Obsidian
Chapter Ten: The Darkness of the Shinobi
Asami staggered out of the training grounds, her muscles throbbing from hours of relentless drills with Gai. It had been a while since Asami had trained, honed her body to peak weaponry. She had begun joining Gai for his morning training whenever their schedules aligned, even sparring with Lee a few times.
It felt nice, almost like her body had been revived from the dead. Her movements were much slower than Gai's, but her strength compensated for more than enough. She was a strategist at heart, enjoying the thrill of a plan unfolding before her eyes.
Asami leaned against a withering tree at the edge of the training grounds, trying to catch her breath. The fatigue from her training session with Gai was settling into her bones, and she was savoring a brief moment of solitude. The sounds of the village buzzed faintly in the background, but they felt distant, like echoes from another world.
Suddenly, a chill crept up her spine, an instinctive warning she wasn't alone. She turned, quickly but poised, her heart racing as Danzo stood, emerging from the shadows as if he had materialized from the very darkness. As if he were the very darkness. His presence was unsettling and Asami wondered how long had he been stalking her, as if she were some pray of his.
"Asami," he said, his voice smooth and calculating. "What a refreshing sparring session."
Asami narrowed her eyes, a mix of annoyance and wariness rising within her. "If I knew I had an audience, I would've tried harder."
A hint of amusement flickered in his eye, but quickly vanished, replaced by that familiar coldness. "In my line of work, stealth is essential."
Asami pushed herself off the tree, standing tall despite the fatigue that tugged at her. "I'm aware."
He stepped closer, the shadows from the trees above enveloping him, heightening the sense of dread in the air. "You must always be vigilant. Danger lurks around every corner, especially in times like now."
Crossing her arms over her chest, Asami's face remained stoic, bored almost. She had spent almost two years now without the porcelain mask shielding her from the outside world. She was Asami again, and that meant political conversations.
"A good shinobi is always prepared," Asami casually replied.
Danzo studied her for a moment, his expression inscrutable. Asami felt another chill creep down her spine, but she remained still, unwavering. She refused to give him the satisfaction of acknowledging his presence, which startled her. "Intimidation is a tool, but it's not my only method. The village is on the brink of chaos, and I need shinobi who are willing to confront that darkness head-on. Your people can help. You, Asami, can help."
Despite her unease, Asami felt a surge of resolve. Her father had defied Danzo, and she would take his lead. "My allegiance is to Konoha. I report to the Hokage only." Asami repeated.
A flicker of something—perhaps respect?— crossed Danzo's face, but it was quickly replaced by the impenetrable mask he wore. "I thought it was you, the other night," Danzo paused, "Your chakra signature is very similar to your father's, I almost didn't notice you were behind the door. I admire your resolve and I'll acknowledge that you have spirit. But I read your ANBU file, Asami. I read the mission reports. You were a force to be reckoned with. Infiltrating strongholds, assassinating the enemy without a second thought. Your mission success average was one of the highest ANBU has ever seen. It almost makes me wonder... if you were seeking redemption."
Asami's heart tightened and she can feel the surge of chakra pooling behind her eyes. Danzo knew exactly which buttons to push but she refused to give in to the obvious bait.
"I can give you redemption. I can give you peace of mind." Danzo paused, fidgeting with his wooden cane slightly, "You have witnessed the consequences of weakness. The destruction wrought by Orochimaru, the fear that grips our village. It is a reminder that we are not strong enough. And we must correct that— whatever the cost."
Asami observed him, watching as he paced parallel to where she stood.
"This is not merely about power. It is about restoring order. Imagine a Konoha where strength is the foundation of peace. A place where we no longer live in fear of betrayal or invasion. A place where true peace exists."
Asami felt her heart race at the implication, the seductive allure of his words wrapping around her like a vine. Her mind felt heavy as if she were in the tunnels all over again. Danzo's chakra was powerful, leaking out of him like a bleeding wound.
"Aligning with me is aligning with a future devoid of uncertainty," Danzo continued, his voice low and persuasive, "You can help me instill hope in our people. But it requires hard choices. Choices that some may see as ruthless, but they are necessary for the greater good. You may have to distance yourself from those who cannot see the bigger picture, but what is a fleeting friendship compared to the strength and security of your village?"
The tension hung heavy in the air, and Asami wrestled with the weight of his words. She longed for peace, for a way to redeem herself from all the mistakes that cost her loved ones their lives. Yet, the idea of sacrificing her principles, her relationships—it felt like a betrayal. Asami felt the grip of anxiety tighten around her heart as the chakra continued to pool behind her eyes.
A faint smirk ghosted across Danzo's lips as Asami's eyes glowed. Asami stood frozen, caught in the whirlwind of Danzo's words. The promise of redemption hung heavily in the air, tantalizing yet treacherous. Before she could fully process her thoughts, Danzo's gaze sharpened, and a new intensity settled in. Asami's eyes followed Danzo's cane as it rose, pointing at her.
"You have the potential for greater strength," he said, his voice smooth yet chilling, "But it requires sacrifice."
In a swift motion, Danzo launched his wooden crane at Asami. With impressive speed, Asami leaned back, watching the cane lodge into a nearby tree. Asami watched as Danzo reached for her, his hand extending toward her left eye— the same eye that carried the weight of her lineage, the one that could unlock power she had yet to fully understand. The air crackled with tension as she realized what he intended.
Asami maneuvered with ease, establishing a distance between the two.
"I can give you clarity, Asami," Danzo muttered, his tone almost hypnotic. "The power to protect what you love—"
Kakashi dropped down, standing before Asami. He spun two kunai in each hand, his expression composed, a stark contrast to the chaotic energy brewing. His mismatched eyes gazed at the elder shinobi. "Yo, Danzo."
Asami's left eye pulsed and she grunted slightly, feeling Danzo's chakra grow darker. Danzo studied Kakashi for a moment, then slowly reached for his cane and resumed a relaxed stance.
"It's not my life I'm worried about. It is Konoha's," Danzo said, his voice even. With that, he turned, his shadow stretching longer as he melted back into the darkness, leaving Asami and Kakashi in the dimming light.
Once he was gone, Kakashi let out a soft sigh, the tension in the air dissipating slightly. He turned, enough for Asami to see the blood leaking from his eye.
"You're bleeding," Asami stated, immediately noticing the change in his Sharingan. His three tomoe had transformed into three triangles wrapping themselves around the pupil, similar to a pinwheel.
"So are you," Kakashi's eye closed as he smiled.
Asami wiped her cheek with the back of her hand, frowning, "I had that under control."
Kakashi regarded her carefully as he lowered his forehead protector over the Mangekyo Sharingan. "Danzo is manipulative. He preys on vulnerability, hoping to turn it into an asset for his own purposes. You need to be cautious around him."
Asami frowned, glaring at the silver-haired shinobi with glowing eyes, "Did you not hear me? I said I had it under control."
Kakashi rubbed the back of his head, visibly uncomfortable under the gaze of Asami's irate eyes, "Ah, sorry. I was cutting through to visit the Memorial Stone and I saw you freeze."
Asami scoffed, "I didn't freeze. His chakra... it was weird. It felt like the tunnels... but only in reverse. Plus, there were Root operatives nearby. I sensed them the moment Danzo appeared."
Kakashi smiled again, a warm, reassuring presence amid the lingering tension. "Good, because I've exhausted my Sharingan, so I wouldn't have been much help," he said, his tone light.
Asami felt the weight of the encounter lift slightly as her eyes met his. She let out a small laugh—pleasant, if a bit practiced—but it warmed the moment. The tension began to dissolve, if only for a brief respite.
She shoved Kakashi's shoulder lightly, feigning annoyance. "You idiot. Then why would you intervene?"
His smile widened, a glint of mischief in his eye. "I thought a comrade was in need."
Asami shook her head, still feeling the rush of adrenaline from her confrontation with Danzo. "I had it handled. I didn't need saving."
"Maybe," Kakashi replied, his voice steady, "I just wanted to be of help."
Asami's expression faltered as the memory of Jirroko's embarrassing meltdown crept back into her mind, vivid and unwelcome. The way he had spilled his feelings, his face flushed with anxiety, words tumbling out in a chaotic rush—it had been a moment of raw vulnerability that left her feeling exposed. Jirroko's desperate plea wrapped around her thoughts like a vine, suffocating and constricting.
Kakashi seemed to notice the shift in her demeanor, his brow furrowing slightly with concern. "Asami?"
She hesitated, the blush of embarrassment spreading across her cheeks. "About... what Jirroko said..."
Kakashi's eye widened slightly, surprise flickering across his features. He ran a hand through his gravity-defying hair, the movement casual yet reassuring. "We don't have to talk about that," he said quickly, his tone gentle.
Asami had always prided herself on being intelligent, socially adept, and politically trained. She knew how to maneuver conversations, extract information, and navigate the complexities of human interaction with finesse. But standing in front of Kakashi, the enigma wrapped in mystery, she felt like a novice lost in uncharted waters. Every word that formed in her mind felt wrong, and every action seemed awkward and out of place.
After a moment of silence that stretched uncomfortably, she took a deep breath, summoning her courage. "Kakashi, we kissed," Asami blurted, her tone direct, as it often was. "I'm confused."
His reaction was immediate, a soft chuckle escaping him, the tension in the air dissipating just a little. "Well, that makes two of us," he admitted, his expression playful. "I saw you kiss Genma, and Jirroko confessed his love for you—all in one night."
Asami felt heat rise to her cheeks, embarrassment crashing over her like a wave. "Right, that was a lot to unpack," she replied, trying to laugh off the awkwardness. "I didn't mean for any of it to happen."
Kakashi tilted his head, his expression shifting from playful to thoughtful. "And now you're second-guessing everything?"
"Yes! No! I mean, maybe." Asami tucked a strand of hair behind her ear in frustration, "I don't know how to feel. I'm not used to things feeling so chaotic."
He nodded, his expression shifting to one of understanding. "It's normal to feel that way. Emotions can be overwhelming, especially transitioning from ANBU to the regular forces."
Asami sighed, acknowledging his words, "I didn't mean to hurt anyone."
Kakashi crossed his arms, leaning against the tree, the last rays of sunlight catching the silver strands of his hair. "Things in our line of work tend to be complicated. There's a lot at risk. Truth is, I've made a lot of mistakes. I've lost people, failed them. I don't want that happening again, so, I guess what I'm saying is I'm not sure if I'm the right person for someone like you."
If his words had hurt her, he could not tell. Her face remained poised, her lips parted slightly as a long sigh escaped from deep within her. "It's my choice," Asami said, her voice barely above a whisper, "It's my decision what's right or wrong for me. You don't get to decide for me. You don't get to take that away from me."
His gaze met hers, the weight of their emotions hanging heavily in the air. For a moment, the world around them faded away, leaving just the two of them, teetering on the brink of something unspoken.
But then the moment slipped, and Kakashi's usual composure faltered. "Uh, so... are you hungry?" he asked awkwardly, the question tumbling out of his mouth as if he were grasping for something normal.
Asami blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Hungry?"
"Yeah, I mean, it's getting late. We could grab some dinner," he suggested, his voice regaining a hint of his usual ease. "I was thinking ramen."
Asami walked alongside Kakashi, her vibrant purple and black kimono shirt and shorts a striking contrast to her usual fatigues. The fabric fluttered gently with each step, and she felt a mixture of anticipation and nerves. She had dressed up for the occasion, wanting to make a good impression, but now those feelings of excitement were tangled with uncertainty.
As they entered the bustling ramen shop, the rich aroma of broth and spices enveloped them, instantly making Asami's stomach growl. Sakura was already seated at the counter, a half-finished bowl in front of her. She looked up as they approached, and her initially annoyed expression quickly dissolved into curiosity.
"Kakashi-sensei, you're late," Sakura scowled, crossing her arms. Then she turned her attention to Asami, her brow lifting. "Are you two on a date?"
Kakashi slid onto the stool beside Sakura, a casual smile on his face. "I see you've already eaten," he said, trying to steer the focus back to food.
"Yeah, I'd die of starvation waiting for you," Sakura grumbled, pushing her bowl away with a hint of exasperation. Ayame quickly cleared the counter, wiping it down as she prepared for the next order.
"Ayame, please put my meal on Kakashi-sensei's tab," Sakura said with a bright smile, a playful glint in her eye.
"What?" Kakashi's eye widened, caught off guard.
"It's the least you could do for making a lady wait," Asami chimed in, sitting beside him and glancing over the menu Ayame had placed before her.
Kakashi gave her a sideways glance, a mixture of amusement and mock disapproval. "Don't encourage her."
Sakura laughed, her irritation fading. But beneath her lightheartedness, she felt a pang of concern for Kakashi. Ever since Sasuke had left the village, she had sensed a heaviness in him, a weight he carried alone. With Naruto off training and her own time consumed by hospital shifts, she couldn't help but feel that Kakashi must be lonely. Seeing him with Asami now stirred something hopeful in her.
"I'm going to head out," Sakura announced, "I have an early shift at the hospital."
As Sakura walked away, Kakashi and Asami exchanged glances, suddenly realizing that Sakura would not be their buffer. There was a newfound sense of intimacy between them, a shared understanding of what lay beneath the surface.
After they ordered their meals, the atmosphere shifted back to a more relaxed tone. Kakashi recounted funny stories from his days at the academy, his usual deadpan humor shining through. Asami found herself laughing more freely than she had expected.
"Gai does have a flair for the dramatic," Asami chuckled, a touch of shyness creeping in as Kakashi watched her. He had finished his bowl with impressive speed when no one was looking.
"If I recall correctly, you beat him a few times," Kakashi smiled.
"Yeah, that was a long time ago," Asami said, shaking her head, "I'm just trying to keep up now. Gai has definitely surpassed me in taijutsu. Training with him has been... enlightening."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, intrigued, "Enlightening? More like exhausting, right?"
"Both, maybe," Asami admitted, laughing, "His enthusiasm is contagious. It's refreshing, you know. He's passionate and constantly pushing himself to be better. He's pushed me beyond my limits, that's for sure."
Their conversation flowed easily, with each shared story strengthening the bond between them. As Asami finished her meal, the warmth of the evening settled around them like a comforting blanket. The air was filled with laughter and a burgeoning connection that felt both exhilarating and reassuring.
The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silver glow over the village as Kakashi walked beside Asami, the night air cool and refreshing. They exchanged easy conversation, laughter drifting between them like the evening breeze.
As they neared her jonin apartment complex, a blur of movement caught Asami's eyes. She stopped abruptly, her heart racing as she recognized the figure darting across the rooftops. Before Kakashi could say anything, Asami took off, her instincts kicking in.
Asami raced up the side of a nearby building, her chakra flowing effortlessly as she leaped onto the rooftops, the cool tiles beneath her sandals grounding her. She spotted Kyami, agile and swift, moving with a grace that belied her fear.
"Kyami!" Asami shouted, closing the distance.
Kyami skidded to a halt, her expression a mix of surprise and something else—fear, perhaps. "Asami? They sent you?"
"What are you talking about?" Asami pressed, "What's going on?
"Nothing is going on," Kyami began, but her voice trembled, and her eyes darted around as if sensing something ominous in the air.
Asami took a cautionary step closer, noting her cousin's pallor. "What is going on?"
Before Kyami could respond, shadows shifted across the rooftops, dark figures emerging from the gloom. Asami's heart dropped as she recognized the masks of Root members, their presence like a chill settling over the night. The Root members strategically surrounded them and Asami quickly assessed the situation, her years of experience kicking in.
"There seems to be some sort of misunderstanding," Asami said, her voice even as she instinctively stepped in front of her cousin, shielding her.
With quick movements, Asami engaged the attackers, her kunai deflecting their tantos with precision. She held her own against the onslaught, deflecting strikes and countering with her own attacks. But amid the chaos, she glanced back at Kyami, only to see her cousin trying to fend off an attacker of her own.
"Kyami!" Asami yelled, her heart racing as she focused on her cousin.
Just then, a sharp gasp cut through the air, and Asami turned in horror. Kyami clutched her side, a dark stain spreading across her shirt. Asami's heart raced as the Root members closed in, their intent unmistakable. She was outnumbered, but Asami refused to let her fears overtake her. Adrenaline surged through her, sharpening her senses as she maneuvered through the enemy's formation.
With a sudden burst of chakra, Asami's eyes glowed and she felt that familiar hunger ache inside her as the Eye of Damnation pulsed. The air around her seemed to shimmer with energy, a palpable tension cackling as she focused on the nearest attacker.
As the Root operative lunged at her, she sidestepped, grabbing his wrist and channeling her energy. The moment their chakra made contact, she felt the familiar pull. But as she absorbed his chakra, an unsettling realization hit her: there was nothing behind it. No emotion, no fear, no drive—just emptiness.
It was disorienting. Asami winced, struggling to draw in the chakra. It felt like trying to siphon water from a stone; the lack of emotional resonance slowed her down, making the process more laborious. The darkness of the Root member's chakra seeped into her, filling her with an unsettling coldness that threatened to overwhelm her senses.
"Enough!" Asami shouted, feeling frustration boiling within her. She managed to push out a burst of energy, creating a small shockwave powerful enough to send the attack sprawling back. But as she expelled the absorbed chakra, the dissonance lingered, clouding her mind.
Another Root member took advantage of her distraction, charging at her. Asami barely had time to react. She spun, her instincts taking over as she lashed out with her leg, catching him in the side. The force of her kick sent him crashing against a nearby wall, but she could feel her own energy waning. She had absorbed the chakra of her opponent many times, often struggling with the griping after-effects of the foreign chakra mingling with her own. But this was different. There were no lingering emotions from her opponent's chakra to struggle with, only coldness that spread within her.
"Kyami!" Asami yelled, glancing back at her cousin, who was struggling to stay on her feet and avoid another attack. Asami's heart clenched at the sight. She needed to end this quickly or else— Asami refused to finish the thought.
The remaining attackers regrouped, their movements precise and coordinated, as if they were an extension of one another. They advanced again,and Asami prepared to absorb another attacker's chakra, desperate to gain the strength she needed.
This time, as she engaged another member, she felt the same icy emptiness seep into her. She gritted her teeth, focusing harder, willing herself to push through the numbness. The chakra flowed into her, but it felt like a weight pressing down on her spirit, and it took longer to absorb than it should have.
As she fought to maintain her focus, she finally managed to push back against the void of the Root member's energy. She expelled it with a surge, and a blast of energy rippled outward, throwing several attackers off their feet.
"Come on!" she shouted, determination fueling her. She couldn't let them take Kyami.
But even as she fought valiantly, it was clear they were outmatched. The Root members regrouped, their eyes cold and calculating, their movements unyielding. One of them advanced on Kyami, who was struggling to rise, and panic gripped Asami's heart.
"No!" she cried, launching herself forward, tapping into every ounce of her strength. She absorbed one last wave of chakra from a member that came too close, and this time, she felt a flicker of something—an echo of emotion buried deep within the cold energy. It was fleeting, but it reinvigorated her, igniting her resolve.
She unleashed a powerful wave of energy that knocked several Root members off their feet, but the tide was relentless. Just as she felt a glimmer of hope, a dark figure moved swiftly behind her, and she turned just in time to see a hand grab Kyami.
"Kyami!" Asami screamed, her heart dropping as the figure pulled her cousin away. Asami attempted to rush forward, but the remaining Root members blocked her path, their masks illuminated by the moonlight. Asami pushed through her exhaustion and pain, but the Root members advanced, and despite her efforts, she felt the weight of their resolve pressing down on her.
"Kyami!" Asami screamed again as the darkness around them seemed to close in, suffocating her resolve. She could feel the chill of the chakra she absorbed weighing heavy inside her.
With a final, desperate cry, Asami surged forward, channeling everything she had left into one last, powerful blast of chakra. The air crackled around her, a brilliant light illuminating the shadows, as she cast a genjutsu, hoping to stall enough time to reach Kyami, but it wasn't enough.
Asami groaned, feeling her eyes cry blood and her vision blur. She watched, dazed, as Kyami struggled in the clutches of three Root operatives as they disappeared into the night. The last thing Asami saw was the look of fear in her cousin's eyes, and it drove her to a new level of rage she had not felt in years.
"Kyami..." Asami uttered, her voice hoarse and raw. The shadows had swallowed her cousin and with a sense of crushing despair, Asami fell to her knees, clenching her eyes shut and willing— no, pleading her eyes to stop pulsating.
Asami blinked against the harsh overhead lights, the sterile scent of antiseptic flooding her senses as her mind struggled to grasp reality. She was in a hospital room, the rhythmic beeping of machines urging her to relax. Panic clawed at her throat as memories of the last fight overwhelmed her—Kyami's terrified face, the chilling emptiness of the Root member's chakra, and the feeling of power slipping through her fingers.
"Kyami!" Asami gasped, her voice raw and trembling. She pushed herself up, but a wave of dizziness crashed over her, forcing her back against the pillow. Struggling against the restraints around her wrists, she grunted in frustration.
"Asami, you need to relax," Tsunade ordered as she entered, her expression a mix of concern and authority. Asami continued to struggle until she noticed Shizune trailing quietly behind the Hokage.
"Kyami—where is Kyami?" Asami demanded, her heart pounding as Tsunade examined her with a glowing palm.
Tsunade's brow furrowed, her voice steady but heavy with unspoken tension. "We don't know yet. You were found unconscious."
Despair flooded Asami's veins like ice water. "We were attacked by Root operatives. Danzo... he tried to take my eye." She reached for her left eye, stopping short as the restraints held her back.
"Are these really necessary?" Asami finally asked, her voice low.
Tsunade placed a firm hand on her shoulder, grounding her. "I understand this is difficult, but you need to listen. The elders... they're concerned."
"
"Concerned?" Asami echoed, disbelief mingling with anger. "Concerned that I did this? That I hurt Kyami?"
Tsunade nodded, her gaze hardening. "There were several bodies found with their chakra drained. They suspect your kekkei genkai played a role. They're calling for an investigation and demanding punishment."
Asami's breath caught in her throat, the weight of their accusations crashing down on her. "I would never hurt Kyami! I was trying to protect her!" Her voice shook with desperation.
"I know you wouldn't," Tsunade said, her tone softening slightly. "But their fears are loud and their paranoia runs deep. They want someone to blame, and you're the obvious target."
Asami felt her body vibrate with a mix of rage and heartbreak. "What are they saying exactly?"
Tsunade's expression grew serious. "It doesn't matter. I will defend you, but you have to prepare for what's coming. If you want to clear your name, you need allies and you need to gather your strength."
"They're calling it a failed coup," Shizune added softly, her eyes downcast as she stared at the charts in her hands.
"A failed... coup?" Asami repeated, the words feeling foreign on her tongue. "Against my own clan?"
"They're claiming you wanted Kyami's eyes," Shizune continued, finally meeting Asami's glare.
"Her eyes?" Asami echoed, her anger boiling over as she yanked her hands, breaking the metal restraints. "Her eyes?"
"Calm down, now!" Tsunade shouted, her frown deepening. Asami shrunk under the Hokage's gaze. "Get yourself together! That is a direct order from the Hokage! Whatever is going on is bigger than you right now! Your cousin is missing, and bodies drained of their chakra were found. Your clan is under intense scrutiny. We need to plan accordingly."
The metal restraints clinked awkwardly as Asami shifted, head bowed in embarrassment. "Lady Tsunade, I—"
"I don't care about apologies. I want action. We need to eradicate this problem completely. Now, pull yourself together. Things are going to get ugly before they get better. Shizune, summon Kakashi and Jirroko to my office immediately. Asami, you're suffering from chakra exhaustion. You're on medical leave until further notice." Tsunade opened the door, pausing for a moment. "You're stronger than you think. Don't let their fears blind you to your truth." With that, she slipped out, leaving Asami and Shizune alone in the suffocating silence.
As the door clicked shut, despair washed over her like a cold tide. She lay back against the pillow, staring at the ceiling, thoughts spiraling into darkness.
"Do you believe what they're saying?" Asami finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Shizune inhaled sharply, caught off guard by the question. "No," she finally said, returning the hospital chart to the table. "I'm... I'm sorry for—"
"We don't have to talk about it," Asami muttered, clenching her eyes shut. Shizune observed her, aware of the turmoil swirling within.
"Asami, I—" Shizune clenched her fists. "Please stop blaming yourself for Yumi's death!"
"What?" Asami blinked.
"Please," Shizune pleaded, tears brimming in her eyes, "I was angry before. But I watch you, Asami. I see you at the Memorial Stone and Yumi's grave. I see the way you punish yourself. Enough. Yumi would be so disappointed."
A knot formed in Asami's stomach, churning with self-loathing. Shizune wiped her face with the sleeve of her kimono, glaring at Asami as she continued, "Jirroko told me everything! You went back for her. You tried to save her. At least she got a proper burial."
Asami's eyes widened, staring doe-eyed at the medical-nin. A darkness swirled around her, an inescapable void that threatened to consume her.
"Did he tell you that I didn't want to go back?" Asami whispered through clenched teeth, the words like venom in her mouth. "Did he tell you that I hesitated? That he made the first move?"
Shizune sniffled, "Yes."
The darkness bubbled, threatening to spill out of Asami completely. The Eye of Damnation pulsed, and Asami groaned as her vision blurred. Asami clenched her eyes shut, hearing Shizune shuffling before feeling gauze being wrapped around her eyes.
"You exerted yourself. You've been asleep for five days," Shizune muttered.
"Five days?" Asami echoed.
"Please rest now," Shizune ordered, gently pushing Asami until she lay against the pillow. Asami heard Shizune's footsteps receding and the door clicked shut.
The shadows of the night invaded her mind, replaying the moment she tried to absorb the chakra from the Root operatives—the emptiness she had felt, the chilling realization that she wielded a power so cold, so devoid of emotion. A frightening darkness churned within her, and Asami could feel her chakra system ache as if freezing over.
She replayed her altercation with Danzo, questioning if she had missed something. If he had placed a seal on her, Tsunade would have mentioned it. It had to have been the chakra she absorbed from the Root operatives.
Normally, when Asami absorbed chakra, she would also absorb memories and emotions. With that information, she could cast a genjutsu to momentarily paralyze her enemies. The Eye of Enlightenment locates the chakra, while the Eye of Damnation absorbs the chakra and casts the genjutsu. But something was different about the Root operatives' chakra. It was devoid of emotion, fueled only by an intense loyalty to something dark—a void that threatened to consume her, relieving her pain and whispering promises of redemption.
With a shaky breath, Asami forced herself to sit up, the heaviness of despair clinging to her. She clawed at the gauze, tugging it away and grounding herself with the sight of the hospital room. She refused to let Danzo win without a fight. She would find Kyami, even if it meant confronting the darkest parts of herself. But Tsunade was right—she needed to recover and strategize to be ready for whatever Danzo had planned.
Author's Notes:
A nice long chapter filled with a plot twist I've been planning since the first and second chapters. Asami is being blamed for the alleged coup and history repeats itself... or does it? Anywho, the next chapter will introduce Yomichi and Kyo Soma, who are very important to Asami, as they navigate Asami's supposed betrayal.
Also, what's with all the bots and spam comments about art collaborations? This is the first story I've published on the site in a while. I've mostly been on AO3 (where this story is also published under 'the birdie'.).