are the only way to ensure a long lasting peace is insured." Jashin finished.
"Now then...the time to reintroduce Pain to the world is overdue...don't you agree?" Jashin asked Nagato as the pod behind him holding the Deva Path opened.
"Yes...I will show all of them...Lilith...the Chief God...they shall know true pain." Nagato darkly commented.
Jashin chuckled. "Excellent. In a few days we shall begin our invasion of heaven. I recommend preparing and gathering what's left of the Akatsuki." Jashin advised.
"And what about Hanzo? Is he still not alive?" Nagato asked him.
"Oh he is. But I ask you not kill him yet as he is still needed for our plans. Once we have successfully invaded Heaven and killed the Chief God then you may dispose of him as you please." Jashin answered Nagato.
"Understood." Nagato replied.
"I shall give you time to adjust your new repaired legs Nagato. I know that years of being stuck to that machine draining you of your chakra left you severly emancipated. Before I go I suggest you take this." Jashin advised Nagato as he handed Nagato a ring. Upon inspecting it Nagato quickly realised that it was the Akatsuki ring that the Deva Path had wore.
"My time here is done for the time being. Yamikura will be your assistant for the time being and please do take care Nagato, for I shall be departing to Yugakure, the Village Hidden in Hot Water as one of my scouts has informed me that a pubescent boy wants to become my follower and receive my blessing." Jashin told Nagato as he teleported away.
(Meanwhile in the Hidden Mist Village...)
The masked man who called himself Madara Uchiha stood upon a rooftop. Gone was his orange spiral mask and Akatsuki cloak, which he replaced with a white mask that resembled the Rinnegan and had two holes for both eyes instead of one. He know wore a cloak reminiscent of the ones the Uchiha wore during the warring states period.
Obito's mind: (What am I really striving for? All my life...was it all just a lie? Was I nothing but a pawn in Madara's plans?)
Obito felt a mixture of sorrow and anger, but also numbness. So lost was he in his thoughts that he did not notice someone teleport behind him.
"Good evening Obito." The voice of Nullus' casually greeted him. Looking behind Obito saw Nullus was indeed standing behind him and came to sit down next to him.
"I told you already. That name means nothing to me." Obito snapped back at Nullus.
"Do not try and deceive me Obito. I know who you really are. However I did not come here to argue about identities." Nullus replied.
"Hmm? Then what brings you here?" Obito asked Nullus.
"Many things Obito. You and I have more in common than you believe." Nullus answered him.
"How so?" Obito quizzed.
"Like you I too know the pain of fighting for a cause you wholly believed in, only to learn that it was all a lie." Nullus stated.
Sighing briefly, Nullus continued on, with Obito now listening with keen interest.
"Before I begin, I take you are familiar with the Order correct?" Nullus asked Obito.
"Yes...I am. Jashin told me that they were the so called followers of this 'Chief God' that comes from your world. What of them?" Obito asked Nullus.
"You see. When I was younger, say about 14-15 years old, I used to be a soldier of the Order. More specifically I was a squire to a knight. At the time I was a foolish and naive boy, brainwashed into thinking that the Order and humanity were noble and just and that the monsters only wanted to enslave and drive us to extinction. I do not remember how many mamono I was directly and indirectly responsible for getting killed before that fateful day." Nullus solemly commented.
"What happened on this 'fateful day'?" Obito asked again.
"Me and my squad. We were tasked with eliminating a nearby mamono village. But unlike before where I was usually on the sidelines this was my first 'real' mission. The village we were sent to attack was inhabited mainly by Mothmen, Holstaurs and a few Kikimoras. Even amongst mamono they were especially gentle. While the others slayed the other mamono in the village I entered the house inhabited by a Kikimora. I entered her home and immediately struck down her husband in cold blood. Then I entered the room where the Kikimora and her two children were hiding. I remember them begging me to spare their lives...I ignored them, ignorantly stating that due to the Chief God's will, they had to die. In front of her eyes...I slayed her two daughters. The Kikimora lady was distraught, she couldn't even mutter out any words as tears streaked her eyes. Then...I went for the killing blow, stabbing her in the heart with my sword. In her dying breaths she asked me one thing, was my god happy now that I had slayed an entire family in her name. It was then in those moments...I realised my grave error. It felt as though I was the one who had been stabbed in the heart. It was then I realised that it was the humans that I so blindly followed and protected that were the true monsters." Nullus explained.
Obito was intrigued by Nullus' story. He was correct in that there were parallels between him and his younger self.
However despite that he knew that deep down by his tone he still cared about these 'mamono' and to a lesser extent, his world.
While he was dead on the inside, and only wanted everything to be destroyed. That to Obito was their biggest difference.
"Why does it matter?" Obito asked vaguely.
"Hmmm? What do you mean?" Nullus asked.
"Your world and my world. This leader of the monster girls, Lilith was it? If she cared so much about humans then why did she abandon my world and leave us to rot?" Obito asked Nullus with venom in his voice.
Nullus was rarely ever left stumped by a question, but this one got him thinking. It was evident to Nullus that Obito was incredibly bitter about learning the truth. But why was he angry at Lilith? Deep down Nullus knew that if he were in Obito's shoes we would probably feel the same, as he did not blame him for thinking such.
"Obito, if I may ask this Rin girl, what did she mean to you? And why do you hold her in such high regard?" Nullus asked Obito.
"Rin...she was the first person to accept me and treat me with dignity. Before I met her I was considered 'weak' and 'worthless' by the other Uchihas. Some even went as far as calling me retarded, and that my birth was a mistake. I hated them with every fibre in my being, I dreamed of wanting nothing but to kill them all. That was...until I met Rin, she was the light in my darkness. She made me feel appreciated and loved..." Obito explained
"I see. I can see how Rin would leave such an impact on your life, but I can assure you that Lilith did not abandon you or this world." Nullus said firmly.
"And how do you know that? Have you ever had to live with the despair that nothing would change? At least in your world these monster girls existed, and you at least had the semblance of hope that they could make everything better! In my world we never had such a species to do that for us!" Obito spat out.
Obito chuckled softly, before continuing.
"No...all we had was this hell to live in, with no hope or any lights at the end of the tunnel and the only guarantees in life being pain, death and destruction. But all that suffering and pain I went though made me resilient and strong. First I used to naively believe that by becoming Hokage I would be accepted and that with that position, I could achieve peace. Then when I woke up to the harsh reality of this world when I saw Rin die I used to be a blind follower of Madara's Eye of the Moon Plan. All my life I had only followed false ideals that were nothing but lies. That's why now I want to find my own truth." Obito stated.
"And what would your 'truth' be Obito?" Nullus asked him curiously.
"To kill them both, Lilith and the Chief God. And then once they are disposed of... there will first be the chaos...then the nothingness once I destroy the very fabric of this 'reality'. That...that will be the only thing that will matter to me...my only truth." Obito stated, almost manically.
To say that Nullus was surprised by Obito's words would be an understatement. He knew without a doubt that any sanity remaining in Obito was gone. The old saying was true after all 'he who increases knowledge increases sorrow'.
Nullus was indeed saddened to learn about the truth of the Chief God. But for him what kept him sane was that he was at least fighting for the mamono, to ensure that they could finally live in peace and spread their love to the Elven and Dwarven men who deserved since in his eyes unlike humans they were not a barbaric species. That hope is what kept him going, despite his intense hatred for the Order and all humanity.
But Obito. He only craved death and destruction on an unimaginable scale, nothing more nothing less. The truth had completely broken him. Nullus now had to keep a very close watch on Obito, since he was both unpredictable and unlike Jashin, Indra and Orochimaru his only goal was to see the world burn.
"And once you achieve your goal, then what Obito? Do you just plan on drifting through an empty void for all of eternity?" Nullus pressed Obito for answers.
"I don't care what happens to me afterwards...all that I care about is that everything and everyone burns." Obito answered him with a chuckle.
Nullus was at a loss of words, he did not know what more to say to this lunatic and truth be told he did not want to spend another minute next to him. Standing up from where he sat next to Obito, Nullus walked away not even looking at Obito.
"Farwell Obito. Until next time. I have a meeting to attend to but before I go let me just tell you this; that you've become no better than those Kaguya savages who run this place." Was all he said as he teleported away from the rooftop.
(Back at the Lescatie orphanage...)
Several hours had passed since the birthday party, with even Primera showing up. However like all great things it had to come to an end. The twilight sky beautifully illuminated over Lescatie. Shisui laid on a grass of patch in the Upper district's park. Truly this was a marvelous sight to behold.
Shisui's mind: (I still can't believe it all. Me dying, then coming back from the dead and on the cusp of saving the Uchiha clan from almost certain extinction. This all feels like a fever dream...and also...it just feels to good to be true.)
As Shisui was lost in his thought he heard a soft rustling next to him. Looking to his left he saw it was none other than Primera.
"Hey Primera." Shisui casually greeted.
"Good evening Shisui." She replied back as she sat next to him.
"How was...how was your birthday today?" Primera croaked out.
"Very enjoyable." Shisui happily replied.
"That's...nice to hear." Primera muttered out whilst looking to the ground in sorrow.
"Primera...what's wrong?" Shisui asked out of concern.
"Huh? Oh it's nothing it's just..." Primera trailed off.
"Where the townspeople judging your for being a half elf again?" Shisui asked Primera, almost as if he could read her mind.
"No...yes...yes I was." She admitted shamefully.
Shisui's clenched his fists in anger.
"Those bastards...you shouldn't let them do that to you Primera!" Shisui angrily told Primera.
"I cannot Shisui. For as a hero of the Order it will leave a very bad impression if I attack anyone just because they hurl insults at me." Primera woefully explained to Shisui.
Hiding behind a nearby building, Indra was with in deep conversation with three dodgy looking individuals.
"...And that is the plan. Taunt and aggravate that half breed until she attacks you. That way we can prove to the King that half breeds like her cannot be trusted." Indra finished saying to the three men.
"And what's in it for us eh?" The tallest man, whom Indra believed to be their leader, asked in a thick cockney accent.
"A thousand gold pieces, to each of you." Indra answered them confidently.
"A thousand gold pieces is sure a pretty penny to pay someone whose only job is to just taunt someone but...I ain't complain'." The leader of the three man stated.
"I'm glad we are all on the same boat. Now I would recommend alerting Primera of your presence, it is the perfect time to do so." Indra advised the three men, who heeded his words by making their presence known to Primera.
"Hey you half breed! Why don't you go back to your where you came from!? Lescatie is for full blooded humans only!" A nasty voice called out. Shisui swiftly turned his head to see that it was three ruffians who were trying to antagonize Primera.
Primera began screaming in pain as she placed her hand over the left side of her shoulder. Her cries of agony were ignored by the ruffians who only seemed inspired to continue.
"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue half breed?" The main ruffian teased Primera, whose cries of agony only got louder.
"Hey! Leave her alone!" Shisui ordered the ruffians to do.
"Hmpf. Stay out of this Sir Shisui. You needn't sully your own reputation by associating with that half breed!" The ruffian warned Shisui.
Shisui had a determined look on his face, truly he did not want to fight nor hurt these men despite how much they are antagonizing Primera. Shisui conceded and told Primera to head back with him to the Orphanage, only accept...
"Primera?" Shisui called out when she did not answer him. He noticed that she was on her knees and clutching her shoulder again.
"Primera! Are you ok!?" Shisui asked worried as he placed her hand over his shoulder, only when he tried to, his hand was swatted away by Primera's.
Shisui looked on in horror as Primera began growling lowly and a purple energy began emitting from her body. The bandits looked confused and terrified at what was happening and yet were too afraid to move. Black marks began spreading out from Primera's shoulder and soon her entire body was covered in these weird markings.
Primera then looked at the ruffians like how a predator would look at the prey and then began to slowly walk towards them.
"M-m-monster!" The main ruffian screamed out, alerting all the citizens nearby. When said citizens noticed Primera's current state they too began to run away in fear.
"She's become one of them!"
"Run for your lives!"
Were among the frantic and panicked words uttered out by various civilians as they ran away from Primera in fear.
Primera's mind:
?: (Yes...Primera. Show all those who had wronged and mistreated you your newfound power...allow your hatred to fuel your power...)
Primera made a mad dash toward the main ruffian and punched him squarely in the gut. The heaviness of the punch echoed, signifying how powerful Primera's punch was. The ruffian she had punched coughed up large amounts of blood.
Shisui winced at the sight. Something was very wrong with Primera. He knew for a fact that what he sensed from her was not Demonic Energy but something far more malicious. The ruffian collapsed on the ground in pain, while his two friends hightailed it while Primera was distracted. Primera eerily loomed over the remaining ruffian, with killing intent evident in her eyes. She motioned her towards her pouch where she had a small yet sharp knife. Shisui's eyes widened, he knew exactly what Primera was about to do.
"No!"
Before Primera could land the fatal blow on the ruffian Shisui tightly held her hand that contained the knife.
"What is the meaning of this...why are you stopping me from my...bloodlust?" Primera asked him in a ghastly voice, totally unlike her usual one.
"Primera...what are you doing? This is not you! If you kill this man now not only will you be rightfully treated as a murderer, but you would have proven him right in being a monster!" Shisui warned Primera.
"What...?" Primera muttered out in disbelief as the black markings all over her body began to recede to the point where the mark on her neck was the only thing there.
Primera looked on horror. What had she just done? Did she really almost take the life of another human being? Worst of all she could her a voice in her head gaslighting her, egging her own to give in two her darkest emotions.
"I'm sorry..." Primera whispered out in shame as she ran away from the area as fast as she could.
"Primera wait!" Shisui called out in vain but alas, it was too late as the Elf girl was already gone.
While everyone was baffled by what had just happened, Indra was grinning from ear to ear.
Indra's mind: (The stupid things people would do for money is truly amazing. Anyway, I better report to Orochimaru to tell him that his curse mark was a success)
And with that, Indra Otsutsuki used his body flicker technique to inform Orochimaru of his most recent "success"
"Yo, what was with that commotion yo? You disturbing my flow." The sing song voice of Killer Bee asked out.
Shisui's mind: (Ugh, not this fool again)
A small crowd had gathered and even the Cloud ninja were present, confused at what had happened.
Then Sasha finally showed up, confused at why the ruffians were beaten up.
"Shisui. What happened here?" Sasha asked the young Uchiha.
"Those guys, they were taunting Primera. She got angry and these black marks appeared all over her body and then she ran away once I brought her to her senses." Shisui answered Sasha in a serious tone.
"Black marks? All over her body?" Sasha asked in an alarmed tone.
"Yeah. And the worst part was when I sensed her energy, it was...tainted, evil almost. Whatever that energy was that I felt, was not Primera's." Shisui said.
Sasha's mind: (This is not good. Whatever this energy Shisui is talking about is certainly not Demonic Energy but something far more malovent. I will have to inform Lady Druella about this predicament later today.)
Sasha placed a reassuring arm on Shisui's shoulder, almost as if to telepathically tell him that everything would be alright.
"Do not worry Shisui. I will send out a search party to find and help Primera. She is our comrade and she will need us now more than ever in her darkest hour." Sasha explained to Shisui.
"First Lady Vermut and now the half elf. We've already lost two heroes in just the span of a few days." A nearby knight commented.
"No doubt it's those damn monsters! Every day when I think they cannot sink any lower they prove me wrong." Another knight answered.
"Good citizens of Lescatie! I understand that the disappearances of Lady Vermut and Primera in the span of a few hours have left you all deeply worried. Please do not panic as your brave heroes will make sure to find and free them from whoever has taken them from us." Sasha announced to the crowd.
The crows uttered out silent murmurs amongst one another, some were hopeful the missing heroes would be found, others were convinced that they were either already dead or would never be found again. In a few minutes the crowd would eventually disperse, with only the Cloud ninja staying behind.
They all approached Shisui and Sasha, and unlike the distrustful and hostile attitude they had towards Shisui upon first meeting him, their demeanor was now one of determination.
"I know we may be from enemy villages and all, but if this Primera girl and Vermut woman are missing, I wanna help in any way I can to find them." The white haired one, Darui, confidentially announced to Shisui and Sasha.
"Why do you want to help? Aren't they just complete strangers to you?" Shisui asked Darui not in a sarcastic or snarky tone, but one of genuine confusion.
"Believe it or not us Cloud ninja have our own ninja way. Yes our villages may be enemies, but that these people here have done nothing to us to warrant our scorn. In fact we owe them a great deal for providing us shelter and food despite being complete strangers. And that's why I want to help them in any way I can." Darui said with unwavering determination that even made Sasha smile.
"Thank you Darui. Your help will greatly appreciated." Sasha truthfully said to Darui.
"I'll help too. I'm an expert tracker so I'll be able to find them without much issue, especially that Primera girl." C spoke up.
"I will also help, it is the least I can do to show my gratitude for you giving us a home." Samui added.
"The Bee will provide assistance to ensure peaceful co-existence." Killer Bee said in his usual sing-song tone.
Sasha sighed in relief. It truly did warm her heart that other people not even from her world who are essentially strangers were willing to help.
"Thank you all. Your help is greatly appreciated." Sasha thanked the Cloud ninja.
Shisui smiled, as much as he did not like and greatly distrusted the Cloud ninja, their willingness in wanting to help find Primera and Vermut did earn his respect. Placing his hands in his pockets Shisui looked up at the sky. According to Sasha Maylin was planning a very big birthday party for him today, and despite his insistence that such a party would not be necessary, Sasha insited that Shisui deserved it, especially how he had been tirelessly aiding her and the mamono. In her own words, it was his 'reward' and he deserved to relax once in a while.
"I'll see you later Sasha." Shisui said casually as he waved goodbye to Sasha.
"You too. Take care Shisui." Sasha said cheerily as she waved goodbye to him.
(Several hours later)
Shisui Uchiha was never one for formal gathering, especially parties. From what he learnt back in his days in the Ninja Academy, figures like the Fire Daimyo always wore an elegant kimono when attenting such gatherings. But unfortunately for Shisui, he had neither an elegant kimono nor any other attire one would consider 'formal'. He only had multiple versions of his usual shinobi outfit that was his black high collared shirt, three quarter trousers and a holster he wore on his shoulder to hold his sword. Looking into the mirror placed in his bedroom Shisui had two forehead protectors on the table. One was the baby blue forehead protector that bore the crest of the Order and the other was his old navy blue forehead protector that had the symbol of Konoha on it.
When he first came to this world Shisui used to proudly wear the Order forehead protector gifted to him by Sariel the Angel as then he had initially believed that the Order were a noble and just organization that vowed to protect all that was good in this world. But ever since he learnt the truth about the so called 'monsters' from Sasha, Maylin and Druella, he had only grown more and more disillusioned with the Order and what it stood for to the point were he only wears it in public so as to not arouse suspicion.
But on the flipside, he too had grown somewhat disillusioned with Konoha as well, he thought that the village leaders, especially the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze whom he greatly looked up to would ensure that Danzo would not have pulled the strings to ensure that the Uchiha would need to be wiped out. It disappointed him that even after his supposed 'death' that neither the village nor the Uchiha clan could settle on a peaceful resolution and instead allowed pettiness to get the better of them. The more Shisui thought about it the more he realised how many similarities the Order and the government of Konoha shared in common. Both were initially founded on ideals of upholding the ideals of peace whose ideals were eventually perverted and corrupted by those who only sought power, namely Danzo and Wilmarina's late father Priest Noscrim.
In the end Shisui decided that he would wear neither headband because to him the Order was just a corrupt theocracy hellbent on genocide and Konoha no longer felt like his home.
Putting on a plain long sleeved black shirt and a pair of matching trousers, Shisui picked up the amulet gifted to him by Maylin and the interdimensional mirror to communicate with Itachi and in a blip, was gone.
Standing by the entrance to Maylin's palace were two Dullahan guards.
"Esme. Why does Lady Maylin get the cute human all to herself?" The one Dullahan asked her friend.
"She doesn't actually. Didn't you hear that her personal handmaiden, what was here name again? Oh yes Ghilanna has also set her eyes upon him as well." Esme replied to her friend.
"Really? That human must be lucky to have two Elven women, one of which is a Queen fawning over him, don't you agree Fia?" Esme asked Fia, whom nodded in agreement.
"I do. I also heard a rumour that the human Lady Maylin has her eyes on is a part of a prestigious clan that she plans to bring to Monaxia." Fia said.
"What? Is this true? A prestigious clan? Then he must be wealthy then right?" Esme asked FIa.
"Believe it or not he is not wealthy. From what I've heard Lady Maylin adores him because of his pure heart." Esme answered.
"Aww, that's so adorable!" Fia squealed in joy.
Shisui arrived at the entrance to Maylin's palace and was immediately greeted by the Dullahan guards jovially, almost as if they were waiting for him.
"Come come! Lady Maylin is waiting for you Shisui!" One of the Dullahans told Shisui in a hushed tone while escorting the young Uchiha to Maylin's bedroom.
"Whoa! What's with the rush?" Shisui asked the Dullahans guiding him.
"Your party will be starting in five minutes. You cannot expect to present yourself in front of your guests wearing *that*. A hero such as yourself deserves the finest clothing possible, especially on his birthday!" The Dullahan hastily told Shisui while she and her comrade escorted him.
Shisui chuckled at the Dullahan's response. They were treating him as if he were royalty. Still though he had to admit, it felt nice being treated special like this.
Arriving in front of the door to Maylin's room the Dullahan gracefully knocked on the door to alert Maylin. Opening the doors slowly Shisui was immediately enamored by her outfit. It was a sky blue dress decorated with white doves. Even Maylin's usual Golden crown was replaced a diamond encrusted one, almost as if it were for a special occasion.
"Good evening Shisui. What do you think of my dress?" Maylin asked Shisui as she spun around in a circle to allow Shisui to get a 360 degree view of her dress.
"It looks lovely Maylin." Shisui replied in a cheery tone as he gave Maylin a thumbs up.
Shisui felt a weight on his shoulders. He only knew one person who ever did this to him, especially when he visited Monaxia.
"Ghilanna." Shisui said in a casual tone.
"Happy birthday Shisui!" Ghilanna gleefully congratulated Shisui.
"Thanks Ghilanna." Shisui replied as he gave her a thumbs up.
"Shisui. Now that you are here it is time for you to wear something more...fitting for a hero such as yourself." Maylin happily said.
"Hmm. Waddaya mean?" Shisui asked her confused. A few moments later he facepalmed when he realised that this was what the Dullahans from earlier were talking about, which caused both Maylin and Ghilanna to giggle at the sight.
"What's wrong Shisui?" Maylin asked him.
"It's nothing. It's just that I just realised what the Dullahans from earlier meant when they told me that I was gonna wear the finest clothes possible." Shisui answered.
"Ah I see. Welll please allow me to show you your wardrobe. Please stretch out your arms Shisui so that my assistants may take measurements." Maylin ordered Shisui to do.
Two kikimoras, one with blue eyes and brown hair tied into a braid and the other with lime green hair walked into the room with utmost haste.
"Greetings Shisui Uchiha. I am Rosia and this Aelesia." The brown haired Kikimora named Rosia introduced herself and Aelesia.
"Oh my." Aelesia hushed out.
"You certainly are more handsome in person." Rosia commented as she took out her measuring tape.
"Agreed. He certainly would be quite the catch Rosi-"
Aelesia immediately ceased her comments upon noticing the death glare she recieved from both Maylin and Ghilanna.
"Uh...let's get Master Shisui's measurements shall we?" Rosia nervously asked her friend who nodded in agreement.
After acquiring Shisui's measurements the two Kikimoras walked towards the massive wardrobe of Maylin and took out an elegant blue robe adorned with diamonds by the cuffs.
"Lady Maylin, is this robe befitting for Shisui?" Aelesia asked as she displayed the robe in front of Maylin.
"Yes it is but..." Maylin answered, as with the snap of her fingers Shisui's entire outfit changed. Gone was his signature outift he always wore, which was now replaced with gold embroidered trousers adorned with diamonds that dotted his right leg that upon closer inspection all took on the outline of a pine tree. His shirt, which was a short sleeve button up shirt made out of diamonds. At the back of the shirt was an emblem that looked like a darker version of the Order crest.
"There, much better." Maylin said.
(Some time later...)
Maylin escorted Shisui to the courtyard just outside of her palace where various Elves and mamono frolicked with one another. When they noticed Shisui everyone cheered for him.
"The birthday boy is here!"
"Happy birthday Shisui!" Another Elf said jovially.
Shisui felt a hand touch his shoulder, and when he looked behind saw that is was none other than Druella, fourth daughter of the Demon Lord.
"Happy birthday Shisui." She warmly congratulated him.
"Druella, what brings you here?" Shisui asked.
"My dear, I couldn't miss your birthday!" Druella heartedly explained.
"Lady Druella, it's a pleasure to see you again." Maylin greeted Druella.
"It's a pleasure to see you again as well. I take it that you are upholding your promise to treat Shisui like a king? This is a day where he deserves to be pampered after all." Druella said to Maylin.
"Of course Lady Druella! Shisui will always be treated like a King whether it's his birthday or not!" Ghilanna now commented, which both suprised Druella and made her chuckle.
"It warms my heart to know that Shisui is in good hands." Druella commented as she now turned her attention to the young Uchiha, who was at least a foot and a half shorter than her.
"Shisui my dear. Please enjoy yourself ok? This is your special day." Druella advised Shisui.
"I will." Shisui simply answered.
"Good. Now go enjoy yourself my child. Oh and a few special guests are eager to see you." Druella told Shisui.
"Sure thing Druella!" Shisui told Druella which he accompanied with his trademark friendly smile and thumbs up. A little while Shisui began walking around the courtyard, tasting the various delicious snacks that Maylin's handmaids had prepared for him.
"Hey Shisui, how are you?" The voice belonging to none other than Nawaki Senju called out to Shisui. Accompanying Nawaki were his three wives' Rika the Inari, Anemona the Titania and Aria the Banshee, who all greeted and wished a happy birthday to Shisui.
"Nawaki! Never thought I'd see you here." Shisui said to the Senju as he greeted him with a handshake.
"I heard today was birthday, I couldn't miss out on that now could I?" Nawaki stated.
Chuckling softly, Shisui answered with a simple "You got a point"
Nawaki then pulled Shisui in, the young Uchiha, wondering what this was all about asked Nawaki just what was he doing.
"I know about Operation Exodus, and you do not have to worry about finding more mamono to help you create that portal." Nawaki whispered into SHisui's ear.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Shisui asked Nawaki.
"I found other mamono, at least a dozen more to help you make that portal to our world. And for added safety some Kunoichi from Zipangu have offered to assist you in bringing the clan here." Nawaki answered Shisui.
Shisui could barely contain his excitement at the thought that he could save his clan sooner than he had initially though, he was practically giggling like a schoolgirl inside.
"Shisui you look really excited, what has got you in such high spirits?" Ghilanna asked the young Uchiha.
"Ghilanna...I'm almost there...I...no we...can save my clan." Shisui answered the Elf girl while barely containing his excitement.
Ghilanna smiled warmly and embraced Shisui into a gentle yet firm hug.
"Aww that's what's got you excited?" Ghilanna asked Shisui in a tone an older sister would ask her younger brother. Shisui replied with a simple "yes"
"You know Shisui...about that there is something I wanted to tell you. I...want to help you bring you clan here!" Ghilanna stammered out, suprising Shisui.
"You wanna help me bring my clan here?" The young Uchiha asked Ghilanna.
"Yes. I don't want you doing this all by yourself. It's too dangerous! What if...what if that Danzo person tries to harm you again? I can't let that happen to you!" Ghilanna cried out almost on the verge of tears.
"Wait...did you say Danzo? The Village Elder Danzo?" Nawaki now spoke up.
"Yes, him. He was the one who stole my eye and tried to get all the Uchiha killed." Shisui answered Nawaki.
"He...he stole your eye?" Nawaki asked in disbelief, unable to believe what he was hearing.
"Yes he did. He wanted to use my eye for his own selfish purposes, claiming it was "his" way of protecting the village." Shisui answered a now infuriated Nawaki.
"That..man. I always knew something was fishy about him, but I never though he would stoop so low. In that case I too will accompany you while we bring the Uchiha clan to this world to ensure your safety and theirs." Nawaki valiantly declared to Shisui.
"Little brother...are you sure you will be safe?" Anemona asked Nawaki while she tugged his arm.
"Anemona is right Nawaki. You'll put yourself in grave danger...and you could get hurt." Aria softly added whilst looking into Nawaki's eyes.
"Little brother...I won't stop you if you truly desire to help Shisui. Just...promise all of us you will stay safe alright?" Rika spoke up lastly.
"Anemona, Aria, Rika please don't worry, I promise you all I will return safely." Nawaki confidently reassured his wives.
"I greately appreciate you willingness to help out Nawaki. But if you don't me asking, why are you willing to help me and my clan when our respective clans were historical enemies?" Shisui curiously asked the elder Senju.
"It's because my wives taught me that people are more than just their status or clan affiliation. You are correct in that in you being an Uchiha and me being a Senju I shouldn't be helping you but like I said earlier people are more than just their clan affiliations, and I know without a doubt you are a very good person Shisui and your intentions are noble. And that is why I want to help you in every way I can." Nawaki told the young Uchiha.
"I see. Thank you again for offering to help me Nawaki. Is there any way I can or want me to repay you?" Shisui humbly asked Nawaki.
"Haha! Repay me? For what my boy!? You don't have to repay me for doing what is morally right." Nawaki heartedly told Shisui, who breathed a sigh of relief.
"But there is one condition I want you to promise me..." Nawaki added, making Shisui tense again.
"...that no matter what you will never lose your good and pure heart and give into hatred. Am I understood." Nawaki sternly asked the young Uchiha.
"Yes. I promise that no matter what I will never give into my clan's curse of hatred." Shisui confidently answered Nawaki.
"Good. That's all I needed to hear. Now why don't you relax and enjoy your birthday?" Nawaki cheekily asked Shisui.
"I try too- I mean I will. I'm sorry Nawaki it's just that I haven't celebrated my birthday in 11 years so doing so again...feels surreal to me. Whenever my birthday came around I only remembered those who I had lost in my life." Shisui sadly but honestly answered Nawaki.
"I'm sorry to hear that Shisui. One should never have to associate their birthdays with only bad memories. I got an idea, why don't we instead create happy memories for you to remember instead?" Ghilanna spoke up.
"Sure, that sounds nice." Shisui said.
Before either Ghilanna or Shisui could say anything else, a Kikimora came running towards them at full speed whilst holding a hand mirror in her hand.
"(Pant) Lady Ghilanna...(Sigh) Master...Shisui (Pant)" The Kikimora muttered out between pants.
"What is the matter?" Ghilanna asked the Kikimora.
"Master Shisui's...mirror...someone has been...trying to contact...him" The Kikimora answered. Shisui briefly wondered who was trying to contact him though his interdimensional mirror, until he realized who it could be.
"Someone was trying to contact me...? Itachi!" Shisui exclaimed at the realization as he took the mirror from the Kikimora.
The mirror merely showed a reflection of Shisui's face for a few seconds until it began spiralling in a clockwise fashion to become the face of Itachi Uchiha and a younger boy next to him.
"Shisui! Shisui!" Itachi called out.
"Itachi. I'm here. What's up?" Shisui casually asked his best friend.
"I had been trying to contact you for the last 10 minutes. Where were you?" Itachi asked.
"Hehe, sorry Itachi. I was uh..." Shisui trailed off in an attempt to explain his absence until a younger boy practically shoved Itachi out of the way.
"Shisui! It's true! You really are alive!" The young boy exclaimed in excitement.
"Sasuke, it's been a while, how are ya?" Shisui greeted Sasuke.
"I'm doing fine Shisui! I still can't believe it! You really are alive! How did you survive?" Sasuke exuberantly asked Shisui.
"You see Sasuke...it's a long story. I promise that I will tell you it once you are here." Shisui told Sasuke, who was less than thrilled to hear Shisui's answer
"Awww, why can't you tell me Shisui? You're just like big brother!" Sasuke complained as he crossed his arms.
Itachi then proceeded to poke Sasuke's forehead, which made Shisui and Ghilanna, who was now right next to Shisui, giggle.
"I'm sorry Sasuke, but you still far too young to understand that." Itachi jokingly told Sasuke.
"Big Brother!" Sasuke whined as Itachi patted his head. When Sasuke looked back at Shisui's "reflection" he noticed that this time, Ghilanna was next to him.
"Hey Shisui, who is that girl with the pointy ears next to you? Is she your girlfriend?" Sasuke innocently asked Shisui.
Sasuke's question caught Shisui off guard, which in turn made him chuckle softly.
"Hehe, what? No she isn't Sasuke. Her name is Ghilanna Qinmaer and she's a good friend of mine." Shisui explained to Sasuke. Unbeknownst to Shisui though, Ghilanna looked saddened at his explanation, but continued to uphold her usual cheery disposition nonetheless.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Sasuke, I hope to eventually meet you one day in person." Ghilanna told Sasuke.
"Speaking of meetings, Shisui, there is something I need to tell you." Itachi spoke up.
"What is it Itachi?" Shisui asked.
"The clan had another meeting this morning regarding Operation Exodus. My father and the Uchiha clan elders unanimously agreed to go through with it and we shall commence the operation at nightfall tomorrow. My father told me to tell you if that will be ok with the monster girls." Itachi announced to Shisui, who was more than pleased to hear the news.
"It is fine with us Itachi. I shall inform Lady Maylin immediately about the arrangements. Do you want me to bring here here now?" Ghilanna asked Itachi.
"Yes please, if that is ok with you." Itachi answered.
"Understood. I shall be back soon Itachi." Ghilanna said as she went to find Maylin. Once Ghilanna had left to find Maylin, Shisui decided to ask Itachi a question he had been waiting to ask him for a while
"Itachi...we're so close...to saving our clan. How are you feeling about all of this?" Shisui asked.
"Still in disbelief truth be told. It still feels surreal to me that a month ago all hope for a peaceful resolution seemed lost, until you showed up a few days ago. Ever since your reappearance you've filled the entire clan with newfound hope."
"I told you that everything was gonna be alright Itachi. And I promise once the clan has been safely broguht to this world...we won't ever have to face unfair prejudice ever again." Shisui assured Itachi.
"I trust your word Shisui. Thank you again...for everything. Even though you had died and were transported to another world, you never forgot about us and still came to our aid. Me and the clan owe you a great debt." Itachi honestly told his best friend.
"Don't sweat it Itachi. It's the least I could do and besides, if the roles were reversed I'm confident you would've done the same thing." Shisui told Itachi.
Ghilanna had finally arrived with Maylin in tow.
"Good evening Itachi. Ghilanna informed me that you wished to speak with me? If so, what is the matter my boy?" Maylin asked Itachi.
"Good evening to you as well Lady Maylin. I have a personal request...is it alright with you if we may bring along another human with us? His name is Kakashi Hatake." Itachi revealed.
"Kakashi? Why do you wish to bring him along? Is he not Lord Fourth's personal bodyguard?" A baffled Shisui asked Itachi.
"In many ways you are correct Shisui but...I know Kakashi has lived a difficult life filled with pain, loss and suffering, and from what you told me about these mamono, he could need their help." Itachi said
"My child, do not worry. You are more than welcome to bring this Kakashi person with your clan. Any human, as long as they have a good heart, is always welcome to live in my kingdom. And from what you've told me about Kakashi, any mamono would be more than willing to erase the sorrow in heart and fill it with the love he needs." Maylin declared to Itachi.
"I see...thank you Lady Maylin." Itachi said.
"You are most welcome my child. Please tell your father that we shall commence Operation Exodus tomorrow after sunset. And also do not worry Itachi, for a kunoichi village whom I am allies with have offered to bring all of the Uchiha clan's belongings with and also provide protection." Maylin added.
"So tomorrow night then...I understand. Thank you Lady Maylin for all of your assistance. I would love to talk to all more, but I need to leave before I arouse suspicion from the village. Before I go I almost forgot...happy birthday Shisui." Itachi said with a smile on his face as his reflection swirled and soon disappeared, leaving Shisui and Maylin looking at only their own reflections.
"You..." A cold yet familiar voice called out to Shisui. Turning around to see who was calling him Shisui saw it was none other than-
"Mangetsu Hozuki? How did you get here?" Shisui asked him.
"Do you mean this party or this world? Because I was dragged here to this party by one of those lightning monster girls. I think they're called Raijin, Raiku or something like that." Mangetsu answered in a bored tone.
"You mean Raiju?" Shisui corrected him.
"My village was attacked by a crazed fanatical clan who worshipped some god named Jashin. They attacked the Hidden Mist in the dead of night, and despite outnumbering them 10 to 1 I quickly noticed that somehow they were all immortal and couldn't die. 20 minutes into the invasion I realised that I was one of the last Mist ninja still alive. Realizing my situation I rescued my younger brother and escaped the village. Now to how I got here to this world...a little while away from the Hidden Mist village by an empty beach I discovered what look like an empty temple. When I entered it with my brother I unknowingly pressed a button and before I knew it...I was here in this world." Mangetsu finished his explanation.
"Excuse me. But did you say that a fanatical clan worshipped a being named Jashin?" Maylin asked with a deep concenr.
"Yeah...what about it?" Mangetsu snarkily answered.
"That's not good...Jashin...was the former Demon Lord of our world before Lilith,,,he was a very cruel and sadistic ruler when he was in charge. I do not know how he ended up in yours and Shisui's world. But if these fanatics are clamining to be followers of him, then I fear they have malovent intentions." Maylin commented.
"So you're saying...that this Jashin was some kind of Demon King that found his way to our world?" Mangestu asked Maylin with barely contained anger.
"Unfortunately I cannot answer for how Jashin arrived in your world Mangetsu. But I can assure you that all of mamonokind denounce him and wish for his demise." Maylin assuringly answered Mangetsu.
"Yeah right. Your kind and that Jashin person are just two sides of the same coin." Mangetsu bitterly commented.
Mangetsu's comment drew Shisui's ire. Shisui Uchiha was not one to ever get angry, especially in public. But Mangetsu's ignorant comment about comparing the mamono, who had done nothing but help him in every way they could, to a sadistic monster was something he could not allow him to get away with with.
"What do you mean that the mamono and Jashin are just two sides of the same coin?" Shisui aggressively asked Mangetsu.
"That they're both shit. What, you really think that a bunch of rapists are good? Don't be fooled Shisui, it's a facade. They only want to control every little thing about our lives, they just use their bodies to seduce us into thinking that is not the case. These perverts do not care about humanity and would rape children without a second thought." Mangestu sharply stated.
Shisui clenched his knuckles in barely controlled anger knowing without a doubt that Mangetsu's was only echoing what the Order had said about mamono. It took every fibre in Shisui's body to not punch Mangetsu in the face right now, instead he decided to flip the question on him instead.
"I find that rich coming from you Mangetsu, when your village used to have deathmatches where Genin wanting to graduate were forced to kill each other in order to become genin." Shisui cleverly retorted, leaving Mangetsu stumped at his answer and the crowd that had now gathered around them gasping in disbelief.
Mangetsu tried to think of clever response to Shisui's condemnation of the Hidden Mist's graduation ceremony, but could not think of any reply and merely grunted in annoyance.
"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? Or that you know I'm right?" Shisui cheekily added.
"D-don't try and deflect Uchiha! While I agree that the graduation ceremony of my village was horrendous and barbaric that does not excuse the monster girls raping human men to their side! I can give an entire list for reason as to why these monsters should be killed-" Mangetsu was cut off as Shisui's sword was tightly pressed against his neck
"If you ever, ever go through with what you said and ever try and kill a mamono you Swordsmen bastard, I'll kill you myself." Shisui coldly threatened Mangetsu.
"Can't accept the fact that your beloved monsters aren't as benevolent as you make them out to be Shisui?" Mangetsu mockingly asked Shisui, who proceeded to make his headlock on Mangetsu's head tighter in retaliation.
"If you're gonna kill me then do it and prove me right." Mangetsu taunted Shisui with a shit eating grin. Before Shisui could do anything more to the now ex-swordsmen of the Mist, Maylin and Ghilanna separated the two teenage shinobi from each other.
"The both of you, stop this at once!" Maylin ordered both Shisui and Mangetsu to do, with both begrudgingly complying.
"Shisui. I expected better of you. I'm honestly dissapointed in your behaviour just now." Maylin scolded the young Uchiha.
"Maylin...did you just expect to just stand down while Mangetsu continued to sprout lies about the mamono?" Shisui asked the Elf Queen.
"No Shisui that is not what Maylin meant. One does not respond to violence with more violence because if you do, it would only serve to prove the Order right." Ghilanna wisely told Shisui.
"I guess...you're right" Shisui muttered out after a few seconds of silence, realising that Ghilanna indeed made a strong point.
"You are many things Shisui, a hero, a beacon of hope for many, but you are not a cold blooded killer." Ghilanna told Shisui.
The young Uchiha was at a loss for words, he did not know what else to say. Ghilanna's words struck a chord in his heart.
"Hatred is a very potent poison that can taint the soul of even the most pure. Do not let it consume you and turn you into someone you are not. And do not worry, for me and Lady Maylin will always be by your side ready to be the lighthouses to guide you in case you feel the darkness of hatred is consuming your soul." Ghilanna added as she now gently embraced Shisui into a hug.
Meanwhile Maylin had already released Mangetsu from her grasp, whom aside from some snide remarks about her, left the immediate area with his younger brother. Taking this oppurtnity to bond with Shisui, Maylin too embraced him in a hug.
"Ghilanna is right Shisui. We will always be here for you. It is getting very late wouldn't you agree? I shall ask my handmaidens to prepare your- I mean our sleeping chambers to ensure that you get a good night's rest. That sounds lovely yes?" Maylin asked Shisui.
"Yes...it does." Shisui muttered out.
"Excellent. I can tell you are very tired Shisui. Here...allow me to care for you." Maylin whispered out as she picked up the tired Shisui bridal style to carry him to his bedroom.
While silent Shisui greatly enjoyed the combined warmth of Maylin and Ghilanna, it felt nice to be pampered as if he were a king. Happy from the bottorm of his heart Shisui smiled warmly as he slowly drifted off into sleep.
"Good night...Shisui.. ..and before you drift off into a peaceful slumber...tomorrow there will be two guests who will want to meet you." Maylin whispered into Shisui's ear. The Young Uchiha barely heard what Maylin had said, before sleep had overcome him for the night.