This "short" story will include some heavy topics… be warned. The darkest topics I think I've ever written.

Lot's of hurt. Lots.


From the essence of the Ten-Tails, a single, colossal tree had been born—the Divine Genesis. This tree, infused with the malevolent chakra of the Ten-Tails, was sealed within the formidable Uchiha Madara. Despite the united efforts of the world's shinobi to stop him, Madara's dark plan succeeded.

The Infinite Tsukuyomi, a genjutsu of unimaginable power, cast its shadow across the battlefield and beyond. Everyone who did not possess unique resistances succumbed to its overwhelming embrace. The Divine Genesis, more a sentient entity than a mere tree, extended its branches like tentacles. These branches wrapped around those weakened by the supreme illusion, encasing them in cocoon-like wrappings.

Even the Kages, the leaders of their respective villages, were not spared. Despite their extraordinary power, intelligence, wisdom, and leadership, they failed to defend against this overwhelming force. One by one, they fell, their defenses shattered, and their spirits broken.

Mei Terumi, the Mizukage, fought valiantly until the very end. As the creeping tendrils of the Divine Genesis began to envelop her, she cast one final, defiant glance at the world she had sworn to protect. In that fleeting moment, as the darkness closed in, she wondered if this was truly the end.

The cocoon wrapped around her, and Mei was drawn into the dream world of the Infinite Tsukuyomi. The battlefield grew silent, save for the eerie rustling of the Divine Genesis's branches. In this silence, the once vibrant lands became shadowed realms of sorrow and despair, the people within them lost to eternal dreams.

Ever since she was a young girl, Mei had dreamed of being many things. First, she wanted to become a powerful kunoichi, and that had gone spectacularly well. Then, as she entered her twenties, her focus shifted toward personal relationships, but those did not work out. When the civil war erupted, she was too busy to think about anything else. But when it was over, they chose her as Mizukage. Despite her achievements and the people's love, no one wished to get too involved with her, no matter how attractive, strong, or intelligent she was. They loved her, called her their savior, but her strength and the weight of her past intimidated them.

She was living her dream now, though she did not know it. It felt so real. A big wedding, a planned house by the sea, perhaps in the Land of Waves. Naturally, she wished to move past the title of Mizukage and hoped to build more of a personal legacy. She didn't know this man's name, but he was everything she had ever wanted—handsome, with blonde hair, blue eyes, a smooth face, and tall. Though he was no warrior, he was what she longed for: a kind, gentle, loving husband.

She fed him cake, and her friends gathered all around. Her friends... her fellow Kage, her comrades. They were friends, right? Being a Kage was difficult. You were the leader, the one everyone looked up to. But there would always be a distance between you and your friends. It was a rough social life. That was what made dating so difficult for Mei, but none of that mattered anymore. He was here, holding her, slow dancing.

In the dream world, the lines between her roles as a leader and as a woman seeking companionship blurred. The wedding was perfect, with laughter and joy filling the air. Her fellow Kage, who in reality were distant and often saw her as their leader first and foremost, were now close, sharing in her happiness. This illusion of camaraderie made her feel accepted and loved in ways she had always longed for.

As she slow danced with her dream husband, she felt a deep sense of peace. The weight of her responsibilities as Mizukage seemed to melt away in his embrace. She was no longer Mei Terumi, the powerful and often lonely leader. Here, she was simply Mei, a woman cherished and adored. This perfect moment, though just a fabrication of the Infinite Tsukuyomi, fulfilled desires she had kept hidden for so long.

Her heart suddenly thudded.

Consciousness had been regained. It was pure darkness. She did not know how long she had been unconscious, but her chakra was even lower than when she had been trapped. Despite this, she smiled. Her husband, she couldn't wait to see him. That dream was too real to be fake, the happiness too unexpected. The Mizukage smiled and tried ripping her way out, but to no avail.

'He will come.' Mei said to herself, smiling at the remembrance of his face. He was so handsome.

A light came. It was him. Her vision was being restored. The light hurt, but it was good to be free, to be out of this cursed cocoon. Mei could feel her pod being lowered to the ground. Everything was being unwrapped.

Her body slumped forward, exhausted but hopeful, waiting to see him, the man from her perfect world. His name... she tried recalling his name, but it did not come.

One arm had stopped her from slamming her face into the dirt. It wasn't a gracious welcome, nor was the presentation pleasant, but it was better than the potential fate. Mei looked up, her green eyes widening at the sight.

Instead of seeing the blond-haired beauty she thought she was married to, it was someone else. A younger man, a bit younger, in fact. His hair was jet black, roughed up, with cuts and marks covering his arm, chest, and face. Blood adorned his features—rolling down his face, staining his clothing, and mingling with his hair.

But what was most dazzling was his eye. His left eye, purple, a Rinnegan. Mei knew it wasn't Madara. She knew exactly who this was—an old enemy turned ally, who had changed sides for their cause. Mei looked down, realizing there was only one arm coming out of his sleeve, and it was the one holding her up.

"You okay?" he asked in a tone she thought he could never speak in. It was soft, full of concern. The Mizukage looked skeptical, but his eyes spoke volumes. There was a softness in them, not the rage and bloodlust they once held.

"Uchiha... Sasuke..." Her tone was low and full of skepticism. Her green eyes scanned the surroundings and realized that people were being freed, but he had passed them to come to her pod. "How did you know I was here?"

"My eye," he replied, his voice steady. "I can sense chakra better now. And I knew yours was dangerously low."

"The same eye that almost ended our world," she said in a low tone, her voice tinged with distaste. The Mizukage stood up, her gaze fixed on Sasuke. "What happened to your arm?" Mei asked, her tone more softened.

"I lost it," he replied, his tone even more somber than before. Sasuke had seemingly weathered the war's storms. "My eye allowed me to resist the genjutsu. A lot of things happened... but I am here now."

"To turn yourself in?" Mei asked sharply, her gaze probed. "You have sacrificed, but so have tens of thousands."

"I am not fighting it anymore," Sasuke replied, surprising her with his honesty. The Mizukage gave him a scrutinized look. Despite his exhaustion and battered appearance, he stood tall, his resolve unwavering. He didn't even have his sword anymore. The sound of voices approached, shinobi from her village running toward them. They didn't even seem to see Sasuke.

"I'm sorry for attacking you," the Uchiha said to her, his voice carrying a hint of remorse.

Mei didn't know what to say. Sasuke was an international criminal, and addressing his crimes would require a concerted effort from the global community. "The Hokage will deal with you. I will trust her judgment," she finally responded, her tone firm but not devoid of empathy. Despite everything, she couldn't help but feel a glimmer of respect for Sasuke's newfound resolve.

At that moment, she gave him a small smile. "You're on the right path, though." It was a small gesture of encouragement.


She sat in her office, the tallest building in all of Kirigakure. Unfortunately, Mei could not retire. There was no one to replace her. It had been one year since the war ended, but the heat of battle had not prepared her for the loss of Ao, someone who had advised her for all this time.

It was difficult without him. Ao had been smart, wise, and a reliable friend. Chojuro was now her closest guard. He had grown stronger since the war, the only member of the Seven Swordsmen remaining. Recruiting new members had proven challenging, with many Mist Shinobi having perished.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and Chojuro answered. He flinched and gasped, "Y-you!" he said, his guard instantly up. "Who the hell do you think you are coming here?"

"Chojuro." Mei said calmly, "No need to be rude." Ever since the war, his confidence had soared. Ao had always encouraged him, taught him, yelled at him to be better, and he had not forgotten his mentor's words.

"You…" spoke a low voice. Mei looked up to see the figure standing in her doorway. His hair was styled differently, with a sash covering his forehead. His purple eye still showed through, a testament to his unique power.

"I come as a traveler," Sasuke said to Chojuro, his tone calm but resolute. "I'd rather not be hit by your sword again."

The words complimented her guard, and Chojuro seemed to relax slightly in response to Sasuke's demeanor. Despite their past animosity, Mei couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about Sasuke's sudden appearance. She gestured for him to enter, her expression guarded but not hostile.

"How can we help you, Uchiha Sasuke?" Mei said respectfully, her demeanor calm but curious. "I see you were pardoned by the Raikage. In truth, when I heard, I believed there was no point in holding you accountable here either."

Sasuke stood before her now, his expression unreadable. "I'm still committed to our mutual enemy," he said. "But I didn't feel I should be in Konoha for the time being." He pulled a scroll from his one arm, a token of permission from the Hokage to travel without being labeled a Missing-Nin. "I had just left, and my first thought..."

"Was to come here?" Mei asked skeptically, her eyes narrowing slightly. "We are remote, so it makes sense if you feel you have nowhere to go."

He stared blankly for a moment before responding, "I had visited Kumogakure before, and I do wish to see more and continue my investigations. But I came here because..." He paused, his gaze meeting hers directly. "...my first thought was to see you, actually."

Mei's skepticism softened slightly, surprised by Sasuke's unexpected admission. She studied his face, searching for any hint of deception or ulterior motives. But all she found was sincerity in his eyes, a raw honesty that caught her off guard.

"Why?" she asked, her voice softening with genuine curiosity.

"I don't know," he replied honestly. "I assumed you would be the most welcoming."

Mei smirked, her expression tinged with amusement. "My generosity has been played before, especially by young men thinking they can take advantage of it. You won't find them alive," she said, her tone half-joking but with a hint of seriousness drawn from past experiences.

Sasuke's response was genuine. "I have no intentions of being an unwanted guest," he assured her, his voice steady. "I wish to stay here for some time, if that is okay." He extended the scroll out, using his mouth to open the bind. "There are still Akatsuki everywhere. Otsutsuki everywhere. And my dojutsu allows me to analyze remnants left behind."

"Why not home? To your clan?" Mei asked, her curiosity piqued by his choice to seek refuge in Kirigakure rather than return to his roots.

For the first time, there was a hint of vulnerability in Sasuke's expression. He stared at the desk, his gaze distant as if lost in memories. "I will. Someday," he answered quietly, his voice tinged with regret. "But not now. That place, my clan grounds... it's not the same. Everything I knew was... not what it was." There was a heaviness in his words, a weight of unspoken secrets that hung in the air between them.

"Very well," Mei said, observing the scroll intently. "But the Sixth Hokage says here I can use you at my disposal. Don't think you can lounge around the village without working for it."

Sasuke nodded, his expression cool and composed. "No problem," he replied simply.

Without another word, Mei grabbed a pen and began scribbling down her signature on various sheets of paper scattered across her desk. "There's no need to hold onto grudges," she said, her tone gentle yet firm. "That is what has caused every Shinobi war. So, I welcome you, Uchiha Sasuke, to Kirigakure."

Sasuke's gaze met hers, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. Despite their shared history of conflict, Mei's acceptance offered him a sense of belonging—a chance to start anew in a world still reeling from the scars of war.


As a month passed, Sasuke's presence in the Land of Water became less of a novelty. Children would often stare at his unique eye or missing arm, but he was patient with them. He had learned to be patient like never before.

Ever since his defeat against Naruto, he had sworn a life of redemption.

The Mizukage remained naturally skeptical of him. After all, she was in charge of security. But Sasuke proved himself willing and capable, taking on any mission from basic to intense. However, higher-ranking missions were limited now to avoid causing problems with other villages—it was all domestic affairs.

Every night, Sasuke would come to Mei, asking about a new mission for the following day. Eventually, there was nothing left for him to do. He was simply overqualified, and he couldn't steal every mission. Other shinobi needed to work too.

Sasuke found himself in the office, immersed in reading historical books gathered from Konoha and across the had been scouring for information about Kaguya, the Otsutsuki, and the white Zetsus. It intrigued him that the Kaguya clan in the Hidden Mist was purportedly related to Kaguya herself, especially considering their Kekkei Genkai's similarity to what the woman had used in battle.

'Kimimaro…' The Uchiha thought as he remembered the name from when he had traded glances with him long ago.

Mei observed him from across the room, her curiosity piqued by his relentless pursuit of knowledge.

"I do appreciate you relaying the information that you have gathered," Mei said with a smile. "I did not expect it."

Sasuke raised his head, meeting her gaze. "The Hokage wishes for the alliance to continue. He believes that sharing information, no matter how insignificant, is critical. I believe in the same," he explained, his tone earnest. He then looked back at the scroll in front of him. "Why was the Kaguya Clan wiped out?"

The Mizukage sighed, her expression somber. "This village was historically skeptical of those with Kekkei Genkais. Many of them lived on secluded islands and were rebellious to the Mizukage. Wars were waged, and the Kaguya clan took on one they could not win rather than submit," she recounted, her voice heavy with the weight of history. "Many other families were hurt in the process—the Yuki clan with its Ice Release, the Kaguya clan, and countless more. It is a dark stain on our history."

"Konoha was founded on Kekkei Genkais and clans coming together," Sasuke replied, his tone thoughtful. "Though, I suppose, the fates still ended up the same as in this part of the world."

Mei, like everyone else, knew the story of the Uchiha clan. Despite its legacy, Uchiha Itachi had killed every member except one. And that one had fought an infamous death battle which saw the clan avenged, but down to one member.

"It isn't completely gone," Mei reminded him. "You're still here."

Sasuke's expression turned hesitant. "I didn't know what to do. I'm still figuring things out. I never had a long-term plan. I often went off without the idea of coming home in mind. But fighting Kaguya at least kept me occupied."

"That's sad," the Mizukage said, her tone empathetic. "But… understandable. We have all had difficult times. Thankfully, you've clearly grown. It is thanks to all of us that we can hope to live in a world where killing one another won't solve our problems."

"I don't want to kill anymore," Sasuke confessed quietly. "I will, in defense of others. But I have no desire for that."

Mei asked slyly, "So what is it you seek then? Knowledge? Money? Love?"

Sasuke hesitated, his gaze shifted away for a moment before returning to meet hers. "... I know love. I know the love of a family, of a clan, of a village, of friends, but… I don't think love for anything else is for me."

Mei studied his face intently, her brows furrowed in thought. She couldn't help but wonder if he was being entirely truthful. But love for someone else in a more direct, romantic way—that was foreign territory for Sasuke. despite being in the prime of his life, Mei was surprised to realize that Sasuke had never experienced that kind of love, not even for a moment.

She couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for the young man before her. In a world defined by conflict and chaos, Sasuke had never known the warmth and tenderness of romantic love.

'Though, I suppose he didn't miss out on much.' The woman thought, 'Seeing what happened to all of you.' Mei recollected while observing him from her desk. She shrugged, 'Better than nothing, I suppose.'


"Are you hungry?" Mei suddenly asked.

"No. I ate before I got here," Sasuke replied, his tone flat and uninviting. He stared into a scroll, a habitual gesture that made him seem even more closed off.

Mei's eyes narrowed, her patience wearing thin. "Something sweet?" she offered, her voice softer.

"I don't like sweets," he said curtly, looking away.

"..." Mei paused, then replied, "Well, I am hungry. I will let you escort me, if you so wish."

For the first time since he had arrived, his interest piqued, and she noticed. "Sure," he said, a hint of curiosity creeping into his voice.

Her expression turned teasing. "If you do not wish..."

"I do," he said suddenly, his tone more urgent than he intended. "You never know about the Otsutsuki. They can come at any moment."

Mei laughed softly, a melodic sound that seemed to lighten the air around them. "Always the warrior, aren't you? All right then, let's go."

As they walked side by side, the tension from their earlier conversation seemed to melt away. Mei led them through the village, her steps confident and sure, while Sasuke followed, his eyes scanned their surroundings out of habit.

Mei wrapped her arm through Sasuke's, as if he were her leading champion walking her through the darkness. He looked uncomfortable, but he allowed himself to be touched. It was harmless. Nothing more than him escorting the leader of the village.

The sight of them arm in arm was creating attention.

Mei thought, 'They will be whispering about this tonight.'

"Sasuke, relax," she whispered, sensing his discomfort. "It's just an escort. Nothing more."

"You're the one who needs to relax," Sasuke shot back. "No one knows me. You are the idol to them."

Mei fake gasped, a playful twinkle in her eyes. "The lone Uchiha. The Dark Prince. One of the saviors of this world. Did you truly believe you could walk around Kirigakure without a single person knowing who you were? Especially with that special eye of yours?"

Sasuke frowned slightly. "I wasn't exactly looking for attention."

They reached the restaurant, a cozy little place with warm lighting and a welcoming atmosphere. The owner greeted Mei warmly, and they were quickly seated at a quiet table by the window. As they perused the menu, Sasuke found himself stealing glances at Mei, noticing the way the soft light played on her features, the way her eyes sparkled with life.

Mei looked up and caught him staring at her, her playful smile widening into a teasing grin. She raised an eyebrow in mock innocence. "See something you like?"

Sasuke's expression remained stoic, his gaze steady but unreadable. "No, I'm still not hungry."

She closed the menu with a deliberate snap, a hint of irritation crossing her features. It was clear Sasuke wasn't catching her playful flirtation, and Mei found herself annoyed by his obliviousness. She leaned back in her chair, and studied him with a mix of curiosity and frustration.

'I'm like a zoologist.' The Mizukage thought.

"Well, Sasuke," she said, her voice carrying a hint of mischief, "maybe you're just hungry for something else." She gave him a knowing look, and waited to see if he would pick up on her playful banter.

Sasuke blinked, clearly not following her line of thought. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, unused to this kind of interaction. "...I don't think so."

The Mizukage sighed and took a sip of water, feeling the weight of the less-than-ideal conversation settle between them. Sasuke could usually engage in intellectual discussions, but it seemed circumstances weren't aligning for that now, and Mei wasn't particularly interested in delving into deep topics at the moment.

Sasuke placed his hand on the table, his demeanor suddenly becoming more intense. "I apologized to you before, but I wish to do so again, and also apologize on behalf of my comrade at the time."

Mei's brow furrowed slightly as she leaned forward, intrigued yet cautious. "...Who?"

Sasuke clarified, his voice carrying a hint of remorse, "Karin. Red hair. A voice that could shatter glass, and glasses."

"Ah, Karin," Mei said with a slight edge to her tone, her expression flickered with annoyance at the memory. "That woman certainly had a way with words."

Sasuke nodded, his tone earnest. "It was her comments. She called you an old hag."

Mei's brow furrowed slightly, a fleeting shadow passing over her features. Being reminded of her age wasn't something she enjoyed. She took another sip of water, composing herself before replying in a measured tone, "Well, she certainly knew how to make an impression." She set down her glass with deliberate precision. "I appreciate the sentiment, Sasuke. Apology accepted."

Sasuke nodded gratefully, sensing Mei's restrained displeasure. He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I hope her remarks didn't cause you too much annoyance."

Her response surprised him, "I appreciate your concern. Just remind your former comrade that not everyone appreciates her... colorful language."

Sasuke nodded again, his expression serious. "I will. She can be... direct. I don't believe that was accurate or even warranted."

"Is that so?" Mei replied, her voice cold despite the smile that played on her lips. "It's good to know your comrade's opinion wasn't shared by you."

"You don't look-"

Mei interrupted and smiled thinly, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Stop talking about it."


The dinner and conversation had been long and fruitful. Sasuke was a quick learner, gradually tuning into Mei's way of speaking. He refined his vocabulary and learned what to say—and perhaps more importantly, what not to say. As they exchanged thoughts and stories, Sasuke found himself becoming more comfortable in Mei's presence, navigating their interactions with growing ease and understanding.

He escorted her, or rather she escorted him to her residence, since he did not know where it was. Sasuke stared up at the building near the tower where she worked, noting its three stories, sturdy walls, and discreet but vigilant guards stationed nearby.

"Thank you for escorting me," Mei said, her voice soft. "Perhaps next time, with more notice, we could venture out of the village. There are many serene and enjoyable sights."

Sasuke replied, his tone distant, "There's a star valley in the Land of Wind, near the border. I traveled through there last summer. It's like a piece of the night sky fell onto earth. I would like to show you sometime, if you're interested."

Mei smiled, her expression warm yet tinged with a hint of disappointment. "I... will consider that the next time I am in the Land of Wind."

Sasuke nodded knowingly, he had to remember Mei's responsibilities as the Mizukage restricted her travels. "...Goodnight," he said, feeling the weight of the moment hanging between them.

The auburn-haired beauty smiled, her eyes lingered on him. "... Did you want to come in?"

"I have to wake up early tomorrow. I am heading to one of your islands." Sasuke stated, his voice measured and even.

Mei looked astonished, her surprise quickly hidden behind a composed facade. "...I see." She considered the implications, momentarily tempted by a fiery response that quickly passed. Instead, she smoothly replied, "Well, I am here. And there is lots of room."

"I've been staying at a hotel since my arrival." Sasuke said, his tone almost apologetic. "I wouldn't want to be a burden.."

Mei's expression turned inscrutable. "Don't get ahead of yourself." She said, "I wasn't asking you to live with me, just to… stay for some time." Her arms crossed, "But if you prefer to be alone in your hotel."

"I… usually stay alone."

'I can tell.' The woman mused to herself, "As do I. Well, I won't command you to do anything. Back to your 'important' work, I suppose."

Sasuke looked genuinely puzzled, his dark eyes searching hers. "My work here has been eventful so far. There are many traces left behind from the Akatsuki and even White Zetsus."

Mei sighed softly, her shoulders relaxing. "The Water Daimyo is coming to the village to 'grace' us with his 'elegant' presence. It would be best if you did not loiter around in my office during that time. I'm not sure how long he will be here. Good night, Sasuke."

Before he could say anything else, the door shut in front of him. A strange sense of unease settled over him. Something about their exchange felt off. He stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door, before finally turning and walking away. Normally, whenever she had meetings with anyone, he was allowed to be present.

But not this time.